ParentSquare

  • NPS Summer 2026 Wellness Newsletter

    Summer Wellness & Self-Care Have a great summer, Newton PS! June 24, 2026 World Cup Spirit to kick-off our summer! World Cup fever is currently sweeping the United States and it is a fantastic classroom for our students. Beyond the thrilling goals, this article from Young Inc. reminds us of valuable lessons students and families can watch for together as they cheer on their favorite teams: 1. The Power of Playing Together: Matches are won by teams, not individuals. Look for how players communicate, support one another from the sidelines, and celebrate each other's successes. 2. Different Backgrounds, One Game: The tournament brings together unique cultures and styles of play, serving as a beautiful reminder of how sports can bridge communities and build connection. 3. Resilience Over Perfection: Even the world's best athletes make mistakes. Watch how teams maintain positive body language and fight back after falling behind or facing setbacks. 4. Fundamentals Never Go Out of Style: Elite talent is great, but basic skills—like clean passing, smart positioning, and simple decision-making under pressure—are what truly win big matches. 5. A Reminder to Dream Big: Every superstar started on a local field with big dreams.  Enjoy the World Cup fun with your family and friends! And if you are looking for additional ways to enjoy beyond watching the games, here are some activities, trivia and facts fans should know!   Activities for Summer Self-Care   Digital Wellness matters this summer! Summer is a wonderful time to reset mind and body so ensuring you consider the right digital balance for your family is important. Family Tech Planners from Common Sense Media or Family Tech Agreements from the Center for Online Safety could be helpful tools. And if you have a minute, this article, 17 Summers: Screen Time Sanity Through All Ages & Stages, is a good read. Would you rather listen while you walk, bike or cook dinner? The explainer video below captures highlights from each of these. Enjoy being active this summer! Summer break offers the perfect opportunity for families and students to stay active, whether exploring local nature or trying out a new sport. You can dive into community fun by checking out the Newton Parks, Recreation & Culture Summer Camps and Summer Programs or cooling off with Aquatics options. For those looking to build healthy habits indoors, teens can take advantage of the Teen Strength & Conditioning sessions at the West Suburban YMCA or sign up for the Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass. If you prefer mindfulness or outdoor adventure, try centering yourself at the Down Under School of Yoga, finding hidden treasures while Geocaching, or hitting the trails with a Kid-Friendly Hiking excursion nearby. Eat fresh, eat local this summer! The City of Newton hosts two vibrant farmers markets featuring local farms, specialty food vendors, and prepared meals. They run weekly through October 31st. The Saturday Market is held at Newton North High School, while the Tuesday Market takes place at Cold Spring Park. And once you pick up the ingredients, encourage the tweens and teens to test out their chef skills or enjoy cooking as a family. Best recipes for teenagers A Month of Healthy Summer Dinner Ideas for Kids Family Resource Guide

    Wednesday, Jun 24 2026

  • District News | Family Focus: Summer Chromebook Use ...

    Family Focus Technology Update: Summer Chromebook Use & Care Guidance June 16, 2026 Dear NPS Middle and High School Families We hope you will find the information below helpful. As a reminder students in grades 6-11 keep their school issued device over the summer. Below are tips for families on assisting students with managing and caring for the devices. Set Rules - As parent/guardians you, not your child, set the rules for device use at home. Some examples are below: No device use after 10 PM (adjust time accordingly for your home’s norms). The device can only be used in common areas (i.e., not in a child’s bedroom). The device needs to be charged in the kitchen overnight. Filter and Monitor Device Content  NPS Web Filtering and the Parent Portal Sign up for the Web Filtering Parent Portal to add additional control and limits on NPS student devices when off of the NPS network. You can also filter home web access through your internet service provider (ISP) - contact your ISP for additional details. Summer Care Tips - Please review these tips on caring for the device with your child: No food or drink should be near the Chromebook. Store the Chromebook in a secure location where it won't be accidentally knocked over or stepped on. Store the Chromebook in a cool, dry area that is not in direct sunlight. Do not leave the Chromebook in an automobile, take it to the beach or use it anywhere near a pool or water. Keep track of and take care of cords and cables. Do not pile books or other items on top of the Chromebook. Avoid use of any abrasive cleaning brushes or cleaning pads that might scratch the surfaces of your Chromebook. Chromebooks at Home Poster Join the Optional Repair Fund Now - Join the optional repair fund to cover the cost of repair for accidental damages this summer and into next school year. The Newton Public Schools issues devices to all students in grades 6-12 though students in grades 11 and 12 can choose to use their own personal device in school. Students currently in grades 10 and 11 that will opt to bring their own device next year should return their NPS issued device to the high school before summer break. Resource Links Curious about the district's curriculum? Use the buttons below to explore our curriculum resources and programs of study for students in grades K–12. Please note: We are currently in the first year of a multi-year curriculum review cycle, following a long pause in this work across the district. In some subject areas, a fully coordinated district-wide curriculum is still being developed. As each review cycle is completed and new curricula are adopted, corresponding resources will be added to this page. We believe that schools thrive when families are informed and actively partner with us in supporting Newton students. K-8 Parent Curriculum Resources Newton North Programs of Study Newton South Programs of Study Have an event or initiative to promote? Share it on our Community Notices page! Please note: This page features events and activities from community organizations serving Newton. Inclusion on the Community Notices page does not imply endorsement by Newton Public Schools, nor does it indicate NPS involvement with the organizations, events, or resources shared. Community Notices

