Relief From School Fees Likely for Newton Families

The School Committee wants to reduce the fees for a variety of activities in the Newton Public Schools.

Newton parents may not have to shell out as many dollars for school activities such as music and sports next year. The surplus in the school budget means that the School Committee and district officials can consider reducing or even eliminating the fees, which can be nearly $2,000, according to a report on Boston.com. Combined high school fees for music, sports and other programs - the Supercap - can be as high as $1,800 per family, but that could drop to $1,200, according to the report if a proposal by school adminstrators is adopted, the Globe reported.  Relief may also be on the horizon for elementary and middle school students. The School Committee reportedly asked the adminstration to look at ways to cut elementary music fees and fees…

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Global Education Fund Opens International Doors for Newton Students

The Global Education Leadership Fund was launched in the Spring of 2008 when Newton community members combined funds to support two students who had the desire, but not the financial means, to attend a school trip to Prague.

Report: Newton Schools Missed Deadline for Medical Emergency Response Plan

Newton was one of 18 districts (125 schools total) that did not get the emergency plans in to the state on time.

Updated 11:30 p.m. The Newton Public Schools failed to meet the Sept. 1, 2012 deadline to turn in medical emergency response plans for its 21 schools, according to a recent I-Team report on CBS Boston.  Newton was one of 18 Massachusetts school districts that did not get the emergency plans in to the state on time, according to the report.  Schools are required by law (known as Michael's Law) to submit to the state a plan outlining ways they respond to medical emergencies, including details on a rapid communication system, a list emergency contacts, methods for CPR and first aid training as well as the location of defibrillators. The law was passed in May 2012 following the death of 16-year-old Michael Ellsessar, who suffered cardiac …

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Patrick Maher

11:25 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013

Hello Melanie, Thank you for correcting your report. 21 of 125 is a much more significant issue than 1 of 125. Most of the cities/towns were in compliance with the state's requirement. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to make this website available to us. It is a valuable asset for keeping Newton's residents informed.   more ›

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's Mount Ida College Named 'Military Friendly School'

The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list recognizes schools that are helping and embracing America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses.

  The following is a press release issued by Mount Ida College: Newton, MA—Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has named Mount Ida College to its Military Friendly Schools ® list. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools ® list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. “Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools ® shows Mount Ida College’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, Director for G.I. Jobs and Vice President at Victory Media. …

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Looking Back on 2011: Newsworthy Stories in Newton Schools

We recap the top five school stories that impacted Newton in 2011.

Throughout this week, we'll be looking back at some of the most read stories from the year gone-by. Today, we're recapping the top five Newton school-related stories that brought you, the readers, to our site. If you're new to Newton Patch, these recaps will be a way to familiarize yourself with what Patch has been up to during 2011. If you're a longtime reader, this is your chance to reminisce. The stories below are in no particular order. 1.  Schools, Newton Teachers Association agree on contracts After a year without a contract and deciding to forego scheduled raises at the start of the school year, the Newton Teachers Association (NTA) agreed to a three-year deal with the School Committee in late October. The contract was officially …

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Aldermen Approve Designs for F.A. Day Project

The F.A. Day Middle School project looks to add six classrooms, expand the cafeteria and revamp administrative areas.

At its last meeting for the term and the year, the Newton Board of Aldermen last night approved designs for an expansion and renovation project at F.A. Day Middle School.  The designs, which have been approved by the Design Review and Public Facilities Committees, plan to add on six classrooms, expand the school cafeteria, revamp administrative areas and rebuild the school's west entrance.  In addition, the board gave its OK to appropriate $643,500 for the design work and "other related expenses" for the renovations at F.A. Day Middle School.  The design funding was previously approved by the Public Facilities Committee (6-0-1 in favor), Programs and Services Committee (6-0 in favor) as well as the Finance Committee (7-0-1) in favor.  …

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Timeline: Modular Classrooms at Elementary Schools

With the new classrooms projected to be open by October 2011, what do schools do for the first month students are back?

With a new proposed modular plan on the table for School Committee consideration, School Department officials are working on a tight timeline to get students into the new classrooms by the start of school. If the committee gives its approval of the plans at its meeting next Monday, the project will be on a path to completion by the fall. However, students may not be able to occupy the new classrooms until sometime in October.  Two modular classrooms are proposed at Zervas Elementary and one each at Burr and Horace Mann Elementary Schools. In addition, Building Commissioner Stephanie Gilman said at Monday night's School Committee meeting the sprinkler systems for the new modulars could take even longer. The city is currently pursuing the …

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