January 4th – 8th is a Week One

January 11th – 15th is a Week Two

January 19th – 22nd is a Week One

January 25th – 29th is a Week Two

Note that the only difference between a “week one” and a “week two” schedule is that during a week one, on WEDNESDAYS ONLY, blocks A, B and C have scheduled classes and blocks D, E, F and G are asynchronous learning only and during a week two, also on WEDNESDAYS ONLY, blocks A, B and C are asynchronous, with blocks D, E, F and G having scheduled classes that students attend. This new Wednesday schedule will allow for important teacher and staff collaboration and planning opportunities as we get ready for HyFlex. At the end of January, we will re-evaluate our schedule to see if any additional tweaks need to be made and we will keep you abreast of any changes.

2. All classes will be taking 3rd LUNCH from 1/4 through 1/26 (except Wednesdays when lunch for everyone is from 12:05 to 12:40). By the end of January, we will share the lunch schedule of classes that will take either first, second, or third lunch for second semester.

3. A reminder that the HyFlex in-person learning begins on Thursday, January 28th. Students will find out what cohort they are in by mid-January and much more information will be shared regarding safety protocols, building procedures, etc. in the weeks ahead.

4. There will be NO SCHOOL for students on Friday, January 15th so that South faculty and staff can have a full day of professional development sessions to prepare for the beginning of the HyFlex model.

We anticipate you may continue to have questions throughout the next several weeks and the admin. team and your teachers will share whatever information we have in as timely a manner as possible.

Educational model (hybrid or distance-only) and cohort assignments are now available in the Aspen Family Portal. Students who selected the hybrid option in the new HyFlex high school schedule will see their cohort assignment (A, B, or C) in the Aspen Family Portal.

Below are the hybrid cohort day assignments and start date. (Students with siblings in hybrid learning models across grades K-12 were grouped into the same cohort.)

• Hybrid Cohort A – In person on Monday and Tuesday. Remote Wednesday through Friday. In person classes begin on Monday, February 1st.

• Hybrid Cohort B – In person on Thursday and Friday and remote Monday through Wednesday. In person classes begin on Thursday, January 28th.

• Hybrid Cohort C – Students eligible to attend in person more than two days a week based upon various individual factors. In person classes will begin as early as  Wednesday, January 27.  Students already attending in person should continue to do so.

At this time, we cannot accept requests for movement between learning models and/or cohorts. However, please reach out to your counselor if you have an extenuating circumstance (such as a change in your personal or medical situation) that impacts your participation in a particular learning model.

Please note that the cohorting process at the NSHS has been a significant undertaking. We have over 1700 classes and our 1870 students each have 6 or 7 classes on their schedule. Every time you move one student from one cohort to the other, there is an impact on the split within 6 or 7 classes. We have to ensure that each class has a fairly even split….so that each cohort will fit safely in its classroom. Our schedulers have been working diligently through each of these 1700 classes to do our cohort assignments.

Distance-only-Students will continue to attend all classes remotely.

Bus Transportation – On Monday, January 11, eligible families will receive information about bus transportation. You will be given the opportunity to register if you have not done so already. You will also be able to cancel your registration if you have registered and no longer wish to ride the bus.

Bus capacity is severely limited given the reduced seating capacity. We are encouraging families to walk or bike to school if possible. Because of strict state guidelines for physical distancing in transportation and the need for contact tracing, we will not be able to accommodate students who do not have a bus pass.

While you are in the Aspen Family Portal,  take a moment to confirm that all of your contact information is correct. Communication with families, especially this year, is critical and we want to make sure we are reaching you in a timely manner.

If you have any questions about the learning model and cohort assignment process or the coming shift to the HyFlex schedule model, please feel free to reach out directly to: Marc A. Banks, Goldrick House Dean of Students, 617-559-6552

Happy New Year!

Big thanks to all of the parent volunteers who have generously given their time to help out and/or donate breakfast food and drinks for Staff Appreciation functions.

As the NSHS faculty prepares for HyFlex transition, the teachers will have a full day of professional training on Friday, January 15th.  The PTSO will be providing breakfast sandwiches that morning.  We also would like to add some grab-and-go snacks and coffee. If you can help, please click here to sign up.

The teachers, guidance counselors, deans, house secretaries, aides, custodians, librarians, nurses, athletic staff and coaches, and entire administrative staff are so grateful for your support!  Without your participation and generous contributions, these events would not be possible or successful.

Thank you!

Join us in reading Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds.

When: Wednesday, January 13th at 7pm

Where: Zoom – RSVP here to receive the Zoom link for our event.

NSHS FORJ will host a book discussion on Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You with middle and high school students, parents and teachers. Knowledge is power, and knowledge of racism and how it works will benefit everyone living in this country. This highly engaging book has been praised as essential reading by many authors and media sources, so we hope you’ll be excited to join us, too!

Read or listen to Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi as they connect you to the history of racism from 1415 to today. You’ll walk away more educated so that you can powerfully practice antiracism in your daily life.

Dear Newton South Families,

The recent email sent from Principal Aronson had the incorrect template.  The PTSO is aware of it and will correct it.  There is no need to inform Principal Aronson – he is receiving a great number of emails.

Apologize for the mistake.  Future emails from Principal Aronson will be updated.  Thank you!

Newton South PTSO