Tag Archives: high

ActiveMinds Tutoring is Adaptable

ActiveMinds Tutoring is adaptable and ready to assist your transition. Their tutoring team is equipped with the resources to accommodate the limitations of online schooling and the needs of your child during this difficult time. Through tutoring, mentorship, and coaching, they are prepared to offer meaningful learning experiences through online support.

Contact ActiveMinds to learn more about their experienced tutors. Call 617-227-2225, email info@activemindstutoring.com, or visit http://www.activemindstutoring.com/testimonials.html

Update from the School Committee

Dear Friends,

In an effort to balance our obligation to hold public meetings with the equally imperative duty to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19, the School Committee has implemented new Public Comment procedures with guidance from the Health and Human Services Department. Normally, the month of March is a busy time during which the Committee reviews, vigorously examines and welcomes numerous Public Comments regarding next year’s budget. Given yesterday’s decision to close schools, the risk of community spread posed by COVID-19 and the need to protect our most vulnerable residents, we simply cannot observe the normal process.

We hope that you understand and assist us to mitigate the risk as we refrain from large gatherings and maintain social distancing. This is not possible in the Ed Center’s School Committee chamber, which is small and easily overcrowded. Therefore, we urge members of the public not to attend in person and instead opt to watch the live broadcast on NewTV. For meetings with scheduled Public Comment, we ask members of the public to submit written Public Comment by 6:00 PM. Questions will be collated and read aloud during the Committee’s live broadcast at 7:00 PM on NewTV. Each Public Comment is limited to three minutes and must include your name and address. Please submit Public Comments to schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us.  

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Monday, March 16 at 7:00 PM, Special SC Meeting FY21 Budget. The Committee will review changes to the budget affecting Elementary and Secondary education. No Public Comment Scheduled.
  • Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 PM, Special SC Meeting. Public Comment Observed, up to 45 minutes. Submit written comments to the SC via email.
  • Monday, March 23 at 7:00 PM, SC Meeting. Public Comment Observed, up to 30 minutes. Submit written comments to the School Committee via email.
  • Monday, March 30 at 7:00 PM, SC Public Hearing FY21 Budget. Public Comment Observed, No Time Limit. Submit written comments to the School Committee via email.

We hope you found this guide useful. You can access all SC meeting documents via the NPS website (www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee). Additionally, we offer “Virtual Office Hours” once a month using Facebook Live to provide the community with an opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts with members of the School Committee. Videos of past “Virtual Office Hours” are archived on the district Facebook page.

As always, we are very happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us via the email address below.

Sincerely,
The Newton School Committee

Newton South Light the Way AUCTION

The Newton South Help Light the Way Auction will provide funds for the installation of permanent lights at Winkler Stadium. Help light the way to school spirit and community spirit at South. Our community and merchants have donated over 60 items, so please click below to register online and start bidding today at https://e.givesmart.com/events/eQe/

The Light the Way Auction is open online now through March 28th at 11:59 pm.

The current goal is to raise $50,000 for the Light the Way Fundraiser. Many thanks to our community and merchants for their continued support of the Help Light The Way fundraising campaign! Please reach out directly to Bella Gelman and Penelope Nam-Stephen if you have specific questions.

Stay safe and healthy….and Bid for the Lights! GO SOUTH, GO LIONS, GO NEWTON!

Communication Study for Mental Health

A team at Harvard Medical School hopes to offer a training to parents of teens and young adults ages 14-24. The training will revolve around communication strategies that can help parents decrease conflict with their child and encourage healthy changes. It is a part of a study they hope will provide parents with the skills necessary to build their confidence!

Participants who enroll will learn and practice motivational interviewing skills in a group-based course with other parents.

Lunch will be provided and parking/transportation fees can be reimbursed. On-site childcare during the training is available. Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to $75.00 by completing pre- and post-course surveys. Click here for the flyer.

If you know someone who might benefit from this study, or if you have any questions, please email MIStudy@bidmc.harvard.edu, call 617- 982-3441, or visit Milostudy.com.

Sessions planned for May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
75 Fenwood Rd, Boston

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.