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  • District News | June 23, 2025 | Have a great summer!

    From the Office of the Superintendent It's the Friday Night of Summer! Hello NPS Community! Congratulations onto you and your students for finishing another year! Like me, you're probably marveling at how the year flew by--it did! I have been so thankful that the students and staff were only touched by super-hot weather in these last two days of school (unlike last year, when the hot weather dragged on and on!) I am grateful to have served another year as your superintendent and head teacher. I am proud of our students and our teachers, and of the support our parent and partner community have provided to our schools this year. Some exciting work has started to take root, and we have set down the seeds of the next phase of the Newton Schools. Enjoy a restful, family-filled summer--read books, get lots of exercise and mark your calendars for a September 10th welcome back to school reception at the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, (my office)--swing by after 12:20 when the early release for elementary students is complete. Visit us so you can meet the Family and Community Engagement Staff and say hello, meet other families, get our parent education calendar, and more! Have a wonderful break, Anna Congrats, Class of 2025! Celebrating Newton High School Graduates Newton North Graduation On Wednesday, June 11, Newton North High School held its graduation ceremony. NewTV filmed the North graduation ceremony. Join us as we continue celebrating our Class of 2025 graduates! Newton South Graduation On Thursday, June 12, Newton South High School held its graduation ceremony. NewTV filmed the South graduation ceremony. Join us as we continue celebrating our Class of 2025 graduates! District Notices Updates and Reminders District Soft Close The district will implement a “soft close” from June 30-July 11, 2025. A soft close means that school buildings will be closed to the public, except for summer programs and previously scheduled activities. Families should not expect to reach people in the buildings and will not be able to retrieve items left behind. Outside renters will continue to use the facilities, per their rental agreement.  NPS staff will respond to emails received during the soft close when the district reopens on July 14, 2025. If there is an emergency, you may email your building principal or a member of the central administration. In case of a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 911. Soft closing allows staff time to rejuvenate before the start of the busy summer hiring and training period. NPS staff are dedicated and committed individuals who pour their hearts into serving our families and community. It is important that they take time to take care of themselves and their families during this break. Another soft close will be implemented at the end of the year, when students are on December break. We are letting you know now so you can plan accordingly, and we can collaborate most effectively.   Student Vaccination Update Last week, a notice was sent to all families about vaccination requirements. We have published this notice on the district website for your future reference. Note: If your child is missing immunizations, you will receive a letter. Please do not call nurses unless you have received one of these letters. You can visit the MA Department of Public Health page for more information about immunization requirements. There are documents available in multiple languages, and list all required immunizations. You can check your medical records at home to see if you are in compliance with these expectations. If you are not, you will be contacted. Read the full vaccination letter   Office of Teaching and Learning: Announcing New PreK-12 Directors Dear Newton Public Schools Community, As part of our commitment to providing an aligned, high-quality educational experience for all students across grades PK-12, the Office of Teaching and Learning has undergone a strategic and thoughtful reorganization necessitated by the budget landscape. This shift moves us from the previous K–8 curriculum coordinator model, toward a more targeted structure with PK–12 directors in each core academic area. This realignment is designed to enhance coherence in curriculum, instruction, professional learning and assessment across grade levels, ensuring every student benefits from consistent, research-based, and inclusive educational practices. We are proud to introduce the exceptional educators who will lead this work in their new roles as Directors. Dr. Matthew Coleman Director of Professional Learning Matthew joins us with over 20 years of experience as a leader, educator, and systems thinker. Most recently, he served as Director of Data, Research, and Accountability for Arlington Public Schools, where he led initiatives in MTSS, instructional coaching, professional development and strategic planning. Matt began his career in mathematics education and is grounded in a deep commitment to providing all students and educators high quality educational experiences to help them stretch and thrive. Matt holds a bachelor and Master’s degree from Boston University, as well as a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Boston