Courage and Confidence since 1880

Newton Notes: May 2024
Use this link to translate this message. Select a language at the top of the page.

To access a specific section of Newton Notes, click below:

We'd like to thank you for your support for a record-breaking, goal-surpassing day for Newton Country Day's Annual Fund!

All-School Announcements

First Friday Prayer Service for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. May 3 at 7:30 am
We invite all parents and caregivers to gather in our Chapel, the heart center of our school, for a brief guided prayer led by Sara Milone, Director of Mission and Ministry. Join us in carving out some time for contemplation and community. Reflective organ music will begin at 7:20 am. Prayer will begin promptly at 7:30 am and conclude by 7:45 am. All are welcome to stay for coffee afterwards.

Mass for the Feast of the Ascension: Thu. May 9
The school community celebrates the Feast of the Ascension Mass in the Chapel (US at 9 am and MS at 9:50 am). Students are reminded to dress appropriately for the occasion.

Spring Soirée: Tue. May 14 at 5 pm
Students studying private music lessons and enrolled in the Honors Instrumental program will perform prepared selections for their friends and family. In addition, a group of our student actors will perform On Your Mark, a 10-minute musical which is a contemporary re-imagining of the fable “The Tortoise and the Hare.” This event will take place in Duchesne Hall.

Prayers from the Heart: Fri. May 17 at 7:45 am and online
“Aim unceasingly at becoming a soul of prayer.”- St. Madeleine Sophie Barat. Let the parent community pray for your special prayer intention by submitting a prayer request via the Veracross Parent Portal, with the option to request confidentiality. Parents who are interested may also volunteer to pray for the intentions of the community by subscribing to the Prayers from the Heart community located on the Parent Portal. There will be an in-person gathering on Friday, May 17 from 7:45-8:15 am in the Blue Room for all those who are interested in praying together.

Mass for the Feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and the Junior Ring Ceremony: Thu. May 23
The school community celebrates the feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat with Mass at Trinity Chapel on BC’s Newton campus at 9 am. Students are reminded to dress appropriately for the occasion. The liturgy includes the blessing of Class Rings for the Junior class. Parents of Juniors are welcome to attend Mass and a goûter. Contact Ms. Regan at x4918 or Ms. Kenney x4756 with questions.

A Tribute to Sister Barbara Rogers: Sun. Jun. 2
Details and RSVP here.

Summer Programs: Registration is open!
During the month of June, Newton Country Day School offers summer programs (Computer Science, SAT Prep, Summer Painting, Creative Writing, Rhythm & Flavor Fusion) and sports clinics (Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball, Crew, Cross Country) during the month of June. See the schedule of programs and register online.

Used Textbook Donation
The NCDS library gratefully accepts donations of gently-used US textbooks. Donations can be dropped off with Mrs. Cedrone at the front desk.

Buses for Delayed Starts
If NCDS has a delayed start due to weather, the Boston and MetroWest Buses will depart from each of their respective stops 15 minutes later than the regularly scheduled time. This allows students an extra few minutes to get to the bus, and it allows the bus to travel at a safe speed.

Absence Policy
If a student is going to be absent or tardy, parents/caregivers should notify the school before 9 am. Parents/caregivers may submit an attendance note on the Veracross Parent Portal or call the Academic Office directly: MS at (617) 559-4750, US at (617) 559-4747.

Lateness Policy
If a student arrives late to school (after 7:55 am), they are to report immediately to either the MS Academic Office or to the Front Desk if in the US to be recorded present before going to class. Late arrivals may only be excused by a note from a medical professional.

Early Dismissal Policy
Students may not leave before the end of the school day without permission from a parent/caregiver. Any student who has an appointment that necessitates being dismissed early must have this information noted in Veracross either by their parents/caregivers entering it directly via the Veracross Parent Portal or by calling the Academic Office directly: MS at (617) 559-4750, US at (617) 559-4747. Students must sign out at the Front Desk when they leave. Please make every effort to align early dismissal times with the end of class period time to reduce distraction to classroom learning.

