Newton Inspires speaker series—notable Newtonians sharing their passions with the community.  Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 p.m. (Zoom link active at 6:55 p.m.)

Have a passion for the theatre? Join Newton Schools Foundation for a colorful conversation about performing and producing during “normal” times and Covid times with Newton South and Newton North performing arts alums Zachary Baer, producer of live and digital entertainment; Skylar Fox, director, playwright and theatrical designer; Tess Primack, actress and founder of Broadway from Home; and Ryan Vona, actor and singer-songwriter. Special guest Adam Brown, director of Theatre Ink at NNHS, will moderate.

Registration link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ktA3WVt6QhCZ2yOUxAk6HQ

Website link: https://newtonschoolsfoundation.org/newton-inspires/

Please find the GPA Findings and Decisions from the NPS High School GPA Committee from January 15, 2021 email.

GPA Findings and Summary Decisions from the South/North GPA Committee  

For any questions about GPA and the decisions made by both South and North, please contact Director of Guidance, Dan Rubin: [email protected]  

On January 25, NPS sent emails to all enrolled families on completing a Rapid Test Consent Form for students.

• Click for the instructions
• Click for the consent form.

Please email  [email protected] if you have additional questions.

Message from the Superintendent on January 27, 2021.

Dear NPS Families,

I write to you with a few updates on our operations for this year, as well as our planning for next year.

COVID-19 Testing

The testing working group continues their work to expand and enhance COVID-19 testing in the Newton Public Schools. Our first step is to expand our voluntary testing program for staff. Beginning next week, all staff participants will have access to testing once a week.

The group is also working quickly to identify the best testing solutions moving forward for a district of our size and complexity. Their work currently is focused on analyzing surveillance testing for both students and staff and they expect to provide a recommendation by February 8th.

Planning for the 2021-22 School Year

On Monday night at the School Committee meeting, I announced the formation of a planning group for the 2021-22 school year. The goal of this group is to develop a comprehensive plan for a full reopening of the Newton Public Schools in the 2021-22 school year.  Members of the group will include administrators, teachers, staff, and family representatives. It also includes an ad hoc medical advisory team to provide guidance on health and safety in our school buildings. You can find more information in this presentation. With a vaccine on the horizon, this team will also examine the possibility for additional in-person learning opportunities for the current school year. Please be assured their work will be communicated regularly to the community through multiple channels.

Calendar for the 2021-22 School Year

On Monday night, the School Committee reviewed the calendar for the 2021-22 school year. The calendar shows a late start date and a late end date for our school year next year. Newton is one of the few districts in which the first day of school is written into the teachers contract and therefore, any changes must be bargained. In our case, the first day of school for students is the day after Labor Day. However, this year, the day after Labor Day is the first day of Rosh Hashanah, a day in which school is not in session.

The NTA declined our request to make a one time exception to this provision and start the school year prior to Labor Day. As a result, the first day of school for the 2020-21 school year will be Thursday, September 9. This start date will also avoid starting school on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, which we know is observed by some of our staff and families. This means the last day for students will be June 22 with no snow days and June 29 with 5 snow days.

We are excited to begin looking forward to the 2021-22 school year and feel confident that thoughtful planning will allow a full return to school. While we recognize there are still many unknowns related to this pandemic, we believe the team members and advisory groups will guide us in a positive direction.

Sincerely,
David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

Even with snow on the ground, we know spring and COVID vaccine is around the corner.   As we start planning for the next school year in the coming months, we ask that those of you who are new to South consider getting involved.  There are many opportunities to get to know the school better, and to find new ways to support our students, faculty and a new Principal.

The PTSO will need new leadership and many volunteers for the following positions and would begin transition this Spring.

• 2  co-Presidents
• 2  co-chairs for Staff appreciation
• 2 members for the Grants Committee
• 2 co-chairs for Freshman Orientation
• 3 Newsletter Editors (work behind the scene only)

Please email May Chiu at [email protected] to further explore what might work for you.

NEWTON SOUTH’S BOOSTER CLUB INFO NIGHT – JOIN US!
Wednesday, January 27th at 7PM

With winter sports underway, spring around the corner and a fresh new year ahead, we’re rebooting Newton South’s Booster Club.  Join us by Zoom to learn about how you can get involved — we need you!  Help us think creatively on how we can best support ALL NSHS athletes and the broader South student community now and in the future.

Newton South Boosters Club – Informational Zoom Meeting
Time: Jan 27, 2021, at 7:00 PM

Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 863 9298 8442
Passcode: 409872
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kepIZKBjTQ

Can’t make it? Sign up anyway and we’ll follow up with you.

We look forward to seeing you!
~ Teri Ginsburg, NSHS Boosters Club

NSHS Principal Search is underway! Take this opportunity to have your voice heard regarding what’s important in the selection of a new principal for South. Please click to take the survey today! 

We have 2 parent volunteers from South on the SAC.  The survey feedback will provide input to all the SAC members interviewing the candidates. There will also be future forums with semi-finalists in early March with South students, faculty and parents.

Below is the email update sent by Superintendent Fleishman on January 13, 2021 to South Families regarding the Newton South Principal search process.

Dear South Families,

As you are aware, Mark Aronson is serving as Interim Principal for the school year, and will be leaving in June. I am grateful for Mark’s dedication and commitment during this very challenging year. I know Mark will do everything possible to support the school through the end of the school year.

Selecting a principal is one of the most critical decisions made by a superintendent. Principals are expected to provide excellent educational leadership, establish a positive school culture, and manage the daily operations of the building. We have formed a Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) that includes administrators, faculty, students and parents/guardians. The SAC will conduct first-round interviews and recommend semi-finalists.

Parents and guardians will have the chance to meet the finalist candidates when they visit Newton South. We are also interested in getting your feedback on a series of questions as we begin the principal search https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QDC6ZLK.

While this has indeed been a most difficult year, we are excited about the opportunity to hire a new leader for Newton South, and I look forward to working with the South community as we embark upon this important task.

Sincerely,
David Fleishman
Superintendent of Newton Public Schools

Hello Newton South Families,

We really enjoyed meeting with many of our students on Monday for an optional informational session on hyflex.  If your Newton South student was unable to attend, we would highly recommend that they view the slides and/or listen to the session recording prior to coming into the building. You may also find it valuable to watch this presentation alongside them to find out more about our HyFlex safety precautions and to get a sense of what your student’s day will be like.

We are also holding an optional Student Q & A Session during lunch on Monday, January 25, from 12:20 – 12:55; your student may also find it helpful to attend this. All students can get the Zoom link for this in their Schoology calendars. As always, we welcome one-on-one conversations with any of our students whenever they would be helpful. Please encourage them to reach out!

We are so excited to begin this next chapter with your child!

All the best,

Marc Banks, Goldrick House Dean
Josepha Blocker, Cutler House Dean
Meaghan Martin, Wheeler House Dean
Charlie Myette, Goodwin House Dean