Category Archives: From the PTSO

Reminder Tonight 7PM – 9th Grade and New to South Parent/Guardian Webinar

Posted on October 8, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in For Freshmen, From the PTSO

Dear Parents/Guardians of Ninth Grade and New to South,

Reminder that the webinar is tonight at 7PM.  Your link and password to access the webinar was sent to families.  Please see the agenda for the webinar.  Thank you.

AGENDA:

Introductions

  • Principal Introduction (Mark Aronson)

  • PTSO Intro (May Chiu)

  • Deans Welcome & Counselors Introductions  (Deans, Counselors)

  • Developmental Message & Guidance Team Introduction (Dan Rubin)

    • Stacey Bishop – Adjustment Counselor/METCO Counselor

    • Katani Sumner – METCO Counselor/English co-teacher

    • Brian Deleskey – Prevention Intervention Counselor

    • Kathy Sabet – College and Career Counselor

    • Clinicians team at South: Sarah Gentile, Carly Edelstein, Kathleen Solage, Steve Feinberg, Tracey Murphy, Andrew Aspel

  • Special Education Welcome Message – (Melissa Gamble)

  • Student Affairs and Restorative Practices (Tori Parker)

  • Whole School Info by Deans

  • Q&A (time permitting)

Need Mentors for PTSO Mentoring/Family Connection Program

Posted on October 8, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in For Juniors, For Seniors, From the PTSO

The PTSO is launching our Mentoring/Family Connection Program for Students and Families to help build new connections in our school community.  

We need Mentors to match up with our Buddies – There’s no specific time commitment, just a willingness to help a new student or family make a connection at South.  We need Junior and Seniors, and Families willing to be a resource for other Families.

Click on the link below to sign up today! 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyJQ-YhGlEYlVIEgPeLijLOnfeFSKqN9Vcdj1jAGP9Er0ZPg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Please sign up by Tuesday, October 12 if you are interested in being a Mentor or Buddy.  After the sign up period, our coordinators will followup with an email to both Mentor/Buddy so they can connect.  We hope this program will help students find new connections and an opportunity for families to have local resources to navigate South and Newton.  

A Student Mentor should be a Junior or Senior at South who is willing to be a resource and can offer their support, knowledge and skills to help a student Buddy, who is new to South, a Freshman or Sophomore.   A Mentor Family would be willing to be a resource to support  1 or 2 families who are new to South, to Newton, to the US.  This is not a tutoring program.  It is a community building program to help form new connections.  There’s no structure to the connection – whatever works for the Mentor & Buddy.  

Questions?  Contact our coordinators, Tammy Tsikar and Rachel Zhang at connections@newtonsouthPTSO.org

Students Share Your Ideas

Posted on October 8, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO

Please remind your child(ren) to share their ideas with the PTSO.

The 2020-21 School year is not what anyone was expecting.  The Newton South Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) would like to hear what events/programs that students will find meaningful for in-person and virtual programs/events.  Please share your ideas with us by October 13th.    After this initial survey, the PTSO will assess which events/programs we can implement.  Visit the PTSO website anytime to share your ideas.

The PTSO plans to review the surveys in October, January and March to help us identify events/programs to implement.  We look forward to hearing about your ideas!   

Grade 9  Click to Share your Ideas 

Grade 10 Click to Share your Ideas 

Grade 11  Click to Share your Ideas

Grade 12 Click to Share your Ideas 

Any questions, please contact us at info@newtonsouthPTSO.org  Thank you.

Newton South Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ) Welcome Night – Monday, Oct 5 at 7PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Newton South Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ) Welcome Night – Monday, October 5, 7-8:30PM – Save the date and RSVP HERE!

Bring a friend!

The Zoom link will be sent on Monday, October 5 to your email after you RSVP.

Parents, Teachers, and Students – Please join us to:

* hear about Affinity Clubs at NSHS from our student leaders

* learn about steps NSHS is taking to promote antiracism from faculty and parents

* contribute your ideas about ways to create more connection and belonging at NSHS!

Newton South FORJ is a growing group of parents, guardians, teachers, students, and administrators at NSHS who work together to promote antiracist initiatives, inclusion of all families, and an atmosphere of safety, equity, and inclusion at South.