College. Jennifer Shore  Director of Mathematics PK-12 Jennifer brings more than a decade of experience in designing and leading inclusive mathematics programs. Formerly our K–8 Mathematics Coordinator and Director of Special Initiatives and Programs, she has led curriculum reviews, the expansion of The Calculus Project, and the development of summer and vacation learning programs. Her leadership blends classroom expertise, early childhood education, and higher education insight. Elizabeth Butler Everitt Director of Science PK-12 Elizabeth is a veteran educator and dynamic science leader. In her previous role as K–8 Science and Technology/Engineering Coordinator for Newton, she spearheaded curriculum updates, secured state funding for professional learning, and supported educators in aligning with state standards. She holds multiple advanced degrees and brings both a data-informed perspective and a global outlook to her work in science education. David Klocker Director of ELA PK -12 David is an experienced educator with over a decade of experience training teachers, implementing rigorous curriculum, and helping schools facilitate student achievement. David earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley and is currently completing a doctorate in Organization & Leadership from the University of San Francisco. David was a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Childhood and led multiple schools-including school networks-as an administrator and teacher coach. He taught credentialing classes as a Senior Lecturer for Loyola Marymount University, and was a Teacher Consultant for the Bay Area Writing Project. Among his greatest honors was serving as principal in his own son’s school. He brings the same passion for education to all of the students he serves. Tracy Sockalosky Director of Humanities PK-12 Tracy brings over 20 years of leadership and classroom experience, most recently serving as Assistant Principal at Dover-Sherborn Middle School. A passionate advocate for student well-being and culturally responsive teaching, she has led districtwide initiatives in curriculum design, civic education, and instructional innovation. Tracy’s academic background includes degrees from Harvard, University of Michigan and Endicott where she studied educational leadership, history and the history of art. She is widely respected for her collaborative, student-centered leadership. Eva Hughes Director of Humanities PK-12 Eva joins us with deep roots in both classroom instruction and curriculum leadership. Most recently Social Studies Department Chair at Masconomet Regional, she has led grant-funded initiatives, curriculum alignment work, and statewide civic engagement programs. With dual Master’s degrees from Harvard University and Endicott College and years of experience in Wayland Public Schools and DESE fellowships, Eva brings a powerful combination of policy expertise and instructional practice to our team. Please join us in warmly welcoming these outstanding leaders to their new roles. We are confident that their collective expertise and vision will support our educators and empower our students across Newton Public Schools.   Let's Get Reading This Summer! The Newton Public Schools Library Department is delighted to share our annual Summer Reading lists and activities with the community. The resources provided on the site are NOT mandatory reads; they serve as a helpful guide for students to discover books for their enjoyment throughout June, July and August. Take a look at what they've recommended! Summer Reading Lists! Student Transportation Updates Bus Registration and Student CharlieCards Bus Registration for 2025-26 School Year is OPEN! Bus registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open. Families, if you plan to have your child ride the bus, you must register for a bus pass. Register for the bus Reduced Fare MBTA Student Charlie Cards available at High Schools and Middle Schools Students may pick up their reduced-fare MBTA Student Charlie Card in the Main Office at Bigelow, Brown, F.A. Day, and Oak Hill, in the Main Office or any House Office at Newton North, and in Cutler House at Newton South. Student CharlieCard Information Family Financial Assistance & Support 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. Learn more about SUN Bucks   Financial Assistance Applications Newton Public Schools provides students with various services that require family payments, such as bus transportation and school activities. Our goal is for all students to participate, regardless of financial need. To support families with a financial need, we have a Financial Waiver Application that must be completed each year by families. How do I apply?  The application for the 2025-2026 district-wide financial assistance waiver application is now available. We encourage you to apply now so that your waiver is in place for registrations that may take place in the summer (bus, elementary music, fall athletic fees, etc.) Visit the fee waiver information and instructions webpage to learn more and apply. How to Apply for Financial Aid   In Case You Missed It: Upcoming Event Join the Newton Department of Health and Human Services on this Saturday, June 28th for Newton’s PRIDE Event! Details can be found using the button below! Newton's PRIDE Event June 28th!  

