October 11, 2023

Tuesday, October 24th from 7:30-9pm on Zoom for the foundational presentation, Basic Rights in Special Education with SEPAC Member-at-Large and Special Education Advocate, Julie Swersey. This presentation is geared towards those new to and familiar with special education. We offer this presentation annually and there is something new to be learned every year!

Zoom link:

https://newtonpac.org/presentations/

Tuesday, November 14th from 7:30-9:30pm in person at the Education Center, 100 Walnut St, Room 304 for a meet and greet with Superintendent Anna Nolin, and an opportunity to learn more about the anti-ableist curriculum NPS is in the process of developing with the NPS community from Anna Nolin and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Casey Ngo-Miller.

Last month was Bike Safety Month. Newton Safe Routes to School is helping spread the word about bike safety while encouraging students to bike to and from school. Check out a recent article in the Newton Beacon about their efforts.

Whitsons has planned a great week of food to celebrate National School Lunch Week this week. Newton South offered Quinoa Bowls, Newton North offered roast turkey and gravy, and the middle schools served up breakfast for lunch today.

Did you know families are responsible for the cost of repairs for damages to NPS 1:1 devices in grades 6-12? The cost to repair a cracked screen is $100 with labor.

If you have not already done so, please consider opting into our Chromebook Repair Fund. This fund, paid yearly, covers the cost of damages (such as cracked screens, missing keys, water damage, etc.) to the device on loan to your student. Click the included link for more information.

Are you a parent or guardian of a student with a disability or special needs? If so, did you know that every school district in MA is required to have a Special Education Parent Advisory Council or SEPAC?

The role of the SEPAC is to provide feedback to the School Committee and school district on special education programs and policies. We also serve as a liaison between parents and guardians of students with disabilities and school administration, bringing their attention to aspects of the school experience that are working well and advocating for those that merit continued consideration.

We meet monthly in an open board format, host regular presentations and socials, and have an active Listserv for sharing information. To learn more about Newton SEPAC, please visit: https://newtonpac.org.

Two upcoming events we wanted to highlight:

Join us on Tuesday, October 24th from 7:30-9pm on Zoom for the foundational presentation, Basic Rights in Special Education with SEPAC Member-at-Large and Special Education Advocate, Julie Swersey. This presentation is geared towards those new to and familiar with special education. We offer this presentation annually and there is something new to be learned every year!

Zoom link:

https://newtonpac.org/presentations/

Join us on Tuesday, November 14th from 7:30-9:30pm in person at the Education Center, 100 Walnut St, Room 304 for a meet and greet with Superintendent Anna Nolin, and an opportunity to learn more about the anti-ableist curriculum NPS is in the process of developing with the NPS community from Anna Nolin and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Casey Ngo-Miller.

Portrait of a Graduate

Newton Public Schools is in the process of developing our Portrait of a Graduate. What is a Portrait of a Graduate? It is a collective vision that articulates our community’s aspirations for ALL of our students. This is a first step in framing and articulating a clear vision for our school system.

Who will develop it?

The Portrait will be developed by the community in the form of a “Portrait Design Team.” The design team will include individuals across and throughout Newton. The team will consist of approximately 50 percent community members and 50 percent NPS educators.

While the design team will lead the process, feedback and information will be sought from the entire community in the form of surveys and community sessions. So, please do not worry if you cannot commit to being a part of the Design Team. You will have other opportunities to provide feedback and input!

What is the process?

Our timeline is about four months, which includes four Design Team Meetings. The Design Team will explore the following themes to create the competencies of the Newton Portrait of a Graduate:

1. Examine how the world has changed and the implications for students.

2. Discuss the competencies students need to thrive today and tomorrow.

3. Identify and contextualize the competencies that should be a part of a shared, local vision for our district.

4. Discuss how to make our Portrait of a Graduate a reality for every student.

Can I apply to be a member of the Design Team?

Yes, we welcome your interest and encourage you to apply. Just a note that It will be important that you can commit to the four design team meetings, currently scheduled for January 17th and 18th, February 8th, and March 4th. All meetings begin at 6:00 p.m.

