Newton Students Learn 'It's OK to be Different,' Create 'Digital Quilt'

As part of Inclusive Schools Week, students created a quilt square that illustrated the idea “It’s Ok to…”

Newton School Committee Approves Burr Elementary Buffer Zones

Six new families in the district will have children attend Williams or Franklin Elementary instead of Burr.

The Newton School Committee last night voted unanimously to approve recommended "buffer zones" that would alleviate some space strain at Burr Elementary School.  The buffer zones, which were initially presented at a May 14 School Committee meeting, will move some families from the Burr district into Williams or Franklin Elementary School.  According to Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Joe Russo, six families will be affected by the buffer zones. "We have come to a place at Burr where we’re looking at enrollment numbers that are larger than anticipated," Russo said at the May 14 meeting. Without the buffer zones, Burr would need to add a 19th classroom for the 2012-2013 school year. This would result in the loss of the …

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Whiz Kids

Whiz Kids: Newton Boys & Girls Club Talent Show Queens

Three Newton girls recently conquered their fears and performed in front of a crowd at the Boys & Girls Club.

Names: Sasha Espady, Delaney Bates and Madison Quinn Ages: Sasha is 8, Delaney is 10 and Madison is 9 Schools: Sasha goes to Horace Mann Elementary School, and Delaney and Madison go to Burr Elementary School Accomplishment: Sasha, Delaney and Madison recently performed at the Proud To Be Me Talent Show and the John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton's annual board meeting. Key to Awesomeness: Sasha confidently sang in front of the audience, which was a big accomplishment for her, since she sometimes has terrible stage fright. After practicing multiple times in front of the art director, teen director and friends, she overcame her fear and was able to sing her heart out. She performed John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Delaney told a series of …

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Elementary Modulars Move on to Design Committee, Aldermen

The School Committee last night voted to install four modulars at three elementary schools.

With a vote last night from the School Committee, plans for modular classrooms at three Newton elementary schools are on a fast-track for fall 2011.  The four classrooms, which will be installed to alleviate a space crunch at Zervas, Horace Mann and Burr Elementary Schools, now move on to the city's Design Review Committee and the Board of Aldermen for approval.  To review the timeline of the modular project check out an earlier story here. The committee voted 8-1 in favor of the recommendation for two modulars at Zervas and one each at Burr and Horace Mann. Ward 7 representative Matt Hills was the only committee member opposed.  While he supports the idea of modular classrooms, Hills did not feel comfortable voting for something that did …

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