NPS District News Special Edition
September 10, 2021
Welcome to the 2021-22 School Year
As we conclude this first week of school, we wanted to share a few quick notes and updates.
Vaccine Clinic this Weekend - Walk-Ins Welcome!
Newton will be hosting COVID vaccine clinics for people 12 and older at two separate sites. Here are the details:
Newton South
Where: Gym at Newton South (140 Brandeis Rd., Newton)
When: Saturday, September 11th and Saturday, October 2nd
Time: 8:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/NEWTONSOUTHVAX
Newton North
Where: Cafeteria at Newton North (457 Walnut St., Newton)
When: Saturday, September 11th and Saturday, October 2nd
Time: 8:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/NEWTONNORTHVAX
WALK-INS ARE WELCOME!
Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult or have the state’s consent form filled out (available here). Please see the health section of our webpage for translated versions of the flier below.
COVID Testing Program - REGISTER NOW!
Consent forms for the NPS COVID testing program are now available in Aspen. You ARE REQUIRED to provide consent for your student to be tested. Please log into Aspen to sign the consent form. Here is the Aspen Login Link. Please follow these instructions for accessing and signing the consent form.
While we are still working to finalize testing implementation with the state contractor, CIC Health, testing could begin as soon as Monday, September 13 for those who have opted-in.
Here are the details on the state-sponsored multi-tiered COVID testing program administered by CIC Health:
Symptomatic Testing: This protocol (a rapid test), will be used for students and staff who develop symptoms while at school.
Test and Stay (Close contact testing): This protocol (a rapid test) will be used to test unvaccinated asymptomatic individuals who have been identified as close contacts following possible exposure at school. This test will allow your student to stay in school if exposed to COVID while at school. Students will NOT be required to stay home and quarantine unless they are exhibiting symptoms.
Routine (Weekly) COVID Pooled Testing: This protocol (anterior nasal swab) will be used for all individuals who opt-in to participate in the weekly COVID testing program.
Having trouble logging into Aspen? Email: aspen@newton.k12.ma.us
Vaccine Required for NPS Staff
On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, the Newton School Committee approved a policy requiring NPS employees to be vaccinated. Staff must be fully vaccinated by October 15, 2021. You can review the policy here: NPS (Interim) Staff COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
On August, 24, 2021, the Newton School Committee approved a face covering policy, which was updated for the 2021-22 school year. The policy can be found here: NPS Face Covering Policy.
Transportation News - Bus Driver Shortage
As you may have read in the media, the region is experiencing an extreme shortage of bus drivers. This shortage is already impacting Newton and we expect the situation to continue into the near future. We are working very closely with our bus company to limit disruptions and to develop contingency plans. We ask for your patience as we navigate this very difficult situation.
We also know that some families still need to register for the bus. Our transportation staff is working as quickly as possible to process applications so that your student can ride the bus. The process is a bit slower than usual as we are assigning seats due to COVID health and safety. Staff will respond to emails and phone messages as soon as they are able to do so.
We know how important transportation is and how frustrating it is when it does not go smoothly. Please know we are working hard to ensure your student is transported to and from school safely.
Newton Public Schools
Website: www.newton.k12.ma.us
Location: 100 Walnut Street, Newton, MA, USA
Phone: (617) 559-6000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newtonps
Twitter: @newton_ps