    Monday, Jun 23 2025

  • 2025 Summer Reading

    Summer Reading for Students Welcome to Summer 2025! The Newton Public Schools Library Department is delighted to share our annual Summer Reading lists and activities with the community. The resources provided on the site are NOT mandatory reads; they serve as a helpful guide for students to discover books for their enjoyment throughout June, July and August. If your child has specific reading assignments, please reach out to the specific department.  May your summer be filled with adventures, relaxation, and joyful reading! Happy Summer and happy reading! from The NPS Library Department K-12 Website: Summer Reading 2025

    Monday, Jun 23 2025

  • Update: Student Vaccination Requirements

    Update: Student Vaccination Requirements Dear Newton Families, We write today to share a review of the vaccine legal guidance for public school students, as outlined in state regulation 105 CMR 220.00: Immunization of students before admission to school: Immunization Requirements for School Entry Student Immunization Requirements Before Admission to School Why are we reviewing the vaccine guidelines? During a recent meeting with Newton Health and Human Services (HHS) and the City of Newton Nursing Division, it was revealed that (since 2020) a significant number of NPS students were allowed to matriculate to school during COVID conditions without the immunizations required in MA to attend public school, and they still remain in our district attending school without proper vaccinations (182 students). How was this brought to district attention? These matters came to our attention due to a series of cases of chicken pox, which were dealt with last week and brought us to review of our students and their immunization status. What also emerged last week, as it has in other areas of the country recently, is that measles cases are on the rise, and our review of immunization revealed approximately 42 students who are not fully immunized for measles. Here is a news story discussing active measles cases have been in the Boston area at public places. Can the district waive this requirement? Vaccine policies in MA allowed the former superintendent to waive requirements; however, Dr. Nolin has reinstated those requirements in partnership with our nursing and HHS colleagues. Students, who have been identified as missing immunizations, vary in terms of which required immunizations they need. However, detailed expectations will be shared with each family. The requirements allow for some exclusions, with specific criteria and documentation required; the students on the list of 182 have not yet met those criteria.  Notices to affected families are occurring now and will continue throughout the summer. Health and Human Services and our nurses have reached out directly to these families explaining that if they are unvaccinated and, if exposed to measles, the quarantine/exclusion period from school is 21 days. NPS will not be able to and is not required to provide compensatory education for that quarantine period. Where are vaccines available? In addition to your primary care provider, Newton Health and Human Services and school nurses have vaccines for measles (and for all required vaccinations) ready for use if families need assistance or do not have access to medical care. The nursing staff can give the vaccines at HHS and, in some cases, may be able to travel to the families’ homes to give vaccinations. In short: there is no barrier in Newton for any family to be vaccinated according to the law. Any Student Not Fully Vaccinated without Exemption will be Excluded from School Please note: When students return to school in the fall, any child who is not vaccinated in accordance with the vaccination guidance we have included above—which is the state requirements for school attendance—will not be allowed to return to school until those requirements are met. School nurses can advise on timeline to meet the requirement, if you have been contacted by letter. Should I call the school nurse about my child’s status? Please, do not call nurses unless you have received one of these letters. The nurses are ending the year and still serving students and, as indicated above, you will be personally notified if this affects you. Additional Reference information: NPS School Committee immunization policy currently reads–and HHS has affirmed–that we shall follow the MGL standards. The MGL standards are linked at the top of this message. MA Department of Public Health immunization requirements (documents are available in multiple languages). Required immunizations are listed here, and you can check your medical records at home to see if you are in compliance with these expectations. If you are not, you will be contacted. Communicable diseases notifications: If something is identified in your child's school or classroom, families will always be notified in accordance with public health protocols. We do not notify the whole community of such cases, but do so in accordance with the department of public health.

    Monday, Jun 23 2025

  • Announcement: Student Transportation Updates (Bus Re...

    Student Transportation Updates 2025-2026 Bus Registration Reminder and Student CharlieCards 2025-2026 Bus Registration Reminder All students planning to ride the bus MUST register for a bus pass.  The bus fee for the 2025-26 school year is: $415 each (with a family cap of $830 through July 31, 2025) $465 each (with a family cap of $930 on or after August 1, 2025) Bus Fees for Students by Grade Level K-6th grade students All students who live LESS than 2 miles from their school and plan to ride the bus must pay a bus fee.  Students who live MORE than 2 miles from their elementary school and plan 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. How do I pay the bus fee? 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. Fee Waivers & Financial Assistance (Get Help with Paying for the Bus) The application for the 2025-2026 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 are on the Fee Waiver Application Instructions page.) Additional Details & Links Visit our NPS Bus Fee webpage for details. Use this link to determine your distance from your school.   Reduced Fare MBTA Student Charlie Cards available at High Schools and Middle Schools Students may pick up their reduced-fare MBTA Student Charlie Card in the Main Office at Bigelow, Brown, F.A. Day, and Oak Hill, in the Main Office or any House Office at Newton North, and in Cutler House at Newton South. The card is free and lets students ride the MBTA for half price ($0.85 for bus, $1.10 for subway). The Student CharlieCard isn't just for school travel; it works on the bus, subway, ferry, and commuter rail throughout the MBTA network and is good through August 31. It comes empty, so you will need to load your card at a fare vending machine. Learn more about the S-Card on the MBTA website.