    Tuesday, Jun 16 2026

  • District News | Superintendent Memo | June 15, 2026

    Superintendent Memo Dear Newton Families, Superintendent Bragging Rights It’s been an incredibly busy spring filled with so many celebrations and progress for the district.  I keep a district brag sheet each year and I have already filled it (since our March annual report) with more bright spots and brags than the last year combined.  Our students and staff are continually demonstrating expertise, strength and excellence –from one of our first graders at Mem-Spa, Cameron Askari, winning a statewide contest to draw his ideal school to our incredible Physical Education Health and Wellness teacher Angela Murgia who has been awarded the Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year award - for excellence in her field. Adaptive Physical Education (APE) is a modified physical education program designed to meet the unique physical, cognitive, and motor needs of individuals with disabilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), it ensures equitable access to physical fitness and recreation for students who cannot safely or successfully participate in standard PE classes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] This award is given every year by our PE and Health Educator professional organization (MAHPERD).  We also all had a blast with NPS students, staff and parents joining together to march/ride with our school mascots in the newly fashioned Memorial Day Honor Service Members parade!  Earlier this spring,  two Newton students presented original cancer research at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego, one of the largest and most prestigious oncology conferences in the world, drawing tens of thousands of scientists, oncologists, and researchers annually.   Aneesha Aryan is a junior at Newton North High School. She has spent the past year as a research intern at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, using machine learning to study RAS mutations in cancer. Her research explores whether gene expression profiles can better identify which patients are most likely to respond to targeted cancer therapies, work with direct implications for patients whose tumors carry RAS mutations, found in roughly 30% of all human cancers.   Michelle Chudnovsky is a senior at Newton South High School. Her research focused on upper limb physical performance in breast cancer survivors, specifically how volume asymmetry affects strength and recovery after treatment, work with meaningful implications for the quality of life of survivors.   Both students represented Newton, and two of its public high schools, on a national scientific stage. And, so importantly, they demonstrate all of the Portrait of a Learner competencies our district holds dear–using their skills to do more good in the world.  Thank you Newton High School Student Leaders! Seeing Every Student I have also just come from our year-end state of the schools data analysis sessions –where each elementary school analyzes the progress made in academics, attendance, and social-emotional learning needs for our students.  (Middle and High School are holding theirs next week).  I could not be prouder of the progress of our students and of our staff.  We are closing decades old achievement gaps and pushing growth for all.  More than once today, elementary principals have indicated that they have only 1 or a handful of students per grade who are not at or above grade level in math or ELA.  This is terrific progress and a meaningful step in our academic excellence and equity of experience across our system.  Every child is seen, known, challenged and learning and supports are designed with specific needs of every child in mind. Days like this make the superintendency! Class of 2026 Graduation I am so proud of our graduates! Their futures are bright and it has been so incredible hearing about their plans and Newton memories. Please have your child email their vice principals with personal emails for alumni contacts, and... join our Newton Alumni Association on Facebook. Read Dr. Nolin’s Graduation Remarks. I know it’s been unbearably hot for a few sporadic days.  I’d like to thank Mayor Laredo and his staff for taking up our request to add more air conditioning units and electrical capacity to our older buildings to create more cool areas.  This will take some time but is benefitting from the Mayor’s attention! We are in the home stretch of the regular school year and we look forward to a strong finish!  We have hired 378 teachers for our extended special education school year, SPACE program and Newton Community Education camp.  Also, as part of our academic program support upgrades, we will be offering math services to 200 students who, at the January benchmarking period, were not at or above grade level across our middle schools.  This math summer work camp, occurring in August the four week preceding the start of school, was offered to eligible students.  This is a first step and we hope to offer literacy services next year as well, funding dependent. MCAS Family Portal from Department of Elementary and Secondary Education The MCAS family portal maintained by the state will be available with preliminary ELA results for students by June 30th. Families that set up an account this spring during the pilot phase of the portal this spring should use their existing account to log into the portal. Families who have not yet set up an account can use their student's unique registration code that will be available in a letter posted to the Aspen Family Portal at the end of June. Please note that the Spring 2026 ELA results that will be posted are preliminary. It is possible that some scores may change when scores are officially reported in the fall. Additionally, school, district, and state results will not be available in the portal until the fall.  A ParentSquare message will be sent in late June when the portal is active and letters with registration codes are posted in Aspen. Robotics Funding In positive collaboration with our NTA educator partners, we have been working on additions to the elementary school day schedule and offerings. (More details to come).  