Category Archives: School Breaks

School Vacation Camps

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks, Sports for , |

Worrying about what to do during school vacations? Don’t worry, JCC Greater Boston has got you covered with School Vacation Camp. Camp runs during the weeklong break for December, February, April and Passover vacations. Kids get to choose up to three electives daily, including sports, swimming, arts & crafts, board games and more.

Enrollment is always flexible to fit your family’s plans. Kids can join for a single day, several days or the entire week. Don’t delay in registering, as early-bird pricing for December ends on November 15th and registration closes on December 19th. Lunch and extended-day options are available at an additional cost.

Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations.

What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, Other, School Breaks, Sports for , , |

Welcoming Wednesdays:  Try the Y for free every Wednesday in September! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and your guest fee will be waived.

Expanded Kids’ Corner Hours – Sunday Hours begin September 8th: The West Suburban YMCA has added 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Sunday hours to its Kids’ Corner schedule, taking effect September 8. Kids’ Corner offers up to 90 minutes of child care to members and guests who are using the Y facilities to workout. The service is free for Y family members and $5 for individual Y members or guests.

West Suburban Singers – Adult Community Choir: The Creative Arts Department at the West Suburban YMCA invites adults of all ages to join their new community choir. The group consists of individuals ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-60s. Weekly rehearsals will be held on Mondays,  7:00 – 8:30 pm, and cost is $65 for Y members, $95 for community. For more information, contact Sunny McGovern at sunnym@wsymca.org.

Family Fun Night – September 10th,  6:00-7:00 pm: Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. The Y sets up games, crafts, and a bouncy house for all to enjoy. Light snacks are provided. Free and open to all. Family Fun Nights occur on the second Tuesday of every month.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA – Two new sessions beginning in late September:  LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week, research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The program focuses on building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Join one of two sessions beginning the week of September 23rd. To learn more or participate in the upcoming session, contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org.

School Vacation Day Programs – September 30th: Do your kids need care on Rosh Hashanah? The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options from both the Out of School Time program and the Sports Department. Ensure your child has a safe, fun day and you have peace of mind! Call 617-244-6050 for more information or to register.

Kids Night Out – October 4th,  6:00 – 10:00 pm: Kids Night Out is back for the school year! Parents, drop off your kids for a fun Friday night with the Y’s staff. Go out for the night and take advantage of this low-cost alternative to hiring a babysitter. They order pizza for dinner and keep the kids entertained with games, swimming, movies and sports. Open to children in grades K-5. Cost is $25 per child for Y members and $30 per child for the community. A 20% discount is offered per child for those with two or more children attending.

Fall 2019 Afterschool Program: Enroll in the West Suburban YMCA’s Out-of-School Time (OST) program for the 2019-2020 school year. OST provides afterschool care for children in grades K-8 following the Newton Public School calendar, including extended hours on Early Release Days. There are options for students to attend two, three, four, or five days per week. Transportation to the Y is available from most elementary schools in Newton including Bigelow, Bowen, Burr, Cabot, Franklin, Horace Mann @ Carr, Lincoln Eliot, and Underwood. Daily activity choices include homework support, physical fitness, STEM, the arts, free swim, age-specific clubs and more. For information about Out-of-School Time, contact Tricia Mansfield at triciam@wsymca.org or 617-244-6050 ext. 3022.

Preschool Center for Youth Development: The West Suburban YMCA’s Preschool Center for Youth Development is an early education program for ages 2 years 9 months to 5 years. The year-round, full-day preschool is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, and boasts a large, bright and open classroom with a secure entrance. In addition to the well-rounded curriculum, students receive a 30-minute weekly YMCA Swim Lesson as part of their enrollment. Students can enroll any time of year, provided there is space in the program. For information about Preschool, contact Tricia Mansfield at triciam@wsymca.org or 617-244-6050 ext. 3022.

Work at the Y – Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions. The Y offers great benefits, free membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow, VP of Human Resources, at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/careers to apply online.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs: The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 ext. 3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

What’s Happening at the Y

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, School Breaks, Sports, Summer for , , |

National Police Week May 12th – 18th
In honor of National Police Week,  all area police officers are invited to try the Y for free during the week. Sign a waiver at the Welcome Center and show your badge or other proof you are law enforcement and try out the facilities free of charge. Please spread the word to your family and friends in law enforcement!

Family Fun Night May 14th,  6:00 – 7:00 pm
Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, gym games and more! Free and open to all. Family Fun Nights occur on the second Tuesday of every month.

