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Support PTSO programs and events. Annual Fundraiser $70 per family. Please click here to donate by credit card or check.
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Picnic Table Fundraiser
Each class is encouraged to raise money to purchase a picnic table for the courtyard. Classes that reach the $1800 goal will have a plaque dedicated to their class installed on the picnic table. The PTSO would love to be able to purchase 8 picnic tables. This gift will last for many years! Thank you for your consideration. Click here to donate
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Announcements by Type
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Website Stuff
The latest announcements from the Principal, PTSO, and NPS...
- Class of 2027 Informational Session [From the PTSO]
- Passing Time – March 24th 2023 [From the PTSO]
- From the VP March 2, 2023 [From the Vice Principal]
- Program of Studies Now Available [From the PTSO]
- From The VP [From the PTSO]
- From the VP The week of 2/6 – 2/10 [From the Vice Principal]
- February 2, 2023 Luncheon [From the PTSO]
- 9th Grade Coffee Feb 2, 2023 [From the PTSO]
- 11th Grade Parent Coffee [For Juniors]
- 10 Grade Coffee Recap/Slides [For Sophomores]
Passing Time – March 24th 2023
Passing Time is a fun Newton South activity where the halls are transformed into student exhibitions. Some students display art on the walls and tables, others set up their bands to play, one student did a magic show! During Passing Time the PTSO would like to have cookies and brownies for the students to enjoy during the event. As always there are a few ways to participate!
I can:
From the VP March 2, 2023
Newton South Students and Families,
Midterm comments for term 3 are now available for viewing on Aspen. These can be found on the home page in Aspen and contain a list of classes, comments for these classes, and number of absences from class.
Parents and guardians, if you are having trouble logging into Aspen, please call or contact your student’s house office:
- Cutler House: Ms. Curran (curranl@newton.k12.ma.us, 617-559-6551)
- Goldrick House: Ms. Trieger (triegerd@newton.k12.ma.us, 617-559-6552)
- Goodwin House: Ms. Astone (astonee@newton.k12.ma.us, 617-559-6555)
- Wheeler House: Ms. Murphy (murphyba@newton.k12.ma.us, 617-559-6558)
Please note the following:
- Attendance records are present for WIN (labeled as Lion/WIN Block), Advisory, and Directed Study. These courses will not have comments for them but will have absences and tardies recorded.
- The Y or N in the attendance column is a snapshot for where students are with accordance to our new attendance policy.
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- Note that this is just a snapshot and that deans and/or teachers will be or already have been in contact with families of students who are at risk of not meeting the attendance standard in a given course.
- Here is our attendance policy FAQ.
If you have any questions about comments for a given course, please reach out directly to your/your student’s teacher. Questions about WIN block attendance can be directed to you/your student’s house office.
Sincerely,
Jason Williams (he/him/his)
Vice Principal
Newton South High School
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Program of Studies Now Available
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Newton South Students and Families,
The Program of Studies for the 2023-2024 school year is now available. We apologize for the delay in releasing this document. You can access it on the school website here. We have also included it in the link below: |
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Student Elective Course Selections Begin Next WeekBetween March 6 and 13, students will be able to request additional courses in Aspen that do not require a teacher’s recommendation. They will also be able to see recommendations that their teachers have entered.
Here are instructions for adding courses. This window will open on March 6 and close on March 13. |
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We will keep you posted in future Weekly Updates about the registration process. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jason Williams (he/him/his) Vice Principal Newton South High School |
From The VP
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Newton South Students and Families,
This week marks the midpoint of term 3. We anticipate posting midterm comments to Aspen at some point this week, and you will receive a separate email once they are posted. Note that the term ends on Friday, March 31. |
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March marks the beginning of Women’s History Month. During this month, we celebrate the many contributions of women to our world and pause to reflect on the many barriers they have overcome to achieve their goals. While we will shine a spotlight on the amazing work that has been done, the many achievements of women throughout history cannot and should not be condensed to this month alone. We still have more work to do and will remain committed to our goal of creating a more just society that both advocates for and champions equity and excellence for all.
Here are this week’s highlights: |
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Principal Stras’s February 17 NewsletterPrincipal Stras released a newsletter on Friday, February 17. |
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Newton South High School 2022 Report CardNewton South High School’s 2022 Report Card is now available. Please see here for our letter explaining the report card. |
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FORJ Meeting Tomorrow 7-8pmOn February 27, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, please join members of the Newton North and Newton South Community for a virtual conversation about Excellence and Equity in our high schools, hosted by Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ) NNHS.