We are looking for funding for a pilot to offer robotics and coding experiences for our grade 3 students. Donate if you would like to help us reach our $150K goal for robotics specials classes experiences for EVERY grade 3 student in Newton. Bell to Bell Electronic Devices Ban: A State Initiative While NPS has had a K-12 personal device mitigation policy for a year now, the state has almost decided it will enact an even stricter set of expectations for PK-12 public school environments (without adequate funding or pilots, fyi).  To this end, NPS convened our educator team from secondary schools to plan how we will deal with a possible total device ban –from bell to bell in NPS and our open campus high schools.  With 18 doors and an open campus where students have privileges to come and go as they please, managing student devices is pretty hard to do.  The cost for mitigation devices is large and…under the new limits, it appears even YONDR pouches in play at our middle schools will not meet the state guidance for mitigation. So, we wait to see what’s passed, but it’s worth warning parents and students that significant limits on device use and availability will be forthcoming.   Please know that if you have a student in NPS next year, you will have to comply with the state's expectations of NO cell phone use of any kind during the school day. Guidance to Educators for ICE Interactions The MA Executive Office for Education has released additional guidance for staff when dealing with ICE interactions. This is similar to the guidance given to us last year from the Attorney General. NPS staff are able to refer such interactions to administrators who are trained to check for correct warrants and notify legal and superintendent offices to address any on campuses issues. Executive Office of Education guidance from May 2026 Guidance from MA Executive Office for Education (link to info on NPS website) Attorney General's guidance from February 2025 Guidance from Attorney General's Office on Immigrant Students' Right to Attend School Congratulations to Our Future Educators! NPS was excited to host a Future Educator Signing Day on Thursday, May 21, to celebrate our graduating seniors who have chosen to pursue a concentration in Education as they transition to their next chapter after graduation. These future educators will get a first look and interview upon obtaining their credentials, an interview and demo lesson. It’s the noblest of professions–we are proud of our future educators, who were, no doubt, inspired by our on staff educators! Understanding that education is a sacred profession - often encouraged and inspired by dedicated educators along the way - we were honored to celebrate these students and welcome the family members, mentors, teachers, and supporters who have helped guide and inspire them. Below are the names of those honored. Bae Derby - Newton North Becca Morrow - Newton South Ben Kitzis - Newton South Daniella Bunch - Newton North Hayle Buck - Newton North Karma Powell - Newton North Lila Anapolle - Newton North Logan Richard - Newton North Malia Thompson-Leong - Newton North Maya Poscover - Newton South May Bunton - Newton North Michael Resmini - Newton North Sophie Hajjar - Newton South Recent Press Releases Gabrielle Mulrean: New Bowen Elementary Interim Principal Lisa Gilbert-Smith: New Newton North High Interim Principal Caitlin Brown: New Newton South High Interim Principal Jesse Krotick: Director of Mental Health and Well-Being: Newly consolidated position aligned to our strategic plan! New Career and Technical Options for Newton Students: New Programs and CTE certifications in Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting and Information Systems and Networking New: FAA Drone Certification Drone School Electives at Both High Schools! Calendar: Last Day of School, June 2026 NECP: Wednesday, June 24 Release time: NECP: 12:00pm K-12: Thursday, June 25 Release times: Elementary: 12:10pm Bigelow: 10:55am Brown: 11:20am FA Day: 10:55am Oak Hill: 10:50am High: 12:45pm Calendar: First Day of School Fall 2026 Reminder: The first day of school in September is before Labor Day (a Newton first!) and is a Wednesday. This means: For K-8 schools, it’s an early release (same times as usual). For high school it's a regular full day (but new students have a modified schedule which is shared by the high school staff directly to families.) See full details about the calendar for next year. 2026-2027 Calendar Calendar: District “Soft close” June 29 to July 12, 2026 This reminder has been sent to all families that the district has a “soft close” from June 29 to July 12, to allow our professional administrators and year-round educators a break from responding to building and community emails and visits. We will do this again for our December break.  At this time, families and folks outside of the school district should not expect return calls and emails from staff until the end of the soft close period. Emergency calls should be directed to public safety or nearby hospitals. Communicating with Us: Emails, Website, and ParentSquare Like most school districts and businesses, NPS is subject to many cyber and phishing schemes. To that end, we have removed our list of staff website linked emails from our website (which follow the format lastnamefirstinitial@newton.12.ma.us). We have started using a website form for the public to contact school personnel. These contact forms ensure a safer tech atmosphere for our staff and will not result in a delay in response time.  For staff this means a little bit of separation from the external world and its frequent complaints and cyber attacks. This should slow the pace of email to which you must respond. We wanted you to know of the format change.  We are guiding families on the best way to solve problems, which is to contact the staff member closest to the concern you have: teacher first next department head or principal lastly assistant superintendent for your student's grade level Writing to the superintendent, school committee and mayor as a first step is generally ineffective, as they will direct you to the educator closest to the concern.  