Dear NPS Families,

Next week, the Newton Public Schools will launch free weekly COVID-19 testing for all students and staff. The testing will be phased in, beginning with all staff and all high school students the week of March 1st. You will find a timeline below for phasing in students at all school levels.

The district has partnered with JCM Analytics to conduct the testing. Tests are “pooled” together to increase the number of students that can be tested at one time and reduce costs. JCM uses a shallow nasal swab test to collect the sample. Test kits will be distributed at school to be taken home by students. The sample will then be obtained at home and returned to school to be sent to the lab for testing. Test results will be returned within 48 hours. You will only be notified if your student’s test results are positive or if your student is deemed to be a close contact of a positive case.

Detailed information on this COVID-19 testing program can be found in this Frequently Asked Questions document.

You can also visit our webpage at https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/3826 for details on sample collection and testing process.

This testing is VOLUNTARY and there is no requirement to participate. 

Should you wish for your student to participate, please complete the consent form as soon as possible. The consent form can be found in the Aspen Family/Student Portal. Instructions for finding and completing the consent form can be found here. Translated consent forms and paper consent forms are available from your student’s school.

PLEASE NOTE: if you previously completed a consent form for the Abbott Binax NOW symptomatic testing via the Project Beacon website, you MUST complete this new consent form.

If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 Pool Testing Program please email the district at community@newton.k12.ma.us.

TIMELINE for Testing Roll Out

Week of March 1

Testing for all NPS staff in buildings or at the Education Center. Test kits distributed to high school students who have opted-in. (more information will be sent to HS families from building principals)

Week of March 8

Testing begins for high school students who have opted-in.

Week of March 22

Testing begins for Pre-K and elementary students who have opted-in.

Week of April 12: Testing begins for middle school students who have opted-in.

If you need this information translated, please copy and paste it into Google Translate. The link to Google translate is http://translate.google.com/

Hello Parents/Guardians!

Though we are all hopeful for the COVID vaccine and herd immunity, we will need to wait for State guidelines on school events and gatherings to determine what the PTSO could organize this year for SouthFest, a celebration for Seniors in early June.  Families from all  grades get involved to create a memorable occasion for each graduating class.  SouthFest is a PTSO event, organized and staffed by parent volunteers.

Prior to COVID-19, SouthFest is the annual Newton South High School party that brings all Seniors together after the Prom at the school (regardless if they attended Prom) in June.   Newton South families and community organizations work together to create a safe and fun event that brings the graduating class together. There is a different theme every year for SouthFest, the school is transformed to evoke that theme, and the stage is set for an exciting party. There are games, prizes, a casino, entertainment, food, surprises and fun.

This year, we are hopeful to create some celebration can take place.  COVID-19 will still be present and we need to rethink SouthFest.   Please join us and bring your ideas.

Topic: Rethinking SouthFest
Time: Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021  at 7:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82493007375?pwd=d0ZkL2E4VjNPZkVtL3lzTDBRWXU3QT09

Meeting ID: 824 9300 7375
Passcode: 2021

Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 824 9300 7375
Passcode: 2021
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kjrpV4RmM

Parents, if you’re passionate about making Newton South a great community for our students, consider taking on a role in the PTSO next year.

The following PTSO leadership roles are currently available for 2021-2022:

• Member for the Grants Committee (meet 3 times a year, minimal commitment – high impact)
• co-chairs for Freshman Orientation (opportunity for incoming parents – help organize welcome sessions before school starts)
• Newsletter Editors (work behind the scene only, be the first to know what’s happening)
• Liaison for Newton SEPAC

Last, but not least, the PTSO needs 2 volunteers to be co-Presidents.   Work with current President this Spring and get to know the administration and committee chairs.

Next year seems far away, but planning has already begun and the transition of roles will start this spring.  Please email current PTSO President May Chiu at info@newtonsouthPTSO.org to further explore these available opportunities.

Mask Drive for Domestic Violence Survivors

Donate reusable and washable masks to help survivors of domestic abuse stay safe during the pandemic!

Purple collection box outside the main office until March 1st. Questions/more info: Domestic Violence Awareness Club President Kate Butts (k8bisgr8@gmail.com) or club Instagram page: @dvaclubnshs

DVA Mask Drive Poster

NSHS Boys lacrosse will be holding a meeting for interested players on March 3 during Flex Block.  Zoom link to be provided.  Contact Varsity Coach: Matt Briggs for more information.

NSHS Softball will be holding a meeting for interested players on Feb 24 during Flex Block.  Room to be announced for those in school and zoom link to be provided.  Contact Varsity Coach: Jesus Rodriguez or JV Coach: David Goose for more information.  Link to softball is: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/1922