The School Committee of the 1980s was more harmonious than that of the 1970s, even though it continued to make difficult, unpopular decisions about building closures and staff reductions. Despite financial pressure, it moved the school system towards a more international, technological world by expanding the computer program into elementary…

Newton received its first wind phone on Sunday, June 7, installed on the front lawn of the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton Square, dedicated in a small but intimate ceremony conducted by members of FUUSN. Wind phones are unconnected telephone booths that are equipped with…

Audrey Welstead (NNHS ’26) has received the Emerging Scholar Award from the MassCPAs Educational Foundation's 2026 Scholarship Program. She is one of 50 students in Massachusetts selected this year to receive scholarships to inspire and support the next generation of CPAs in Massachusetts. Welstead is also a Mass CPAs High School Student Ambassador.…

On June 9, Newton Public Schools announced via press release the appointment of Jesse Krotick, M.Ed. in the newly created NPS position of Director of Mental Health and Well-Being, effective July 1. Mr. Krotick is presently the NPS Coordinator of Social Work and Social Emotional Learning for elementary schools, a…

After five decades of owning five prominent commercial properties leasing to over 40 businesses in Newton Centre, the Zussman family has decided to sell all five properties, preferably to a single buyer. The properties, known collectively as Piccadilly Square, line much of Union Street and extend to Centre Street, Beacon…

Our middle school selves might not forgive us for writing this. As parents, we are pleased that the Newton School Committee is proposing a reform of the NPS homework policy outlined below. We are excited that this continues the positive, energetic reform process set by Superintendent Anna Nolin. Homework levels…

Newton Asian Mart, the Asian supermarket in the former Walgreens space in Newton Centre, has received a temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the City, clearing the way for the store to open after a stop-work order halted activity in late April. City permit records show the temporary certificate (BTCO-26-28) was…

The 1967 Beatles classic hit, With a Little Help from my Friends, emphasizes the importance of having social networks to avoid loneliness - a problem that has become a growing concern nowadays, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. "Making connections is life-giving," said Molly McGowan, a member of LGBTQ+ Newton, a…

As her daughters enjoyed the sun and some cookies during the Pride flag raising ceremony on June 3 outside City Hall, resident Ali Haas reflected on how much it meant to her that Newton has been a welcoming place to live. "It's nice to be surrounded by community," she said…

Commission on Disability will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, June 8 at 6PM. The agenda includes: Joint Planning & Development Board and Zoning & Planning Committee will meet in person (City Hall, Room 207) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, June 8 at 7PM. The agenda includes: Auburndale Historic…

Development Review Team (DRT) will meet this week regarding the following potential project/proposals (see DRT Snapshot):

School Committee is not scheduled to meet this week. There are no school council meetings this week.

No reports of City Council committee meetings were published last week. Earlier reports are available by clicking Meeting Reports under Government menu tab on FigCityNews.com.

City Council is not scheduled to meet this week. Zoning & Planning Committee will meet in person (City Hall, Room 207) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, June 8 at 7PM. The agenda includes: Finance Committee will meet in person (City Hall, Room 211) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday,…

Highlights this week: City Council City Council is not scheduled to meet this week. Zoning & Planning Committee will meet Monday regarding: Finance Committee will meet Monday regarding: Traffic Council will meet Thursday regarding: School Committee School Committee is not scheduled to meet this week. There are no school council…

Newton Public Schools (NPS) has named current employees as interim principals for Newton North and Newton South High Schools for the 2026-2027 academic year. Newton North HS Lisa Gilbert-Smith, M.Ed. will be the Interim Principal of Newton North High School. She is currently the Director of NPS’s METCO Program and…

Fig City‘s weekly newsletter of Community Announcements shows only the soonest 25 upcoming events. We have many more events online. All current announcements are on the web — and in the Fig City Community Calendar. Send announcements to info@figcitynews.com. Yes, it’s important to support your community newspaper — one-time or monthly.