Please know–we want to collaborate with our families and caregivers! We also have a Family Engagement Office who can assist with some issues, and on our website, we have a chat/search function that can direct you to most answers.  To use the chat/search function, you can visit any district or school page. When you are on the website, you should click on the little dialogue box (as pictured) and ask the question and the answers will begin to pop up! As you use this feature, the answers will improve. Caring for Our Students: Mental Health Screenings During Advisory on Monday, May 11th, the 10th grade class participated in the SBIRT program. SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment. This program is a collaborative initiative through the Massachusetts Departments of Public Health and Education, aiming for early intervention to young adults and the use of substances. In an effort to minimize the impact of students missing class time for the Counseling and Health Office to collect the data, we conduct this screening  in Advisory with the 10th graders. Families and caregivers have been given the information and had an opportunity to opt their student out from participating in the program. This screening is one of many that occur across grades 7, 9 and 10 within the district.  We have recently hired a new Director of Mental Health and Wellbeing in the district to ensure we have a comprehensive system of interventions and supports for our students in all grades–just as we now do in our academic programs PK-12. After the SBIRT screeners are conducted and organized, the Counseling and Health Office interprets the data, which may result in students needing short check-ins with their counselor or a school nurse. We document and track who is identified each year and what caregivers tell us about student supports and services.   May Food Services Newsletter Welcome to this month's food service updates! Chartwells, our food service vendor, is dedicated to serving nutritious, delicious, and student-approved meals. Check out their newsletter featuring new taste-test Mood Boost menu testing items, fun food programs to bring bold flavors and fresh ingredients to our students, and a celebration of School Lunch Hero Day. May Food Service Newsletter June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month Newton Public Schools prioritizes the health and safety of our students, families and staff and community partners.  June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, an observance dedicated to preventing firearm injuries, raising awareness about gun violence, and promoting responsible storage practices.  While we focus on all areas of safety in NPS, we wanted to share an important message about gun violence prevention in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Newton Police Department. The U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center recommends the importance of appropriate storage of weapons to reduce the likelihood of gun violence at home or in the community.  State law requires adults to securely store their firearms. Keeping students, teachers, staff and community members safe from the threat of gun violence requires us to do all that we can to take preventative steps at home, at school and in the community. Please do all that you can to ensure safe gun storage in our community. If you have any questions or would like resources related to this, please contact the Newton Police Department. Safe Routes to School – Bike Safety Bikes are an important part of the transportation ecosystem in Newton for students, staff and community members. We are sharing information with school communities about bike safety to ensure that all of our riders are taking the right safety precautions and using their bikes and other transport legally and safely. Each of our schools has places for students to store bicycles. Safe Routes to School recently hosted a webinar for municipalities about travel safety with e-bikes.  Comparative Rules Table for Small-Motorized Vehicles The Commonwealth recently convened a Special Commission on Micromobility that released a report with recommendations. The governor proposed legislation from these recommendations that is moving forward, so hopefully in a year things will be much better and more logically defined. Something New is Coming to Newton Centre... The City of Newton celebrated the kickoff of Farmers’ Market season last weekend with a huge, new market on Union Street in Newton Centre–just steps from the MBTA Green Line! Held outdoors on Union Street in the heart of Newton Centre, shoppers can visit the market and take advantage of special promotions from local shops, restaurants, and cafés throughout the day. Located at the Newton Centre stop on the MBTA Green Line, the Spring Preview Farmers’ Market is an easy weekend outing for families, food lovers, and anyone looking to explore one of Greater Boston’s most charming village centers. The market will be open from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. More information and list of participating vendors. Resource Links Curious about the district's curriculum? Use the buttons below to explore our curriculum resources and programs of study for students in grades K–12. Please note: We are currently in the first year of a multi-year curriculum review cycle, following a long pause in this work across the district. In some subject areas, a fully coordinated district-wide curriculum is still being developed. As each review cycle is completed and new curricula are adopted, corresponding resources will be added to this page. We believe that schools thrive when families are informed and actively partner with us in supporting Newton students. K-8 Parent Curriculum Resources Newton North Programs of Study Newton South Programs of Study Have an event or initiative to promote? Share it on our Community Notices page! Please note: This page features events and activities from community organizations serving Newton. Inclusion on the Community Notices page does not imply endorsement by Newton Public Schools, nor does it indicate NPS involvement with the organizations, events, or resources shared. Community Notices

