Courage and Confidence since 1880

Newton Notes: August 2024
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All-School Announcements

Farewells and a Welcome
As we approach the start of the new school year, we would like to take a moment to honor our retiring faculty members for their years of service to Newton Country Day: Charlie Berman, Andreas Evriviades, Terry Foster, Don Peach, and Sr. Barbara Rogers, Head Emerita.

We would also like to thank our community members who will be moving on from Newton Country Day this fall: Ursula August, Patricia DiEduardo, Suzanne Donnellan, Allyson Grasso, Kelly Holley, Katie Jarvis, and Amanda Pertierra.

Newton Country Day has begun the search for a new Athletic Director as Kim Southall steps down from her position this fall. We thank her for her many years of service to our school, and won't say farewell just yet, as she will remain on as the Varsity Field Hockey coach this fall.

We would like to welcome Emily Caspersen as she joins the English Department. Most recently, she taught English and History, advised, and coached at Gill St. Bernard's School in New Jersey. Mrs. Caspersen has earned degrees from Harvard College (English and American Literature), Brown University (History), and Drew University (Literacy and Technology). She is excited to work in "a vibrant, student-centered learning community full of eager students and engaging colleagues."

Cape Cod Reception: Thu. Aug. 8 from 6-8pm
Join us at our annual Cape Cod Reception, hosted by Kate and Michael Ascione P '21 '22 '27 and meet Jessica Hooper, our new Head of School! RSVP here by Aug. 1.

Save the Date! School Photos: Wed. Sep. 4 (US) and Mon. Sep. 9 (MS)
Coffee Pond Photography will take photos of all students. Upper School girls will have their pictures taken on Opening Day, Wed. Sep. 4. Middle School girls will have their pictures taken on Mon. Sep. 9.

Save the Date! New Family Breakfast: Sat. Sep. 7 from 9-10:30am
New families and their host families are invited to join us for this casual welcome event. An invitation will follow.

Save the Dates! Homecoming
US: Fri. Oct. 4
MS: Sat. Oct. 5

Veracross 
Please take a moment to review and update your contact information in Veracross. Veracross is a comprehensive school information management system that enables families to monitor students' schedules, academics and activities. Please familiarize yourself with the information and tools available in order to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of this application.

Health Office
All families are required to submit completed Health Forms to Magnus Health via the Veracross Parent Portal by Aug. 1. Please note that up-to-date physical and immunization records are required for participation in classes, athletics and school activities including pre-season athletics and performing arts auditions.

Your username and password for Magnus is the same as your Veracross Parent Portal username and password. If you are a new parent/caregiver and did not receive an email with instructions for creating your Veracross account, please contact Diane Tan. You will receive weekly reminders from Magnus if there are outstanding items to be addressed in the account. If you need any assistance, the Magnus Health Help Desk is available at (877) 461-6831.

Textbooks and Curricular Materials
Course lists were emailed to families on July 22. You may order your course materials at our virtual bookstore. Please use the code “NCDS” when placing your order. Free shipping is available until Aug.18. You may purchase or rent textbooks from other sources so long as you obtain the required edition. Families with students enrolled in AP classes must pay the College Board AP exam fees through the MBS site by the first day of school. If a course is not listed on the bookstore website, students will receive those materials in class.

For questions:

  • Course Placement or Changes: During the week of Aug. 19, queries about placements or change requests will be directed to Department Chairs.
  • Textbook Orders: Contact MBS Direct 24/7 Customer Service at 800-325-3252 or vb@bncservices.com.
  • Other Concerns: Please call the school at 617-244-4246 during regular office hours and leave a message for the Academic Office.

Dance Classes
All students enrolled in a dance elective will need a pair of canvas flesh-toned ballet slippers for their dance class. Their dance teacher will communicate all specific dance attire needs at the first class meeting and answer any questions related to dance class dress code. Students will have until Sep. 16 to acquire all required dance class attire. 

