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

NSHS, Music Announcement – POPS

Dear Music Families and Friends:

Please save the date of Wednesday May 26 , 2021 (rain date Thursday May 27) for an outdoor Pops Concert, “Under White Tent”, starting at 5:30pm.  After a year of reinvention and resilience, the Pops concert will be a time to reflect and celebrate.  We hope that you can join us!

Given that COVID related restrictions still apply, some parts of the event will look differently than in the past, but the music will still be wonderful.  For easy reference, I will highlight the main points below.

Concert Date, Time & Locations:  Wednesday, May 26th at 5:30pm.  Under the white tent (outside of Goodwin House).

  • Due to covid restrictions, limited sightlines and sound system limitations, we ask that priority seating be given to the performers’ family and friends.  For example, at 5:30pm, orchestra fans should sit up front and then give their spots to the chorus fans at 6pm.  We welcome you to stay for as much of the concert as the audience size restrictions allow.
  • No Food will be provided by the school.  If you choose to bring a picnic, the guidance asks that you stay seated, 6′ away from other guests.
  • Much like any other outdoor concert, we ask that you bring your own blanket or lawn chair for seating.
  • Donations help us to provide access to festivals and other enrichment events.  Donations are not required to attend the concert, however, if you are in a position to support our programming, donation instructions are here.
  • Concert Order and timing estimates:
  • 5:30pm – Orchestra
  • 6:00pm – Choruses
  • 6:30pm – Symphonic Band
  • 7:00pm – Awards
  • 7:15pm – Lab Jazz
  • 7:30pm Jazz Improv (1-4)
  • 8:00pm – Jazz Combo
  • 8:20pm – Jazz Ensemble

We look forward to you joining us!

Class of 2021 End of Year Activities

Seniors and Families,

Here is the 5/21 end of the year activities updates for the class of 2021.

Class of 2021 End of Year Updates

Graduation Survey and Registration

A reminder to all students and families that graduation is Thursday, June 10th with a rain date of Friday, June 11th. 

*Based on Governor Baker’s recent COVID space restriction updates, we are now awaiting final guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on whether we can move to ONE graduation ceremony. We are optimistic that we will be able to have one outdoor ceremony for ALL graduates at the same time with a target starting time of 5:00pm. For planning purposes, while in a typical year the ceremony usually lasts two hours, we anticipate that it will be shorter, with an approximate end time between 6:30 and 6:45pm. More to*

Whether we have one or two ceremonies, we still need every senior to fill out a Graduation Registration/Ticket Form and given space restrictions in our stadium, we still have a limit of 4 guests per graduate. 

 Please carefully read the directions in the form and make note of the following:

  • Only senior students may fill out the form using their NPS accounts
  • The deadline to fill out the form is the end of the day on Friday, May 28th (so that we have plenty of time in advance to plan for seating arrangements, etc.)
  • The form IS editable right up until graduation day if you need to change anything or add a guest
  • Seniors will receive a graduation ticket at Senior Check-out (see below) as a memento. Otherwise, there will be no paper tickets distributed to guests as we need to have a quick and easy entrance and exit system. Instead, the google registration form above filled out by seniors will confirm for us which four guests will be coming to graduation 

Yearbooks, Monday, May 24th 

Yearbooks will be available for pickup and ordering on Monday, May 24th in the Faculty Dining Room during all lunches (10:45am to 1:00pm).

Please contact English Department head, Brian Baron with any yearbook related questions: [email protected]

Books/Materials Return (ongoing through 5/28)

In Person Students:

Books from past years

  • Drop off at house offices
  • Drop off in box in front of the school

Books from this year

  • Return in class

Uniforms

  • Return to Athletics

Remote Students:

Books – From past and present years

  • Drop off in box in front lobby of the school M-F between 8:00am and 3:00pm

Uniforms

  • Return to Athletics during Flex or after schoo

Chromebooks, Friday, May 28th

All NPS Chromebooks AND chargers that have been checked out to Seniors need to be returned. If any Senior has their own device and is NOT using their NPS-issued Chromebook, please return it to the main office window (in the front lobby) anytime from Monday, May 24th through Thursday, May 27th from 8:00am to 3:00pm. 