To indicate your interest in participating as a member of the Portrait of a Graduate Design Team, please complete this Google Form.

Portrait of a Graduate Design Team Interest Form

Our Portrait of a Graduate will serve as the North Star for our schools, bringing our community together with a shared vision. It will be locally developed and globally positioned with a shared aspiration that all of our students have an educational experience that prepares them to be lifelong learners and contributors.

We look forward to your participation!

Your student can apply to be part of the new Governor's Youth Advisory Council. This council will give young people from across the Commonwealth the opportunity to advise the Healey-Driscoll Administration on innovative solutions to some of the critical issues we face today such as climate, education, mental health, gun violence, housing, and more.

Applicants must be between the ages of 16-21 years old to be eligible for this council. Please find the application and additional information at www.mass.gov/youthcouncil as well as flyers for the council

As you know, the first breakfast and lunch are free to all students this school year. However, second meals and a la carte items are NOT free of charge. These items must be purchased. Students will not be permitted to purchase a second meal or a la carte items unless they have funds in a MySchoolBucks account or pay with cash.

Per School Committee policy, negative balances are not permitted on MySchoolBucks accounts. Students without adequate funds will not be allowed to purchase items.

Please make a family decision if purchasing second meals and/or a la carte items are acceptable.

If you believe you may qualify for financial assistance, or if any of the fees present a financial hardship, please visit our financial assistance webpage. You may apply for financial assistance using our Aspen student information system portal.

More information regarding fees can also be found on the NPS fee website. For help with MSB or questions regarding fees, please contact the business office at 617-559-9025 or email feepayments@newton.k12.ma.us.

On Wednesday October 4th, Newton North students and advisors attended MassDOT’s Moving Together Conference Luncheon. At the luncheon, results of the Safe Streets Smart Trips PSA Video Contest were announced.

Here are the placement results with links to the videos:

"4 Feet" produced by Micah Klein, Rishi Prabhu, Williams Yahns, Luis Carvalho, & Isabella Dugan was the Grand Prize winner.

"Guard the Lives of Our Vulnerable Users" produced by Julia Bartow Fuchs, John Dinjian, Zac Lipchin, Oliver Neuberg, & Ruby Metcalf was the Honorable Mention winner.

Newton North High School has earned a place on the AP® School Honor Roll for the 2022-23 school year! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success.

We are currently recruiting for open positions and would love to hear from you. Visit our JOB POSTINGS page for detailed information and application instructions.

The 15 ARPA-funded Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons RRFBs will all be operational by the end of October. Locations were selected to improve safety on routes to schools, village centers and public transit and factored in crash history.

PLEASE let your student know to ALWAYS push the button to activate the yellow flashing lights and to wait until the driver stops before stepping out into the crosswalk.

Visit http://newtonsaferoutes.org/rrfb for a list of the 21 new RRFB locations.

Make your voice heard to help build a healthier Newton by taking a few minutes to fill out the MA Community Health Survey. Survey results will be used to improve programs, make decisions about funding and resources, and support policies to improve health equities. The survey is available in 11 languages, is easy to take, and anonymous.

The federal government has resumed its distribution of free COVID tests. If you would like to order tests, please visit this link: https://www.covid.gov/tests

Newton’s Health and Human Services staff are hosting four (4) community flu clinics at Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium (1000 Commonwealth Avenue on the second floor; follow the signs to the War Memorial Auditorium). Appointments are preferred, but we welcome walk-ins. Insurance information is requested, but not required. For more information on the flu vaccine click here. If you have any questions contact Newton Health and Human Services Department at 617-796-1420. Interpreter services available.

Community Flu Clinic

This clinic is open to anyone over 6 months. Regular and high-dose (65+) vaccines will be available.

• Tuesday, Oct. 17, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

• Monday, Oct. 23. 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Register here.

Senior Flu Clinic

This clinic is intended for seniors but is open to anyone over 18. Regular and high-dose (65+) vaccines will be available.

• Friday, Oct. 13, 10:00 a.m. to noon

Register here.