Summer Camp Open Houses
Learn about the Y’s summer camps, meet the staff, take a tour, and discover which camp is right for your child.
YMCA Camp Pikati -Day camp at the West Suburban YMCA in Newton, MA for ages 3-15
May 11th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm and June 10th, 6:00 – 8:00pm
YMCA Camp Chickami – Day camp in Wayland, MA for grades 1-10
May 11th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and June 6th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
YMCA Camp Frank A. Day – Overnight camp in East Brookfield, MA for ages 7-16
May 19th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and June 2nd, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner – May 16th,  6:00 – 8:00 pm
The West Suburban YMCA’s Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner celebrates the people who help fulfill the promise to strengthen the community – the members, staff, and volunteers! Join as they introduce new board members, take a look back at highlights from 2018, recognize generous donors and the people who make a difference at the Y. Please RSVP if you plan on attending the event: www.wsymca.org/rsvp

Safety Around Water Open House – May 19th, 12:00 – 2:30 pm
Join the Y for a free water safety open house, which includes a swim lesson and parent resources. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend! Water safety and learning to swim are vital life skills that should be taught just as readily as looking both ways before crossing the street. With summer right around the corner, this is a great time for parents to remember the importance of equipping children (and themselves!) with essential water safety skills. Please RSVP to this event here: www.wsymca.org/water-safety

Fitness Competition Fundraiser -May 22nd, 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to compete in the Y’s first ever Fitness Competition Fundraiser to benefit the West Suburban YMCA’s Annual Fund! You’ll be tested on three events: Maximum number of burpees in one minute, maximum number of wall balls in one minute, and maximum number of sled pushes in one minute. Participates can check in with a member of the fitness staff to complete the challenges! Entry fee is $25 and all proceeds go to the West Suburban YMCA’s Annual Fund, which allows the Health and Wellness Department to provide access to many life-changing programs such as Y Empower for young girls and Livestrong at the YMCA for cancer survivors. More information: donate.wsymca.org/fitcomp

Intro to Women’s Self Defense Class – May 29th,  6:00 – 9:00 pm
The West Suburban YMCA is proud to collaborate with the Newton Police Department to host an Intro to Women’s Self Defense class. In this three-hour class, participants will learn risk reduction strategies, physical techniques and basic combative moves. During the final part of the class, the Newton Police Instructors will put on protective suits and allow participants to practice what they just learned on a moving person. This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required as space in the class is limited.

Family Bingo Night – May 30th, 6:00pm
Bring the whole family for a fun night of pizza, BINGO, and prizes! Cost is $20 per family if you pre-register, or $25 per family at the door. All proceeds go directly toward the West Suburban YMCA’s Annual Fund, which provides opportunities for children to grow socially and emotionally among their peers, have a safe space during after school hours, and gain access to healthier habits through swim and sports classes. More Information: donate.wsymca.org/bingo

Annual Golf Tournament – June 3rd at the Charles River Country Club
Since its inception, this charity golf tournament has raised over $1.25 million for the Y and those they serve. There is still time to sign up as a player or sponsor the event. To learn more, contact Andrea Newman at 617-244-6050 x3097 or andrean@wsymca.org.

Volunteers Needed: Can you read and write in Spanish, Chinese or Russian?
The Y is seeking volunteers to help with a one-time translation project that will help them better serve our community. If you are interested in helping or would like more details, please contact Kristen Hydinger at kristenh@wsymca.org.

New Summer Creative Arts Programs
Fill this summer with singing, dancing, painting, and more! With Creative Arts, youth can explore their creative side through group lessons, unique projects, and exploring what it means to be an artist. Explore exciting art mediums in the new Explorations! program for ages 6-10, learn to collaborate in the Summer Rock Band program for ages 8-17, or try the new Vocal Intensive Workshop for ages 12+.

2019-2020 After School Enrollment Open Now
The West Suburban YMCA Out-of-School Time program is committed to making a difference in the lives of every child and family who choose the Y for after school care. Their program is open to children in grades K-8, and transportation to the Y is available from most elementary schools in Newton. Enrollment is open for the 2019-2020 school year!

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions in child care and youth development, aquatics, fitness and more. Great benefits, free membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/careers.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs
The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. Please contact our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

Want something to do during April school vacation?

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks for , |

Stories! Movement! Art! will provide students in Grades 3 – 6 the opportunity to tell stories through their art! By using low-tech materials, they’ll create art that physically moves or uses optical illusion to showcase movement! This program runs April 15th – 19th, 1:00 – 3:30 pm in the Carriage House at Gore Place in Waltham . Fees are $20.00 for the whole week, or $5.00/day. Tickets available at https://art-workshop.bpt.me.

Bidding for the NECP Online Auction ends April 6

Posted on April 3, 2019 by zervaspto in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Other, School Breaks, Sports, Summer for , , |
The Newton Early Childhood Program (NECP), Newton’s only public preschool, hosts its largest school fundraiser of the year starting March 28th. Get ready to bid for great deals on restaurants, summer camps, birthday parties, gym memberships, and more! Over 100 amazing items from across Newton and the Boston area. Auction proceeds will fund education enrichment programs, community-building events, and classroom materials for our city’s youngest learners. Visit NECPPTO.ORG/AUCTION. Bidding ends April 6th at 9:00 pm. Good luck!

What’s Happening at the Y in April

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, School Breaks, Sports for , , |

Try the Y – Sundays in April are free! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and the daily guest fee will be waived.

