Parents

Hired an IEC? Willing to Be Interviewed?

Jill Smith, a PhD candidate in sociology at Brandeis University, is researching a dissertation on the role of independent educational consultants (IEC's) in the college admissions process. (“IEC's" refer to private college counselors that many parents in hire to help their children apply to college.)

She is looking to interview parents who have hired IEC's to work with their children this year or in recent years. Interviews will take approximately 45 minutes and all interviewees will remain anonymous.

If you are interested in participating in an interview or have questions, please contact Jill Smith at (617)548-6472 or jmsmith@brandeis.edu

NewtonPAC Planning Meeting

Want to be more involved with special education in Newton? Meet with other parents of children with IEPs and 504 plans. We will be planning: topics for meetings with the administration, supports for parents and maintaining and growing the organization.

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 9:00 - 10:30 AM
The Village Cafe, 719 Washington St., Newtonville.

NewtonPAC for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education in Newton. See www.newtonpac.org for more information.

Special Education in Newton: What's New?

SPED Review and Trend Report: Follow-up and Next Steps
Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 7:30 PM (New Date - meeting was rescheduled)

Superintendent David Fleishman and Judy Levin-Charns, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, are hosting an evening meeting for discussion of special education in Newton with NewtonPAC. Also attending will be Dorsey Yearley, the consultant helping to implement the changes at Newton South HS and who will be working with staff to make changes to middle school sped programing. read more »

IEP Meetings: A Workshop for Parents

Effective Communication and the IEP: a Workshop for Parents
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 7:30 PM

Participating in IEP Team meetings can be challenging! This free workshop addresses the communication skills needed by parents participating as members of the IEP Team.

The presentation includes communication skill building techniques to help parents engage effectively in the IEP process through clear concise communication. Participants will learn about pitfalls to avoid and applying best practice strategies to resolve conflict when it occurs.

Presented by the Federation for Children with Special Needs, hosted by Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education. read more »

Simplicity Parenting

Use the extraordinary power of less to raise calmer, happier and more secure kids. Mark your calendars for a lecture, "Simplicity Parenting, Monday, February 6, 2012 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Mason-Rice Elementary School. This is a free event hosted by Angier, Mason-Rice and Zervas Elementary School PTOs.

At this presentation by educator and consultant Kim John Payne, you will learn ways to simplify your child's toys & books, clothes, meals & bedtimes, and schedules, as well as how to filter out the adult world and feel more connected to your children and family life. Parents who implement Simplicity Parenting strategies find that their children: read more »

  • Are calmer and happier

Special Education in Newton: What's New?

January 19, 2012, 7:30 PM – SPED Review and Trend Report: Follow-up and Next Steps

Superintendent David Fleishman and Judy Levin-Charns, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, will host an evening meeting for discussion of special education in Newton with Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education (NewtonPAC). Also attending will be Dorsey Yearley, the consultant helping to implement the changes at Newton South HS  who will be working with staff to make changes to middle school SPED programing. read more »

Bridging Generations through Music

Bridging the Generations: An Intergenerational Music Class

Join us for a special kind of music-making! This class combines all the elements
of a regular music class, but it is set in a senior living facility, where the residents
participate with us by singing, playing instruments, or simply watching. The class
allows for and encourages interaction between the children and the seniors.
With rhythm instruments, songs, play materials and movement, we create a rich
musical experience for everyone.

Location: Goddard House in Brookline, Assisted Living
165 Chestnut St. Brookline

Ages: 3-5 years (younger siblings welcome)

Day/Time: Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:15 PM read more »

What Makes a Good Reading Program for Children with Reading Challenges?

Components of a High Quality Reading Program for Children with Reading Disabilities
Presented by Elaine Holden
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7:00 PM (note earlier time) read more »

Sleep and the School-Aged Child

Free Parenting Presentation

Dr. Dennis Rosen, Sleep Specialist from Children's Hospital, Boston

Sleep and the School-Age Child: Helping Yours have a Good Night!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 7:00-8:30 PM
Education Center Room 210
100 Walnut Street, Newtonville

Join us to learn why we sleep when we do, why sleep is so important, and how certain factors can make it easier or more difficult to fall asleep. You'll also learn how much sleep children of various ages really need and how to help yours-from kindergarteners to middle schoolers-get a good night sleep. read more »

Demystifying the College Essay and Standardized Tests: A Program for Teens

The College Planning Process: Demystifying Essay Writing and Standardized Tests
Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, 7:00 PM
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium
330 Homer Street
Newton Centre, MA  02459

Save time and writing pain and avoid common mistakes that get the thin envelope when applying to college! Learn about what college admissions officers are looking for, how to pick an essay topic, what topics to avoid, prewriting technique and other essentials that will make your essay stand out from the crowd. Deborah Berger will cover it all when she speaks at the Newton Free Library. read more »