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

MA COVID Vaccine Distribution Update for All Groups

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Please note the update from Governor Baker on 3/17/21 on timeline for all groups.  Learn more: mass.gov/covid-phse

All MA residents (including students) can now pre-register at http://www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.  Vaccine appointments based on phased distribution plan will be sent to those that pre-register.   The individual will receive email or text and has 24 hours to confirm.  Current the pre-registration is for the seven mass-vaccine sites in MA.  More sites will be added in April.

MA residents can continue to book vaccine appointments at other sites.

AP Exam Update – Technology & Test Dates

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Juniors, For Seniors, From the PTSO

Please see latest update on 2021 AP Exams from Mrs. Price.  Please contact her directly if you have any questions at pricem@newton.k12.ma.us.  

I am sending you information about communication, requesting a refund for an AP exam, selecting which device you will use if you are going to take an AP exam online, and update on test dates.

All students should: 

  1. Checking in with classmates. I have heard from some parents that their child is not receiving my emails. I want to ask you a favor. Can all students please check with classmates and friends to see if they received the latest information? If they haven’t, can you please share it with them? Thank you very much.
  2. Cancel an exam/Request a refund.  If you wish to cancel an exam and request a refund, you must log on to your Total Registration account to do so. A request for a refund must be made by 6:00 p.m. on May 2, 2021.
  3. Technology check-in. This year Mr. Brian Hammel, Instructional Technology Specialist at Newton South, is going to handle the technology preparation of the digital AP testing. Mr. Hammel will answer any questions you may have about the device you are going to use if you are testing online.  
  4. Technology requirements for online AP Exams. If you are going to take an AP exam online, I am adding the general technical requirements from the College Board 2020-2021 AP Digital Testing Guide for devices that will be used for taking an exam:
  • Each student will need access to a laptop or desktop computer (Mac, Windows, or school-managed Chromebook). iPads may be used if they fit the technical requirements.
  • The computer can be a personal computer (except for Chromebooks) or a school-provided computer but must not be shared between students after exam setup is completed.
  • Smartphones are not permitted for testing. Students’ personal Chromebooks may not be used for 2021 digital AP exams. ”
  • Contact Mr. Hammel with any questions that you have about the device that you plan to use. He can be reached at [email protected]. If you going into the building, you may meet with Mr. Hammel. His office is in the library behind the circulation desk.

It is important that you decide now which device you are going to use for online testing. Starting April 8, the College Board will send directions to you through your College Board account on how to download and install the digital testing application to your device. You will need to complete the exam setup for each exam you plan to take one to three days before each exam. You are responsible that your computer is ready for the exam. 

Update on 2021 Exam Dates

I am writing this email blast about the 2021 exam dates. Right now the College Board has everyone scheduled to take their exam(s) at South in person from May 3 to May 17. You will see that if you log on to your CB account.

In previous emails, I have let you know that we are using the in person dates for WL and Music, and that we are encouraging students to take all other exams online at home. Online exams will not be given at school.

Recently the Newton district administration decided to offer the dates from Administration One for those students whose families feel that an in person testing would better fit their child’s needs.

I apologize in advance for any and all inconveniences.  I am going to start making changes on Tuesday, March 16 afternoon. Please look at the changes and contact me with concerns, starting Wednesday, March 17. I would like to have this finished by Tuesday, March 23.

  1. Students who are taking a World Language exam or Music Theory are scheduled to take the exam during Administration 1. I am not going to change those dates. They are correct.
  2. I am going to assign all other students to an online testing date.
  3. If the test dates are correct, you do not need to contact me.
  4. Seniors and other students with obligations related to graduation/class activities and who are taking Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Physics 1, Physics Mech, Physics E & M, and Stats need to email me and let me know that a change needs to be made. I anticipate that other changes will need to be made as well. If you have already emailed me about a change, you can forward the same email to me.
  5. I am aware that some students may be double booked for two exams at the same time, and that changes may need to be made for students approved for extended time who have two exams on the same day. I’m not sure that there are great solutions for every situation, but I will do my best to try and make the schedule work.

2021 MCAS Update for Grade 9, 10 and 11

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Please find the update on 2021 MCAS dates sent on Friday, March 19, 2021 from Vice Principal Christ Hardiman. 

MCAS Dates

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has given high schools a window of time to administer MCAS testing for current 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Exact days that each grade will be taking the tests at South will be determined once we have firm guidance on when/if high schools will be expected to offer full, in-person learning—as this information will depend on whether we will have students test by cohort, or by grade. For now, here are some general time frames that we are planning on:

1. ELA MCAS for grades 10, 11: May 3, 4, 6, and 7

2. Math MCAS for grades 10, 11: May 10, 11, 13 and 14

3. Science MCAS for grade 9: TBD but most likely in early June

We are also working on a schedule for those days for students that are NOT testing, including looking into the option of busing those students into school after the MCAS for synchronous classes. We realize that the above schedule constitutes A LOT of testing time, with less class learning time (because we need so many teachers and staff available to proctor these tests) but please know that we are beholden to the state requirements, including the fact that two grades need to take MCAS this year, not just 10th grade.

