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

LAST Day to Confirm your School Directory Information

Posted on October 4, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in Midweek From the PTSO 2021

As of today, we have 468 out of 1600 families who have confirmed their contact information in the PTSO School Directory.   Please note that the School Directory will include all confirmed and non-confirmed family information.  Families from Oak Hill and Brown information are included.

As part of the confirmation process, you can indicate any information you want to opt-out of releasing. The PTSO School Directory is only available to the current South community – enrolled families, teachers, and staff at Newton South High School.  Membership is required to gain access to the Directory online. 

CLICK ON THIS LINK to CONFIRM your INFORMATION TODAY

The PTSO also relies on the Dues Campaign to raise the necessary funds this year to support our programs.  We are short $12,000 of our reduced fundraising goal of $44,000 for this school year.  If you are able to contribute this year, please choose the option that best suits your family.  This can be done as you confirm your Directory information or you can  CLICK HERE to CONTRIBUTE to the PTSO.    Thank you.

If you have any questions relating to the information in your directory entry, please contact the Directory Committee at directory@newtonsouthptso.org. Please be sure to tell us your student’s name.

Newton South Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ) Welcome Night – Monday, Oct 5 at 7PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Newton South Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ) Welcome Night – Monday, October 5, 7-8:30PM – Save the date and RSVP HERE!

Bring a friend!

The Zoom link will be sent on Monday, October 5 to your email after you RSVP.

Parents, Teachers, and Students – Please join us to:

* hear about Affinity Clubs at NSHS from our student leaders

* learn about steps NSHS is taking to promote antiracism from faculty and parents

* contribute your ideas about ways to create more connection and belonging at NSHS!

Newton South FORJ is a growing group of parents, guardians, teachers, students, and administrators at NSHS who work together to promote antiracist initiatives, inclusion of all families, and an atmosphere of safety, equity, and inclusion at South.

Questions? Email Amy or Cindy at amy@amybehrens.com or cindesli@gmail.com or Ms. Sumner at sumnerk@newton.k12.ma.us

Volunteers Needed for Senior Sunset Event – Tuesday, Oct 6 at 6PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by PTSO CoPresident in For Seniors

The Class of 2021 Officers and the PTSO is excited to host a special event – Seniors Sunset on Tues Oct 6 from 6-7PM at the NSHS Baseball Field.  Seniors who are comfortable coming to an in-person event are invited to come to see their classmates and hang out to watch the sunset.   The recent updated State Guidelines restrict our event to the first 100 people who register.  Students must click to REGISTER by Oct 6th at 12 Noon to participate. 

The Class Officers will also host a live ZOOM event for those unable to attend in person.  Lastly, we will host a second event on Wed, Oct 7th, if we have more than 25 students over the 100 spots.  Seniors should contact their Class Officers if they have any questions.  Look forward to seeing everyone!  

Parent Volunteers are required to support social distancing protocols for all PTSO event.  We need parents to help with student check-in and to chaperone the event. Please sign up at this link by Monday, October 5th so we can make this event happen: https://signup.com/go/XeLkytm.  THANK YOU!

Reminder Senior Committee Kick-Off – Tuesday, Oct 6 at 8PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Seniors, From the PTSO

Hello Senior Parents/Guardians,

As we start this unprecedented year with our Seniors, the PTSO is kicking off a meeting to discuss in-person and virtual ideas to make great memories for your Senior(s).  Please join us on Tuesday, October 6 from 8-9PM.

We would like to brainstorm some ideas and will be looking for parent volunteers to organize and support selected events/programs to further research or plan.

Topic: PTSO Senior Committee
Time: October 6, 2020, at 8:00PM Eastern Time 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85472514235?pwd=UjJBc1hDd2RXR2NLd1BWbkN6NlhPUT09

Meeting ID: 854 7251 4235
Passcode: NSHS2020

Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 854 7251 4235
Passcode: 381068
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcXXdILCwS

Flu Vaccine Clinics

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Newton’s Health and Human Services Department has initially scheduled two drive-through/walk-up, appointment-based, weekend flu clinics open to Newton residents and Newton Public Schools students and their families.

Registration is not yet open for these clinics. Online appointment registration will open by early next week at www.newtonma.gov/flu.

Adults and children older than 6 months may be vaccinated at these clinics. Some high-dose flu vaccine will be available for adults who are at least 65 years old. These clinics are free and health insurance information is requested, but not required. If you do not have a vehicle, you may walk-up to receive a vaccine.

Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Newton North High School (457 Walnut Street)

Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Newton South High School (140 Brandeis Road)

Additional dates may be added depending upon demand.

Appointments are required and may fill quickly. Alternatively, consider getting a flu shot at an another time and place; they are available in many locations, including primary healthcare provider offices, local pharmacies and urgent care clinics. A list of some additional options for flu shots can be found at newtonma.gov/flu.

Newton South Distance Learning Family Survey Coming Soon

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

During this past week, Newton South has surveyed students and teachers to obtain feedback and comments about distance learning.

A family survey will be coming out this week.  If you need to update your email information, please log in to your Aspen account here.  Thank you.

Senior College Webinars

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Seniors

Upcoming Webinars for Seniors and Families:

October 7 at 7PM: Developing A Financial Aid Strategy: A national expert in college financial leads a frank, practical review of the landscape, the FAFSA, your EFC and how to navigate the system to best address your needs.

Format: Expert presentation with live Q&A
Speaker:  Nick Ducoff, Author of Better Off After College and Founder of Edmit

October 14 at 7PM, First In My Family: Application Tips From First Generation College Students.  Current college students share their tips on how to approach the college application process, how to work with parents, and how to seek out mentors and information for additional support.

Format: Moderated panel discussion with live Q&A
Speakers:  Moderator: Chuck Hughes, Founder of Road to College and former Harvard Admissions Officer; Representative from an organization focused on first generation students; Three first generation college students.

Register  HERE.

Ninth Grade and New to South Dean and Counselor Webinar – Thursday, Oct 8 at 7PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in For Freshmen, From the PTSO

Hello Families of Ninth Graders and Students New to South,

Below is the information you need to log in to the Ninth Grade/New to South Webinar to be hosted by your child’s deans and counselors on Thursday, October 8 from 7:00 to 8:30PM. You will be provided an overview of the roles of deans and counselors and lots of information will be shared about a variety of topics such as communication methods at the high school level, the function of the house system and much more. There will also be an opportunity for a moderated Q & A. We hope to see you then!

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Oct 8, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ninth Grade/New to South Webinar

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/84671701706
Passcode: 487055

Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,84671701706#,,,,,,0#,,487055#  or +16465588656,,84671701706#,,,,,,0#,,487055#

Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 9128  or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 846 7170 1706
Passcode: 487055
International numbers available: https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/u/kcbZdsOOHp

South Stage Parent Information Meeting – Tuesday, Oct 13 at 7:30PM

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO, South Arts

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 13 at 7:30PM. 

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 893 3959 0878 Passcode: NSHS

UNICEF Club Tie-Dye Mask Fundraiser for COVID-19 Relief

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michelle Wetlaufer in From the PTSO

Newton South UNICEF Club is selling tie-dye masks to fundraise for COVID-19 relief efforts.

Masks are $10 and are available in NSHS colors (blue+orange) or blue+purple.

Pickup in Newton Highlands or Auburndale, additional details on order form.

Order masks: bit.ly/masks4unicef