Newton North and Newton South Principals Henry Turner and Tamara Stras will moderate a panel discussion among teachers and students from both schools. They will discuss their varied classroom approaches and their experiences and understanding of pursuing equity and excellence.
Please RSVP here to receive the Zoom link prior to the start of the meeting. Feel free to pose your questions to the panel in the registration form. |
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Here’s to another week at South! Let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jason Williams (he/him/his) Vice Principal Newton South High School |
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Students: please clean up your spaces after you are done eating. We have seen an uptick in trash being left on lunch tables, benches, and the hallways. This creates an unsanitary environment that:
Please note we have also seen an uptick in rodents in the building over the past several weeks. We work with a pest control company who will come out every 2-3 weeks to help treat spaces and deter them from coming in. That said, we must all do our part in ensuring that our school is clean to limit how much we attract them to our space. Please be diligent in cleaning up your eating spaces. |
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Eating SpacesStudents are allowed to eat lunch in the following areas:
A couple of notes:
We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe, healthy environment for all. |
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We have had an increase in cars that are not legally parked on campus. Please note the following from the Orange Lion, our student handbook, regarding student vehicles on campus:
The first violation is a warning ticket. The second violation and beyond will result in the car being towed at the owner’s expense. We reserve the right to tow a vehicle regardless of violation count if it is parked in an area that causes a safety hazard or is blocking a fire lane or egress. |
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Teachers will spend this week recommending courses for students and put their recommendations into Aspen. At the end of the week, these recommendations will turn into requests, and students and families will be able to see (but not edit) these requests.
Course registration documents can be found here on our school website.
The 2023-2024 Program of Studies will be uploaded to the school website as soon as it is ready. We apologize for the delay. We expect to have an electronic copy available by time students need to select their elective courses starting on Monday, March 6. |
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Student Elective Course Selections Begin Next WeekBetween March 6 and 13, students will be able to request additional courses in Aspen that do not require a teacher’s recommendation. They will also be able to see recommendations that their teachers have entered.
Here is a full overview of the registration process: |
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School Council Meeting on February 28, 2023The next School Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. A link to the agenda can be found here. If you would like to attend for public comment, please email strast@newton.k12.ma.us directly. |
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Junior WISE Assembly on Friday, March 3The WISE Senior Project/Internship Program offers seniors the opportunity to work outside the classroom during term 4 on a substantive educational undertaking of their own choice. It is an exciting opportunity for students to work on an intensive project of their choosing focusing on one of four areas – academic, creative, community service, and/or career exploration. We will be providing information about this opportunity for juniors at the following times:
Students: We will be holding an assembly in the Auditorium during WIN on Friday, March 3 for all juniors. During this WIN, we will be providing information on the WISE Senior Project/Internship Program, as well as how to register. Juniors have been automatically added to this WIN, but can choose to opt-out and sign up for another WIN if they are not interested.
Families: We will hold a virtual information session for junior families on Wednesday, March 8 at 7:30pm. More details will be provided in an email to families of juniors on Monday morning. |
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Superintendent Coffee on Thursday, March 9, 8:30amSuperintendent Kathy Smith will join Principal Tamii Stras and School Committee members Tamika Olszewski and Emily Prenner for a PTSO parent coffee on Thursday, March 9 at 8:30am. We will hold this meeting in the Lecture Hall. We welcome families to stop by and hear from our Superintendent and principal, and ask questions. |
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Career Pathways Event on Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30pmThe city is holding a Career Pathways Event on Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30pm. Newton’s young people and their families are welcome to explore various post-secondary programs that can help students get ready for rewarding careers. See the attached flyer and click here for more information. |
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Sophomore Black Light Bash on April 1 from 7-10 PMSophomores! Mark your calendars! Celebrate the school year and the end of MCAS and Term 3 with the “Black Light Bash”. On April 1st from 7-10PM, join us in the NSHS student center for a glow-in-the-dark party with dancing, lots of neon, food, and more! Attire is white semi-formal clothing to really put the DJ’s black lights to work, so start getting your outfits together! More information to come about ticket sales and dance details. |
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One to One Mentoring Message for Sophomores and JuniorsDear Class of ’24 & ’25,
Come learn about One to One Mentoring, a Newton Public School class and program modeled after Big Brother Big Sister. This is a class open to rising juniors and seniors who have a strong academic and attendance record and are able to make a year-long commitment. There is one class a week and the expectation of a match visit with your mentee about 2 hours each week after school or on the weekends (November – May).
