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

Holiday Drive! Donate a Gift Card to Help a Family In Need!

Posted on December 5, 2020 by Aparna Singamsetty in From the PTSO

Holiday Drive! Donate a Gift Card to Help a Family In Need!

Help families in need have a brighter holiday season! The Second Step is a non-profit that serves women and families who are victims of domestic violence. Intimate partner violence makes up 15% of all violent crime, and 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence every year. Many of these families were forced to flee their homes and they may not be able to buy things for the holidays, so The Second Step is collecting gift cards to help them celebrate the season!

Thank you so much,
Kate Butts (Newton South Junior)

If you want to get involved or have any questions you can email me at [email protected]

How To Help

Click on one of the links below to donate a virtual gift card through email. For the recipient email please use [email protected] and under ‘message’ please mention that you’re donating for the Newton South drive. We appreciate any amount!

Amazon Gift Card   Charlie Card Gift Card Marshalls Gift Card   Shaws Gift Card

Uber Gift Card   CVS Gift Card Visa Vanilla Gift Card

Lyft Gift Card   Target Gift Card Whole Foods Gift Card

Star Market Gift Card    Walmart Gift Card TJ Maxx Gift Card

Any physical gift cards can be sent to:

The Second Step,  Attn: Mimi Sperl
PO Box 600213
Newton, Ma 02460

Please include a note saying you’re donating for the Newton South drive in the envelope!

Newton Public Schools Internet Filtering

Posted on December 5, 2020 by Aparna Singamsetty in From the PTSO

Dear Newton Public School Families,

We have recently contracted with an internet filtering company, Deledao. We have already been filtering access to the internet from within a Newton Public Schools (NPS) building, but were not able to filter devices when off of the NPS network. This change means NPS devices and accounts will have NPS filtering while connected to the internet at home or to any other network.

Please know that no internet filter is perfect. As we do in schools, we strongly encourage you to speak with your child about appropriate use of technology and to monitor your child’s use of devices and access to the internet. See our Acceptable Use Guidelines on the Student/Family Tech Resources Page.

Timeline for implementation:

December 9:  Elementary Filtering implemented on iPads and Chromebooks

December 16: Middle and High School Filtering implemented on Chromebooks

What is Internet Filtering?

Using predefined categories, such as “adult content,” filtering services analyze websites a user is trying to view to determine whether or not to allow access. The service is set-up to block certain content by category. We are not able to customize for each child, but are customizing settings by level (elementary, middle and high school).

On a Chromebook (not an iPad) this filtering product also involves “real-time” analysis of videos and images. For example, if a child is watching a Youtube video, and the system detects content that matches a blocked category, it will blur the content of that video.

Impact:

  • iPads: Students using an NPS issued iPad will begin to be blocked from accessing certain websites

  • Chromebooks and NPS Google Accounts:

    • A new extension called Deledao will be installed on Student NPS Google Accounts

    • Students will be blocked from accessing certain websites

    • Filtering will affect Chromebooks and Chrome browsers when logged in using an NPS student GSuite account

    • “Browse as Guest” on NPS Chromebooks will be disabled – students MUST sign in to Chromebooks with their NPS Google Accounts

We are new to this product and expect to have to adjust settings during implementation. The web filtering product also comes with a parent portal option. Once we have implemented the web filtering, we will test the use of the parent portal to determine feasibility of implementation later this school year.

Please note that we are purchasing this product for the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year only. We will reevaluate the purchase of the product for 2021-2022 based on performance and available budget.

Thank you.

Steven Rattendi, Director of IT and Libraries

Athletic Department Update

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

Newton South High School

Winter 20-21 Athletic Department Update

Effective December 14, 2020

Based on the recent guidelines established by the EEA, DESE, MIAA, Dual County League, and Newton Public Schools, the following has been established for the Winter  2020-21 Season

  • Boys & Girls Alpine Ski, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Gymnastics, Boys and Girls Ice Hockey, Boys and Girls Nordic Ski, Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving will take place this Winter Season.  Tryouts/practices will begin the week of Monday, December 14th with Newton Health Department and School Committee approval.

  • The MIAA Board of Directors voted the following changes:

    • Indoor Track will take place during the Fall 2 season with tentative season dates of 2/22/21-4/25/21.

    • Winter Cheering, Winter Dance, and Wrestling have been moved to the Spring Season.

    • First day of the winter season is December 14, 2020.

  • DCL first games are currently scheduled to start the week of  January 4th, 2021.