MBTA Student CharlieCards
MBTA Student CharlieCards are available through the school. Girls interested in using a student CharlieCard can receive a Student Value CharlieCard, a stored value card that only charges the student fare each time it is used. Students load the card themselves with funds at CharlieCard machines at MBTA stations. If during any month a student loads the card with $30, that card will allow the student to use the card for unlimited trips for that particular month. Therefore, if you would like your card to become an unlimited ride card for a particular month, do not load that card until the first day of that month. Boston residents are eligible for a free MBTA student pass known as an M7. Please contact Ms. Dingivan at x4717 with questions.

June Event Highlights

Mon. Jun. 3

  • Middle School
    • 8 - 11:30 am: MS Field Day (no lunch or after-school supervision)
    • 11:30 am: MS early dismissal
  • Upper School
    • 8-11:45 am: US Athletic Assembly and Class Activities (no lunch)
    • 11:45 am: US early dismissal
  • 12 pm: Boston and MetroWest Buses depart
  • 1-2 pm: 2024 vs. 2025 Powderpuff Football Game (optional)
  • 5:30 pm: Grade 8 Liturgy

Tue. Jun. 4: No School- Faculty Work Day

Wed. Jun. 5

  • Middle School
    • 9-11:30 am: MS Prize Day (no lunch or after-school supervision)
    • 11:30 am: MS early dismissal
  • Upper School
    • 7:45-10 am: US Prize Day
    • 10 am: US early dismissal
    • 10-11am: Graduation Rehearsal for Grade 12
  • 12 pm: Boston and MetroWest Buses depart (last day for buses)

Wed. Jun. 5 at 5:30 pm: Graduation Liturgy
Location: Chapel. Seniors must arrive at school by 4:30 pm. The Graduation Liturgy is for immediate family only.
 
Thu. Jun. 6 at 11 am: Graduation (NOTE TIME CHANGE FOR THIS YEAR)
Location: Sunken Garden. Seniors must arrive at school by 8:30 am. See details here.

Back to Top

Middle School Announcements

Voyagers Excursion to Boston: Wed. May 1
The 5th grade will voyage, via public transportation, to the North End of Boston, where they will engage in a combined History and Math trail. Students will travel back in time to the American Revolution with visits to the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. Along the trail, students will also explore the terrain from a mathematical perspective. As they will be outside for most of the day, students should dress accordingly for rain or shine and wear appropriate footwear for a significant amount of walking.

Camp Hazen Informational Virtual Meeting for Parents and Caregivers of Grades 5 & 6: Tue. May 7 at 7 pm
The meeting will be held online from 7 - 7:30 pm. A link to this virtual meeting will be sent to parents on May 6.

Celebration of the Arts: Thu. May 9 at 5 pm
All MS students perform in the Chapel and Theatre and their artwork is displayed in Barat Commons for this final culminating arts experience. Students wear their ballet slippers and provide a base layer that will be assigned by our Costume Designer. All other costuming elements are provided for them. All rehearsals leading up to the performance are scheduled during normal school hours.

Massachusetts MS Science and Engineering Fair: Sat. May 11
Our 7th and 8th grade students who earned first and second prizes at the NCDS Science and Engineering Fair will present their projects at the Massachusetts MS Science and Engineering Fair on Sat. May 11 at Worcester Technical High School. We applaud our young scientists and engineers for their creativity, persistence, and collaboration. Students will compete against top projects from across the state. Public viewing of the projects will be from 1-2:15 pm, followed by an Award Recognition Ceremony at 2:30 pm.

Grades 5 & 6 trip to Camp Hazen: Wed. May 15 - Fri. May 17
Students depart from NCDS on Wednesday morning and return at 3 pm on Friday.

7th Grade Field Trip: Thu. May 16
The Class of 2029 will visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum as an enrichment opportunity aligned with their study in Art 7. Students will receive an introductory tour to the Gardner and learn about its namesake founder, highlights of the collection, and local history. Students will attend periods 1 & 2 and should bring a water bottle, writing utensil, and draw-string bag.

Grade 8 Parent/Caregiver Washington, D.C. trip Meeting: Thu. May 16 at 7 pm
Grade 8 parents are invited to an informational meeting about the upcoming Washington, D.C. trip. Our faculty and representatives from the Grand Classroom will review the details of the trip. Students are also welcome to attend. The meeting will be held in Duchesne Hall.