This is a class for students who:
Check out our one minute video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LH1e6PLOQ9DDMBEAUywct7-a2ixI7TbH/view?usp=sharing
This program gives you an opportunity to be a community-based mentor to a Newton elementary or middle school student. If you live in Boston, you would be matched to a Newton student who also lives in Boston. The weekly class meets throughout the school year to provide education, guidance and support throughout the mentoring experience.
During Sept/Oct/early November class members go through a mentor training, application, CORI/SORI process. During that time, families and school social workers identify elementary age students throughout the district who are in need of a caring and consistent teenage friend. In November the class shifts focus to a match support model and continues to meet weekly.
This year the program has 45 student mentors across the district. We hope that next year we will have 50+ mentors in this class for 2022-23. Students have the option to stay a part of the program for 2 years. Many mentors continue in the program for a second year.
Interested students should plan to attend one of the upcoming information session:
Please contact me, Rebecca Young, with any additional questions. I hope to see you at an information session!
Rebecca Young, LICSW |
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AP Proctors NeededNewton South High School is seeking proctors for the 2023 AP Exams. Exams will be administered in person at Newton South High School May 1-5 and May 8-12. Morning exam sessions begin at 8AM; Afternoon exam sessions begin at 12PM. Exam sessions are generally between 3-4 hours, with the exception of students testing with accommodations. Exam sessions will be assigned based on the proctor’s availability. Payment rates are below:
AP Proctors must be responsible adults who can guard against attempts at cheating. Responsibilities include:
Please note, an individual may not proctor an AP Exam in the year in which an immediate family or household member may be taking that exam. Proctors may not be employed at a test preparation company.
Interested candidates should contact the Newton South AP Coordinator Paige Perkinson at perkinsonv@newton.k12.ma.us |
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NPS District Newsletter Released February 8The district released a newsletter on Wednesday, February 8. You can find it here. |
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Newton Youth Services InformationCareer Exploration Event Series Upcoming Thursdays, 6:00pm-7:00pm Dates: March 23, April 27, & May 18 Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium Join Newton Youth services and the Newton Free Library for a four-part series exploring careers through in person discussions with professions working in the industry. Industry exploration includes STEM (February), Medical (March), The Trades (April), and Human Services (May). Click HERE to register.
MBTA Youth Pass The MBTA and the City of Newton’s Youth Pass program helps provide affordable transit access for young people with low-income. The Youth Pass is a card that can be used by eligible young adults with low incomes to purchase roughly 50% reduced one-way fares for Commuter Rail, Express Bus, and ferry. For additional details CLICK HERE. |
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Save the Date: GELF Fundraiser on Saturday, April 29Think Globally, Act Locally Are you passionate about international travel and global understanding? Do you believe in making a difference right here in your hometown? Help open international doors for our students by getting involved with the Global Education Leadership Fund (GELF). GELF will have a dinner fundraiser on Saturday, April 29 at 7 PM. Formal invitation to follow. Reach out to Star Lew (lewy@newton.k12.ma.us) if you would like to help plan, organize and get to know more families who share the same passion! |
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Upcoming EventsTuesday, February 28, 6pm: School Council Wednesday, March 1: Midterm Comments Due (reports will be posted to Aspen by 3/3) Thursday, March 2 – 4, 7:30pm: Cabaret (South Stage) Thursday, March 9, 8:30am: PTSO/Superintendent Coffee (Lecture Hall) Thursday, March 9, 6:30pm: Grade 8 Family Night |
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Get Involved!It’s never too late to get involved at Newton South!
Want to catch a game? View the athletic calendars here: Newton South Athletics Calendar Want to join a club but don’t know where to start? Here are a list of clubs at Newton South |
From the VP The week of 2/6 – 2/10
Newton South Students and Families,
The week of 2/6 – 2/10 is National School Counseling Week! This week, we give a special thanks to our counseling staff who serve as a vital resource for our students every day. We, as well as your students, appreciate all the work you do to guide our students down the right path as they navigate their vital high school years. Be sure to say thank you to a counselor this week!
