Much more information will be coming after the break from our MCAS coordinator, Faye Cassell, on details regarding the upcoming testing. Specifically, as relates to MCAS and juniors, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be making a final decision on graduation requirements on 4/20. For planning purposes, here is the MCAS block schedule for the testing period in May with separate testing days for 10th graders and 11th graders who choose to test in May vs. waiting until the fall: May MCAS Schedule 

MCAS testing options in May for grades 10 and 11 will be in-person ONLY and computer based. MCAS testing for grade 9 will be in early June (3rd and 4th) and will be in-person ONLY and paper-based. More details on the block schedule for these MCAS dates will be forthcoming.

The Newton South Counseling Department invites juniors and their families to join us for a live, interactive webinar with college representatives from the following schools: American University, Connecticut College, Framingham State University, Northeastern University, and UMass, Amherst.

A range of admissions-related topics will be covered and your questions are welcomed.

Tuesday, April 13th 7-8 pm

Zoom link
PW 614332

Any question, please contact Ms Sabet, College & Career Counselor,
[email protected]

Verification Day: Wednesday, April 14th:

On Wednesday, April 14th, all classes for students will be asynchronous so that students can use the opportunity to check in with their counselor and/or teachers for last-minute questions, course recommendation approvals, or anything else that may need to be discussed related to courses for next year.
At approximately 5:00 pm on this day (4/14), course verification forms will be published to Aspen for every student. Students will be able to find their course verification form in the Documents section in their Aspen account.
From 5:00 pm on 4/14 through 4:00 pm on 4/16, students will then need to fill out a Google verification form (that will be shared with them on 4/14 via both Aspen and Schoology by me) where they will make any final, last-minute changes or course requests, rank their selections, etc. Instructions will be clearly indicated on the form. Please know that ALL students will need to fill out the form, EVEN IF NO CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE as we need to have a record that EVERY student has verified that the courses on their verification form in Aspen are accurate.
By late Monday morning, 4/26, updated verification forms reflecting any changes to student course requests for next year made between 4/14 and 4/16 will be published to the documents section of Aspen.

Finally, please be aware that NO changes to courses and schedules may be requested by students after 4/26 as we need to start staffing our courses and determining final numbers of course sections. Therefore, STUDENTS, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR COURSES FOR NEXT YEAR AND MAKE THOUGHTFUL DECISIONS, KEEPING IN MIND BALANCE AND SIGNING UP FOR COURSES THAT YOU ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED IN!

Juniors, Seniors, and NSHS Staff,

Please be aware:

As of Monday, 3/22/21, we need to begin sticker ticketing (the orange ones that stick to windows), and if it is a second+ offense – towing, cars parked without permits/placards on campus.

All WHITE lined spaces are Staff parking:

•  any cars without NSHS Staff parking permit stickers will be ticketed (first offense) or towed (second+ offense).

Staff, please be sure you have a parking sticker! (See Ms. Connolly in the main office if you need one!)

Students, we have very limited spaces left.  If you would like to purchase a parking space for the remainder of the year, fill out this form using your NPS email address.  The final lottery will be run Tuesday, 3/23, at 9am.  Be sure you enter before then!  Spaces this year are $75, which mirrors the bus fee and goes directly to the City of Newton (not South).

Don’t want to pay for a space?  The only place you can park on campus without being ticketed/towed are the few spaces next to the football field.  Be sure to get here early if you’re planning to park there!

Thank you, all!

If you have questions, please email Ann Dinsmore at [email protected] 

With love,

Please see latest update on 2021 AP Exams from Mrs. Price.  Please contact her directly if you have any questions at pricem@newton.k12.ma.us.  

I am sending you information about communication, requesting a refund for an AP exam, selecting which device you will use if you are going to take an AP exam online, and update on test dates.

All students should: 

1. Checking in with classmates. I have heard from some parents that their child is not receiving my emails. I want to ask you a favor. Can all students please check with classmates and friends to see if they received the latest information? If they haven’t, can you please share it with them? Thank you very much.
2. Cancel an exam/Request a refund.  If you wish to cancel an exam and request a refund, you must log on to your Total Registration account to do so. A request for a refund must be made by 6:00 p.m. on May 2, 2021.
3. Technology check-in. This year Mr. Brian Hammel, Instructional Technology Specialist at Newton South, is going to handle the technology preparation of the digital AP testing. Mr. Hammel will answer any questions you may have about the device you are going to use if you are testing online.  
4. Technology requirements for online AP Exams. If you are going to take an AP exam online, I am adding the general technical requirements from the College Board 2020-2021 AP Digital Testing Guide for devices that will be used for taking an exam:

• Each student will need access to a laptop or desktop computer (Mac, Windows, or school-managed Chromebook). iPads may be used if they fit the technical requirements.
• The computer can be a personal computer (except for Chromebooks) or a school-provided computer but must not be shared between students after exam setup is completed.
• Smartphones are not permitted for testing. Students’ personal Chromebooks may not be used for 2021 digital AP exams. ”
• Contact Mr. Hammel with any questions that you have about the device that you plan to use. He can be reached at [email protected]. If you going into the building, you may meet with Mr. Hammel. His office is in the library behind the circulation desk.

