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Yearbooks On Sale
The 2025 yearbook is now on sale!Place your order for the yearbook on the Jostens Website.
Spring Family Conferences: Fri. Apr. 4 from 10am - 4pm (No Classes)
Each student in grades 5-11 will join their advisor/TAG leader and parent/caregiver(s) for a 30-minute conference. Families can sign-up for conferences using Veracross. Please reach out to ahealy@newtonsh.org or fdingivan@newtonsh.org with questions. Please note: Thu. Apr. 3 is a regular school day. On Fri. Apr. 4 there will be no classes or buses.
SHCOG Parent/Caregiver & Student Workshop: Fri. Apr. 4
The Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG) provides a system of accountability for living the Sacred Heart mission. Learn more about SHCOG. As part of our year of self-study, Newton Country Day’s SHCOG Steering Committee has been engaging in a series of conversations with faculty, staff, students, alumnae and parents/caregivers on how the School lives out the Goals and Criteria. We are holding thirty-minute sessions for parents & caregivers and their daughters during family conferences. Please join us for refreshments and conversation on how Newton Country Day lives out the Goals and Criteria. Sign up online for a SHCOG Workshop or RSVP to Carol Fachetti. Feel free to drop in if plans have changed, everyone is welcome!
First Friday Prayer Service for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. Apr. 11 at 7:30am
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 7:20am. Prayer will begin promptly at 7:30am and conclude by 7:45am. All are welcome to stay for coffee afterwards.
Prayers from the Heart: Fri. Apr. 11 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 Fri. Apr. 11 at 8am in the Blue Room for all those who are interested in praying together.
Parent Education Speaker Series: Author Catherine Price | Wed. Apr. 16
Award-winning science journalist, speaker, and author Catherine Price is a leading voice in the national conversation about digital devices and how to create healthy relationships with technology. Her books include bestseller How to Break Up With Your Phone. Catherine will speak to students in grades 8-12 during the school day. For the evening event for parents/caregivers, space is limited; registration is required.
Good Friday: Fri. Apr. 18 - No Classes
Easter Monday: Mon. Apr. 21 - No Classes
Giving Day is Tue. Apr. 22!
Lace up your sneakers and mark your calendar for Giving Day 2025! Inspired by the Boston Marathon, we’re racing toward our goal of 350 donors on Tue. Apr. 22, to support The Fund for Newton Country Day. With your help, we’ll cross the finish line together!
Your support is key to Newton Country Day's success. Throughout the year, there are several opportunities to contribute to The Fund for Newton Country Day. Discover how you can make your most impactful gift.
Family Mass: Sun. Apr. 27 at 10am
We invite all families to join together for Sunday Mass held at Trinity Chapel on the Boston College Newton campus. Siblings are invited. If you are interested in volunteering to participate in the liturgy, please contact Sara Milone at smilone@newtonSH.org or (617) 559-4727.
Mater Brunch: Sun. Apr. 27 (following Family Mass)
Mater Brunch, formerly known as the Mother-Daughter Liturgy, is a longstanding tradition for Newton Country Day students and their mothers/caregivers. This annual event, which immediately follows the Family Mass, includes brunch and a service project. RSVP here.
Save the Date! Spring Soirée Recital: Tue. May 13 at 6pm
Students enrolled in our private music lesson program via Noteworthy Studios, and participants in our after school hip hop class and musical theatre workshop, will perform a series of culminating performances in voice, instrumental music, and dance. The evening will begin in our Chapel and conclude in Duchesne Hall.
Absence Policy
If a student is going to be absent or tardy, parents should notify the school before 9am via the Veracross Parent Portal or by calling the Academic Office directly: MS: (617) 559-4750, US: (617) 559-4747.
Lateness Policy
If a student arrives late to school (after 7:45am for MS, 7:55am for US), she is 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 either by her parents entering it directly via the Veracross Parent Portal or by calling the Academic Office directly: MS: (617) 559-4750, US: (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.
Outdoor Recess
Now that spring is here, MS will head outdoors for recess. Students should come to school each day with the appropriate outerwear.
Grades 7&8 Dance at Xaverian: Fri. Apr. 4 from 6:30-9pm
Students in grades 7 and 8 are invited to Xaverian Brothers School for a spring dance. Entry fee is $20. Neon and bright colored clothing encouraged!