Private Music Lessons
Newton Country Day is proud to continue our partnership with Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio to offer private music lessons on our campus. Ms. Bordner, the studio director, and her faculty share a passion for teaching music, composition, and performance skills to students of all ages and abilities, on every instrument. Private lesson students have the opportunity to perform in a recital in May. Please complete this form if you are interested in signing up for private lessons. If you have any questions about this program, feel free to contact the Director of Music, Dr. Corey Everly.

Transportation

  • Carpool List: If you are interested in carpooling with other families for the 2024-25 school year, please fill out the Carpool form. Please note that Newton Country Day does not create carpools; the form is used to compile information for interested families. The list is available will be updated throughout the summer with new responses on the Veracross Parent Portal -- please note that as families sign up, the list will be updated, so check back often!
  • Register for the Bus: It's not too late to sign up! NCDS is pleased to offer one-way and round-trip daily transportation from locations in Boston, Needham, and Westwood, for a fee. See more information and register for the bus here. Boston Bus service will begin on Wed. Sep. 4 and MetroWest service will begin on Thu. Sep. 5.

Opening Week Schedule

Mon. Sep. 2: Labor Day
 
Tue. Sep. 3

  • 10:30-11:30am: Honors Dance and Schola (rehearsal for Mass of the Holy Spirit)
  • 12:30-3:30pm: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 and 10
  • 2:30-3:30pm: Student Government (Senior Mentors are excused) and Gr. 12 Opening Day Greeters 
  • 4-6pm: Upper School athletics and musical rehearsal 
  • 5:30-7pm: Grade 9 Family Picnic (students in athletics or the musical arrive at 6pm after practice)

Wed. Sep. 4: Opening Day
Students are involved in Orientation and Class Activities. School pictures for US students. Boston Bus service begins. Please note that the MS After-School Supervision Program does not start until Mon. Sep. 9.

  • 7:45am: Gr. 12 Opening Day Greeters and Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 and 10 arrive
  • 8:30am: Arrival for Gr. 5-11
  • 11am: Gr. 12 students who are not Opening Day Greeters or Senior Mentors arrive
  • 12pm: MS dismissal
  • 2:30pm: US dismissal
  • 3-5pm: Upper School athletics and musical rehearsal
  • 6:45pm: Boston Bus departs

Thu. Sep. 5: First Day of Classes
This is a regular school day. Students should be dropped off before 7:45am. Metrowest Bus service begins. Please note that the MS After-School Supervision Program does not start until Mon. Sep. 9.

  • 3pm: MS dismissal
  • 3:30pm: US dismissal 
  • 3:10-4:10pm: MS athletic tryouts
  • 4-5:30pm: US athletics (see details on athletics website) 
  • 4-6pm: US musical rehearsal
  • 6:45pm: Buses depart

Fri. Sep. 6
This is a regular school day. Students should be dropped off before 7:45am. Please note that the MS After-School Supervision Program does not start until Mon. Sep. 9.

  • 2:30pm: MS & US dismissal 
  • 2:40-3:40pm: MS athletic tryouts
  • 3:30-5pm: US athletics (see details on athletics website)
  • 3:00-5pm: US musical rehearsal 
  • 6:45pm: Buses depart

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Middle School Announcements

Fall Athletics Tryouts Begin: Thu. Sep. 5
View the tryout schedule for the most up-to-date days and times. Please review our athletic team policies. 

In order to participate in tryouts, all students must have updated and completed the following sections through Veracross:

  • Vital Health Record
  • Consent to Treat Form
  • Annual Physical Exam Form

If you are experiencing difficulty, contact the Health Office at healthteam@newtonSH.org.

