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 our fall 2026 grant cycle is now open!

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 a fall grant application is Monday, September 28, 2026. Decisions will be announced in early October and funds must be used and receipts submitted the end of this school year, no later than June 30, 2027.

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.

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!

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.

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.