    Monday, Jun 15 2026

  • Announcement: Newton Public Schools Appoints Jesse K...

    Announcement June 9, 2026 Newton Public Schools Appoints Jesse Krotick as First Director of Mental Health and Well-Being This appointment is effective July 1, 2026. NEWTON, MA — Newton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anna Nolin announced the appointment of Jesse Krotick, M.Ed., LICSW, MSW, as the district's inaugural Director of Mental Health and Well-Being, an expanded leadership position designed to strengthen and align mental health supports for students across the district from preschool through age 22. The position reflects Newton Public Schools' continued it commitment to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality mental health supports, clinical services, and social-emotional resources that enable them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Krotick currently serves as Newton Public Schools' Coordinator of Social Work and Social Emotional Learning for elementary schools, a role he has held since 2018. During his tenure at the elementary level, he has led the development of social-emotional learning and mental health intervention frameworks, overseen the implementation of universal screening systems, supervised social work and intervention staff, and provided consultation and support to school leaders across the district. Prior to his current leadership role, Krotick spent eight years as a social worker in Newton's Elementary Stabilization Program, where he designed and managed specialized programming for students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs. His career also includes clinical and leadership experience with Boston Public Schools, Wediko Children's Services, The Home for Little Wanderers, Jewish Family and Children's Services, and other organizations serving children, youth, and families. As Director of Mental Health and Well-Being, Krotick will provide strategic leadership for the district's preK to 22 mental health system, including oversight of specialized programs such as Elementary Stabilization, Harbor, and BRYT. He will lead efforts to strengthen clinical interventions within the district's Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), oversee mental health screening and data systems, support professional learning for clinical staff, and help build a sustainable pipeline of future mental health professionals. The recently created director position expands upon previous district mental health leadership structures by bringing together elementary and secondary mental health programming under a unified vision which creates a more cohesive preK to 22 experience and system of support. The role elevates districtwide coordination, clinical supervision, program evaluation, and strategic planning to ensure consistency and continuity of care for students and families. Krotick holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Endicott College and a Master of Social Work from Simmons University. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), a licensed School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor, and holds Massachusetts licensure as a Supervisor/Director. Read the Full Statement   About Newton Public Schools: Newton Public Schools is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, social‑emotional growth, and a strong sense of community. Serving more than 11,000 students across 22 schools, including 24 special education programs, a Career/Vocational Technical High School, and a vibrant range of student clubs, international exchanges, and athletic opportunities. NPS is a district of choice for families, recognized for its inclusive practices and innovative programs that prepare students to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.

    Tuesday, Jun 09 2026

  • Announcement: Caitlin Brown Selected as Interim Prin...

    Announcement June 5, 2026 Caitlin Brown Selected as Interim Principal for Newton South High School Brown will lead NSHS during the 2026-2027 School Year Newton, MA — Newton Public Schools is proud to announce that Caitlin Brown has been selected as the Interim Principal of Newton South High School for the 2026-2027 school year following the departure of current Newton South Principal. Tamara Stras. Brown brings extensive experience in high school leadership, student support, and organizational management to this role, positioning her as a steady guide for the South community. Brown currently serves as a Dean of Students at Newton South, where she has collaborated with counselors and case managers to support student academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. She has developed strong relationships with students and families, implemented fair and transparent disciplinary policies, supervised faculty, and used data-informed strategies to promote student success. Prior to joining Newton, Brown served as Principal of Andover High School, where she strengthened family partnerships, led professional development, managed large-scale school events, and oversaw curriculum, instruction, budget planning, and school improvement efforts. Brown holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Licensure in Secondary Education from Bridgewater State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Trinity College. Additionally. Brown holds licensures for Principal/Assistant Principal (9-12), History teacher (8-12) and SEI Administrator Endorsement. As a current member of the Newton South community, Brown will continue to bring a commitment to maintaining Newton South’s high academic standards, a warm and approachable leadership style grounded in relationship-building, and a strong focus on student well-being and belonging. Across her career, Brown has demonstrated exceptional skills in building inclusive school cultures, supporting diverse learners, leading complex organizations, and fostering strong relationships with students, families, and staff, Her breadth of experience and unwavering commitment to student success positions her to be successful in leading Newton South in 2026-2027. Newton South 2026-27 Statement   About Newton Public Schools: Newton Public Schools is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, social‑emotional growth, and a strong sense of community. Serving more than 11,000 students across 22 schools, including 24 special education programs, a Career/Vocational Technical High School, and a vibrant range of student clubs, international exchanges, and athletic opportunities. NPS is a district of choice for families, recognized for its inclusive practices and innovative programs that prepare students to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.