Here are this week’s highlights:
Grade 9 Family Night Recording Available, and Grade 10 Night Next Thursday
The recording for the Grade 9 Family Night on Thursday, February 2 is now available and can be accessed here.
Additionally, Newton South High School cordially invites you to our annual Grade 10 Family Information Night Webinar. This event will be online and held on Thursday, February 9 at 6:30pm. At this event, you will have an opportunity to hear from Guidance Department Chair Dan Rubin, as well as Principal Tamii Stras and Vice Principal Jason Williams. You will additionally get a chance to ask general questions about the transition to grade 11.
This event will be recorded and published to the NSHS YouTube channel after the presentation. We hope to see you there! Here is the join information for this event:
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/84778538630
Passcode: 2025
Youth Risk Behavior Survey on February 6
On Monday, February 6, will we be administering the Youth Risk Behavior Survey during an extended advisory. This survey is anonymous, and we administer it to help better understand and address the health-related challenges affecting students. The survey is part of a larger effort to help increase the resiliency of young people by reducing high-risk behaviors and promoting healthy behaviors.
For more information, please see the letter that was sent home to families by the district.
See below for the schedule:
February 6 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Schedule |
Here’s to another week at South! Let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jason Williams (he/him/his)
Vice Principal
Newton South High School





Dear NPS Families,
I write to invite you to an important forum on the 2023-24 (FY24) school year budget. This budget discussion will include information on the proposed operational override and its impact on the FY24 budget. Details are as follows:
Where: Newton North Auditorium (457 Walnut St.)
When: Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m.
If you are unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on NewTV.
The evening will include a short presentation and then an opportunity for questions and answers. You may ask your question live during the forum or you can submit a question in advance using this Google Form.
NPS Budget Questions – Google Form
For reference, below is a link to the presentation shared with the School Committee last week that provides a preview of next year’s budget.
FY24 Budget Preview to School Committee – January 23, 2023
I look forward to seeing you next Wednesday night. As always, I welcome your questions and thank you for your feedback.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Smith, J.D.
Interim Superintendent



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Library Term 2 Newsletter
The Newton South Library is excited to release its Term 2 newsletter! You can access it here: https://www.smore.com/z8ubs
You can access the Newton South Library website here: https://nshslibrary.newton.k12.ma.us/home
Grade 9 & 10 Assemblies Coming Up
Students in grades 9 and 10 have been prescheduled for a WIN block to meet with their dean during a house assembly. These assemblies will take place in the following locations:
WIN 1 on Wednesday 2/8: Cutler Grade 9 to Lecture Hall, Wheeler Grade 9 to Auditorium
WIN 3 on Friday 2/10: Goldrick Grade 10 to Lecture Hall, Goodwin Grade 10 to Auditorium
WIN 1 on Wednesday 2/15: Cutler Grade 10 to Lecture Hall, Wheeler Grade 10 to Auditorium
Teen Summer Expo on Monday, February 6
The 18th annual Teen Summer Expo will be Monday, February 6 at Newton South High School, 5:30-8:00pm in the cafeteria. Meet with directors of a wide variety of top summer enrichment programs, locally and abroad and at all budgets, for kids ages 12-18. FREE and OPEN TO ALL. Pre-Register to by-pass the line at check-in. Please contact Teen Summer Expos with any questions.
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South Stage Presents Our Annual Student Directing Festival
Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker
directed by Willa Foster and Audrey Jung
Horse Girls by Jenny Rachel Weiner
directed by Naomi Metcalf
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, February 9-11, in the Newton South Lab Theater
Tickets at SouthStage.org.
In Circle Mirror Transformation, four lost New Englanders begin a six-week-long community-center drama class with harmless games. Then, hearts are quietly torn apart, and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. In Horse Girls, twelve-year-old Ashleigh rules the Lady Jean Ladies, South Florida’s most exclusive horse club. News that her family’s stables are being sold and their horses killed for meat throws the Ladies into crisis in this dark comedy of middle school deception and lies. NOTE: Contains adult language, violence, and the use of stage blood. PG-13
Next ELPAC Meeting on February 9
ELPAC (English Learner Parent Advisory Council) meets in person Thursday, February 9. ELPAC is for ELL and former ELL families districtwide. ELPAC collaborates with schools and the district to improve ELL programming and support bilingualism. You are welcome to join this community meeting!