Questions? Email Amy or Cindy at amy@amybehrens.com or cindesli@gmail.com or Ms. Sumner at sumnerk@newton.k12.ma.us

Reminder Senior Committee Kick-Off – Tuesday, Oct 6 at 8PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Seniors, From the PTSO

Hello Senior Parents/Guardians,

As we start this unprecedented year with our Seniors, the PTSO is kicking off a meeting to discuss in-person and virtual ideas to make great memories for your Senior(s).  Please join us on Tuesday, October 6 from 8-9PM.

We would like to brainstorm some ideas and will be looking for parent volunteers to organize and support selected events/programs to further research or plan.

Topic: PTSO Senior Committee
Time: October 6, 2020, at 8:00PM Eastern Time 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85472514235?pwd=UjJBc1hDd2RXR2NLd1BWbkN6NlhPUT09

Meeting ID: 854 7251 4235
Passcode: NSHS2020

Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 854 7251 4235
Passcode: 381068
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcXXdILCwS

Flu Vaccine Clinics

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Newton’s Health and Human Services Department has initially scheduled two drive-through/walk-up, appointment-based, weekend flu clinics open to Newton residents and Newton Public Schools students and their families.

Registration is not yet open for these clinics. Online appointment registration will open by early next week at www.newtonma.gov/flu.

Adults and children older than 6 months may be vaccinated at these clinics. Some high-dose flu vaccine will be available for adults who are at least 65 years old. These clinics are free and health insurance information is requested, but not required. If you do not have a vehicle, you may walk-up to receive a vaccine.

Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Newton North High School (457 Walnut Street)

Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Newton South High School (140 Brandeis Road)

Additional dates may be added depending upon demand.

Appointments are required and may fill quickly. Alternatively, consider getting a flu shot at an another time and place; they are available in many locations, including primary healthcare provider offices, local pharmacies and urgent care clinics. A list of some additional options for flu shots can be found at newtonma.gov/flu.

Newton South Distance Learning Family Survey Coming Soon

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

During this past week, Newton South has surveyed students and teachers to obtain feedback and comments about distance learning.

A family survey will be coming out this week.  If you need to update your email information, please log in to your Aspen account here.  Thank you.

Ninth Grade and New to South Dean and Counselor Webinar – Thursday, Oct 8 at 7PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Freshmen, From the PTSO

Hello Families of Ninth Graders and Students New to South,

Below is the information you need to log in to the Ninth Grade/New to South Webinar to be hosted by your child’s deans and counselors on Thursday, October 8 from 7:00 to 8:30PM. You will be provided an overview of the roles of deans and counselors and lots of information will be shared about a variety of topics such as communication methods at the high school level, the function of the house system and much more. There will also be an opportunity for a moderated Q & A. We hope to see you then!

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Oct 8, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ninth Grade/New to South Webinar

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/84671701706
Passcode: 487055

Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,84671701706#,,,,,,0#,,487055#  or +16465588656,,84671701706#,,,,,,0#,,487055#

Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 9128  or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 846 7170 1706
Passcode: 487055
International numbers available: https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/u/kcbZdsOOHp

South Stage Parent Information Meeting – Tuesday, Oct 13 at 7:30PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO, South Arts

Is your student interested in participating in a South Stage production this year? Newton South’s innovative and highly professional theatre company offers great opportunities not only for actors, singers and dancers, but also for sound, sets, light, costume design and stage management. No previous experience is required – South Stage welcomes students from all grades and all skill levels to join our friendly, creative community.

Meet South Stage Director Jeff Knoedler and find out about this year’s production schedule, auditions, rehearsals and tech opportunities, as well as opportunities for parents to get involved. With three seasons of shows, students can audition or volunteer for one production or several, depending on their interest and availability.

For more information, visit www.southstage.org, or email southstageparents@gmail.com.

Parents who would like to learn more are invited to join us on Zoom on October 13 at 7:30PM. 

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 893 3959 0878 Passcode: NSHS

UNICEF Club Tie-Dye Mask Fundraiser for COVID-19 Relief

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Newton South UNICEF Club is selling tie-dye masks to fundraise for COVID-19 relief efforts.

Masks are $10 and are available in NSHS colors (blue+orange) or blue+purple.

Pickup in Newton Highlands or Auburndale, additional details on order form.

Order masks: bit.ly/masks4unicef