For students that still need to use their NPS Chromebook until the last day on Friday, May 28th, here is the schedule for collection on 5/28:

Distance Seniors: Bring your Chromebook to the auditorium lobby, entering through the auditorium door anytime between 8:00 – 9:00am OR during Flex Block

In-person seniors: Report to the auditorium lobby during the assigned time below depending on your last name. If you have a class during the time you are to report, no problem. You can work with your teacher to come at a time within the block period that works best for both of you…and the process of returning the Chromebook should only take 5 or 10 minutes. 

Block Time Last Name
E Block 9:15 – 10:35 A-D
F Block 10:45 – 11:50  E-K
F Block 11:50 – 12:55 L-P
G Block  1:05 – 2:25 Q-Z

Below is a list of damages that we will be checking for. Please note that when you return your Chromebook you must also return a charger.  It does not have to be the original charger that came with the device, just any 45 watt USB-C charger (for example, (Lenovo 300E 45W Charger). Any Chromebooks returned without a charger will be asked to pay for a replacement. Thanks for your cooperation!

Part Broken/Missing Fee
Screen $174
Keyboard $88
Charger $30
  1. Senior Check-out, Tuesday, 6/1   *ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY* 

 

(While we REALLY need every senior to attend this event in order to clear obligations, if you can’t attend for whatever reason, please contact your dean ASAP to make alternative arrangements!)

From 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Field House 

Enter via Brandeis Rd. Field House Doors

Exit via Field House Loading Dock Doors

Required at Check-Out  (If you haven’t already completed any of these steps previously)

  • Clearing remaining obligations, including all books
  • Complete post-graduation survey on Naviance
  • Chromebook return
  • Pick up caps and gowns and cumulative folders
  • Cap Decoration Form
  • Online Guest Form for Graduation
  • Recording of your name for the graduation reader (shared previously with seniors by house) 
  1. MySchoolBucks

UPDATE: There is also an option to donate unused funds to a family in need instead of receiving a refund. If you choose this option, mention it in your correspondence with Stephen Marshall in the Business Office. Thanks!

As you near the end of your school year you may have questions about the funds in your student’s My School Bucks lunch account. We realize that you may not have added any funds to this account this year but may have lingering funds from previous years and want to let you know there are two ways to handle those funds:

  • If you have another student attending NPS you can request that the MSB funds be transferred to that student’s account. 
  • You can also request a refund of the MSB funds.

To process a transfer or refund request please submit the following information to Stephen Marshall in the Business & Finance Office with the heading “MSB Lunch Transfer” or MSB Lunch Refund”.

Transfer

  • Student Name, LASID, and School for account to be transferred FROM 
  • Student Name, LASID, and School for account to be transferred TO

Refund

  • Student Name
  • Student LASID
  • School
  • Mailing Address

If you have any questions please contact Stephen Marshall at [email protected] Please note, that as the volume of refunds and transfers increases these transactions could take four to six weeks and we thank you in advance for your patience.

From the Athletic Director

COVID POOL TESTING is required for sports and extra-curricular activities

Pool testing is mandated by the school committee and superintendent 

PLEASE NOTE: The warning period has expired. If you miss testing on Monday or Tuesday you will be asked to sit out until the next testing cycle.

Instructions:

  1. Parents sign a consent form through ASPEN (here’s the link!) – if you have a problem signing in, contact your house office for a hard copy of a consent form OR to unlock your parents’ account.

  2. High school students then create an account at JCM (do it here!) for access to a QR code they use to check in their sample. – Any issues? As long as you completed the consent form, show up to the testing site for assistance accessing your QR code.

  3. Don’t forget to scan the Orange QR code on your way out from the testing drop-off. This will act as a receipt for your participation. YOU MUST USE YOUR NPS ACCOUNT.
  4. Again, testing is MANDATORY for ALL Spring Athletes

If you forget that morning, please go to the South Main Office and pick up a new kit.  It’s simple, it’s easy to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our school. Click here for more info and FAQs. 

