Author Archives: caroline-w

School Closing

March 12, 2020

Dear NPS Families,

For the past two weeks, we have been working closely with the Newton Department of  Health and Human Services to reduce the community spread of COVID-19. We have received many emails from concerned families and understand that this is a stressful and unsettling time.

Given the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our region, coupled with new guidance from the Governor, the state, infectious disease experts, and our local health partners, we have made the difficult decision to close the Newton Public Schools beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 13. There will be no school tomorrow, next week and possibly for a longer period. 

The decision to close schools is an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. It will only be effective if the community also takes steps to practice self-isolation, monitor for any symptoms, and avoid large gatherings. We need all community members to do their part or the school closure will not be successful in limiting the spread of the virus.

We know the cancellation of school, its associated activities, and events that use our school buildings is disappointing and extremely disruptive to our daily lives. However, we believe we must do so for the health and well-being of our community.

We expect to provide an update to you next week as we further assess the situation.  We also know you will have questions regarding learning opportunities for your children while school is closed and we will have more information on this subject late next week.

This is a unique public health situation that is rapidly changing. Our hope is that if we all work together, we can reduce the spread of this virus, protect residents, especially those most vulnerable, and resume normal activities as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

Important Update on School Events & Activities

March 11, 2020

Dear NPS Community,

In an effort to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all evening and community events in our facilities effective immediately and until further notice. All field trips will also be cancelled immediately. We have made this decision in consultation with the Newton Department of Health and Human Services. This decision is consistent with the state’s latest guidance for meetings and events which was announced yesterday. The City of Newton is also cancelling large public gatherings and many programs.

I know our decision to restrict access to our facilities will raise lots of questions. Here are some examples of events that will be cancelled beginning tonight:

  • Community events and meetings
  • Student performances
  • PTO meetings and other parent events
  • Adult education classes
  • Use of buildings by non-school groups

We will continue to offer before school and after school care at our elementary schools, as well as after school programs and classes run by Newton Community Education. After school activities at the secondary level will continue including athletics, rehearsals, and clubs, although we will not have outside spectators at indoor events. The Newton School Committee meetings will take place as scheduled.

In addition, the use of school buildings by non-school groups will be discontinued until further notice. We know this has a real impact on our residents and community organizations who provide valuable programs and activities.

We are fully aware that these decisions have significant ramifications and are difficult for our students, staff, families and community members. The cancellation of many meaningful activities will be a great disappointment to those who have worked very hard. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the guidance from the state and the current status of the COVID-19 situation. We want to do our part to limit the spread of the virus and to reduce the risk of infection for our community.

I recognize that the information in this message will raise a lot of questions regarding specific events and activities. We are in the process of developing an FAQ which should answer many of your questions.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this rapidly changing and unsettling time.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

How can we improve sustainability in Newton Schools?

Join parents, educators and students working together to promote sustainability in Newton schools. At Green Newton’s Schools Connections’  meetings, all are welcome to participate, share experiences and ideas. If your school does not yet have a Green Team, they can help to establish one.

For more information contact schoolconnections@greennewton.org or visit www.schools.greennewton.org

March 12th,  3:45 – 5:00 pm
Third floor arc area of the Newton Free Library

Affinity Group Meeting

Please join FORJ@Cabot for the second affinity and ally group planning meeting.

RSVP HERE 

This meeting is open to all parents of elementary aged children in the Newton Public Schools. Please RSVP so they can figure out how to group folks at the meeting. Children who can entertain themselves are welcome. At the great first meeting in January the group discussed what affinity and ally groups are, what parents are looking to gain from these groups for ourselves and our children, and initial steps to get the groups off the ground.

At the second meeting, the hope is to dive right into more in-depth discussions about organizing and getting the groups off the ground. So far, interest has been expressed for the following groups: families of color, multiracial families, moms of color, asian/south asian, LGBTQ+, single parents, black/african parents, latinx families, religious minorities, families of color with children who are differently abled/disabled/neurodivergent, and ally groups (for all of the above).

March 10th,  7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cabot Cafeteria, 229 Cabot Street

NSHS South Stage Annual Auction is going live on March 14th

The auction will go live soon. By clicking on the link, you can browse all items, but to bid you must create an account on 32auctions. There’s a fantastic line-up of auction items such as fitness packages, theatre tickets, wine tastings, favorite restaurant gift cards and MORE!

The auction will run from March 14th – 21st and all proceeds will go direct to South Stage for program and facility upgrades and to ultimately enhance the student theatre experience. If you are bidding and have a question, please email one of the auction administrators direct from the 32auctions site.

