The latest announcements from the Principal, PTSO, and NPS...

Mock Trial Kick Off Mtg: Wed Sept 15 7pm

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Mock Trial Kick Off Meeting
Wednesday, September 15
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Newton South Room 1204
For more info contact: Mr. Loynd
Theodore Loynd [email protected]

Newtones Acapella Info Meetings 9/14 & 9/17. Auditions 9/20-9/22

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO
NEWTONES ACAPELLA INFO MEETINGS & AUDITONS
Do you like to SING or BEATBOX? Audition for Newtones Acapella! We are Newton South’s student-run Acapella group, and auditions are right around the corner! Informational meetings are scheduled for this week so don’t miss out! Go to an info meeting and then sign up for an audition here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0d44aead2aa0ffc61-newtones1

Speech and Debate Team Info Sessions: 9/13 and 9/14 at 7PM

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Newton South Speech and Debate Team Information Sessions:
Monday September 13 and Tuesday September 14 at 7PM

Debate teaches impactful skills such as critical thinking, effective research, argument development, all of which help students grow into powerful advocates, which is especially important during these times. It’s a wonderful community of people who mix passion with intellectualism—people who will change the world. 

Integrating into Newton South can be difficult for freshmen, but with debate practices, tournaments, and team bonding opportunities, joining the debate team is a great way to be part of a close-knit community. Through our mentorship program, each novice is thoughtfully paired with an upperclassman debater who guides them through the activity and high school.

On Monday (9/13) at 7PM, there will be a demo debate on whether or not the United States should adopt Medicare-for-All. If your child is interested in public speaking, learning about interesting topics, or argumentation, this is the place to be!

On Tuesday  (9/14) at 7PM, there will be demonstrations of different speech events. Examples of speech events are Dramatic Performance, Informative Speaking, and Poetry Reading.

If you think your child might be interested in joining the Speech and Debate team, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Y3derqheYb5wBb3E9

For more information, don’t hesitate to send an email to @[email protected] or check out our website: https://southspeech.weebly.com/ 

Here’s the Zoom information for both meetings (you have to be signed into your Newton email account to join the meeting):

https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/89414190551?pwd=UmtQWTdVQ1pxV3pQL1BpT1l0T2pOQT09
Meeting ID: 894 1419 0551
Password: nshs

From the Athletic Director

Posted on September 9, 2021 by Teri Ginsburg in Athletics

Vaccination Requirements-Testing

The NPS School Committee is requiring that student-athletes and students involved in extracurricular theater be fully vaccinated or participate in weekly surveillance testing. (We strongly encourage that you do both!)

Please read this important information from our Vice-Principal.

To provide proof of vaccination, students must log in to their NPS Google account and use the NPS Student Vaccination Confirmation Form to upload a photo of their vaccination card. Students must be logged into their NPS Google account to use this form, allowing NPS to easily connect their response with their last name. Please have each student in a family log in separately or on their school-assigned device to complete the form.

Students are also required to check symptoms daily before attending practices by using the Fall 2021 Daily CV-19 Attendance Form regardless of vaccination status.

Vaccination information:

Evidence continues to show that the vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection, hospitalizations, and death.

Still not vaccinated? Attend a Clinic!

NPS is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics in September and October for people 12 and older at two sites, Newton North and Newton South High Schools. (The time and dates are the same for both locations)

Saturday, Sept. 11, 8:00 a.m. to noon and Saturday, Oct. 2, 8:00 a.m. to noon

Newton South Sign Up Link: https://tinyurl.com/NEWTONSOUTHVAX

Newton North Sign Up Link: https://tinyurl.com/NEWTONNORTHVAX

Vaccines are also readily available at pharmacies including Keyes Drug in Auburndale, Union Pharmacy in Newton Centre, CVS and Walgreens, and at other locations in Newton and across the state. Find a location at mass.gov.

In addition to the health benefits to individuals and the community, fully vaccinated students will experience fewer quarantine/testing requirements in NPS Schools.