We will update you with exact dates and schedules for this whole MCAS period as soon as we are able to.

Time to Order Caps & Gowns for Graduation!

Posted on March 21, 2021 by PTSO CoPresident in For Seniors, From the PTSO

Hello Families of the CLASS OF 2021!

Save-the-Date June 10, 2021.  Time and schedule will be announced by South as soon as they are available.

IT’S TIME TO ORDER  YOUR CAP & GOWN FOR GRADUATION!  All orders must be received by APRIL 16, 2021.   If you have any questions, please contact Julie Stonehill at [email protected]

Please see this Memo for detailed order instructions. and deadlines.

  1. You must create a MySchoolBucks account if you do not have one already, to complete the order form and payment. See MySchoolBucks instructions here.
  2. Download and complete the South CapGown Measurement Form.

IF YOU DO NOT NEED A CAP AND GOWN FOR ANY REASON, please let Mrs. Stonehill know as soon as possible at [email protected]

Order Forms must be returned by April 16, 2021. 

  • Forms and receipts can be dropped off at school for those students who are attending in-person.
  • All other student forms should be mailed in to be received by April 16, 2021 to:

Julie Stonehill
Goldrick House
Newton South High School
140 Brandeis Road
Newton Centre, MA 02459

 

Extended Post-Season for Our Spring Athletes!

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

The MIAA has approved an extended post-season with sectionals and State tournaments for our Spring athletes! The schools can opt-in or opt-out of the tournament at any time. Information about dates and formats will be released by the state association in a few weeks.

Spring Sports Registration on FamilyID

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

Spring sports registration on FamilyID will open on April 5th . All students participating are required to have a current physical on file.  Please note that the state requires in-person physicals for sports activities. Telehealth appointments are not acceptable.

The Newton South COVID Coach for the Spring season is Mr. Patrick Jordan Quern. Please see the preliminary protocol that our coaches will follow for Spring 2021:

Pre-Practice;

  • NSHS coaches will ask each player to fill out the COVID symptom form by 1 PM.
  • Any student answering yes to any question will be kept out of practice. The coach will contact Covid coach immediately and text AD.
  • COVID coach talks to the student, contacts their family and sends the student home. He will also contact the AD and school nurse with the findings.
  • Sharing food or drink is not allowed at this time (no cakes, cupcakes, pizza, fruits, seeds, etc)

Post Practice

  • Equipment that is shared by the team has to be cleaned (use spray bottles and paper towels set for that purpose) before it is put away. That includes cones and extra balls. To be done by the coach that uses it.
  • Students have to take their equipment home and clean it before their next practice.
  • Please refer to general MIAA guidelines for best practices.

Away Games

Pre-game:

  • Each team head coach is responsible for COVID-19 screening of all their team members before 1 PM.
  • If students answer yes to any screening question, the student can not travel to the visiting school.
  • Covid coach is contacted, the family is contacted, the head coach is contacted.

Newton South HOME games protocol – Spring 2021.

Fitted masks required for all participants. NO GAITERS ALLOWED.

Pre-game:

  • NSHS staff member or coach greets visiting team – directs them to the appropriate field as needed
  • Visiting team head coach is responsible for COVID-19 screening all of their team members and other coaches who will be in attendance.
  • NSHS staff member greets refs; asks COVID-19 screening questions by NSHS COVID coach or another staff member.

Due to the nature of the current situation, all protocols and schedules are subject to change.  We look forward to a fun and safe Spring season!

Meeting for Girls Tennis Tues, Mar 23 @4:30PM

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

A Girls Tennis informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23 at 4:30 PM via zoom.

Coach Jampol will meet with all interested players regarding the season that starts on April 26.

Please add this information to your calendar and plan to join the meeting.

Topic: Girls Tennis Preseason Meeting
Time: Mar 23, 2021 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89384066458?pwd=YTFTTThJMDJTQTdoNmt3SUVnWGgwdz09

Meeting ID: 893 8406 6458
Passcode: Tennis1

Girls Volleyball Update

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

The Volleyball teams had a great week vs Lincoln Sudbury. The 9th grade and JV teams defeated Lincoln Sudbury and the Varsity squad split 1-1 with the Warriors. The games were a thrill to watch. Our Lions are developing strong skills!

Next Tuesday, 9th grade and Varsity are traveling to Waltham. Junior Varsity and Varsity will host their first Friday game of the season to close the series.

Track Team Meet Mon. March 29th

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

The track teams will host Concord Carlisle on Monday, March 29. The meet will be run outdoors following the indoor distances and events.  The format of the meet will be released by the coaches next week.

Unified Basketball Season Opener Tue. Mar 30

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

The Unified Basketball season is underway.  Coaches Jesus Rodriguez and Alex Strongin and 25 student-athletes started practices on February 22.

They will open their season at Waltham High School on March 30. The players are supported by a dedicated group of aids, BTs, and a nurse.

Thank you Wendy Armagost, Judy Antonellis, Addrene Coney, San Petracca, Gabrielle Hurley, David Padget, and Susan Bostrom!