    Monday, Jun 23 2025

  • Summer 2025: SUN Bucks Summer EBT Program

    SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) A federal food benefit that helps low-income families with school-aged children buy food when schools are closed for the June 19, 2025 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 SUN Bucks flyer - English (English, PDF) العربية Kriolu di Cabo Verde 简体中文 Français Kreyòl ayisyen ភាសាខ្មែរ Português, Brasil Русский Español Tiếng Việt 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 2024-2025 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.  Student Directly Certified DTA will issue benefits to students who are currently eligible—or become eligible between now and September 1, 2025—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 2025. The first round of benefits will be available in July 2025.

    Thursday, Jun 19 2025

  • Join the Newton Department of Health and Human Servi...

    Upcoming Community Event Join the Newton Department of Health and Human Services on Saturday, June 28th for Newton’s PRIDE Celebration Visit Newton Celebration of Queer Culture (CQC) for more information, view the flyers below. Click on each to enlarge in PDF format.  ​ *For more information on programs and available resources, visit the City of Newton’s Social Services webpage.  

    Monday, Jun 09 2025

  • METCO Buddies: An Underwood / Bigelow partnership fo...

    METCO Buddies provides a chance for former Underwood students who participate in the METCO Program as well as some Newton resident students from Bigelow Middle School to lead weekly read-alouds and small group discussions with first grade students in the METCO Program.  This partnership was coordinated by  METCO Counselor Dawn Shearer-Coren and Literacy Specialist Stacey Mann  with support from  METCO Social Worker Michelle Reddick ,  Special Educator & Reading Specialist Brooke Brady , and the  Newton METCO Program .  The program is intended to promote a love of reading, to build vocabulary, and foster meaningful connections between students. It offers our first-graders positive role models while supporting middle schoolers in developing leadership skills.

    Friday, Jun 06 2025

  • Day Band and Orchestra Students Dazzle at Fenway Park!

    On June 4, our talented band and orchestra director, Shon Brown, guided the students of Day Middle School in a truly unforgettable experience at Fenway Park!  They had the honor of performing the National Anthem at the opening of the Red Sox game, a moment that filled the air with pride and excitement. This incredible opportunity was made possible as part of our STEM Day celebrations. What a remarkable way to showcase our students' musical talents on such a prestigious stage!

    Friday, Jun 06 2025

  • Now Open: Bus Registration Application for 2025-26 S...

    Bus registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open!  All students planning to ride the bus MUST register for a bus pass.  The bus fee for the 2025-26 school year is: $415 each (with a family cap of $830 through July 31, 2025) $465 each (with a family cap of $930 on or after August 1, 2025) Bus Fees for Students by Grade Level K-6th grade students All students who live LESS than 2 miles from their school and plan to ride the bus must pay a bus fee.  Students who live MORE than 2 miles from their elementary school and plan 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. How do I pay the bus fee? 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 . Fee Waivers & Financial Assistance (Get Help with Paying for the Bus) The application for the 2025-2026 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 are on the Fee Waiver Application Instructions page .) Additional Details & Links Visit our  NPS Bus Fee webpage for details . Use  this link to determine your distance from your school. [Monday, Jun 16 at 7:04 AM] Good morning, NPS Families! This is a reminder that bus registration is open for the 2025-2026 school year. Please see this post for details about completing registration for your student. There are additional links sharing information about how to pay the bus fee and how to apply for financial fee waivers. Thank you, NPS Transportation Department

    Monday, Jun 02 2025

  • Bus Registration for 2025-26 School Year - Opens Jun...

    Bus registration for the 2025-26 school year will open on June 2, 2025.  All students planning to ride the bus MUST register for a bus pass.  The bus fee for the 2025-26 school year is: $415 each with a family cap of $830 through July 31, 2025 $465 each with a family cap of $930 on or after August 1, 2025 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. Additional Details: Visit our  NPS Bus Fee webpage for details . Use  this link to determine your distance from your school. Fee Waivers & Financial Assistance (Help Paying for the Bus) The application for the 2025-2026 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 are on the Fee Waiver Application Instructions page .) When bus registration opens in early next week , you will be notified via email. You will 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 .

    Tuesday, May 27 2025