NPS District News
September 1, 2021
Message from the Superintendent
Dear NPS Families,
I am excited to welcome you and your students back to school on Thursday, September 9. Please take a moment to view my video welcome message as we finish preparing for opening day.
Video: A Warm Welcome to the 2021-22 School Year from Superintendent David Fleishman.
I look forward to seeing you in person this year and wish your family a terrific school year.
Sincerely,
David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools
Vaccination Clinics - Sept. 11th and Oct. 2nd
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
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
NPS is participating in the state-sponsored multi-tiered COVID testing program, which will be 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.
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.
You will be REQUIRED to provide consent for your student to be tested. A separate communication will be sent when the consent form is available in Aspen. We expect to begin testing all three options in our schools mid-September.
Bus Passes Now Available!
Bus Passes can now be downloaded from Aspen. All bus passes contain a seat assignment. Please make sure your student knows their seat assignment. Please do not board a bus without a bus pass and a seat assignment. If you have any questions, please contact the NPS transportation department at:
617-559-9051
bus_transportation@newton.k12.ma.us
Here are the instructions for downloading the pass:
1) Log into Aspen : https://aspen.newton.k12.ma.us/
2) Click on Family Tab at the top
3) Click on Child's Name
4) Click on Documents Side Tab
5) Look for and download Bus Pass 2021-2022 document
Secondary students with a smartphone can download or display a screenshot of the bus pass on their devices.
Some bus routes may have been updated or changed for the 2021-22 school year. Be sure to review your bus route on our NPS Bus Stops and Schedules Webpage.
Please watch your email in the coming days for more information on when bus registration will re-open.
Walking and Riding to School
As you begin a new school routine, we encourage you and your student to consider taking the bus, biking, or walking to school. Walking, biking, and riding decreases traffic congestion around schools, making it safer for everyone. It also reinforces our commitment to sustainability in the Newton Public Schools.
Find out more about walking and biking here: Walking and Biking to School at NPS. You can also visit the Newton Safe Routes to School website for very helpful information. See below for some of the many new bike racks we have installed at our schools to encourage biking!
1:1 Technology Program
This year we are excited to continue with the expanded 1 Device 1 Student (1:1) program begun during the past year. While the past year’s use of 1:1 devices was in support of remote learning during the pandemic, we are looking forward to bringing the benefits of 1:1 technology to the in-person classroom environment.
Please download this PDF document for details on:
Which devices will be available to your student(s) (by grade level)
Forms to be completed
Use and care guidelines
Optional repair fund information
Information on when and where your student will receive their device will come directly from your school(s) in the next few weeks.
Update Student Information in Aspen
Last week, you received information about logging into Aspen (NPS student information system) to update your contact information and complete required forms. We encourage you to take this step as soon as possible. It is important that your contact information is updated and your permission preferences (student directory, photo releases) are documented for the 2021-22 school year.
Here are the Instructions for Updating Student/Family Information in Aspen. If you are having trouble logging into Aspen, please email: aspen@newton.k12.ma.us
School Calendar with Early Release Dates
The Newton Public School calendar has been updated to reflect early release days and times. You can find the calendar on the NPS Calendar Webpage.
Free and Reduced Meal Program
All students in the Newton Public Schools will continue to receive school meals free of charge for the 2021-22 school year. However, it is still important for qualified families to complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application. By completing the application, your student and family may be eligible to receive additional benefits beyond the free and reduced meal program.
A few important notes:
If you have had a change in job status or income, you may now be eligible for the free and reduced meal program. We encourage you to complete the application by September 8.
If your student was enrolled in the Newton Public Schools last year and you are now eligible for the free and reduced meals program (but have not yet completed the application), you can receive a summer P-EBT card. To receive the card, you must complete the application. A P-EBT card is a debit card with funds already loaded onto it that can be used to purchase food items at your local grocery store.
To receive the P-EBT card benefit, you MUST complete the free and reduced meal application by September 8.
If you are already enrolled in the free and reduced meal program and received a P-EBT card last year, you do NOT need to reapply. You will remain enrolled in the free and reduced meal program this year.
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