MS Social: Tue. May 21 from 5-6 pm
All new students who will be joining the MS in the fall will take math placement tests from 4-5 pm. Following the tests, current students in Grades 5-7 will join the new students in community-building activities to welcome their new classmates to the school.

MS Affinity Community Meal: Wed. May 22 at 4:30 pm
The MS affinity group will come together for a community meal highlighting the recipes and cultures of three of our families.

Class of 2028 Social: Thu. May 23 from 5:30-6:30 pm
Members of the incoming ninth grade gather for the first time as the whole Class of 2028! Students will meet their Class Dean and members of their Orientation Group, connect with their Senior Mentors, and learn about summer assignments. Math placement exams take place for students new to the school prior to this event.

Eighth Grade Retreat: Fri. May 24
Students should be dropped off at school by 7:45 am for homeroom. The Eighth Grade Retreat takes place during regular school hours at Alumni House on Boston College's Newton Campus. Students should dress appropriately to be outside for part of the day. Contact: Mr. Mylroie at x4727.

Voyagers Excursion to the Crane Estate: Wed. May 29
Building on their lessons about marine ecosystems and the dynamics of the intertidal zone, students will travel with their Science and English classes to the Crane Estate in Ipswich. They will participate in a class called “Secrets of the Salt Marsh,” which focuses on exploring biodiversity and adaptations that allow living things to survive in the salt marsh. In addition to solidifying their understanding of ecology, students will practice descriptive writing, especially setting and sensory details, as part of their short story unit. Because this program includes significant time outdoors, students should dress for the weather.

Grade 8 Liturgy: Mon. June 3 at 5:30 pm
Grade 8 and their parents celebrate their completion of MS with Mass in the Chapel. Goûter to follow. Students should arrive by 4:30 pm. Contact Mr. Mylroie at x4727 with questions.

MS Prize Day: Wed. Jun. 5 from 9-11:30 am (no lunch or after-school supervision), followed by early dismissal at 11:30 am

MS After-School Program
The MS After-School Program is available for all students until 5:30 pm each day. Students who take the Boston or MetroWest buses will be supervised until bus departure. Students should be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the school day, or after school activities (sports or musical). Any student unattended for more than 15 minutes after school/sports/musical dismissal is expected to sign in to the After-School Program on the third floor. Once a MS student leaves campus at the end of the day, the assumption is that she has left campus for the day. Please remember to text the After-School number (617) 631-0535 when you arrive to pick up your child. Please reach out to Ms. Kumi, the director of our After-School Program, at x4909 with questions.

Rhythm and Flavor Fusion: Hip Hop Dance and Wholesome Cooking: Mon. Jun. 17 - Fri. Jun. 21 (no program that Wed.)
Join NCDS this summer for Rhythm and Flavor Fusion! The afternoon program will start with an introductory Hip Hop dance class, where you will experience the rhythm, creativity, and self-expression that defines Hip Hop culture. After dance, it's time to satisfy your culinary curiosity in our cooking class, led by a registered dietitian, which will introduce you to nutrition, cooking techniques, and delicious recipes that will fuel your body and delight your senses. See more information and register here. Note for those participating in morning sports clinics: there will be lunch supervision between the morning and afternoon programs.

Back to Top

Upper School Announcements

Elections
US elections for student government, committees, and other student leadership positions will be held during the spring. Please encourage your daughter to run for office. Any student wishing to run for office must have a re-enrollment contract on file in the Business Office and all financial obligations to the school up-to-date.

Grade 9&10 Service Day: Fri. May 3 from 9 am - 12 pm
9th and 10th grade students will divide into groups to perform community service at several local non-profit organizations. All students should wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, and closed shoes such as sneakers. Students will spend the morning volunteering and then return to campus for lunch, reflection, and grade level activities in the afternoon. If there are any questions please contact your class deans or Dr. Potter at x4757.

AP Exams: May 6-17
All students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the AP exam. The College Board mandates that specific AP exams can only be administered on the assigned day and time. Students cannot be admitted into a testing room once an exam has begun. Students who might be late for an exam must call Ms. Healy (x4747) as early as possible.

