Due to weather conditions, the Parent Night scheduled for September 2 was switched to a “virtual” information session.
If you have a Fall Athlete, please view the video for important information about the fall season.
Coaches will communicate with families regarding their individual team meetings.
Be sure you are up-to-date on all things athletic at South by signing up for Newton South Athletics News, published by Newton South’s Booster Club.
The newsletter covers weekly news from the Athletic Director, updates on South’s teams and the Booster Club. It’s currently published every Saturday.
You don’t have to be a parent/guardian of student(s) on an athletic team to enjoy coverage and news about our school. NSHS Boosters’ mission is also to promote community and school spirit.
Once on this page, scroll down to the bottom and click the box next to “South Athletics Booster Club.”
Go Lions!
Welcome to Fall 2021!
Our athletic facilities are ready to receive 450 students on Monday!
Due to weather conditions, tryouts on Monday are subject to change. Please be on the lookout for emails from team coaches and or check the Athletics page for updates. Golf tryouts for Monday have been canceled and will now start Tuesday, August 24 at 7:30 AM at Newton Commonwealth Golf Course. In addition, Girls Volleyball tryouts have been rescheduled. Please see below for more details. The full tryout schedule for all Fall sports can be found here.
Our coaches are preparing to work with all of you in a safe and fun manner and we are excited that with precautions and safety procedures in place, we will be able to have a full season of play.
I want to share with you the following NPS Athletic Activities COVID protocols that were developed by the district’s central office and the athletic departments of both high schools with the guidance of the NPS Medical Advisory Group, Newton Health and Human Services, and NPS leadership teams.
This document is also posted on our Athletics website page for your convenience.
Your child’s coach also will send you the Fall 2021 Daily CV-19 Attendance Form for checking daily symptoms (Health Self-Assessment tool) ahead of their practices. The form is also posted on our athletic page for your convenience.
Please read the following carefully and let us know if you have questions.
Newton Public Schools High School Athletics
Covid Protocols
Practices and Games – Back to School 2021
The protocols for athletics at NPS High Schools will be consistent with the big ideas in the NPS 2021-22 Back to School Health and Safety Plan. As we know, the COVID landscape changes rapidly. The NPS Medical Advisory Group, Newton Health and Human Services, and NPS leadership teams will continually review newly available data to inform adjustments to health and safety protocols as needed. The high school athletic program is also subject to any guidelines developed by EEA, MIAA, and/or our athletic leagues. We expect these guidelines to change over the course of the year.
NPS encourages ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS AND STAFF to be vaccinated prior to the start of our athletics season.
Consistent with NPS 2021-22 Back to School Health and Safety Plan, everyone inside the building must be wearing a proper mask (not a gaiter) at all times. This includes athletes, coaches, officials, and when allowed, spectators. This applies at “home” and “away.”
Practice Protocols:
Pre-Practice:
NPS HS coaches will ask each player to complete the COVID self-assessment form noted below, by 12 PM on school days. (Time will be adjusted for pre-season and non-school days.) Click here for the online form.
Sharing food or drink is not allowed at this time (no cakes, cupcakes, pizza, fruits, seeds, etc)
NPS will be providing a multi-tiered testing process including routine (Weekly) COVID Pooled Testing: This protocol will be used for all individuals who opt-in to participate in the weekly COVID testing program. Testing will be conducted one time per week.
To start the year, NPS is currently exploring the requirement for students to either provide proof of vaccination or participation in the NPS weekly COVID testing protocol for participants in middle and high school interscholastic activities and extended theatre productions.
During Practice:
Team water bottles will not be provided as each athlete will be expected to bring their own water bottle
Team water coolers will be provided for each team’s practice space. Teams using the same practice facility are prohibited from using another team’s hydration area.
Post Practice
Equipment that is shared by the team has to be cleaned (using provided spray and paper towels) before it is put away. This is to be done by the team that uses it. Athletes can assist in cleaning when supervised appropriately by team coaches.
Students are encouraged to bring equipment home and clean it before your next practice when reasonable. Locker rooms may be used but will be supervised and distancing will be utilized where possible.
Sharing food or drink is not allowed at this time (no cakes, cupcakes, pizza, fruits, seeds etc.)
Game Protocols:
Transportation
Per guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the following health and safety protocols will be in place on all bus and van transportation in the Newton Public Schools:
Masks will be required on all Newton Public Schools transportation.
Windows will be open at all times unless not possible due to weather conditions.
Away Games:
Pre-game:
NPS HS coaches will ask each player to fill the COVID self-assessment form by 12 PM. (Time will be adjusted for pre-season and non-school days.)
Covid coaches and/or team coaches will review the self-assessment forms by 1pm, consult with the school nurse when necessary, and keep a student from traveling when appropriate. (Time will be adjusted for pre-season and non-school days.)
Team water bottles will not be provided as each athlete will be expected to bring their own water bottle
Team water coolers will be available prior to bus departure. It is the responsibility of the coaches/athletes to pick up and return water coolers from and to the athletic training room
Home Games: Back to School 2021
Pre-game:
NPS HS coaches will ask each player to fill the COVID self-assessment form by 12 PM. (Time will be adjusted for pre-season and non-school days.)
