Newton names new school leadership hires

by Newton News Editor | May 20, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Newton public schools will soon have three new faces in leadership. The district has hired Dr. Gina Flanagan as the new assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, Dr. Gene Roundtree as the new assistant superintendent of secondary education and Dr. Daniel...

Arts and culture take center stage at Newton’s FunFest

by Newton News Editor | May 20, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Music, laughter, and bubbles filled the air at Newton’s FunFEST this weekend. The overcast day on May 18 didn’t stop Newton families from thronging the city hall grounds, which were filled with local vendors, community organizations, and, of course, carnival rides....

Newsmakers: Housing awards, a walk against hunger and a nurse honored

by Newton News Editor | May 20, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Editor’s note: Newsmakers is a new regular feature spotlighting accomplishments of Newton community members, businesses and organizations. City Hall housing advocates honored for their efforts City Councilor Vicki Danberg and former City Councilor Deb Crossley...

Newton dance school boasts long history and innovative approaches

by Newton News Editor | May 17, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Joanne Langione Dance Center is the oldest school of dance education for children in Newton, but it isn’t languishing in the past. With a new dance lab to help students improve in small groups, a thriving hip-hop dance-focused program, and an “un-convention” that aims...

Plans are moving forward to dramatically transform Newton’s Washington Street

by Newton News Editor | May 16, 2024 | Newton Beacon

PHOTO: Design concept for Washington Street after pilot project. Newton Planning Department As spring brings roadwork, building renovations and the beginnings of major renovation and development projects, swaths of Washington Street are being eyed for big changes and...

Newton North girls’ lacrosse team finds its fire in season second half

by Newton News Editor | May 16, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Newton North’s girls’ lacrosse team, despite a slow start to the season, has gone 4-1 in their last 5 games.  According to senior Carter Reynolds, a captain, the team worked through a rocky start of 2-10 by changing their mentality. “We’ve had a couple talks,” she...

Five things to do in Newton this weekend

by Newton News Editor | May 16, 2024 | Newton Beacon

This weekend will be one big celebration for Newton as the city is treated to both a carnival and an arts festival. The Linda Plaut Festival for the Arts will be held all weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday evening, mostly outside (unless it rains). And on Saturday...

Newton mom creates AI toolkit to help families navigate special education

by Newton News Editor | May 15, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Karen Gage, a Newton parent and education technology specialist, has launched a new product called KidvoKit to support parents of special needs children in managing their child’s education. It organizes documentation from the school into an easy to read binder, as...

Zoning and Planning Committee clears up short-term rentals ordinance

by Newton News Editor | May 15, 2024 | Newton Beacon

As Newton officials try to get a handle on Newton’s short-term rental market, the Planning and Zoning Committee met on Monday with representatives from the city’s Law Department to figure out how to help with that effort. The city has received more than a dozen...

Photos, Videos: John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club 27th Annual Gala

by Newton News Editor | May 13, 2024 | Newton Beacon

The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton held its 27th annual gala on Saturday night, raising money for programs that help kids all over the region. This year’s emcee was Dan Rea of WBZ News Radio. The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club was made possible by...