Spring musical at NSHS – Postponed until further notice

Please come to the Spring musical when NSHS South Stage presents Jesus Christ Superstar, a 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, stage directed by Jeff Knoedler with music direction by Ben Youngman, and set in a contemporary, urban setting. The story is loosely based on the Gospels account of the last week of Jesus’ life.

Tickets are on sale online at SouthStage.org beginning on March 9th and will also be available at the door. Ticketing in advance is recommended.

March 19th, 20th and 21st, 7:30PM
Seasholes Auditorium, Newton South High School

Sorry, postponed until further notice.

Spring Classes for All Ages and Interests

Registration is underway for Spring classes for children and adults. Classes begin during the week of March 29th and are open to the entire community.  Classes for children include aquatics, art, dance, STEM, sports and more.  Classes for adults include painting, Pilates, Basketball Leagues and Tai Chi.

A sampling of free children’s classes will be offered on March 22nd, 1 -2:30 pm during a STEM Free Day of Play. Children can explore space with Mad Science’s NASA program, hop onto a giant chess board with a former US Women’s Chess Champion, code with KIBO robots, and get hands on with nature exploration. Super Soccer Stars will also be facilitating pick-up soccer games and sample clinics. View entire listing of Spring classes and register at bostonjcc.org/classes or call 617-558-6443.

Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton

Athletes Unlimited Parent Social

Join fellow parents and guardians for this adults-only social event.  New parents, please come learn about Athletes Unlimited and meet other parents who have children with disabilities.  Current parents, please come socialize and share any ideas you may have on programming.  Newton Athletes Unlimited offers recreational programs to individuals with disabilities. It is an amazing resource for students and their parents alike.

Appetizers will be provided with a cash bar.  Please RSVP by clicking here.  You can learn more about Athletes Unlimited here https://www.newtonathletesunlimited.org/

March 26th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upstairs at Paddy’s Public House, 95 Elm Street, West Newton

After School this Spring at Newton Community Farm

Farm Tuesdays for ages 7-11. Please register here Farm.

This program for elementary-school kids meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons. Kids will start seedlings for planting at the farm and at home, care for chickens and help prepare the learning garden for the growing season. Rain or shine they’ll spend most of the afternoon outdoors learning about the farm, working in the garden, playing games and doing projects. Fee is $160.00 per child. Contact education@newtoncommunityfarm.org with questions or for more information.

Session meets Tuesdays March 31st – May 26th (no class April 21st), 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Newton Community Farm, 303 Nahanton Street, Newton

Newton South English Teacher will run 2020 Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation

Jasmine Lellock, Newton South High School English teacher, will run this year’s Boston Marathon to raise funds for Newton Schools Foundation (NSF). Her goal is to raise $5000 to support important programs that enhance students’ educational experience in the Newton Public Schools.

Jasmine began running in 2003, when her students encouraged her to run some laps
with their indoor track team. That spring, she ran her first 26-miler, the Cape Cod Marathon, and she’s run 12 marathons since.

“Students inspired me to start running, and they’ve been part of my journey ever since,”
said Jasmine. She coached the Randolph High School track team and ran the Providence
Marathon twice alongside members of the Newton South Dreamfar Team. This year she met her life goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon–by 8 seconds!

“I feel honored to run my first ever Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation,”
said Jasmine. ”NSF supports programs that encourage high achievement for all students, and as a teacher at Newton South High School, I’ve personally experienced the benefits of their work,” she said. “Students in my class have participated in the Courageous she said. “Students in my class have participated in the Courageous Conversations About Race program, which NSF funds, and I’ve attended several professional development workshops through the Teachers as Scholars Program, funded by a grant from NSF, I’ve also been part of NSF’s annual Honor Thy Teacher recognition program.”

“We’re thrilled and privileged to have Jasmine run for Newton Schools Foundation,”
said Marcia Tabenken, NSF co-president. “Her commitment to helping students achieve success in the classroom and on the track makes Jasmine an ideal ambassador for NSF in this year’s Boston Marathon.”

NSF is committed to expanding opportunities for all students in the Newton Public
Schools, by funding programs in three broad areas: New and promising initiatives, professional development opportunities for teachers, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity. NSF-supported programs span all grades, preschool-high school, and include the areas of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), sustainability, literacy, civics, the arts, and social/emotional development.

To donate to Jasmine’s run, click
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/jasmines-boston-marathon-charity-run

Jasmine will host a trivia night fundraiser on March 12th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm at Baramor, 45 Union Street, Newton Centre To purchase tickets at $40.00 per person, please Venmo @Jasmine-Lellock.

Newton Schools Foundation is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, whose mission is to advance excellence and equity in the Newton Public Schools by funding promising initiatives, professional development, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity.