Dear Newton South Community,

SouthFest—Newton South High School’s legendary after-prom celebration—is just around the corner! This truly beloved tradition brings our senior class together for an unforgettable night filled with fun, laughter, and connection.

A heartfelt thank you to Kelly Flannery and Katherine Kranenberg as the Senior Class Parents and Larry Rhein and Colleen Nolan, as the Junior Class Parents for their incredible leadership in organizing this event. SouthFest is no small undertaking, and we are so grateful for the time, energy, and care they put into making it so special for our students.

One of the most remarkable things about SouthFest is that it’s attended by nearly every senior (and their guests)—whether or not they go to prom. It’s a night that unites the class in celebration and creates lasting memories in a safe, welcoming environment.

While it’s an enormous effort to bring SouthFest to life, many hands truly do make light work—and that’s where our amazing parent community comes in!

Senior Parent Volunteers

We would love your help with:

• Set-up before the event (don’t worry—you won’t miss picture time!)
• Clean-up afterward (we promise—it’s not that bad, and many hands make it quick!)
• Sign up here

Your support helps transform the space into something magical and ensures everything runs smoothly.

Freshman, Sophomore & Junior Parent Volunteers (and NSHS Alums!)

This is where the fun really begins!

• Casino Tables: Try your hand at dealing blackjack, Texas Hold ’em, or spinning the roulette wheel—we’ll teach you everything you need to know!
• Bag Drop: Be one of the first friendly faces students see when they arrive.
• General Volunteers: Help bring in food from the food truck, keep an eye on the festivities, and make sure everyone is having a fun and safe time.
• Sign up here

Yes, it might sound a little wild to arrive at 11:00 PM on a Thursday and stay until 2:30 AM—but trust us, you won’t regret it. The energy in the room is electric, and the appreciation from the students is genuine and contagious. It’s a truly special way to experience this milestone and get a glimpse of what your own student will enjoy in the future.

Thank you for being part of what makes the Newton South community so extraordinary. SouthFest is a shining example of what we can create together, and we couldn’t do it without you.

With gratitude and excitement,
Newton South PTSO & SouthFest Committte

We have a full week of activities and events to show how much we appreciate our teachers!

Notes of Gratitude:  One of our favorite traditions is delivering personal notes to every teacher and staff member—and these simple messages truly make a difference.

It only takes a minute, it’s completely free, and even a few kind words can have a lasting impact. ?

Please submit a short note through our Google Form. If a name is already crossed off, consider choosing another so we can reach everyone.

Thank you for helping us spread the appreciation!

Spring Grant Cycle: Applications Due by February 4, 2026

Each year, the NSHS PTSO sets aside part of its budget to support special projects at our school. Faculty, staff, parents / guardians and students are invited to apply for a grant to help launch new ideas, programs, or activities that make a difference in our community.

Grants are awarded to projects that connect to one or more of our core values:

Student Learning

• Pilot a new program or idea
• Improve classroom tools or the overall learning environment

Community

• Foster personal connections and build community
• Encourage participation in community service projects

Wellness

• Develop programs that support mental and physical health
• Promote wellness, balance, and self-confidence

Please carefully review the guidelines and procedures listed below before submitting an application.

The submission deadline is Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Most awards range between $100 and $500; larger grants may be considered, particularly if they involve collaboration between groups.

Guidelines

Students:

In order for your application to be considered, you must comply with the following:

• A NSHS teacher or staff member must agree to advise the project and that person must be listed by name on your application.
• Requests for special projects, initiatives or one-time events will be considered. Examples include: supplies for a mural, single day activities, materials or supplies such as puzzles or games that students can use during WIN/Lion blocks.
• Club related requests must be open to and designed to serve the wider community, beyond club members.
• Single day community service project requests will be considered.
• Requests for food can not be funded.
• Ongoing or recurring expenses/materials for clubs or activities can not be funded.

All Applicants:

Projects should be one time expenditures and have the ability to continue without additional PTSO funds. In most cases, funding is not provided for on-going support of programs.

Grants cannot be used to fund salaries, stipends or school-based professional development.

Grants cannot be used to purchase core curriculum technology or materials, including computers, consumables

Grants cannot be used for regular club activities, field trips, transportation, food or promotional items.

Grants cannot be used for direct donations to charities. Requests for conference fees and travel expenses will be considered only after applicants have applied for departmental, school and/or district funding.

Grant Evaluation Criteria:

The Grants Committee will consider the following in evaluating grant applications:

• The number of students/people participating in and/or benefiting from the program/project and the overall impact on students and the school.
• How the grant would serve our core values: student learning, community, or wellness.
• Consistency with the school’s community values and goals as listed on the NSHS website.