Grades 5&6 Sneaker Ball at Fessenden: Fri. Apr. 11 from 7-8:30pm
Students in grades 5 and 6 are invited to attend Fessenden's second annual "Sneaker Ball". Fun sneakers are encouraged! Please use this RSVP form to register for the party.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. visit with Grades 6&7: Mon. Apr. 14
The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will be coming to campus to work with English 6 and English 7 students on their study of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Grade 8 Capstone Showcase: Tue. Apr. 15 from 5:30-7pm
Grade 8 students will present their Capstone Projects on the evening of Tue. Apr. 15. These projects, inspired by the Goals, curriculum, and the students’ own interests, represent many hours of independent work over the course of the school year. The Capstone Presentations will take place on the 3rd floor in the MS. Parents/caregivers, students, and faculty/staff are invited to attend. Please arrive at Mater Commons by 5:30pm.
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion to Concord Museum: Tue. Apr. 22
To enhance their History and English classes, students will participate in the “Colonial Sampler” program at the Concord Museum, where they will study colonial artifacts and compare period rooms from the 18th and 19th centuries. To prepare for an English unit exploring the importance of nature in writing and thinking, the fifth grade will also learn about Ralph Waldo Emerson’s life in Concord. As the program includes an outdoor segment, students should dress for the weather.
Class of 2029 Course Selection Meetings: Tue. Apr. 22 & Tue. Apr. 29
Current grade 8 students and incoming grade 9 students are invited along with their parents and caregivers to attend one of two course selection meetings to learn about the 9th grade curriculum and choose courses for next year. The meetings will both take place between 5:30 - 7pm in Duchesne Hall. A light dinner will be provided. At least one parent/caregiver must attend along with their daughter. Families have been assigned to a specific date/meeting based on the first letter of their daughter's last name:
A-L: Tue. Apr. 22, 5:30-7 pm
M-Z: Tue. Apr. 29, 5:30-7 pm
Please contact the Admission Office if you have any questions.
Grade 8 Book Club: Fri. Apr. 25 at 10am
Members of grade 8 will have the opportunity to discuss Alan Gratz's novel, Refugee. The school will provide a copy of the novel to participants and refreshments will be served. Reach out to Mr. Rosovsky with any questions.
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion to Boston: Wed. April 30
Grade 5 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.
Save the Date! Grades 5&6 Camp Hazen virtual meeting: Tue. May 6 at 7pm
A link for this virtual meeting for parents/caregivers of grades 5&6 will be emailed closer to the meeting date.
Save the Date! Celebration of the Arts: Thu. May 8 at 5pm
All MS students perform in the Chapel and Theatre and their artwork is displayed in Barat Commons for this final culminating curricular arts experience! Students wear their ballet slippers and provide their own base layer that will be assigned by our costume designer. All other costuming elements are provided for them. Their rehearsals take place on Mon. & Tue. May 5&6 from 8-10:30am. All rehearsals leading up to the performance are mandatory.
Save the Date! Grade 7 Camp Burgess virtual meeting: Mon. May 12 at 7pm
A link for this virtual meeting for parents/caregivers of grade 7 will be emailed closer to the meeting date.
Save the Date! Grade 8 Washington, D.C. trip meeting: Mon. May 19 at 7pm
This will be an in-person meeting for grade 8 families to discuss the details of the Washington, D.C. trip. More information to follow.
Save the Date! MS Social: Tue. May 20 from 5-6pm
All new students who will be joining the MS in the fall will take math placement tests from 4-5pm. 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.
Save the Date! Class of 2029 Social: Thu. May 22 from 5:30-6:30pm
Members of the incoming ninth grade gather for the first time as the whole Class of 2029! 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.
After School Hip-Hop Classes
All MS students are welcome to attend on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:15-5pm. Students can join after sports. Students will work on a dance piece to be performed at the Spring Soiree.
MS After School Program
The MS After-School Program is available for all students until 5:30pm 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 directly 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.
Senior Ads for Yearbook
Attention Class of 2025 Parents and Caregivers! Yearbook Recognition Ads are the perfect way to commemorate achievements and celebrate milestones. To purchase your ad online, follow these instructions. Jostens is responsible for our school's yearbook ad sales. Please do not contact or send materials to the school. Please make sure all submitted materials are appropriate for school publication. All orders must be placed by May 5.
Elections
Upper School elections for 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 12 IMPACT Program: Fri. Apr. 4
Seniors will participate in a day-long self-defense training program. Attendance is mandatory. Students should arrive in time for regular homeroom at 7:45am and will be done by 2:30pm dismissal. The IMPACT program focuses on personal safety, assertiveness, and empowerment. Students should dress comfortably and wear sneakers. Contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 with questions.