The College Board prohibits cell phones and smart watches in all testing rooms and during breaks. Extended-time exams begin at the same time as testing in the other exam rooms. Students unsure about their eligibility for extended time should contact Dr. Mims.

Juniors taking morning AP exams are expected to join their afternoon academic classes after an appropriate lunch break. These students are excused from any written homework due or tests scheduled during those afternoon classes. Juniors and sophomores taking afternoon AP exams are excused from their morning classes and should check in at the front desk in time to be seated in the exam room at 11:30 am.

AP Exam Schedule

Week 1

  • Mon. May 6
    • 7:30 am: US Government & Politics
    • 11:30 am: Art History, Chemistry
  • Tue. May 7
    • 11:30 am: Statistics
  • Wed. May 8
    • 7:30 am: English Literature
    • 11:30 am: Comparative Government, Computer Science A
  • Thu. May 9
    • 7:30 am: Chinese, Environmental Science
  • Fri. May 10
    • 7:30 am:European History, US History
    • AP 2-D Art and Design and Drawing portfolios due

Week 2

  • Mon. May 13
    • 7:30 am: Calculus AB, Calculus BC
  • Tue. May 14
    • 7:30 am: English Language & Composition
  • Wed. May 15
    • 7:30 am: French Language and Culture
  • Thu. May 16
    • 7:30 am: Spanish Language and Culture
    • 11:30 am: Biology
  • Fri. May 17
    • 7:30 am: Physics 1
    • 11:30 am: Latin

Grade 12 Activities (see details here)
Members of the Class of 2024 will conclude their Senior Project and participate in mandatory class activities May 27- 31. Students should expect to be in school for the length of a regular school day each day, plus the overnight retreat to the Craigville Retreat Center from May 30-31. Students are also expected to be in school on June 3 from 8-11:45 am, and for Prize Day and the Graduation Liturgy on June 5 preceding Graduation on June 6. Please contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 with questions. 

Class of 2024 Cook-Out: Tue. May 28 at 5:30 pm
Please join us for a cook-out for Seniors and their parents and caregivers in the Sunken Garden.

Senior Project Symposium: Wed. May 29 at 2:30 pm (evaluators needed!)
The Senior Project Team is seeking MS, 9th, 10th, and 11th grade parents and caregivers to evaluate presentations at the Senior Project Symposium. Evaluators will judge presentations and assist in the grading process. All professional fields and backgrounds are welcome and no grading/judging experience is required. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this form or contact Mr. Rosenholtz at jrosenholtz@newtonSH.org or x4970.

Senior Retreat: Thu. May 30 - Fri. May 31
The Class of 2024 will participate in an overnight retreat at the Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, MA. All seniors are expected to participate in person as a requirement for graduation. We will depart from campus at 8:30 am on Thursday and return by 2:30 pm on Friday. Students should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and towel. Students may bring snacks, though food and beverages are not allowed in sleeping quarters. Contact: Ms. Cerami at x4936 or Dr. Potter at x4757.

Grades 9 & 10 Semi-Formal Dance: Fri. May 31 from 7:30-9:30 pm
Members of the classes of 2026 and 2027 are invited to a semi-formal dance in Duchesne Hall. Students must arrive no later than 8 pm. The cost of attending the dance is $10 per person, and tickets can be purchased here. To attend the dance, students should have submitted their signed permission and guest information form and payment by Fri. May 24. In addition to faculty chaperones, parents also help chaperone the dance. We are looking for volunteers! If you are interested in being a parent chaperone or have any questions, please contact Ms. Spelman at x4848.

US Prize Day: Wed. Jun. 5 from 7:45-10 am followed by early dismissal at 10 am

Graduation Rehearsal for Grade 12: Wed. Jun. 5 from 10-11:00 am

Graduation Liturgy: Wed. Jun. 5 at 5:30 pm
Seniors and their families are invited to celebrate Graduation Liturgy in the Chapel. Students should arrive by 4:30 pm. Contact Ms. Regan at x4918 with questions.

Graduation: Thursday, June 6 at 11 am (NOTE TIME CHANGE FOR THIS YEAR)
Location: Sunken Garden. Seniors must arrive at school by 8:30 am. See details here.

