Category Archives: From the PTSO

AP Exam Update – Technology & Test Dates

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Juniors, For Seniors, From the PTSO

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 hammelb@newton.k12.ma.us. 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.

2021 MCAS Update for Grade 9, 10 and 11

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Please find the update on 2021 MCAS dates sent on Friday, March 19, 2021 from Vice Principal Christ Hardiman. 

MCAS Dates

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has given high schools a window of time to administer MCAS testing for current 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Exact days that each grade will be taking the tests at South will be determined once we have firm guidance on when/if high schools will be expected to offer full, in-person learning—as this information will depend on whether we will have students test by cohort, or by grade. For now, here are some general time frames that we are planning on:

1. ELA MCAS for grades 10, 11: May 3, 4, 6, and 7

2. Math MCAS for grades 10, 11: May 10, 11, 13 and 14

3. Science MCAS for grade 9: TBD but most likely in early June

We are also working on a schedule for those days for students that are NOT testing, including looking into the option of busing those students into school after the MCAS for synchronous classes. We realize that the above schedule constitutes A LOT of testing time, with less class learning time (because we need so many teachers and staff available to proctor these tests) but please know that we are beholden to the state requirements, including the fact that two grades need to take MCAS this year, not just 10th grade.

We will update you with exact dates and schedules for this whole MCAS period as soon as we are able to.

Time to Order Caps & Gowns for Graduation!

Posted on March 21, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in For Seniors, From the PTSO

Hello Families of the CLASS OF 2021!

Save-the-Date June 10, 2021.  Time and schedule will be announced by South as soon as they are available.

IT’S TIME TO ORDER  YOUR CAP & GOWN FOR GRADUATION!  All orders must be received by APRIL 16, 2021.   If you have any questions, please contact Julie Stonehill at stonehillj@newton.k12.ma.us

Please see this Memo for detailed order instructions. and deadlines.

  1. You must create a MySchoolBucks account if you do not have one already, to complete the order form and payment. See MySchoolBucks instructions here.
  2. Download and complete the South CapGown Measurement Form.

IF YOU DO NOT NEED A CAP AND GOWN FOR ANY REASON, please let Mrs. Stonehill know as soon as possible at stonehillj@newton.k12.ma.us

Order Forms must be returned by April 16, 2021. 

  • Forms and receipts can be dropped off at school for those students who are attending in-person.
  • All other student forms should be mailed in to be received by April 16, 2021 to:

Julie Stonehill
Goldrick House
Newton South High School
140 Brandeis Road
Newton Centre, MA 02459

 

Tues, Mar 16 at 5:45PM Parent Session to Meet Principal Search Finalist

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

March 10, 2021

Dear Newton South Community:

Two weeks ago, the Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) consisting of educators, parents/guardians and students interviewed candidates for the principal position. After thoughtful deliberations, the SAC recommended candidates to be semi-finalists. Last week, the semi-finalist candidates interviewed with district and Newton South administrators as well as the Newton North principal. Candidates were asked to share their observations from classroom visits and reflect on a range of educational and leadership issues and scenarios. 

After deliberating on the semi-finalist interviews and consulting with the SAC, I am delighted to let you know that we have a finalist for the principal position. Our finalist candidate is Tamara Stras who is currently an assistant principal at Haverhill High School. Previously, Tammy was the science department head at Lawrence High School where she also served as acting assistant principal. She was also a science teacher in Lawrence where she taught AP and other levels of Biology and Chemistry. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Zoology from St Xavier’s College (Mumbai, India), and a master’s degree from Boston College in secondary education with a concentration in Biology. Tammy is currently a fellow at the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College.

The final step in this process is for Tammy to spend a full day at Newton South. Next Tuesday, March 16, she will have the opportunity to meet with a range of stakeholders in the community throughout the day, including faculty and staff, parents/guardians, students and Newton district and South administrators. We are offering an open meeting for South families to meet the candidate at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16.  The link for the meeting is here:   https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/86899602489. Passcode: south

Those who attend the session will have the opportunity to hear about Tammy’s vision for the school and to ask questions. While we only have one finalist at this time, the candidate will be measured against the same high standards that we have for all the principal candidates in Newton. Please know that we have had just one finalist in several of our recent principal searches. 

We hope you can join us on March 16 at 5:45 p.m.  

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Superintendent of Schools

Sign up to Support Staff Appreciation March 24

Posted on March 13, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO

STAFF APPRECIATION MARCH 24th

Our teachers will have a full day of professional training on Wednesday, March 24th. Please help us show our support of the staff at Newton South by donating to the staff appreciation luncheon. We will be serving a great selection of sandwiches, and are asking families to contribute additional items to round out the menu.  In keeping with COVID protocols, we request that all items be individually wrapped. We also need a couple of volunteers to help set up for the event (approximate time between 11 am and noon).