  • MASKS ARE REQUIRED AS SPECIFIED BY MIAA SPORT SPECIFIC RULE MODIFICATIONS AND THE NEWTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT for all participants, coaches, and officials at practices and games. In accordance with Newton Public School Health and Safety Policies, GAITERS and BANDANAS ARE NOT PERMITTED for athletic participation or for attending games in Newton.

  • All student-athletes participating in a winter sport must have an IN-PERSON physical within the last 13 months l sports participation (must be dated 11/14/19 or later) on file with the athletic office. The physical can be emailed to [email protected].  Despite the pandemic, the Massachusetts DPH will NOT accept physicals via telehealth for winter sports.

  • All Basketball games will be played on Tuesdays and Fridays in January and February. Sub-varsity teams will travel only on Saturdays and will have intramural games on Wednesdays.

  • Boys Varsity Ice Hockey games will be played Wednesdays and Saturdays based on rink availability.    JV matches will be arranged with the school in the pod for any given week. Our JV home games will be on Sundays at 5:40 PM at Ryan Arena.

  • Gymnastics and Swimming meets will be held in the virtual mode at Newton North.

  • Alpine and Nordic Ski season is contingent on the opening of the practice/competition venues.

  • It is expected that the majority of the sub varsity traveling games will occur over the weekend.

  • Newton South will compete against one school in all sports in the same week to limit contact and exposure and to also help with contract tracing should it be needed at any point during the season.

  • Families are encouraged to provide their own transportation to practice during the week (as students will be arriving at practice from remote learning each afternoon) and on Saturdays and holidays for respective games.  A waiver form has been created for that purpose. Families that cannot transport their children to games will be offered transportation.  Bus transportation is limited to 25 students per State guidelines.

  • The DCL, in line with all District 4 leagues,  has voted to not allow spectators inside the gyms,  rinks, and pools. The policy will be revisited after the first three weeks in January. Athletes, coaches, and officials’ attendance protocols will be strictly enforced in all locations.  Masks and social distancing will be expected for all in attendance.

  • Student-athletes are required to fill out the COVID-19 Symptoms Check form in order to be admitted to our practices and games. The form is due every day by 1 PM.

You can bookmark the link below or use your phone to scan the QR code on top of the FamilyID registration page.

  • COVID-19 Symptoms Check form

  • The standard NPS High School User Fee will be collected at the time of registration. The NPS Business, Finance, and Planning Department have decided that No refunds will be provided if the season is canceled.

  • Financial assistance will be provided for families that need it

  • The Winter 2020-21 online athletic registration process is ongoing, and it will close Friday, December 11. All student-athletes interested in trying out for a winter sport must be registered by 12/11. Due to strict health and safety guidelines, NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 12/11.  Registration will be through Family ID, and will be available through the Newton South Athletic Website.

  • All information in this document is subject to change. Thanks for your patience as we work through these challenging times. We look forward to seeing our student-athletes on the field soon!

Parent-Teacher Conferences SIGN-UPs begin on Sun., Nov. 29 at 7PM

Posted on November 29, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO, From the Vice Principal

Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming.  SIGN UP is REQUIRED! For new parents, please sign up early as spots are limited.  

  • To make sure that all families have the opportunity to see teachers, there will be two phases to the sign-up process.
  • During the first phase of sign-ups, from 7PM on SUNDAY 11/29 until 7PM on WEDNESDAY, 12/2, you may only schedule a maximum of 3 teacher conferences per child. 
  • During the second phase of sign-ups, from 7AM on THURSDAY 12/3 until 7PM on SUNDAY, 12/6, you may sign up for a maximum of 3 additional conferences. Total conferences CANNOT exceed 6 per child.  

DETAILS on SIGN-UP INSTRUCTIONS:  Teacher Conferences Info Letter

A reminder that conferences are on the following dates:

Wednesday, December 9th from 4 – 7PM (School schedule as usual)

Wednesday, December 16th from 1 – 4PM (*Special schedule—see below)

*Please note that there will be a special schedule developed for 12/16 to reflect the early release that day. We are working with the transportation department to see if we can arrange a 12:30 dismissal on this day so that teachers can have a 30-minute break before the first conference at 1PM. We will share out the schedule as soon as it is finalized.

Chris Hardiman
NSHS Interim Vice Principal

Last Night SouthStage Live Stream “Once Upon a Time on Zoom”, Nov. 29 at 7:30PM

Posted on November 29, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO, South Arts

Tickets go on sale for the pre-recorded stream of Once Upon a Time on Zoom on Friday, Nov. 20. Prices are $10 for individuals/$25 for families. The stream will be active on YouTube on Nov. 29 at 7:30PM each night. A link to the show will be included with your ticket receipt. There will be a different link each night, so if you want to see this clever night of short plays again, you should buy tickets for the following nights.