Leadership Training: Jun. 7
All US students elected to the following leadership positions for 2024-2025 are expected to attend a leadership training on Friday, June 7 to prepare for the upcoming school year:

  • 9-10:30 am: Student Government; Committee Heads; Affinity Group Heads; Honor Committee; Peer Education Committee
  • 10:30 am -12 pm: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 & 10

Please contact Ms. Spelman at x4848 with any questions.

SAT Summer Program: Mon. Jun. 17 - Fri. Jun. 21 (no program that Wed.)
Learn, improve, and master important SAT strategies this summer at NCDS! In the Math sessions, we will review and practice data analysis, algebra and analytical problem solving. In the English sessions, we will review and practice the reading comprehension, style, and grammar skills assessed by the SAT. Students will learn proven strategies for improving both accuracy and speed to earn the highest possible score on the SAT. See more information and register here. There are limited spots so make sure to sign up today!

Summer Computer Science Courses
These summer courses are for-credit and require full attendance and timely completion of all assignments. Limited financial aid is available for qualified students. Registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Martha Haddad at x4713 with any questions. Cost, dates, registration, and other information

  • Computer Science I: This is the same course that most students take their 9th grade year and fulfills the Computer Science requirement at NCDS. Registration for this course will open on May 1 at 8:30 am.
  • Software Engineering & Introduction to Data Science: This is the same course that many students take during the regular school year and is the prerequisite for AP Computer Science A.

Hesed Project Summer Project Service Proposals due July 1
The Class of 2026 (rising Juniors) has received an overview of the Hesed Project, a required 40-hour community service commitment incorporated into the Religion 11 curriculum. Students are strongly advised to complete the service hours during the summer before Junior year. The deadline for summer service project proposals (or a deferral to complete Hesed during the school year) is July 1. A general overview of the Hesed program and its requirements can be found on the school website, though students have access to a Google Classroom with more specific information. If there are any questions please contact Dr. Potter at x4757.

Laptop Information for incoming US students
The US utilizes a 1:1 laptop program, which means that students bring their own computers to school each day. This letter outlines device specification recommendations for new US students.

Back to Top

College Guidance

Juniors:

  • Each girl should focus on successfully completing her junior year, including final assessments and Advanced Placement exams.
  • We encourage juniors to meet with College Guidance before summer vacation.
  • We are available to communicate with juniors' parents via phone, Zoom, or in person during the rest of the year, during the summer, and in the fall. Please call any of us to schedule an appointment.
  • We encourage most students to prepare for standardized tests over the summer, even though many colleges remain test optional; a strong score can add value to an application. Students need to do their research about colleges they are interested in to see if tests are required. When registering for any standardized test, students are advised to register early to ensure a convenient testing location and to avoid late fees.
  • Timeline: The College Application Process, Jan '24 to May '25, has useful links to assignments, deadlines, and financial aid resources, including a live MEFA Financial Aid 101 webinar on May 8.
  • Class of ‘25 College Guidance Assignments:
    • Juniors were recently directed to ask two teachers to write letters of recommendation for their college applications. Colleges much prefer letters from junior-year teachers. Typically, students ask one humanities teacher and one math/science teacher for a letter, although there are no hard and fast rules about this.
    • Once students have secured two teachers to write on their behalf, they complete a Google Form by May 3.
    • All juniors are expected to (1) write a personal reflection and (2) update their Naviance resumes detailing their extracurricular activities and accomplishments. Specific instructions were given in a class meeting. These assignments are essential as they help us write our counselor recommendations.
    • Both assignments are due on May 10. Please encourage your daughters to meet these deadlines.

Back to Top

Parents' Association

April PA Meeting Recording
Missed the April meeting where members of the Class of 2024 spoke about their experience at Newton Country Day.? View the recording here.

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Breakfast: Thank you!
Thank you to all who participated in preparing a special breakfast for the Faculty and Staff last Friday!

May PA Meeting: Tue. May 21 at 4:30 pm
The Parents' Association would like to celebrate parents and caregivers who have contributed to the School's events this year. Incoming 2024 families are also invited to the meeting so that our current families can welcome them into the community.

2023-24 PA Leadership

Back to Top

Thank you for reading this edition of Newton Notes!
Please contact communications@newtonSH.org with any questions or comments.