    Friday, Jun 05 2026

  • District News: Family Focus | June 4, 2026

    Family Focus June 5, 2026 2026 SUN Bucks Application The online application for SUN Bucks (formerly Summer EBT) is now open. This federal food benefit program provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. SUN Bucks income eligibility standards are the same as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)—all enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible. The program is administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in partnership with DESE with assistance from schools. Find details and learn how to apply on the SUN Bucks website. SUN Bucks Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)? Massachusetts is again participating in Summer EBT, now called SUN Bucks. SUN Bucks is a federal food benefit that helps low-income families with school-aged children buy food when schools are closed for the summer. Administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), with support from DESE, SUN Bucks (Summer-EBT) provides grocery-buying benefits in the amount of $120 per eligible student. More information is available at Massachusetts SUN Bucks Program | Mass.gov. For Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to SUN Bucks FAQ | Mass.gov What agency coordinates Summer EBT? The program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Who is eligible for Summer EBT? Students who have had - or will be determined to have - eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-2026 school year. How is eligibility determined? Students receive eligibility through either Direct Certification or through an approved application for free or reduced-price meals processed through the Newton Public Schools. These students will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks.  Directly Certified DTA will issue benefits to students who are currently eligible—or become eligible between now and September 1, 2026—for free or reduced-price lunch through Direct Certification, without any action needed from the district or families. Students are directly certified if they participate in SNAP, TAFDC, MassHealth (Medicaid), or are categorically eligible due to foster care, homelessness, migrant status, runaway status, or Head Start enrollment. Students who are approved for free or reduced-price lunch through an application If a student has applied for and been approved for free or reduced-price meal eligibility based upon federal income guidelines through an NPS application, the district will share that information with the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education, who will then share that information with DTA. How can I apply for SUN Bucks if I am not automatically enrolled? Families who are not automatically enrolled (see above) in SUN Bucks can apply online on DTA Connect, through a paper SUN Bucks Benefit application, or through an NPS online application. How will the Summer-EBT benefits be distributed? SUN Bucks cards will be mailed in June 2026. The first round of benefits will be available in July 2026.   Please note: SUN Bucks is not the same as Pandemic EBT (P-EBT). SUN Bucks benefits will not be put on any P-EBT cards. Also, due to the name change, Summer EBT cards from last summer cannot be used. The SUN Bucks card looks different and eligible students will get a new card with the new name. If you do receive a SUN Bucks card this summer, please save it. You will need it for next summer if you are determined to be eligible again. Do I need to take any action? If you HAVE free and reduced priced lunch eligibility No.  You will receive these benefits through the State without taking any additional action and the SUN Bucks card will be mailed to you. If you DO NOT HAVE  free and reduced priced lunch eligibility and want to see if you are eligible for SUN Bucks Yes. You can apply online through DTA Connect, through a paper SUN Bucks Benefit application, or through an NPS online application. How do I use my SUN bucks card? To activate your SUN Bucks card, call the number on the back to set a PIN using the cardholder’s date of birth and your 9-digit case number (starts with 80), which you can find on your DTA notice or at DTAConnect.com/SUNBucks.   Newton Renters' Survey | Your voice is needed! Your voice is needed! This survey from local Newton organizations CAN-DO and U-CHAN asks about the experiences of and services available to low income renters in Newton. They are looking for your input on topics like: Housing and money Health and transportation Schools and childcare Community involvement Your participation is very important. This is your chance to tell City of Newton officials what you want and need. By sharing your opinions, you help leaders understand how to support your community. Survey conducted by Newton organizations CAN-DO and U-CHAN. Survey link — complete today! Resource Links Curious about the district's curriculum? Use the buttons below to explore our curriculum resources and programs of study for students in grades K–12. Please note: We are currently in the first year of a multi-year curriculum review cycle, following a long pause in this work across the district. In some subject areas, a fully coordinated district-wide curriculum is still being developed. As each review cycle is completed and new curricula are adopted, corresponding resources will be added to this page. We believe that schools thrive when families are informed and actively partner with us in supporting Newton students. K-8 Parent Curriculum Resources Newton North Programs of Study Newton South Programs of Study Have an event or initiative to promote? Share it on our Community Notices page! Please note: This page features events and activities from community organizations serving Newton. Inclusion on the Community Notices page does not imply endorsement by Newton Public Schools, nor does it indicate NPS involvement with the organizations, events, or resources shared. Community Notices

    Thursday, Jun 04 2026

  • Announcement: Lisa Gilbert-Smith Selected as Interim...

    Announcement June 3, 2026 Lisa Gilbert-Smith Selected as Interim Principal for Newton North High School Gilbert-Smith will lead NNHS during the 2026-2027 School Year Newton, MA – June 2026 — Newton Public Schools is happy to announce that Lisa Gilbert-Smith. M.Ed., currently Director of the METCO Program, has been selected as the Interim Principal of Newton North High School for the 2026-2027 school year following the departure of Newton North principal, Dr. Henry Turner. Gibert-Smith brings a rare combination of deep instructional expertise, proven turnaround leadership, and a decades-long commitment to educational equity. With more than 30 years of experience, Gilbert-Smith has served as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and principal in Boston, Brookline and Newton school districts. Since 2019, Gilbert-Smith has led Newton’s METCO program, overseeing services across 21 schools. Her work includes supervising staff, guiding anti-racism and cultural proficiency efforts, managing the district budget for METCO, and strengthening partnerships with Boston families. Her leadership has been marked by strategic planning, operational excellence, and a steady focus on student belonging and achievement. Her prior roles demonstrate a consistent record of school improvement and organizational leadership. In her role as the headmaster both the Dearborn STEM Academy and the Another Course to College Program, Gilbert-Smith was successful in increasing the graduation rates from 74% to 94%, expanded inclusive learning environments, strengthened community partnerships, and built a culture of high academic expectations in her 9 years as principal of these schools. Additionally, as the dean of students for Brookline HIgh School, Gilbert-Smith supported the academic and social-emotional needs of 1,000 students and served as a key member of senior school leadership. For the past several years in Newton, Gilbert-Smith has been successful in creating a districtwide literacy program for METCO students pairing younger students with older students to promote literacy and enhance relationship-building across the grade levels. Last year, Gilbert-Smith completed Influence 100, a two-year superintendent preparation fellowship through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Influence 100 has been a highly successful program in diversifying the assistant superintendent and superintendent roles in districts across the state. As the fifth Influence 100 fellow and superintendent intern to partner with Dr. Anna Nolin, Gilbert‑Smith joins a distinguished group that includes outgoing Newton principals Dr. Turner and Tamara Stras. As a METCO director, Gilbert-Smith has served as Treasurer for the METCO Director’s Association (MDA) for 4 years and coached and mentored new directors. A Boston Public Schools alum, Gilbert-Smith holds a Master of Education in Education Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University, grounding her leadership in both practical experience and strong academic preparation. Across all roles, Gilbert-Smith has demonstrated exceptional skill in managing complex school operations, supporting diverse learners, building strong staff teams, and fostering inclusive school cultures. The Newton North community can expect Gilbert-Smith to bring a strong focus on student well‑being and belonging, clear, consistent communication with families, and a collaborative approach to problem‑solving throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Newton North 2026-27 Statement   About Newton Public Schools: Newton Public Schools is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, social‑emotional growth, and a strong sense of community. Serving more than 11,000 students across 22 schools, including 24 special education programs, a Career/Vocational Technical High School, and a vibrant range of student clubs, international exchanges, and athletic opportunities. NPS is a district of choice for families, recognized for its inclusive practices and innovative programs that prepare students to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.