It is important that you decide now which device you are going to use for online testing. Starting April 8, the College Board will send directions to you through your College Board account on how to download and install the digital testing application to your device. You will need to complete the exam setup for each exam you plan to take one to three days before each exam. You are responsible that your computer is ready for the exam. 

Update on 2021 Exam Dates

I am writing this email blast about the 2021 exam dates. Right now the College Board has everyone scheduled to take their exam(s) at South in person from May 3 to May 17. You will see that if you log on to your CB account.

In previous emails, I have let you know that we are using the in person dates for WL and Music, and that we are encouraging students to take all other exams online at home. Online exams will not be given at school.

Recently the Newton district administration decided to offer the dates from Administration One for those students whose families feel that an in person testing would better fit their child’s needs.

I apologize in advance for any and all inconveniences.  I am going to start making changes on Tuesday, March 16 afternoon. Please look at the changes and contact me with concerns, starting Wednesday, March 17. I would like to have this finished by Tuesday, March 23.

1. Students who are taking a World Language exam or Music Theory are scheduled to take the exam during Administration 1. I am not going to change those dates. They are correct.
2. I am going to assign all other students to an online testing date.
3. If the test dates are correct, you do not need to contact me.
4. Seniors and other students with obligations related to graduation/class activities and who are taking Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Physics 1, Physics Mech, Physics E & M, and Stats need to email me and let me know that a change needs to be made. I anticipate that other changes will need to be made as well. If you have already emailed me about a change, you can forward the same email to me.
5. I am aware that some students may be double booked for two exams at the same time, and that changes may need to be made for students approved for extended time who have two exams on the same day. I’m not sure that there are great solutions for every situation, but I will do my best to try and make the schedule work.

The Cisco summer externship is a fantastic experience open to any senior or rising senior.  Cisco has twice (!) been ranked as the #1 place to work in the world and this competitive program is a fantastic opportunity to learn about our Conscious Culture and what makes Cisco unique.

The summer externship is a 2 week, 100% virtual opportunity to learn about Cisco, Cybersecurity, design thinking, personal branding, and the Internet of Things (IoT).  We are accepting applications through April 4^th.

Students must:

• Have a 3.0 GPA (weighted or unweighted)
• Graduating in 2021 or 2022
• Demonstrable interest in business and/or technology
• Ability to work virtually Monday through Friday

Students can apply at:  https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fb5cd652154545afb5d02ab74fbbd9d3

For any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]

Cisco High brochure_summer 2021[68]

The UNESCO Program will be hosting a virtual information meeting on March 16 & 17 for all students who are interested in applying for the 2022 Program (see poster for details).

Description: Students will attend the 3-day International Meeting of the UNESCO Associated Schools.  Prior to traveling to the conference, students will brainstorm, implement, document, and produce a project around the conference theme: 2022 Diversity of Cultural Expressions.  At the conference, students will present their projects to students, teachers, and UNESCO organizers.  After the conference, students will tour historical sites and landmarks in and around Lisbon, Portugal, learning and experiencing Portuguese history and culture.

Eligibility:  CURRENT (2020-2021) Newton South freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Application Process & More Information:  Please visit the UNESCO Program website for more information and inside looks at the student experiences over the years and themes. Applications for 2022 will be made available on the site AFTER the information meeting.

Website: https://pavaos.wixsite.com/pavao/unescoportugalprogram

UNESCO 2022 – Information Meeting Flyer

The 2021 AP exam dates are scheduled and the dates are below for in-building, submission and online exams. Please note multiple options (In building and online) for some exams.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Price at [email protected]

IN-BUILDING EXAMS:

Please find information about 2021 PSAT Registration at NSHS website:

https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2470

Register for the January 26, 2021 PSAT at Newton South High School.  The PSAT will be given at Newton South High School on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

• Juniors are eligible to take the exam and are encouraged to take this exam as part of the preparation for spring SAT tests.
• Juniors may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program based on their PSAT score.
• There is no make-up date for the PSAT.