Belmont Hill Grade 9&10 Semi-Formal: Sat. Apr. 5 from 7-8:30pm
Students in grades 9 and 10 are invited to the Belmont Hill Semi-Formal. They have planned a fun evening with decorations, a DJ, snacks, and a drawing for prizes. The event will be held at Belmont Hill School. Early departures are permitted only with a parent or caregiver. Cost of attendance is $10 per student and students must show a student ID at the door. Please contact Lora Farkas at Belmont Hill (617-993-5274) with any questions.
Blessing of the US Spring Athletes with Team Dinners: Mon. Apr. 7 at 6pm
US student-athletes and their families are invited to a blessing to begin the spring athletic season. The event will take place immediately after practices in the Chapel. Dress is casual. Immediately following the blessing, all spring season athletes and their families are encouraged to attend a team meeting and dinner with the coaches.
Xaverian Brothers Grade 9&10 Semi-Formal: Fri. Apr. 11 from 6-9pm
The Xaverian Brothers students have invited our students in grades 9 and 10 to a semi-formal dance. You do not need a date to attend. Cost of attendance is $20 per student and students must show a student ID at the door. Please contact Ms. Hurley at x4842 or Mr. Szilvasy at x4843 with questions.
Junior-Senior Prom: Sat. Apr. 12 at the Colonnade Hotel
Members of the Classes of 2025 and 2026 and their guests are invited to the Prom. Pre-Prom Reception will be held at Newton Country Day from 5:30 - 6:30pm. Buses depart at 6:30pm and return to campus by 10pm. Contact Ms. Kenney at x4756 with questions.
Festival of the Arts Rehearsals: Tue. Apr. 22 and Thu. Apr. 24
Rehearsals for Festival of the Arts take place on Tue. Apr. 22 from 8-10:30am and Thu. Apr. 24 from 1:30-3:30pm. Students who are involved in Festival of the Arts should arrive at school in time for regular homeroom at 7:45am on Tuesday. Students who are not involved in Festival of the Arts may arrive by 10:15am on Tuesday and should check in at their grade level homeroom spaces upon arrival. Faculty will be available to meet with students who arrive at school by 7:45 but are not participating in Festival of the Arts.
Festival of the Arts: Thu. Apr. 24 at 6pm
US students enrolled in arts courses/committees display and perform their work in our Chapel, Theatre, and Barat Commons for this final culminating curricular arts experience! Teachers will communicate the expected attire items students are responsible for providing for their performing groups. Rehearsals for Festival of the Arts take place on Tue. Apr. 22 from 8-10:30am and Thu. Apr. 24 from 1:30-3:30pm. Attendance at these rehearsals is mandatory for all performers.
Grade 12 Activities
Members of the Class of 2025 will conclude their Senior Project (Apr. 28-May 23) and participate in mandatory class activities May 27-30. 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 29-30. Students are also expected to be in school from 8-11:45am on June 2, and for Prize Day and the Graduation Liturgy on June 4 preceding Graduation on June 5. Please see the Commencement web page for more information and contact Loren Cerami at x4936 with questions.
Grade 10 Service Day: Fri. May 2 - Parent Volunteers Needed!
On Fri. May 2 from approximately 9am-12pm, students in grade 10 will participate in a grade-wide service day at several local non-profit organizations. We are looking for parent volunteers to drive student groups to service sites that morning. If you are interested and able to help, please fill out this form. Contact Dr. Potter at x4757 with questions.
Save the Date! Grade 9 Service Opportunity with Roxbury Latin: Sat. May 10 from 10am - 1pm
Grade 9 students are invited to participate in community service with grade 9 students from Roxbury Latin at Volunteer Ventures in Lexington. Students will work in teams to give life to Goals III and IV through building desks, chairs, and accessible benches for those in need. This event is expected to take place 10am-1pm with limited spots which will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may sign up and learn more details on Google Classroom. Please note: transportation is not provided and all students will need to arrange to be dropped off and be picked up from Volunteer Ventures. If the morning session sign-ups fill up, with enough interest, a second afternoon session may be considered. Please contact grade 9 Dean, Ms. Hurley, at (617) 559-4842 with any questions.
Save the Date! Grade 9&10 Semi-Formal Dance: Fri. May 30 from 7:30-9:30pm
Members of the classes of 2027 and 2028 are invited to a semi-formal dance in the Arches Gym. Students must arrive no later than 8pm and may not be dismissed until 9:30pm. The cost of attending the dance is $10 per person. To attend the dance, students should have submitted their signed permission form, which includes a link to payment, by Fri. May 23.
