Save-the-Date for the COVID Pool Testing  Program Webinar at Newton South on Thursday, March 4 at 6:30PM.

See details and webinar link below from Interim Vice Principal Chris Hardiman.

March 2, 2021

Dear NPS High School Families,

As we shared last week, we are preparing to implement COVID-19 testing for students and staff in the Newton Public Schools. Testing for in-person high school students will begin next week. You received instructions for providing consent to opt into the testing program last week. For reference, here is a link to information on the program and the instruction document for providing consent.

To answer your questions about the testing, we are offering an informational webinar on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 6:30 pm. Our testing partner, JCM Analytics, will provide a brief overview of the testing program and process. Dr. Dori Zaleznick, as well as district and school-based members of the NPS COVID Testing Team. will also be present. We will then take your questions via a live, moderated Q&A.

To log into the webinar, please use this link:

https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/86489554913

We look forward to sharing more information with you then.

Thank you,

Chris Hardiman
NSHS Interim Vice Principal

The Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness has shared information about their upcoming webinar:

Talking to Teens about Anti-Asian Discrimination in the Era of COVID-19: Guidance from Research and Practice

While Anti-Asian sentiments unfortunately are not new, COVID-19 has shifted the landscape to expose anti-Asian racism and increased racist violent attacks and harassment. Join this important webinar and Q&A to learn about the negative impacts of racism and discrimination on the mental health of our youth, the critical importance of parents supporting their children especially during these challenging times, and practical strategies for parents on how to talk about anti-Asian racism and discrimination at home. This webinar will include brief presentations with ample time for discussion and Q&A.

Featuring: Justin Chen, MD, MPH, Executive Director at MGH Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness; Hyeouk Chris Hahm, PhD, LCSW, Associate Professor at Boston University School of Social Work; Cindy H. Liu, PhD, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School; Michelle Mu, Certified Professional Coach; Catherine Vuky, PhD, Director of Asian Mental Health Concentration Program at William James College; and Ellen Yang, MA.

Time: Sunday, Feb 28, 2021 07:00 PM

Interested families can Register Here for the webinar.

Hello Students and Families,

This message is for any family that has at least one student who is in the Distance Learning Model but who may be interested in requesting a move in the Hybrid Learning Model. Please see the following letter for more information and instructions if you are interested in pursuing this option.

Thanks,

Chris Hardiman
NSHS Interim Vice Principal

Hello Parents/Guardians!

Prior to COVID-19, The PTSO organized an after-prom celebration (SouthFest) for all Seniors regardless if they attended Prom.  The event is typically held on Tuesday before graduation. Newton South families and community organizations work together to create a safe and fun event that brings the graduating class together. There is a different theme every year for SouthFest, the school is transformed to evoke that theme, and the stage is set for an exciting party. There are games, prizes, a casino, entertainment, food, surprises and fun.

This year, we are hopeful to create some celebration.  COVID-19 will still be present and we need to rethink SouthFest.  The PTSO is working with the Class of 2021 Officers and Advisors in rethinking the Prom as an outdoor event, and SouthFest would follow that event.   Please join us and bring your ideas.

Rethinking SouthFest
Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021  at 7:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82493007375?pwd=d0ZkL2E4VjNPZkVtL3lzTDBRWXU3QT09

Meeting ID: 824 9300 7375
Passcode: 2021

Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 824 9300 7375
Passcode: 2021
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kjrpV4RmM

Dear NPS Families,

Next week, the Newton Public Schools will launch free weekly COVID-19 testing for all students and staff. The testing will be phased in, beginning with all staff and all high school students the week of March 1st. You will find a timeline below for phasing in students at all school levels.

The district has partnered with JCM Analytics to conduct the testing. Tests are “pooled” together to increase the number of students that can be tested at one time and reduce costs. JCM uses a shallow nasal swab test to collect the sample. Test kits will be distributed at school to be taken home by students. The sample will then be obtained at home and returned to school to be sent to the lab for testing. Test results will be returned within 48 hours. You will only be notified if your student’s test results are positive or if your student is deemed to be a close contact of a positive case.

Detailed information on this COVID-19 testing program can be found in this Frequently Asked Questions document.

You can also visit our webpage at https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/3826 for details on sample collection and testing process.

This testing is VOLUNTARY and there is no requirement to participate. 

Should you wish for your student to participate, please complete the consent form as soon as possible. The consent form can be found in the Aspen Family/Student Portal. Instructions for finding and completing the consent form can be found here. Translated consent forms and paper consent forms are available from your student’s school.

PLEASE NOTE: if you previously completed a consent form for the Abbott Binax NOW symptomatic testing via the Project Beacon website, you MUST complete this new consent form.

If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 Pool Testing Program please email the district at community@newton.k12.ma.us.

TIMELINE for Testing Roll Out

Week of March 1

Testing for all NPS staff in buildings or at the Education Center. Test kits distributed to high school students who have opted-in. (more information will be sent to HS families from building principals)

Week of March 8

Testing begins for high school students who have opted-in.

Week of March 22

Testing begins for Pre-K and elementary students who have opted-in.

Week of April 12: Testing begins for middle school students who have opted-in.

If you need this information translated, please copy and paste it into Google Translate. The link to Google translate is http://translate.google.com/