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

Don’t forget to check Gmail and Schoology

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO
Please remind your child(ren) to check their school Gmail and Schoology accounts on a regular basis (even weekly) to ensure they receive the communication from teachers, counselors and school staff.
The school Gmail accounts are restricted outside of NPS.  They should also provide a non-school email account to class officers so they receive other communication on non-school activities organized by their classmates.

PTSO Mentoring/Family Connection Program-Buddies Needed

Posted on October 18, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in From the PTSO

The PTSO Mentoring/Family Connection Program has successfully launched.   This program is for Students and Families to help build new connections in our school community has successfully launched.  Our parent coordinators will be connecting the matched buddies/mentors in the coming week.  

Thanks to all the Juniors and Seniors who signed up last week. We now have 26 Mentors that need a buddy!  If you are a Freshman or Sophomore who is interested in being a buddy, please sign up below! 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyJQ-YhGlEYlVIEgPeLijLOnfeFSKqN9Vcdj1jAGP9Er0ZPg/viewform?usp=sf_link

The program also supports any South Family interested in being a Buddy or Mentor.  A Mentor Family would be willing to be a resource to support  1 or 2 families who are new to South, to Newton, or to the US.   Click on the link above and select “Newton Community” as your category.  

We hope this program will help students find new connections and an opportunity for families to have local resources to navigate South and Newton. There’s no specific time commitment, just an opportunity to connect with a new student or family at South.

Questions?  Contact our coordinators, Tammy Tsikar and Rachel Zhang at connections@newtonsouthPTSO.org

LigerBots’ Robotics Mentorships

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO
High schoolers, sign up to be a mentor for the Awesome Mentorship Project (AMP)! The LigerBots, the Newton high schools combined robotics team, have started a free online mentor/tutoring program this fall in order to offer more support to elementary students as well as provide teaching opportunities to high schoolers. This program pairs high school mentors with elementary kids over an online platform (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facetime, etc.) Mentors could tutor, give homework help, or just play games and do crafts with younger students. This program is an amazing opportunity for high school students to gain teaching experiences and help younger students through these trying times.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, sign up here!

Email the LigerBots with questions at cso@ligerbots.com.

 

MIAA sportsmanship honor roll

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

Our 2019-2020 Student-athletes and their coaches had been honored by the MIAA for their sportsmanship record during last year. Our school is included in the 2019-2020 MIAA SPORTSMANSHIP HONOR ROLL.

CONGRATULATION to our student-athletes and their coaches for their commitment to our Core Values and the sportsmanship principles.

Field hockey varsity seniors

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

The Field hockey varsity team honored their seniors last Saturday before their game vs LS. Coach Dirga recognized them and celebrated them with flowers. Their parents were present for a special photo op. Our senior players are Louisa Barnes, Shahar Ezrach, Isabella Greenbaum, Maya Kim, Kat Papaporfiriou, Yael Shiner, and Isabella Valente.

MIAA sportsmanship essay or Short Vidoe

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Manisha Kasana in Athletics

The MIAA is inviting student-athletes to submit Sportsmanship essays or short videos this year. The theme of the contest connects acts of sportsmanship with diversity, equity, and inclusion. This topic aligns with our school work on anti-racism and to our commitment to inclusion. The title of the essays and theme for the videos is: Describe how sportsmanship promotes the opportunity for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on your teams, in your school, and in your community.

The deadline to submit the work is December 4, 2020. There is a monetary award for the first and second place in each category. You can work with teammates to prepare the video or to co-write the essay.

Guidelines for the submission can be found here

Thank you for working with us to foster an environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Virtual Memorial Service In memory of Zachary Leonard Mandel

Posted on October 15, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in Midweek From the PTSO

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Zachary’s family and friends.

Please join the family for a virtual memorial service and Shiva. There will be a private family funeral service. A virtual memorial service will be held by Temple Emanuel on Friday, October 16 at 1:00 pm. Please join the memorial service here. In case of connection issues, use this direct link.