Newton Public Schools has named longtime Newton METCO Director Lisa Gilbert-Smith, M.Ed. the Interim Principal of Newton North High School. This was announced via press release late in the afternoon on June 3. The release noted that Ms. Gilbert-Smith “brings a rare combination of deep instructional expertise, proven turnaround leadership,…

Over the last 30 years, Newton Open Studios (NOS) has grown from 28 participating artists to 110 exhibiting and selling their original pieces over the May 30-31 weekend throughout the city. The organization is "a nonprofit arts initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between artists and the public," according to…

Staff, residents, and supporters of the Carroll Center for the Blind were upbeat for the 14th annual Walk for Independence on the Charles River campus of UMass Amherst, despite forceful wind and rain on May 30. There was no rain date, and no need for one. They walked the Walk.…

The June 1 School Committee meeting covered public comment (Math Pathways, homework policy, anti-semitism) and Committee deliberations on: - Sports-related early dismissals - Plans for Ward and Underwood Elementary Schools - NPS's long-range building plan - Preschool curriculum - Homework policies - Students' use of electronic devices - Time-outs, seclusion, and physical restraint of students -…

Neighbors and friends gathered under umbrellas on Saturday, May 30 to celebrate the reopening of a fountain on West Newton hill, following eight months of repairs. The bronze sculpture, titled Child with Calla Lily Leaves, was first installed on the small traffic island at the corner of Chestnut and Highland Streets…

Despite heavy rain and wind on May 30, roughly 300 participants visited the War Memorial Auditorium at Newton City Hall for Newton's first-ever public Eid-ul-Adha festival — a milestone event celebrating Muslim traditions, hospitality, and community. Originally planning to have an outdoor festival, the organizers quickly moved the entire event…

Whipped cream is usually just a dessert topping, but for Piper Hart, it was so delicious that she couldn't help but bury her face in the sweet treat. While that may be odd or rude behavior for a child, for a toy poodle like Piper, it was totally predictable. The…

Celebrated former rapper, real estate entrepreneur, and Newton Public Schools alum Ronnie DeVoe received the first‑ever Newton Portrait of a Learner Award on May 28 at a ceremony conducted at Newton North High School. DeVoe was praised for exemplifying the qualities of the new Portrait of a Learner initiative, which…

Highlights this week: City Council City Council will meet Monday to act on items in the Reports Docket and New Docket. The Reports Docket includes requests for: The New Docket contains requests for the following: Land Use Committee will meet Tuesday regarding: Programs & Services will meet Wednesday regarding: Public…

The fifth annual Lions 5K returned to Newton South High School on Sunday morning, drawing 294 finishers for the Newton South Booster Club's signature fundraiser for the school's athletic programs (results). Fig City News has a gallery of over 600 photos of the event and of most finishers. “Gabe M.”,…

The Land Use Committee met on Tuesday, May 19. See the report and meeting video. Approved Present: Councilors Kelley (Chair), Leary, Irish, Block, Farrell, Golden, Lucas, and Roche.Also present: Councilors Wright and Malakie.City staff: Sondria Berman, Senior Planner; Andrew Lee, Assistant City Solicitor; Cat Kemmett, Deputy Chief Planner; Zach Melcher,…

The Programs & Services Committee met on Thursday, May 14. See the report and meeting video. Approved Present: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Malakie, Farrell, Charm, Bixby, and Oliver.Absent: Councilors Baker and Micley.Also present: Councilor Leary.City staff: Greg Ansaldi, Chief Information Officer; Rachel Sherman, Deputy Director of IT; Marc Welch, Acting Commissioner…

The Public Safety & Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, May 20. See the report; video is not yet posted. Held Present: Councilors Lucas (Chair), Greenberg, Wright, Block, Irish, Roche, and Silber.Absent: Councilor Golden.Also present: Councilor Leary.City staff: Captain Daniel Devine, Newton Police Department; Waneta Trabert, Director of Sustainable Materials Management.