Items may be dropped off in the cafeteria any time from 7.45 am-11 am on March 24th.  Please drop the coffee off by 7.45 am, so the staff members can enjoy a cup of coffee to start their day.

Please use the link below to sign-up to contribute to this event.
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/575097752050/false#/invitation

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
tammyboem@gmail.com (Tammy  Tsikar)
ilanasteel@gmail.com  (Ilana Steel)

Thank you in advance for your support!

PTSO Hosts Speaker on Power of Gratitude: March 31 at 7 PM

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

March 31st – 7:00 to 8:00 pm:  Author Nancy Davis Kho presents on the power of gratitude

The PTSO is excited to host Nancy Davis Kho, author of  THE THANK-YOU PROJECT: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a Time .  Both parents and students are invited to join this interactive discussion about the unexpected power and lasting benefits of thanking those who helped, shaped, and inspired them. This is not a tutorial on how to write a thank-you note.  With humor and compassion, Nancy invites her audience to remember and acknowledge those who have helped them in their lives. You can read more about Nancy’s work and the science of gratitude in this recent New York Times article.

In addition to being an author, Nancy talks about “the years between being hip and breaking one” on her Midlife Mixtape Podcast, which The Wall Street Journal named in 2019 as one of the 8 Top Podcasts for Anyone Nervously Facing Retirement.

For more information about the event, please contact PTSO Programming Coordinators, Paula Ito  or Julie Irish

Topic: Gratitude  Speaker Event
Time: Mar 31, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82627310277?pwd=Q2ppSE1XOUh0ME1yTmJQZTlDQ292QT09

Meeting ID: 826 2731 0277
Passcode: Thanks

Committee Chairs Wanted! Help our Seniors Celebrate Prom, SouthFest & More

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Thank you to all the parents who helped generate ideas and researching outdoor venues this past week.  Class officers and advisors have agreed that have an outdoor venue at Newton South provides the most flexibility and gathering capacity.  The date is expected to be Sunday, June 6.   Prom will be a traditional formal event, followed by the after-party SouthFest.

As we move forward with planning to support the 2021 Prom and SouthFest, the PTSO is looking for parent volunteers to coordinate the events.  It’s going to take a village to help celebrate the Class of 2021.  Get involved and help our Seniors make some amazing memories.  Parents from all grades are welcome to help celebrate our Seniors.  Kick-off planning meeting will be Monday, March 22, 2021, time TBD.

Please contact May at info@newtonsouthPTSO.org  by March 19th if you are interested in co-chairing any of these SouthFest committees:

  • 21-Day Countdown event on May 20 (ribbon cutting ceremony with DD truck or food truck for lunch for Seniors at South)
  • Tent Decoration (traditional formal Prom theme)
  • Registration and check-in process for Prom and SouthFest (Eventbrite)
  • Volunteers for day of event (create signups for activities, chaperones, etc)

We have committee chairs for the following areas.  There will be many opportunities to support these committees in the coming weeks.

  • SouthFest Food – snacks, desserts
  • Rental Tents, lights, tables/chairs
  • SouthFest Entertainment activities (options may include mini golf, laser tag, carnival games, corn hole, spike ball)

Lastly, we need co-chairs to manage Graduation Yard Signs.  Tthe PTSO will be providing a yard sign for every senior family in June.  We need a parent coordinator to manage this effort that involves the distribution of signs,  and organizing displaying the signs down on Commonwealth Avenue starting at Lowell Ave – vendor identified.

2021-22 Course Registration Update

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

The teacher window for entering course recommendations for students in Aspen will begin on Monday, 3/15 and we anticipate it will continue through Wednesday, 3/24, with the tentative date that students will be able to access Aspen for choosing electives on Thursday, 3/25. At that time, counselors will also begin meeting with students to discuss the recommendations and offer guidance and advice on a balanced course load.

Our Program of Studies editing and graphics team is working hard to try to complete the POS and post it onto the South website by the end of next week or early in the week of 3/22. The registration process details, including instructions on how students choose electives on Aspen, will also be shared with students and families at that time.

Cisco Summer Externship for 2021

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Juniors, For Seniors, From the PTSO

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 4th.

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 stfriede@cisco.com

Cisco High brochure_summer 2021[68]

UNESCO Program Virtual Information Meeting: March 16 & 17

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Freshmen, For Juniors, For Sophomores, From the PTSO

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

Zoom Link: https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/83667560104 Passcode: dogao2021

UNESCO 2022 – Information Meeting Flyer