If A Grant Is Awarded:

The Grants Committee requires a detailed list and invoices/receipts for items purchased and any other expenses when you submit your request for reimbursement. Receipts must be submitted to treasury@newtonsouthptso.org before the end of the school year. If you determine you will be unable to spend the funds by the end of the academic year, please notify the Grants Committee so we can reallocate the funds.

Grant funds must be spent only on specific application requests. If there is a change in the request, the Grants Committee will need to review and approve the modifications.

Applying for a Grant

Timeline and Process:

For the fall grant cycle, applications must be submitted by February 4, 2026. After the application window closes, the PTSO Grants Committee will review all requests and make recommendations to the PTSO Board. Grant applications are also reviewed and must be approved by the Principal with input from the Bursar. Decisions will be announced by mid- to late November.

Regardless of the grant cycle, awarded grants must be spent during the current academic year and only on items specified in the application.

Please feel free to contact the Grants Committee at grants@newtonsouthptso.org with any questions. Grant Application: Here is the link for the grant application.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant! 2025-2026 PTSO Grants Committee: Jessica Berns, Asma Ejaz, Lijuan Jiang, Julie Tishler, Lisa Weinman

Dear Newton South PTSO Families,

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we are thrilled to share that we have officially reached our goal—every single staff member at Newton South High School will receive a Thanksgiving pie for their table!

We’ll be honest: that unexpected pie shortage was a little scary for us at the PTSO. But in true Newton South spirit, the moment we reached out, you responded with an overwhelming outpouring of kindness. Within moments, you stepped up, donated, and made sure that no teacher, administrator, para, custodian, or staff member would go without a pie this Thanksgiving.

Your generosity reminds us of what makes this community so special: we take care of each other, we lift each other up, and we always find a way—sometimes with a side of whipped cream.

Thank you for turning a moment of panic into a celebration of gratitude, warmth, and togetherness. Newton South shines because of families like you.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Barbara & Mira

At Newton South, the PTSO helps turn a big high school into a real community. When you contribute your annual dues, you’re not just writing a check—you’re joining the Lion pride and becoming part of your student’s experience.

Here’s where your support roars into action:

Behind the scenes — we fund the website, e-communications, and directory software that keep families connected.
Parent connections — we host coffees and meet-and-greets to bring parents together.
Appreciation events — we celebrate our teachers and students with food, treats, and Lion-sized gratitude.
Staff grants — we provide funding for teacher ideas that directly benefit our kids.
Spirit traditions — Celebrate South Week, banners with every student’s name, and class socials that make lasting memories.

We’d appreciate it if every family could contribute $75 in dues. And if you’re able, please consider adding a little extra—so we can plan a full year of activities and make South the best it can be.

One of the ways the PTSO supports our students and faculty is through our Grants program. Each year, the PTSO allocates funds for new initiatives, special projects, and programs that support and enhance learning, well-being, and our community.

We are excited to announce that we will offer a second grant opportunity this Spring! Faculty, staff and students are invited to apply.

Detailed information is available on our Grants page. This page provides information about the Grants program as well as guidelines, selection criteria, and requirements.  Most grants range from $100 to $500. To submit a proposal, please go to our Grant Application page.

The deadline for submitting Spring grant application is Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Decisions will be announced in late February and funds must be used and receipts submitted the end of this school year, no later than June 30, 2026.

The PTSO sponsors several end-of-year senior activites and we are grateful for your contributions now!  Go HERE to make your Senior-specific contribution below.

• Order a Class of 2025 Lawn Sign by May 1st (with or without your student’s name) and have it delivered right to your house in May.
• Contribute to SouthFest, our well-attended and popular afterprom party hosted on Tuesday, June 10th at the school which provides a safe AND FUN night for our seniors.
• Contribute to the Senior Sendoff lunch Friday, June 6th, a great end-of-year tradition for all of our seniors.

One of the ways the PTSO supports our students and faculty is through our Grants program. Each year, the PTSO allocates funds for new initiatives, special projects, and programs that support and enhance learning, well-being, and our community.

We are excited to announce that we will offer a second grant opportunity this Spring! Faculty, staff and students are invited to apply.

Detailed information is available on our Grants page. This page provides information about the Grants program as well as guidelines, selection criteria, and requirements. Most grants range from $100 to $500. To submit a proposal, please go to our Grant Application page.

The deadline for submitting Spring grant applications Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Decisions will be announced in late February and funds must be used and receipts submitted by the end of this school year, no later than June 30, 2026.