    Wednesday, Jun 03 2026

  • District News: Family Focus | Bus Registration for 2...

    Family Focus Bus Registration for 2026-27 School Year - Now Open Bus registration for the 2026-27 school year will opened today, June 1, 2026. All students who wish to ride the bus MUST register for a bus pass.  The bus fee for the 2026-27 school year is: $430 each with a family cap of $860 through July 31, 2026 $480 each with a family cap of $960 on or after August 1, 2026 Who pays the bus fee? K-6th grade students – All students who reside LESS than 2 miles from their school and wish to ride the bus must pay a bus fee. Students in grades K-6th grade who reside MORE than 2 miles from their elementary school and wish to ride the bus DO NOT pay the fee. 7th – 12th grade students – all students in grades 7-12 pay the fee to ride the bus. Please visit our NPS Bus Fee webpage for details. Here is how you can determine your home's distance from your school. Now that bus registration is open, families can register and pay via MySchoolBucks. Installment payment plans will be available. More information on bus registration can be found on our NPS Bus Registration webpage. The application for the 2026-2027 district-wide financial assistance waiver is now available, visit the fee waiver information and instructions webpage to apply via the Aspen portal.  We encourage you to apply now so that your waiver is in place for your bus registration. (The instructions for completing the form in Aspen on the Fee Waiver Application Instructions page.) Resource Links Curious about the district's curriculum? Use the buttons below to explore our curriculum resources and programs of study for students in grades K–12. Please note: We are currently in the first year of a multi-year curriculum review cycle, following a long pause in this work across the district. In some subject areas, a fully coordinated district-wide curriculum is still being developed. As each review cycle is completed and new curricula are adopted, corresponding resources will be added to this page. We believe that schools thrive when families are informed and actively partner with us in supporting Newton students. K-8 Parent Curriculum Resources Newton North Programs of Study Newton South Programs of Study Have an event or initiative to promote? Share it on our Community Notices page! Please note: This page features events and activities from community organizations serving Newton. Inclusion on the Community Notices page does not imply endorsement by Newton Public Schools, nor does it indicate NPS involvement with the organizations, events, or resources shared. Community Notices [Wednesday, Jun 3 at 9:27 AM] The link to finding the distance between your home and school was previously incorrect. It has been corrected and now is available to use.

    Monday, Jun 01 2026

  • Register for a football clinic with the New England ...

    From the Bell to Bed Connecting School, Family, and Community—Every Step of the Way Newton Community Education and the “I’m Amazing” Program Partner with the New England Patriots For Community Football Clinic to Kick Off Newton’s Juneteenth Lineup of Events Newton Community Education, the I’m Amazing Program, and the Newton Juneteenth Celebration are partnering with the New England Patriots to host a non-contact youth football clinic on Friday, June 19 at Newton North High School as part of Newton’s Juneteenth event lineup. Members of the Patriots rookie class will lead the football clinic from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for grades 5–12. Participants will rotate through a variety of football skills and drill stations, led by rookie players and staff. Registration is $50, which goes towards NCE’s scholarship fund. Attendees will also receive an event T-shirt and a Patriots-branded water bottle, as well as autograph and photo opportunities with Patriots players. Following the football clinic, Newton Community Education will host basketball and soccer clinics from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for grades 3–9. These clinics are free to attend, though donations to the NCE scholarship fund are strongly encouraged. Newton Community Education’s events kick off a full day of Juneteenth activities & celebrations across Newton. Following the Patriots football clinic, beginning at 3:00 p.m., festivities continue at the Hyde Community Center with the annual Newton Juneteenth Community Celebration, featuring an outdoor festival honoring this historic day with free entertainment and family activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy Soul and Caribbean food trucks, shopping from Black-owned businesses, and experience a live concert as part of the celebration. Learn more and register: newtoncommunityed.org/Juneteenth Register for the Patriots clinic