__________________________________________________

Face Covering Guidance Change 

Following the governor’s announcement, on Monday, May 17,  the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) released guidance for school sports. This past Thursday, May 20 NPS started following the guidance issued by MIAA, which indicates the following (among other details):

Outdoor sports

  • Athletes on spring teams in active play outdoors are not required to wear a mask/facial covering.

  •  Athletes when they are on the bench or in a dugout are not required to wear a mask/facial covering.

  • Athletes in low-risk sports when indoors where a distance of at least 14 feet or more is consistently maintained between each participant, are not required to wear a mask/ facial covering.

  • Spectators and chaperones, coaches, staff, referees, umpires and other officials who can social distance while outdoors, are not required to wear a mask/face covering. Please note that some officials will need to wear masks when distancing is not possible.

Indoor sports:

  • Visitors, spectators, volunteers, and staff while indoors are required to wear mask/facial covering.

  • Volleyball is a moderate-risk sport. Therefore, players are still required to wear masks when playing or practicing indoors.

  • Wrestling is a high-risk sport. Therefore, players are still required to wear masks when playing or practicing indoors. Outdoor competitions will follow the site requirements. Masks are still to be used.

  • All athletes participating in high school sports are considered youth and fall under youth guidelines.

Additionally, there are no changes to individual MIAA sport modifications other than the mask/facial covering mandate. As restrictions are lifted, a review of the EEA guidelines will continue through the MIAA governance process guided by the MIAA Sports Medicine Committee. Details on the MIAA guidance can be found linked here.

Free Vaccination Clinic this Weekend

CLINIC DETAILS

When: Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23 (First Dose)

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Newton North High School (457 Walnut St., Newtonville)

Register: https://www.holtzmanmedical.org/school

The second dose will be offered at clinics scheduled for Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. The appointment for the second dose will be scheduled immediately after the first dose.

  • Please park in the Lowell Ave. lot and enter via the glass doors facing Lowell Ave. Check-in is in the main lobby and the clinic is in the cafeteria. Here is a map.

  • Please print and complete this informed consent form and this pre-vaccination screening form and bring it to your appointment. If you are unable to print at home, blank forms are available on site.

  • Students must be pre-registered and accompanied to the clinic by a parent or legal guardian.

ICE CREAM TREATS!

Cabot’s has generously offered a FREE SCOOP of ice cream to all who receive their vaccination at the clinics this weekend. Just show the vaccination card you receive at the clinic and receive your free treat!

The clinic is the result of our partnership with The Holtzman Medical Group and the City’s Health and Human Services staff, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support.

Newton South Volleyball Clinic – June

Interested volleyball players! The captains of the Newton South Girls Varsity Volleyball team are holding an off-season clinic for current Oak Hill and Brown Middle School 7th graders and 8th graders and Newton South Freshman and Sophomores. No experience necessary and all skill levels are welcome!  The clinic will be run by Captains Sydney Sharp, Sammie Lu, and Annie Ganem, with appearances by some of our Newton South Volleyball Coaches. This will be a three-week clinic, two days per week, with the dates:

Wed. June 2nd, 6:30-8:30 pm

Sat. June 5th, 1-3 pm

Wed. June 9th, 6:30-8:30 pm

Sat. June 12th, 1-3 pm

Mon. June 14th, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wed. June 16th, 6:30-8:30 pm

The fee for the clinic is $30 for all sessions. Payment will be collected at the door on the first day. A majority of the proceeds from the clinic will be donated to the Dig Pink Cancer Foundation and the remainder will go towards the Newton South Girls Volleyball Program. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Also, follow the NSHS Volleyball Instagram @nshsgirlsvolleyball for more information and DM with questions! We hope to see you soon!

Booster Club Meeting – June 2, 7:30 pm

Parents, join us as we continue to envision a new, stronger Booster Club for Newton South and plans for the 2021-22 school year. We’ll discuss how to support your child’s team, coach wish lists, fundraising, event ideas and more. Hope to see you there! Click here to register for the meeting.