Go Lisa and Phil, West Suburban YMCA Boston Marathon Team! – Newton residents Lisa D’Agostino and Phil Stern are running the Boston Marathon for the West Suburban YMCA. Lisa and Phil have spent months training for the race while also raising funds for the West Suburban YMCA. Together they have raised over $27,500 for the Y’s Annual Fund! This will be Lisa’s first marathon and Phil’s 21st. The West Suburban YMCA was provided one official bib number from the City of Newton and one from an anonymous B.A.A. member and YMCA supporter, allowing the Y to have two runners for this year’s event. Go Lisa and Phil!

Kids Night Out –  April 5th, 6:00 – 10:00 pm – Parents, drop off your kids for a fun Friday night with the Y’s staff. They’ll order pizza for dinner and keep the children entertained with games, swimming, movies and sports. $25.00 per child for Y members and $30.00 for the community. A 20% discount is offered per child for those with two or more children. Go out for the night and take advantage of this low-cost alternative to hiring a babysitter.

Poetry Night – April 5th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm – celebrate National Poetry Month at the Y! Organized by Barbara Helfogtt-Hyett of Poemworks, the event features readings by two local poets, then guests are invited to participate in the open mic portion of evening to share their own written work. This event is free and open to the public.

April Vacation Programs for Grades K-8, April 16th – 19th – Spend a fun and engaging April Vacation week at the Y! Y vacation programs offer an active environment for students in grades K-8. Featuring a mix of activities to keep kids happy and healthy all day, including free swim periods throughout the day. April Vacation programs will run April 16th –  April 19th. Full and half day options and daily rates to accommodate your needs!

April Vacation Songwriting & Recording Workshop – April 16th – 19th –  a 4-day collaborative workshop where young musicians (ages 10+) write and record original music. Learn all the tips and tricks that go into recording, mixing, and mastering an album!

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs – The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and whose mission is to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

Bidding for the NECP Online Auction begins March 28th

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Other, School Breaks, Sports, Summer for , , |

The Newton Early Childhood Program (NECP), Newton’s only public preschool, hosts its largest school fundraiser of the year starting March 28th.

Get ready to bid for great deals on restaurants, summer camps, birthday parties, gym memberships, and more! Over 100 amazing items from across Newton and the Boston area. Auction proceeds will fund education enrichment programs, community-building events, and classroom materials for our city’s youngest learners.

Visit NECPPTO.ORG/AUCTION. Bidding ends April 6th at 9:00 pm. Good luck!

Plugged In’s April Vacation Camp

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks, Summer for , , |

Plugged In’s April Vacation Camp is open to ages 11-18 of all skill levels. Students will get placed in a band with band members their age and skill level. Each band will write and record a song and make a music video. On the last day, bands will perform in a livestream performance from Plugged In for friends and family to watch online.

The Plugged In Band Program is a unique non-profit rock band program in Needham teaching kids of all skill levels and needs about using music to help others. In addition to ensemble band classes, private lessons, songwriting workshops, summer camp and community performances, five times a year students perform in benefit concerts that raise money for causes and organizations chosen by the students themselves. Plugged In provides a nurturing and supportive community to which young musicians of all levels and needs feel a sense of belonging, have an opportunity to express and be acknowledged for their musical interests and a chance to use their music to help others around the world.

Registration is also open for Plugged In’s 2-day Songwriting Workshop on May 25th  & 26th and Summer Day Camps in July and August. Registration for private lessons is ongoing. Registration and more info about all Plugged In programming is at www.pluggedinband.org.

Founded in 2002, Plugged In now has over 150 students from all over Massachusetts. Some of our students experience emotional and learning difficulties, such as ADD, depression, and low-self-esteem and/or have special needs such as autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. In the loving and non-competitive atmosphere at Plugged In, all differences are transcended through a shared passion for music, the teamwork involved with using music to help others and an atmosphere of compassion and fun.

April break = Stories! Movement! Art!

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks for , |

Want something to do during April school vacation? Stories! Movement! Art! will provide students in grades 3-6 the opportunity to tell stories through their art! By using low-tech materials, they’ll create art that physically moves or uses optical illusion to showcase movement!

The program will take place inside the Carriage House at Gore Place in Waltham (the large building next to the parking lot). This program is $20.00 for the whole week, or $5.00/day. Tickets: https://art-workshop.bpt.me

April 15th – April 19th, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

April Vacation Public Speaking Workshop

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks for , , |

Public Speaking and Critical Thinking Skills For Your Child!

Lumos is offering 2-day Public Speaking workshops during April break. Your child will love Lumos’s friendly instructors and fun activities as they learn about:

  • Speaking Confidence
  • Impromptu Speaking
  • Debate Fundamentals
  • Argumentation and Reasoning

Right now you can use the code COMMUNITY to get $20.00 off. To register, go to lumosdebate.com/vaca-workshop. Email info@lumosdebate.com or call 781-474-3359 with any questions.

April 15th-16th, April 17th-18th, or April 19th-20th