Dear Newton South Parents/Guardians,

Please message below from Interim Vice Principal Chris Hardiman, the updated High School Schedule for January 2021 and NSHS January 2021 Detailed Lunch Block Schedule.

And click to view Superintendent Fleishman HyFlex Cohort Update email on December 22,  2020

Updated HyFlex documents can be found at the PTSO website newtonsouthPTSO.org

Dear Newton South Students and Families,

As we head off into a much needed break for all of us, I wanted to first thank you, the students of Newton South, for your resilience and dedication during such a challenging time. You are the reason that any of us who choose to work in education do what we do and I am impressed and inspired by the way you have handled yourselves as a student body over the past nine months. Better times are ahead so please stay the course and keep up the great work in your learning and in your support of your peers and educators.

Thank you also to the parents and guardians as I know it has been a rocky road with lots of unknowns and for many of you, a slower transition to getting students into the building than was hoped for. We greatly appreciate your support and patience as we continue to deal with many logistical challenges as we look forward to welcoming students safely back into the building at the end of January. I especially want to thank the PTSO who has been so supportive of the South student and staff community–we greatly appreciate your partnership.

As you heard from Superintendent Fleishman, the district has decided that our hybrid model scheduled to begin 1/27 will include two cohorts. We are now in the process of assigning students to the cohorts (while taking into account our current “in person” students, who will now be considered cohort “C”). Cohort “A” will attend school Monday and Tuesdays and Cohort “B” on Thursdays and Fridays. Cohort “C” will continue to attend school on the days that they have been attending school since September.

During the first few weeks of January, the South staff will be preparing for the transition to hybrid, including some professional development on using more advanced technology. To that end, for a smooth transition, we have decided to implement the attached new block schedule when we return from break on January 4th. Please note the changes in the schedule, including 80 minute blocks, a moving around of flex and community blocks, and a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes on Wednesdays. In terms of lunches (see attached), for the month of January through 1/26, ALL classes will be taking third lunch (since we are mostly still remote until then). Your teachers can help answer any questions you may have when we return in January and there will be much more information shared by me and by your teachers and deans throughout the month to prepare for the transition to hybrid as well.

Finally, a reminder that the school will be closed during the vacation break and you should expect that our staff will be unplugged and will not be checking email so that we can all have a restful break as we prepare for the work ahead of us in 2021.

Happy Holidays to all and we look forward to reconnecting in 2021!

Chris Hardiman
NSHS Interim Vice Principal

Dear Newton South Parents/Guardians,

As we all prepare for the holiday season and winter break, I hope this email finds you and your family safe and well.  2020 will certainly go down in history.  From being grateful for family time –  appreciation for the great outdoors  – an unprecedented election – missing loved ones – ups & downs of remote learning – zoom fatigue – endless school committee meetings – toilet paper runs – amazing zoom reunions – baking bonanzas – a traditional snow day – and hoping for a safe 2021 for all.

Through all the emotions, we need to remember the good moments and the tireless efforts from all of us adapting and coping with our new normal.  A SHOUT OUT to everyone who has persevered through 2020 – the tough days, crazy days, good days, some endless days, and even the bad days while being heroes to their family, colleagues, classmates,  friends, neighbors, and those in need in our community.  #NewtonSouthTOGETHER:

215 teachers/staff – 36 aides – 10 secretaries –
2 nurses – 10 custodians –  53 coaches not on staff –
1900 students –  1600 parents/guardians/families

COVID has forced many of us to go through a journey of self-discovery, endless anxiety, denial, and self-improvement.  I wish everyone a safe holiday season full of laughs, some self-care and needed rest & relaxation.

Cheers to a great 2021!  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
~ May Chiu, Newton South PTSO co-President

THANK YOU to everyone who signed up to donate holiday treats to our faculty and staff at Newton South on Wednesday, December 23.  Please drop off your items at the main lobby starting at 7:45AM – 8:15AM.    Check in at the main lobby and head toward the cafeteria.

We need 3 more boxes of coffee and a few holiday cookies.   Due to COVID-19 precaution, commercially purchased and individually wrapped items are preferred to ensure health and safety.  If you can help out, please click to sign up to donate holiday treats for our faculty.  Thank you!

• Box of granola bars (any kind)
• Box of cereal or oatmeal variety pack
• Jar of peanut butter
• Jar of jam
• Package of mini milk or juice boxes
• Box of mac n’ cheese
• Cans of soup or pasta (spaghetti O’s or similar)
• Package of snack pack fruit or applesauce
• Snack pack pudding, cookies, or fruit snacks
• Pretzels, goldfish, corn chips, crackers

The final days of the Newton South Girl Up Raffle are approaching! Join Girl Up as we fundraise for the UN’s global campaign against gender-based violence! Wednesday, December 23rd is the last day to enter the raffle for a chance to win baskets with goods from Indulge! Candy, Starbucks, Just Next Door, and Artemis Yoga. The available prizes, which are perfect for the gift-giving season, represent female-owned and/or small businesses in Newton! All proceeds will go to the global Girl Up organization to support the fight against gender-based violence, and every contribution will help provide safe spaces and resources for girls worldwide.

Grab a raffle ticket to support the cause and for a chance to win one of our gift-filled prize baskets! Visit the raffle directly from this link! For more information (including ticket sales), you can reach out to the Girl Up Instagram or email srsaloum@gmail.com.

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

When: Wednesday, January 13th at 7 pm

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.