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. There are openings for 2 PTSO co-Presidents and several committee co-chairs.

In these roles you will partner closely with South’s new principal and the administrative team to ensure successful PTSO programs and events. These programs support our faculty, staff and students and enrich the high school experience. After this difficult year, these programs will be more important than ever.

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

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

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.

New South students are welcome and encouraged to join the “New to South Club” the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month, during flex block. Meet other new, transfer, and international students and also talk to current South students. For more information, contact Reghan Harrild at reghan@gmail.com

A global pandemic, a civil rights crisis, and a divided country. We’re trapped in quarantine, isolated from our friends. So many of us feel like we’re gasping for air.

Newton South Girls Volleyball Preseason Meeting – Mon Feb 8th at 7PM

Date: Monday, February 8
Time: 7:00pm (will last about 30-45 minutes)
Zoom Meeting Link: https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/97060943415

Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/nshsgirlsvolleyball/?hl=en, NSHS Girls Volleyball, managed by our co-captain, Maddie Xerras.

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: rubind@newton.k12.ma.us  

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  community@newton.k12.ma.us 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 info@newtonsouthPTSO.org 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