Covid coaches and/or team coaches will review the self-assessment forms by 1 pm, consult with the school nurse when necessary, and keep a student from playing in the game when appropriate.
NPS HS staff member or coach greets visiting team – directs them to the appropriate field as needed
Visiting team head coach is responsible for COVID-19 screening all of their team members and other coaches who will be in attendance.
NPS HS staff member greets refs; asks COVID-19 screening questions by NPS HS COVID coach or another staff member.
Team water bottles will not be provided as each athlete will be expected to bring their own water bottle.
Team water coolers will be available at the home sideline and available upon request to the away team.
Spectators:
Indoor Events:
Guidelines for indoor spectators will be developed before our first home regular-season games. Indoor spectator guidelines will be consistent with EEA, MIAA, and League guidelines as well as NPS guidelines for large gatherings.
Indoor games will be streamed live.
Indoor events include: Girls Volleyball, Unified Basketball, Cheer, Dance, Girls Swim and Dive
Outdoor events:
There are no limitations for spectators at this time. However, good health practices should be followed.
During the game:
NPS HS staff provide any in-game help as needed by refs/coaches/spectators.
Post-game:
NPS HS staff will ask those in attendance to leave as quickly as possible; assist the visiting team to their bus if necessary
The guidance regarding leaving quickly is not only to limit the possibility of Covid-19 close contact but also to maintain a positive relationship with the Newton community regarding the usage of Stadium lights
Game administrators will collect game sheets and pay sheets from referees.
One of the good things we learned through last years’ experience was that our families truly enjoyed the chance to see our games streamed. Numerous families shared with us the joy of sharing their children’s games with relatives close and far. Many grandparents were able to see their grandkids playing a sport for the first time! We will continue to stream live some of the games using indoor and outdoor cameras. The events are streamed through platforms like YouTube. Films of some sports are also exchanged with other schools are required by the MIAA.
Newton has contracted with HUDL to supply the cameras and to store recorded film. As a participant in Newton athletics, it is likely that you/your child will appear on recorded and/or live-streamed video.
Newton takes all reasonable precautions to protect privacy but makes no guarantees or representations regarding the use of your/your child’s appearance on the internet or other platforms by third parties.
Please review the Notification of Film Recording Form, sign in consent, and return it to your coach after teams are selected on August 30. Please reach out to the Athletic Office if you have questions. The form, linked above, is also available under Announcements on the Athletics page.
Due to changes in the coaching staff, the tryouts times for volleyball have been adjusted as follows:
| Date | Level | Time | Site |
| Thursday 8/26 | 9th | 11:00-1:00PM | Field House |
| 10th | 4:00-6:00 PM | Field House | |
| 11th-12th | 1:30-3:30 PM | Field House | |
| Friday 8/27 | 9th | 11:00-1:00PM | Field House |
| 10th | 4:00-6:00 PM | Field House | |
| 11th-12th | 1:30-3:30 PM | Field House | |
| Saturday 8/28 | 10th | 8:00-10:00 AM | Field House |
| 9th | 10:00 AM -12:00 PM | Field House | |
| 11th-12th | 1:30-3:30 PM | Field House | |
| Monday 8/30 | V | 12:00-2:00 PM | Gym B |
| Monday 8/30 | 9th | 10:00 AM 9th Grade workshop | Field House |
| 9th | 12:30 PM-2:30 PM | Gym B | |
| JV | 4:00-6:00 PM | Field House | |
| Tuesday 8/31 | V | 8:00-10:00 AM | Field House |
| Tuesday 8/31 | 9th | 10:00 -12:00 PM | Field House |
| JV | 4:00-6:00 PM | Field House |
Thursday, June 24
Boys Results:
Team Captain Jonathan Orelowitz, had a goal to better his school record-setting time? (4:18) from the DCL meet last week but had a little trouble holding on to the lead pack while they accelerated to the finish. Jonathan still smiled as he was awarded a 5th place medal for 4:20.06.
In the same race, Brett Miller wanted to be with his friend and teammate Jonathan, on the pace early on. He did his best for the day, placing 12th with a time of 4:25.33.
Eero Helenius?, also team captain, performed his duties of supporting his NS ?teammates in the pre-race warm-up and gave it his all in the highly contested 800M race. He placed 12th with a time of 1:57.39 settling just close to his existing personal record.
Girls results:
The 4X 800 team finished 5th with a time of 9.37.77. Running the relay on Thursday were Lily Bulczynski, Kaity Schaughesssy, Sofia Arboleda, and Amelia Everett.
Amelia Everett won the All-state title in the Mile with a time of 4.55.89
Saturday, June 26
Justin Levy ran a very close 400M race 48.91 which replaces the outdoor school record set by Mark Young 49.3 from 1966.
The 4×400 Relay team which included Justin, Eero Helenius, Thomas, and Peter Kamberidis crossed the finish line in 3:29.3 getting them an 8th place position as All-State contender?s.