    Monday, Jun 01 2026

  • District News: Family Focus | May 12, 2026

    Family Focus May 12, 2026 Attend the 52nd Annual Theodore D. Mann Newton Mayor's Community Breakfast Breakfast Theme: Newton 250: Reimagining Community, Together Keynote Speaker: Keith Lockhart Wednesday, May 27, 2026 7:30-9:30 a.m. 100 Carlson Ave., Newton Shaw Hall Courtyard Under a Tent Buy Tickets Sponsorship & Support Opportunities   Break out your school colors and walking shoes - it’s parade time! NPS students and families are invited to join all the Newton Public School in marching in the Salute to Service Pre-Memorial Day Parade on May 17th from 3-5pm!  Show your school spirit by walking together as a community, then celebrate at the finish with a well-earned ice cream treat! Also, Cabot Ice Cream will be sponsoring an ice cream/popsicle party for the school that has the most students marching in the parade!!  Contact your PTO president to alert that them that your child is participating or email co-presidents@newtonptocouncil.org Volunteer Opportunity for Parents & Caregivers! The PTO's also need several parade parents/caregivers to walk alongside our students! Let your PTO know if you are able to volunteer.   Save $25 on NCE's Full-Day Summer Camps In honor of Mother's Day, Newton Community Education is offering $25 off any full-day camp, including our high-energy full-day sports camps and teen programs like CIT and Boston Explorations, where kids stay active, build skills, and explore new experiences from morning to afternoon. Plan your summer break now by enrolling your child in NCE full-day camps. Visit the NCE website to explore all full-day summer camps and use code MOM25 for $25 off! (Offer valid until Friday, May 15th, 2026.)   2026 SUN Bucks Application The online application for SUN Bucks (formerly Summer EBT) is now open. This federal food benefit program provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. SUN Bucks income eligibility standards are the same as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)—all enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible. The program is administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in partnership with DESE with assistance from schools. Find details and learn how to apply on the SUN Bucks website. SUN Bucks Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)? Massachusetts is again participating in Summer EBT, now called SUN Bucks. SUN Bucks is a federal food benefit that helps low-income families with school-aged children buy food when schools are closed for the summer. Administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), with support from DESE, SUN Bucks (Summer-EBT) provides grocery-buying benefits in the amount of $120 per eligible student. More information is available at Massachusetts SUN Bucks Program | Mass.gov. For Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to SUN Bucks FAQ | Mass.gov What agency coordinates Summer EBT? The program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Who is eligible for Summer EBT? Students who have had - or will be determined to have - eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-2026 school year. How is eligibility determined? Students receive eligibility through either Direct Certification or through an approved application for free or reduced-price meals processed through the Newton Public Schools. These students will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks.  Directly Certified DTA will issue benefits to students who are currently eligible—or become eligible between now and September 1, 2026—for free or reduced-price lunch through Direct Certification, without any action needed from the district or families. Students are directly certified if they participate in SNAP, TAFDC, MassHealth (Medicaid), or are categorically eligible due to foster care, homelessness, migrant status, runaway status, or Head Start enrollment. Students who are approved for free or reduced-price lunch through an application If a student has applied for and been approved for free or reduced-price meal eligibility based upon federal income guidelines through an NPS application, the district will share that information with the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education, who will then share that information with DTA. How can I apply for SUN Bucks if I am not automatically enrolled? Families who are not automatically enrolled (see above) in SUN Bucks can apply online on DTA Connect, through a paper SUN Bucks Benefit application, or through an NPS online application. How will the Summer-EBT benefits be distributed? SUN Bucks cards will be mailed in June 2026. The first round of benefits will be available in July 2026.   Please note: SUN Bucks is not the same as Pandemic EBT (P-EBT). SUN Bucks benefits will not be put on any P-EBT cards. Also, due to the name change, Summer EBT cards from last summer cannot be used. The SUN Bucks card looks different and eligible students will get a new card with the new name. If you do receive a SUN Bucks card this summer, please save it. You will need it for next summer if you are determined to be eligible again. Do I need to take any action? If you HAVE free and reduced priced lunch eligibility No.  You will receive these benefits through the State without taking any additional action and the SUN Bucks card will be mailed to you. If you DO NOT HAVE  free and reduced priced lunch eligibility and want to see if you are eligible for SUN Bucks Yes. You can apply online through DTA Connect, through a paper SUN Bucks Benefit application, or through an NPS online application. How do I use my SUN bucks card? To activate your SUN Bucks card, call the number on the back to set a PIN using the cardholder’s date of birth and your 9-digit case number (starts with 80), which you can find on your DTA notice or at DTAConnect.com/SUNBucks. Resource Links Curious about the district's curriculum? Use the buttons below to explore our curriculum resources and programs of study for students in grades K–12. Please note: We are currently in the first year of a multi-year curriculum review cycle, following a long pause in this work across the district. In some subject areas, a fully coordinated district-wide curriculum is still being developed. As each review cycle is completed and new curricula are adopted, corresponding resources will be added to this page. We believe that schools thrive when families are informed and actively partner with us in supporting Newton students. K-8 Parent Curriculum Resources Newton North Programs of Study Newton South Programs of Study Have an event or initiative to promote? Share it on our Community Notices page! Please note: This page features events and activities from community organizations serving Newton. Inclusion on the Community Notices page does not imply endorsement by Newton Public Schools, nor does it indicate NPS involvement with the organizations, events, or resources shared. Community Notices

    Tuesday, May 12 2026