Students are welcome to attend the dance alone, with a group of friends, or with an invited guest from any school. Additionally, the school has extended an invitation to all grade 9&10 students from Belmont Hill, Roxbury Latin, and St. Sebastian’s to attend this dance, as many of them have done for our students this year! All guests (whether or not they are the personal guest of an NCDS student) must fill out the guest information form, which includes a guest contract to be signed by their school prior to arrival and a link to purchase tickets. Guests will be expected to check in and show a school ID at the door.
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. Skudder-Pocius at x4882.
Save the Date: Leadership Training: June 6
All US students elected to the following leadership positions for 2025-2026 are expected to attend a leadership training to prepare for the upcoming school year:
- Committee Heads
- Affinity Group Heads
- Student Government
- Honor Committee
- Peer Education
- Peer Ministry
- Athletic Team Captains
- Fall Musical Assistants
The schedule for the day will be as follows:
- 9-10am: Committee Heads & Affinity Group Heads
- 10-11:30am: All Elected Leaders
- 11:30am-12:30pm: Lunch (Athletic Team Captains and Fall Musical Assistants will meet over lunch)
- 12:30-1:30pm: Student Government, Honor Committee, Peer Education, Peer Ministry
Please contact Ms. Skudder-Pocius at x4882 with any questions.
Hesed (Class of 2027): Project Proposals due July 1
In January, sophomores received an introduction to the Hesed Project, a required 40-hour community service commitment that is integrated into the Religion 11 curriculum. Students are strongly advised to complete these projects during the summer prior to junior year. Given the considerable commitment of time that Hesed entails, spring semester is a good time to reach out to service agencies to begin planning a schedule that is compatible with your family’s summer plans. The deadline for summer service project proposals (or a deferral to complete Hesed during the school year) is July 1. See a general overview of the Hesed program and its requirements. Students have access to more resources via Google Classroom. If there are any questions please contact Dr. Potter at x4757.
Used Textbook Donation
The library gratefully accepts donations of gently used US textbooks. Donations can be dropped off with Mrs. Cedrone at the front desk.
Seniors:
- DEPOSIT: Students must deposit at one college, typically by May 1, to ensure a spot in the class.
- WAITLIST: Seniors who elect to remain on waitlists should notify the College Counseling Office. We can be very helpful as a sounding board when students are reviewing options, and can also help with comparing financial aid packages.
- FINANCIAL AID: We advise families to communicate directly with the financial aid offices at each college.
Juniors:
- MEETING: We encourage juniors to meet with College Guidance again before summer break. Students should be focused on successfully completing their junior year, including both final assessments and Advanced Placement exams.
- SPRING ASSIGNMENTS: All juniors are also expected to (A) write a personal reflection to assist their recommenders (B) create a resume in Naviance, and (C) complete a short research reflection on colleges visited in person or virtually. Assignments are due May 5th. Please encourage your daughters to meet this deadline.
- TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Juniors will be directed to ask two of their teachers to write letters of recommendation for their college applications. Colleges prefer letters from junior year, and they sometimes prefer a letter from a math/science teacher and a humanities teacher, although there is some flexibility. Once students have secured two teachers to write on their behalf, they will complete a Google Form by May 23.
- TIMELINE OF THE COLLEGE PROCESS: can be accessed here. It gives students and caregivers a view of upcoming tasks.
- COLLEGE FAIR: BISCCA College Fair 2025 on Sun. Apr. 27 at Babson Recreation and Athletic Complex, Babson College. Newton Country Day has been assigned to attend the fair from 2:30 - 4pm. Only students will be allowed to participate (no parents) to limit density in the space. MEFA will offer a Financial Aid information session for interested families at 2:30pm.
Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter email, featuring the silver banner above!
Parents' Association Meeting: Tue. Apr. 8 at 7:45am
Sweeney Husson Theatre
Back by popular demand, this meeting will showcase a panel of our current seniors who will share their insights and reflections from their time at Newton Country Day and Mr. Warren Perry, Athletic Director.
2024-25 PA Leadership
- President: Mary Moriarty P '25
- Officer: Rachel Busby P '23 '26 '29
- Officer: Angela Winchenbaugh P '20 '21 '26
- Officer: Emily Venanzi P '26
- Officer: Kelly Woolbert P '21 '23 '31