The kids are on vacation all next week, so here’s big list of activities for them
February recess is next week for Newton Public Schools. Still not sure what your child will be doing while school is out? We rounded up [...]
Solving the Equation: NPS administration lays out plan to revamp math curriculum
The majority of Newton students in grades 6 through 8 are not seeing learning growth at a pace that meets state standards, and the district’s [...]
Newsmakers: Board appointments, anniversaries and more
Jackson Walnut Park School teacher nominated for national award Sister Kathy Berube, educator at Jackson Walnut Education Collaborative, has been nominated for National Life Group’s [...]
Court allows lawsuit against NPS for vaccine-related firing to continue
On Jan. 23, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts denied in part Newton Public Schools’ motion to dismiss a lawsuit by [...]
Amidst overall NPS enrollment decline, high school students are returning
Newton saw a steeper decline in enrollment this school year than forecast. But at the same time, students seem to be coming back to NPS [...]
What a Year: The stories that shaped Newton in 2025
In early January, an article in the Newton Beacon laid out a forecast for the year ahead, as 2025 was the Chinese Zodiac’s Year of [...]
Newsmakers: New appointments, new leaders and a rising young star
Editor’s note: Newsmakers is a regular feature spotlighting accomplishments of Newton community members, businesses and organizations. Have an announcement you’d like to include? Email editor@newtonbeacon.org. Metropolitan [...]
Creem files legislation for database to monitor quality of special education in districts
A proposed bill on Beacon Hill sponsored by Newton’s state senator would require the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to publish more detailed [...]
Alicia Piedalue lays out vision as Newton School Committee’s chair-elect
Ward 7 School Committee member Alicia Piedalue won a special election in March and was sworn in on April 2. Now, she’s been elected to [...]
Analysis of MCAS scores shows struggle with writing, improvement in math
An in-depth analysis of the Newton Public District’s MCAS scores found trends that the district aims to use to improve its curriculum. Although no longer [...]
Ward/Underwood public hearing shows community connection to neighborhood schools
The Ward and Underwood elementary schools are each more than 100 years old and in need of repairs. And they're both dealing with low enrollment, [...]
Antisemitism Commission recommendations bring concerns about free speech
Some in Newton are questioning whether recommendations to fight antisemitism in schools across Massachusetts protect students or threaten free speech rights. The Massachusetts Legislature’s Special [...]
Lasell launches ‘Tuition Commitment’ to clear financial roadblocks from pathway to education
As families grapple with higher education costs nationwide, Lasell University has launched a new program aimed at knocking down financial barriers to higher education. The [...]
Nolin: This year brings challenges but also new determination to ‘thrive’
Superintendent Anna Nolin uses five budget models for a guide—color-coded, ranging from a “cuts” budget with cuts shown in yellow to a “thrive” budget with [...]
Nolin kicks off school year with DESE commissioner, introduces NPS Family Engagement Center
Superintendent Anna Nolin has started her third school year at the helm of Newton Public Schools, and she and her leadership team marked the new [...]