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

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

Posted on May 21, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO

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

Posted on May 20, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in Midweek From the PTSO 2021

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

Posted on May 20, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in For Seniors

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

Posted on May 16, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in For Seniors, Midweek From the PTSO 2021

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 baronb@newton.k12.ma.us

Mon. May 17 at 7PM Zoom – Update on PTSO Senior Events

Posted on May 16, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO

The PTSO will host a zoom session on Monday, May 17th from 7-8PM to provide an update on PTSO sponored Senior Events.    This session will not be recorded.  Updates on events will be sent out in PTSO Newsletters.

The update will include May 18th Seniors Countdown event; June 3 Senior Last Day Celebration; June 6 Senior Celebration “Prom,” and  June 6 Celebration Lane (Parade).

Any parent in any grade interested in helping out at these events is welcome to attend.  Thank you. 

A waiting room will be used.  Please make sure your full name is listed.

ZOOM link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82604004193?pwd=QzQ5elk5UjNJWGR5QndaTlNFNzlKQT09

Meeting ID: 826 0400 4193
Passcode: Lions2021

REMINDER! Deadline Mon. May 17th for June 6th 2021 Seniors Celebration Event

Posted on May 16, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in For Seniors, From the PTSO

The 2021 Seniors Celebration (alternative to Prom) will be held on Sunday June 6th from 8-11PM at South.  The rain date on June 7th.  This is an event for Newton South SENIORS only.  All Seniors should have received an email from Mr. Crosby on 5/12 about the event.

The pre-registration deadline is MIDNIGHT, MAY 17th.  NO Exceptions.

In place of the traditional Prom, the event called 2021 Senior Celebration will be outdoors on Newton South grounds from 8-11PM. Food trucks, including the Boston Burger Company, Bon Me and the Cookie Monstah, will provide catering of pre-packaged meals. Our photographer will capture Seniors in their moment on the red carpet as they celebrate their Senior year.  There will be a DJ to provide music entertainment and  light show under the existing tent at Newton South — this will be open for dancing! 

Per May 12 email from Mr. Crosby, in order to attend the Senior Celebration, you MUST complete the pre-registration form linked below. If you do not fill out the form by midnight, Monday, May 17th, we will not be able to guarantee you will be able to attend. 

Link to sign-up form: https://forms.gle/Vt4yMrL2PxYCa3eZ9

Please note your senior(s) must register with the above link with their school email account for verification.  This information will determine how we best accommodate all the seniors who want to attend.  We will provide an update the week of May 17th after registration closes.

Mon. May 17 – Submit Nominations for 2021 Newton SEPAC Special Educator Virtual Awards!

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Nominations are still open for the 2021 Newton SEPAC Special Educator Virtual Awards!

Please go to https://forms.gle/M9uHkvhHx1NvvnJ2A to submit your nominations by May 17, 2021.

Here’s how the 2021 “Virtual” Awards will work:

  • Families will submit nominations using the Google Form
  • Each nominee will receive the text of the nomination in an email
  • The email to each nominee will also include messages of thanks from Mayor Fuller, the School Committee, Superintendent Fleishman, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Beth Fitzmaurice, and the SEPAC Board
  • Each nominee will receive a printed award that will be dropped off at their school or location in early June
  • We will send each Principal a list of the nominees from their schools

For those new to Newton SEPAC, the annual Special Educator Awards are a way to honor NPS and OOD staff who have gone the extra mile to support our special education students. Nominees span a wide range of staff, including teachers, aides, BTs, therapists, bus drivers, crossing guards, administrators, other support staff, etc. All nominees receive an award. The Awards are usually held in person but will be virtual in 2021 for the second year running. (Fingers crossed for an in-person gathering in 2022!)

REMINDER! Tues, May 18th PTSO Seniors Graduation Countdown Event @6:30PM

Posted on May 16, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in For Seniors, From the PTSO

Reminder – Seniors Graduation Countdown Event
Date/Time: Tues,  May 18th, 6:30 – 8pm

Thank you to the parents who have volunteered for this event!

This event is for confirmed registered students and faculty who received a confirmation email on May 14, 2021.  Any student, faculty or parent volunteer who is not feeling well should not attend.  Masks and social distancing will be required at all times.

Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and celebrate your upcoming graduation!

All registered guest can pick up their selected meal at the time you specified in registered to minimize waiting and lines.  Thank you!

Location:  Grass by the tent at South. Check in will be on the sidewalk on Brandeis Rd by the tent.  Please note that participants can pick up their meal at the food station based on your arrival time you selected during registration to minimize the food pickup line.  Thank you!

Ticket Sales for South Stage’s Production of Chicago and Silent Auction Live

Posted on May 16, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO, South Arts
Ticket Sales now available for South Stage’s upcoming production of Chicago on May 20, 21,and 22.  Visit SouthStage.org to purchase tickets. Our Silent Auction is now live! Anyone can bid! In conjunction with South Stage's upcoming production of Chicago, our annual silent auction is now live, from May 15-22! View our auction items at https://www.32auctions.com/SouthStageAuction2021. We've got gift cards to your favorite local stores and restaurants, like Farmstead Table, Rosenfeld's Bagels, and Buttonwood, and great professional services, such as Campus Bound and BYOD Dog Wash. Please support our kids and the arts! Contact us at southstageparents@gmail.com with any questions.
Please help us by donating items for the auction, or soliciting businesses to help through Playbill ads or donations. Consider donating unused gift cards to your favorite stores or restaurants, tickets to a fun theater or sporting event, museum passes, sports memorabilia, weekend away options or professional services: photography, catering, coaching etc. Contact southstageparents@gmail.com or learn more at https://www.southstage.org/donate.html.

Newton South Vice Principal Announcement

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Please see Friday, May 14th announcement from incoming Newton South Principal Tamara Stras.

Dear NSHS Students and Families,
Over the past few weeks, it has been a pleasure to work with various stakeholders in the South community on the Vice-Principal search process. I want to extend a special thank you to Goldrick Dean, Marc Banks and Special Education Department Chair, Melissa Gamble who co-chaired the VP search process. They did a terrific job throughout the entire search, and I am grateful for their commitment to ensuring that the school would find a highly capable Vice Principal. I am also thankful to the faculty, staff, parents and administrators who participated in the process and asked such thoughtful questions of our finalists. Earlier this week, South had the opportunity to host three excellent and highly qualified finalists. After careful consideration and a thorough review, I am excited to announce that Jason Willams will be appointed to the position of Vice Principal. Throughout the search, Jason impressed us with his passion and knowledge of high school education, his analytic and organizational skills, and his ability to connect with people in various settings. Jason has taught Math at Braintree High School for the past 10 years. The leaders at Braintree High School were complimentary of Jason’s record not just as a classroom teacher, but also as a teacher leader and administrative intern.  Jason was described as a quick learner, a thoughtful and reflective leader, loyal, accepting of feedback and, above all, an extremely hard worker.  As a teacher and an administrative intern at Braintree High School, Jason co-chaired an Advisory Committee where he created and managed a program that aligned with the district’s strategic plan for health and wellness. Jason has also co-chaired their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee that investigated disparities in academic success of various student groups based on race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, special education identification, etc. Most recently, Jason has completed a CAGS in Educational Leadership from Curry College. He has also earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Fitchburg State University, in addition to a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Boston University.I am very much looking forward to welcoming Jason to our leadership team. Chris Hardiman will work closely with Jason in the summer months to ensure a seamless transition into the fall; we thank him for all of his hard work and commitment to South the past two years, including setting Jason up for success during this transition.

Sincerely, Tamara Stras
NSHS Principal (incoming)