 

Volunteers Needed! Newton South Courtyard Cleanup May 22 starting 1PM

The courtyard cleanup is happening Saturday May 22, from 1pm on.

Parent and student volunteers welcome!  Just let Katharina know you plan to come! Thank you!!

The school will be open all day because of the musical performance in the evening, so access should not be an issue (my cell # is below if needed).

View the map of the NSHS Courtyard, showing the location of the courtyard and ways to get there. Please bring spades/shovels/other tools to dig out weeds; gloves, and water bottles (the weather will be very warm).

I will bring yard bags, weed-block fabric to spread, and a sprinkler/mister to cool us off if needed.

The courtyard is a large area, ideas on what to plant and how to sustain its beautification are welcome. Thank you all so very much for caring about the school environment, we are making a difference!

~ Katharina, 617-763-0742, NS Grounds Group

Volunteers Needed – Vaccine Clinic May 22 and May 23

Newton COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC DETAILS

The clinic is the result of our partnership with The Holtzman Medical Group and the City’s Health and Human Services staff, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support.

  • When: Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23 (First Dose)
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Where: Newton North High School (457 Walnut St., Newtonville)
  • Register: https://www.holtzmanmedical.org/school

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!  We do need volunteers to help out at the clinics. If you can spare an hour or two, we would appreciate your help. You can sign up here!

The second dose will be offered at clinics scheduled for Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. The appointment for the second dose will be scheduled immediately after the first dose.

  • Please park in the Lowell Ave. lot and enter via the glass doors facing Lowell Ave. Check-in is in the main lobby and the clinic is in the cafeteria. Here is a map.

  • Please print and complete this informed consent form and this pre-vaccination screening form and bring it to your appointment. If you are unable to print at home, blank forms are available on site.

  • Students must be pre-registered and accompanied to the clinic by a parent or legal guardian.

 

Cabot’s has generously offered a FREE SCOOP of ice cream to all who receive their vaccination at the clinics this weekend. Just show the vaccination card you receive at the clinic and receive your free treat!

Registration Deadline May 23rd for June 3 Seniors End of School Event

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 as they approach their graduation day!

Thanks in advance for parent volunteers needed to support the event.  Please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/MSqdNae

REGISTRATION is OPEN for seniors for the PTSO sponsored Senior End of School Celebration on Thursday, June 3rd from 4:30 – 7:00PM.

The event will be held at the Hyde Community Baseball Field/Playground. Lawn games including spike ball, mini-golf, giant Jenga, giant Connect4, and pickup basketball will be offered.  Catering provided by The Boston Sausage Guy from Fenway.  This is a Free Event.  Join your classmates and celebrate your high school days with some friendly lawn games and picnic dinner.

We invite all SENIORS to register:  https://forms.gle/LhbLd5TC9mByaTRy9

The event has a capacity of 250 guests.  Registration will close 7PM Sun, May 23rd, or when we reach capacity The Hyde location offers the opportunity for all students to travel by public transportation, bike, car or walk to the event.

2021 Yearsbooks Pickup Starting May 17th

2021 Yearbooks are scheduled to arrive at South Mon. May 17th in the morning.

  • Seniors can pick up their copy during all three lunches on May 17, 2021.
  • All grades can pick up during lunch block starting May 18, 2021

What your child needs to know:
If you ordered a yearbook: Go do the Faculty Dining Room during any lunch and pick up your book. Drop off your pool test at the same time — one-stop shopping in the Age of Covid.

What if you’re remote: Come tomorrow to the Wheeler entrance between 6 and 7:30 and pick up your book. Or the Wheeler entrance between 12 and 1:30 next Saturday. Or email Mr. Baron and we’ll figure something out.

What if you don’t know if you ordered a book: Check the list HERE.

What if you didn’t order a book and still want one: Bring $100 cash or a check made out to Newton South High School to any yearbook pickup.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Brian Baron, Yearbook adviser at [email protected]