NPS COVID Protocols for Athletics and Extended Theater Productions

You can find the NPS protocols here. Please review them with your student-athlete as soon as possible.

Indoor masks: Indoor mask use is required of all athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators. Gaitors are not allowed in NPS.

Spectators: This season two (2) family members per player will be allowed to attend the indoor competitions. There is no limitation for outdoor spectators at this time.

Locker rooms: Locker rooms will only be used to change into gear. A limited number of students will use the space at the same time and distancing must be maintained. No equipment nor clothes will be left in the locker rooms. As during last year the student gym bag is their locker.

Food: Sharing food or drinks is not allowed at this time (no cakes, cupcakes, pizza, fruits, seeds, etc.)

Transportation: Per state mandate, students must wear a properly fitting face mask while riding the bus. In addition, windows must be kept open and proper distance maintained.

From the Vice Principal – Schedules and Chromebook Reminders

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Please click here for the full letter including the following:

  • Full year schedules posted on Aspen
  • Chromebook Agreement Form (for Grade 9 and transfer students)
  • Student Schedule Frequently Asked Questions

9th Grade Parent/Guardian Meet & Greets

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Thank you to all of our parent hosts: Allison Lopez, Kim Sprunk, Jessica Rhein, Jane Curry, and Sarah Dupre-Healy. These sessions were well attended and helped answer many of our questions. Thank you to our Principal Tamii Stras, Vice Principal Jason Williams, Dean Marc Banks (Goldbrick House), Dean Meaghan Martin (Wheeler House), Dean Josepha Blocker (Cutler House), Dean Charlie Myette (Goodwin House), Special Education Department Chair Melissa Gamble, and METCO Counselor Katani Sumner for taking time out of their incredibly busy schedules to help us navigate this new world!

Click here to see the ZOOM night

Click here our FAQ from the Evenings and Virtual Event

Bus Passes Now Available on Aspen

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Aparna Singamsetty in From the PTSO

Bus Passes can now be downloaded from Aspen. All bus passes contain a seat assignment. Please make sure your student knows their seat assignment. Please do not board a bus without a bus pass and a seat assignment. If you have any questions, please contact the NPS transportation department at:

617-559-9051

[email protected]

Here are the instructions for downloading the pass:

1) Log into Aspen : https://aspen.newton.k12.ma.us/

2) Click on Family Tab at the top

3) Click on Child’s Name

4) Click on Documents Side Tab

5) Look for and download Bus Pass 2021-2022 document

Secondary students with a smartphone can download or display a screenshot of the bus pass on their devices.

Some bus routes may have been updated or changed for the 2021-22 school year. Be sure to review your bus route on our NPS Bus Stops and Schedules Webpage.

Thank You for the Teacher Appreciation Donations!

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Thank you to all the parents who donated to the Teacher Appreciation luncheon on September 2. There will be more opportunities to donate and volunteer thought the year. Stay Tuned! A huge THANK YOU to Ilana Steel for coordinating the donations, delivery, and set up. The event was enjoyed by all!

Where do the PTSO Dollars Go?

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO
We are almost half way to our goal. Support PTSO programs and events with our annual Fundraiser of $70 per family. Please click here to donate by credit card or check.

Global Education Leadership Fund (GELF)

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Remember the exotic exchange programs at your high school? French Club ’s adventure in Paris where everyone came back with Toblerone and a beret? People with different accents roaming the halls? I do!

We are looking for 4 Newton South parents to join an existing board to help fundraise for GELF.  GELF is a fantastic scholarship fund that provides scholarships to low-income students at Newton North or South to participate in life-changing international educational travel opportunities. GELF opens doors and changes lives. Although COVID may restrict travel currently we have an eye toward Spring 2022 and beyond.

We would love parents passionate about exchange programs and a little experience with fundraising a plus. The GELF Committee has 4 Newton North parents  on the board and a treasurer. Meetings are quarterly or as needed and typically are scheduled 4-5:30. The first meeting is mid September..

Please contact Michelle Wetlaufer or Star Lew if you are interested in this amazing opportunity!