Zezo Beshir should be proud of himself for his accomplishments today being the lone sophomore ?amongst the upper-classmen throwing the shot put at the All-state meet. He placed 13th place 47’9.5″.
South Boys team ranked 14th overall at the All-state meet while the Girls team finished 16th overall.
Congrats to South’s Track & Field Athletes!
Newton South Coach Steve McChesney will be honored as the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation National Coach of the year. This is a lifetime achievement award covering an entire career that started in Eugene, Oregon in 1980 and continues at Newton South.
Coach McChesney’s teams have over 1,000 dual meet wins and have finished 1st or 2nd 21 times in All-State meets as a team. Several of his athletes became individual state champions and many received all American honors.
Steve was part of the committee that started the Johnny Kelley Youth Races, providing student-athlete volunteers through the years. He has also hosted state relays and frosh/soph events. Steve is a track clinician and has earned the Oregon Coaches Association, MSTCA, National Federation for MA, and Boston Globe coach of the year nomination on several occasions.
The ceremony will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene on July 3rd at 3:30 PM, Pacific Time.
Congratulations Coach McChesney!
Boys Tennis:
The Boys tennis team finished their season at the North semifinals vs Acton-Boxborough. The team played a great match with a very close finish, falling to the Colonials 3-2.
Girls Tennis:
The Girls tennis team played their last match in the quarter-finals vs. Andover. Our team fought hard but couldn’t overcome a powerful opponent.
Boys Volleyball:
The Boys Volleyball team defeated Norwood in the semifinals by a score of 3-0. They traveled to Brookline where they faced a strong squad finishing their season last Wednesday.
Softball:
The softball team traveled to Arlington for its quarterfinal. The Spyponders grabbed the final inning and won 9-3.
Baseball:
South’s Baseball team played its first round of the tournament at Lexington. The squad will return with a young line up next season as it continues to rebuild the program.
Congratulations to all the South teams participating in post-season play.
Registration: Fall sports registration will open Thursday, July 1. You can find the FamilyID link on the Athletics page website.
ImPact Concussion Testing: Students starting 9th grade, Junior year or who are new to NSHS Athletics must complete the ImPact Concussion Test before starting sports in August. Information about the test is included in the registration form.
Physical Forms: Please note that students must have a physical on file dated no earlier than August 19, 2020 in order to try out.
First day for tryouts are as follows:
Football: August 20
Cheer, Field Hockey, Golf, Soccer, Girls Volleyball: August 23
Dance: August 24
Unified Basketball: September 13
Try-out schedule will be posted online after July 1st
The triumph of this year was to be able to fully participate amid uncertainty while creating a community that supported all of us. You learned from the experiences that this year brought. You found joy when it was hard to see it and together we celebrated the positive things in our lives. You lived our core values and treated all people with kindness and respect. You listened and showed responsibility by following difficult protocols to keep all of us safe. You became better teammates and created a positive and inclusive environment.
We are proud of our LIONS!
Have a great summer!
~Pat Gonzalez
Newton South scored 3rd place in Division 1 South behind Weymouth and Hingham respectively.
Friday, June 18
Mile: 2nd Jonathan Orelowitz, 3rd Brett Miller and 10th Will Lavey
8oo: 2nd Eero Helenius, 11th Garrett Jacunski and 12th Ryan Lee
2 Mile: 14th Ben Pistiner
Boys 4×800 Relay: 4th Place, Time: 8:25 Ryan Lee, Will Lavey, Garrett Jacunski, and Jonathan Orelowitz
Sunday, June 20
400M: 1st Place, Justin Levy, time 49.86
4×400 Relay: 1st Place, Thomas Kamberidis, Peter Kamberidis, Eero Helnius and Justin Levy, time 3:26.6
Shot Put: 2nd place, Zezo Beshir, distance: 50’7″. 9th place, Max Nelson, distance 45′ 7.25″
High Jump: 8th place, Brendan Weissel, 5’10”; Noah Taube-Perrotta , 5’8″
Other runners also contributed to the day:
12th Place in 200M Will Truncer ? 23.7
100M runners Sam Prudovsky 11.58, Matt Ikini 11.67
4x100M 44.9
The Girls track team will be represented this week by the 4×800 Division 1 North State champions and by miler Amelia Everett, Div 1 North Champion. Tonight the relay team finished 5th and Amelia win the All-State Mile race.
South Boys Volleyball player Jaidin Russell was named to the South District All-Star Team and Johnny Kim received South District Honorable Mention.
These players are invited to participate in the 7th Annual MassBHSVB (in partnership with the International Volleyball Hall of Fame and SLAM Volleyball Club) All-Star Game.
Players who were selected to an All-Star Team are invited to partake in the matches, while honorable mention selections are invited to attend (or fill in as subs, if needed). Players who take part in the match will need to bring whatever clothing/equipment (athletic wear, sneakers, etc.) they would need to play in a high school volleyball match.
The game will take place on Sunday, June 27th at 10 AM at SLAM Volleyball Club at 72 Jefferson St., Marlborough, MA. For those who would like to attend the event, admission is $7 for students and seniors, $10 for adults. Players are admitted for free.