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023
Time: 6:30-8:00PM
Location: 100 Walnut Street, Newton (the Education Center for Newton Public Schools) Room 111
- A big parking lot is behind the building on Crafts Street
- Use the green door, at the top of the steps, near the right side of the parking lot
ELPAC Meeting Agenda will include:
- Presentations:
- College Application Process, presenter: Jennifer Geraghty from Newton North High School
- Parks and Rec Opportunities and Summer Camps
- ELPAC Elections–Three candidates will be on the ballot: Li Yin (Current At-Large member who is nominated for chairperson), Wendy Wang (At-Large Member), and Zoe Shih (At-Large Member). ELPAC welcomes more nominations. ELPAC needs a treasurer and a secretary.
RSVP: Interpretation and snacks will be provided with RSVP. Please note: no childcare will be provided for this meeting. However, children ages 5+ are welcome to join. ELPAC will include a children’s table of activities.
AP Proctors Needed
Newton South High School is seeking proctors for the 2023 AP Exams. Exams will be administered in person at Newton South High School May 1-5 and May 8-12. Morning exam sessions begin at 8AM; Afternoon exam sessions begin at 12PM. Exam sessions are generally between 3-4 hours, with the exception of students testing with accommodations. Exam sessions will be assigned based on the proctor’s availability. Payment rates are below:
- Standard Time: $125
- Extended Time (+50%): $185
- Extended Time (+100%): $250
AP Proctors must be responsible adults who can guard against attempts at cheating. Responsibilities include:
- Reading the exam administration script
- Distributing and collecting exams materials
- Familiarizing themselves ahead of time with the administration and exam security procedures
- Reading all of the general and appropriate subject-specific exam administration instructions to understand the flow of the administration
- Supervising the testing room at all times
Please note, an individual may not proctor an AP Exam in the year in which an immediate family or household member may be taking that exam. Proctors may not be employed at a test preparation company.
Interested candidates should contact the Newton South AP Coordinator Paige Perkinson at perkinsonv@newton.k12.ma.us
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Save the Date: GELF Fundraiser on Saturday, April 29
Think Globally, Act Locally
Are you passionate about international travel and global understanding? Do you believe in making a difference right here in your hometown? Help open international doors for our students by getting involved with the Global Education Leadership Fund (GELF). GELF will have a dinner fundraiser on Saturday, April 29 at 7 PM. Formal invitation to follow. Reach out to Star Lew (lewy@newton.k12.ma.us) if you would like to help plan, organize and get to know more families who share the same passion!




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Let’s Get to WorkTuesday, February 21, 2023, 10:30am-12:00pmThursday, February 23, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pmCity Hall, War Memorial, 1000 Commonwealth Ave.Join Youth Services for two employment-focused workshops in preparation for summer and post high school employment, as well as internship opportunities. Interested young people do not need to register for both dates.
Click HERE to register.
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NPS District Newsletter Released January 25The district released a newsletter on Wednesday, January 25. You can find it here. |
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Eating SpacesWe have seen an increase in the number of students who are eating in the area near the wood shop and loading dock, which is unsafe as staff and delivery people need to move equipment through that area. Additionally, it blocks a hallway which would be needed in case of emergency. Campus aides or other staff members will continue to ask students who eat in this area to relocate to one of the following areas below:
Students are NOT permitted to eat in the Lecture Hall, Library, Auditorium, or in hallways. Students are also not permitted to eat on the floor.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe, healthy environment for all. |
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Upcoming EventsMonday, February 6: Youth Risk Behavior Survey (special schedule) Thursday, February 9: Grade 10 Family Night (6:30pm, Zoom) Thursday, February 9 – Saturday, February 11: Student Directing Festival (7:30pm) Monday, February 20 – Friday, February 24: February Recess It’s never too late to get involved at Newton South!
Want to catch a game? View the athletic calendars here: Newton South Athletics Calendar Want to join a club but don’t know where to start? Here are a list of clubs at Newton South! |
9th Grade Coffee Feb 2, 2023
Thank you for attending the 9th grade coffee this morning. If you were unable to attend her are the slides from the event.
11th Grade Parent Coffee
Thank you so much to those able to attend last week’s parent coffee. For those unable to attend, slide from the event are accessible here: Junior Handout
10 Grade Coffee Recap/Slides
Thank you so much to those who were able to attend the 10th grade parent coffee. For those who were unable to attend please click Grade 10 PTSO Coffee Info to view slides.