Please consider making a donation in South Stage. All donations are tax-deductible, and your generosity will be acknowledged with a listing in every South Stage Playbill for one calendar year. South Stage does not receive a production budget from the school other than modest stipends for adult directors. Although ticket sales typically cover production costs, we rely heavily on the funds raised through Playbill ads and donations to maintain and upgrade costumes, construction, lighting, and sound equipment.

Q&A on HyFlex Draft Recommendation: Mon., Nov. 30 at 9:30AM and 7:30PM

Posted on November 29, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO

The Newton South PTSO will host two Q&As on Monday, November 30 on the High School Working Group Draft Recommendation on implementing a hyflex learning model for the high schools.  Parent members of the working group will be available to answer questions about the Draft Recommendation:

Session 1 from 9:30 – 10:30AM;

Session 2 from 7:30PM – 8:30PM 

Please submit questions by November 30 at 8AM by with this link.  Additional Q&A will follow if time permits.  Thank you. 

Click to view HS Working Group Update & Draft Recommendation SC 11-16-20 Final

Sessions will be limited to 100 participants.  PLEASE ATTEND ONLY ONE session.  Both meetings will be recorded.

Diverse Voices – Student & Faculty of Color Panel and Discussion Dec 3rd, at 7PM

Posted on November 29, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Diverse Voices  – Student & Faculty of Color Panel and Discussion

New date and time! Thursday Dec. 3 at 7PM on Zoom 

Sponsored by NSHS FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) and SHRC (South Human Rights Council)

Please RSVP to receive the Zoom

RSVP Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaE0JsC_4d38MTRWtCI72Hv-yMopkwrYF00akRQY1LG5lcqw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Questions? Contact South parent Amy Behrens at [email protected] or South Faculty: Mr. Gagnon – [email protected] and Ms. Sumner [email protected]

Register by Dec. 3 for NSHS Students for Racial Justice meeting on Thurs., Dec. 10 at 7PM

Posted on November 29, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO

Are you interested in learning about racial justice issues?
Join us for our pilot event, in partnership with Diversify the Media Narrative, to learn about how media representation relates to racial justice! All students are welcome to attend the event over Zoom on Thursday, December 10 at 7PM.

To participate, register through this form by December 3: https://forms.gle/pjU8HEocaNe7QNa66.

Explore the Diversify the Media Narrative website for helpful information about media representation at https://diversifythemedianarrative.com/

Feel free to reach out with any questions! Email [email protected], or contact the club’s Instagram, @nshs_studentsforracialjustice

Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 are the last days for NSHS Senior Portraits

Posted on November 29, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Seniors, From the PTSO

Just a quick note: The last two days to get your photograph taken for inclusion in this year’s yearbook are Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. If you haven’t had a portrait taken already, make an appointment today at prestigeportraits.com. 

You’ll need the access code that Prestige mailed to you. Just email me at [email protected] if you don’t have that code for whatever reason and I can give it to you.
Thanks!
Best,

Brian Baron

GPA Updates

Posted on November 29, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Juniors, From the PTSO, From the Vice Principal

Newton South GPA Update

As a follow up to first term report cards being released this past Monday, here is an update on GPA as we know there have been questions, especially for Uuniors:

As has been shared previously, the Newton South/Newton North joint GPA Committee met this summer to make recommendations regarding how grades earned during the 2019-2020 school year would factor into student GPA. While the school year was disrupted in March, students were awarded final grades using our traditional grading system. This allowed for a continuation of both schools’ long-standing practices for calculating GPA. The one notable wrinkle was that final course grades of “P” were not factored into the GPA at all, even in those courses that have traditionally counted toward GPA.

The GPA Committee has continued to meet during the fall to prepare recommendations for the two school communities regarding GPA practices in relation to our modified grading during remote/hyflex learning. The committee has recommended a plan to calculate a GPA for the 2020-2021 school year to be reported as a “stand alone” that will not be incorporated into a cumulative GPA. Students will receive a GPA for this year in accordance with the following values:

A=4.0, B=3.0, P=2.0, NG=1.0

A weighted GPA will also be calculated, adding an additional 0.5 for each course at the ACP level and an additional 1.0 for each course at the Honors/AP level.

The committee will continue their work and will make additional recommendations once the district makes the final determination regarding grading practices for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond.

Chris Hardiman,
Interim Vice Principal