The family will be sitting shiva at the home of Julie Gardner Mandel, Ph.D. on Sunday, October 18th from 10am-4pm. COVID protocols will be followed; everyone must maintain 6 feet apart and please wear a mask. Please email Julie for the address.
Zach was a loyal and supportive friend who was well-loved by many. His smile lit up the room and his sincerity and compassion for others in need were abundantly evident.
Zachary is survived by his mother Julie Gardner Mandel, Ph.D.; his father Howard Mandelcorn, Esq.; his brother Ethan Mandelcorn; his stepfather, Stevan Gold; his stepbrother, Gregory Gold and his grandmother, Lee R. Gardner M.D. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, and cousins, who will miss him dearly.

Safety Protocols Reminder Seniors Drive-In Movie Night

Posted on October 15, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in For Seniors

Hello Parents/Guardians of Newton South Seniors,

The PTSO is excited to sponsor the Class of 2021 Seniors Drive-in Night on October 20, 2020.    As a reminder to everyone, the PTSO volunteers will adhere to social distancing guidelines at the event – masks at all times and maintaining 6ft apart whenever possible. Volunteer to help out on Oct 20th. https://signup.com/go/OTWrHgm

Parents/Guardians are responsible for determining who their Senior(s) can be in a car with, and the social distancing guidelines they should follow.  PTSO recommends that parents/guardians discuss those guidelines and remind them that everyone needs to do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Your Senior(s) will receive an email from the South (school Gmail account) with safety reminders this week.  We look forward to a safe and fun evening with our Class of 2021.  Thank you.

Dear Seniors,

The PTSO and your  2021 Class Officers are excited to sponsor the Class of 2021 Seniors Drive-in Night on October 20, 2020.  We encourage all Seniors to attend if they are able.

A reminder that only 1 person in your cohort or car needs to register.  Please list names, emails and school if the student is not from South.  You can edit your ticket to update the name.  Please do so by October 18 at midnight.  Click here to register or update your cohort/car.

All participants must enter from the Hammond Pond Parkway entrance to the Chestnut Hill Mall.  Check-in will begin at 6:35PM.  The more precise your registration, the quicker the check-in. Please do not gather in the Mall parking lot at any time.

Safety protocols reminders for the event:

  • You must arrive in the car that you will be staying in during the event.
  • All participants in the car must be wearing a mask when they check-in.
  • If students are opening trunks to view the movie, they can not get out of the car. Re-shuffle inside the car when you open your trunk.
  • Any car with a trunk opened must be tied down to the level of the roof of the car.  Parent volunteers will have string and will assist in that.
  • Students should wear masks at all times if they are not with an existing cohort.
  • Students must remain in the car at all times (unless there is an emergency that requires attention).
  • Car windows can be open during the event.
  • No idling.

We all need to do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community.  We look forward to a safe and fun evening!  Thank you!

AP Exam Registrations

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Aparna Singamsetty in From the PTSO

Newton South students who wish to register for AP exams should do the following:

Step One: Students use the Join Code provided by their AP teacher to register for an exam through their College Board account. Students who are self-studying for an exam should contact Mrs. Price for a Join Code.

Step Two: Students register again with Total Registration. www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/221548

Step Three: Students pay for their exam through Total Registration.

All three steps need to be completed by November 13, 2020, in order for exams to be ordered. If exams are not paid for by November 13, 2020, registration will be canceled.

A few notes…

  • Students who believe they qualify for a fee waiver must contact their counselor before registering.
  • If students believe they qualify for testing with accommodations, they must include their Services for Students with Disabilities number (SSD) with their registration. The College Board assigns the number to students.

If you have questions, contact Mary Ann Price at pricem@newton.k12.ma.us

 

South Stage Parent Information Meeting, October 13, 7:30 pm

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Aparna Singamsetty in From the PTSO, South Arts

South Stage Parent Information Meeting, October 13, 7:30 pm

Is your student interested in participating in a South Stage production this year? Newton South’s innovative and highly professional theatre company offers great opportunities not only for actors, singers and dancers, but also for sound, sets, light, costume design and stage management. No previous experience is required – South Stage welcomes students from all grades and all skill levels to join our friendly, creative community.

Meet South Stage Director Jeff Knoedler and find out about this year’s production schedule, auditions, rehearsals and tech opportunities, as well as opportunities for parents to get involved. With three seasons of shows, students can audition or volunteer for one production or several, depending on their interest and availability.

For more information, visit www.southstage.org, or email southstageparents@gmail.com.

Parents who would like to learn more are invited to join us on Zoom on October 13th, 7:30pm 

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 893 3959 0878 Passcode: NSHS