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Upper School Announcements

Student Leadership Meetings: Mon. Aug. 26 - Tue. Sep. 3 
Leadership meetings are scheduled for these afternoons before athletics practices and musical rehearsals. The schedule for those meetings is as follows:

  • Mon. Aug. 26, 2-3:30pm: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 and 10
  • Tue. Aug. 27, 2-3:30pm: Student Government, Peer Education, Peer Ministry, Honor Committee, Committee Heads & Affinity Group Heads
  • Wed. Aug. 28, 2:30* - 3:30pm: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 and 10; Writing Center Tutors *Note time change
  • Thu., Aug. 29, 2-3:30pm: 2024-25 Sports Team Captains; Writing Center Tutors
  • Tue. Sep. 5:
    • 10:30-11:30am: Honors Dance and Schola (rehearsal for Mass of the Holy Spirit)
    • 12:30-3:30pm: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 and 10
    • 2:30-3:30pm: Student Government (Senior Mentors are excused)

US Athletics and Musical Tryouts Begin: Mon. Aug. 26
The schedule for preseason athletic practices and musical rehearsals is as follows:

  • Mon. Aug. 26, 4-6pm
  • Tue. Aug. 27, 4-6pm
  • Wed. Aug. 28, 4-6pm
  • Thu. Aug. 29, 4-6pm
  • Fri. Aug. 31, 10am-12pm
  • Tue. Sep. 3, 4-6pm

US Fall Musical: Tuck Everlasting
Preseason auditions and rehearsals for our US Fall Musical, Tuck Everlasting, will run from Mon. Aug. 26 to Thu. Aug. 29 from 4-6pm and Fri, Aug. 30 from 10am-12pm. Callbacks for all cast members will take place on Tue. Sep. 3 from 4-6pm. Students should come prepared to the auditions with a memorized short monologue/poem and be prepared to sing a verse and chorus from a song of their own choosing. Previous musical theater experience is not required. All cast members will receive a role in our production! Stage crew members will work during the same assigned hours as all cast members. Our regular practice schedule starts on Sep. 4. Weekly rehearsals run from 3:45-5:45pm on Mon. Tue. Thu. and from 2:45-4:45pm on Wed. and Fri. We have extended hours during Tech Week and students will receive a detailed rehearsal calendar during Preseason Week. Please direct audition related questions to the Musical Director, Dr. Everly, and stage crew related questions to the Technical Theatre Director, Mr. Farreh.

Fall Athletics Tryouts
View the tryout schedule for the most up-to-date days and times. The athletics section of the website is the best resource for schedule updates. All US students and parents/caregivers must complete the Athletic Team Policies form to attend tryouts.

In order to participate in tryouts, all students must have updated and completed the following sections through Veracross:

  • Vital Health Record
  • Consent to Treat Form
  • Annual Physical Exam Form

If you are experiencing difficulty, contact the Health Office at healthteam@newtonSH.org.

Blessing of US Athletes and Performers: Thu. Aug. 29 at 6:15pm
US student-athletes and student-artists and their families are invited to a blessing to begin the season. The event will take place immediately after preseason practices in the Martin Center. Light refreshments will be provided. Dress is casual.

Mass of the Holy Spirit Rehearsal: Tue. Sep. 3 from 10-10:30am
Students enrolled in Honors Dance Composition and Honors Schola Cantorum will be performing in Mass of the Holy Spirit. Please reserve Tue. Sep. 3 from 10-10:30am for rehearsal. Mrs. Davenport and Dr. Everly will contact students via email with rehearsal location and more details.

Save the Date! Grade 9 Family Picnic: Tue. Sep. 3 from 5:30-7pm
Members of the Class of 2028 and their parents/guardians participate in the Grade 9 Family Picnic, during which the students gather with their advisory groups and parents meet their daughter’s advisor.

  • 5:30-6pm: Parent program
  • 6pm: Students join parents and advisors for dinner in Advisory Groups

Students involved in fall athletics or the fall musical will be dismissed by 6pm to attend. As the picnic is casual, students come directly from practice. Students not involved in fall athletics or the musical arrive at 5:30pm and participate in their own activities during the parent program.

Fall Trips
Almost immediately after the school year begins, Grades 9, 10, and 11 leave for class trips. All students must have up-to-date medical forms on file in Magnus Health in order to go on these trips.

  • Grade 9 Orientation at the Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, MA: Sep.11-13
  • Grade 11 visits New York City: Sep. 11-13. The purpose of the trip is to deepen a commitment to Goal III, “a social awareness which impels to action,” through service, and to visit historical sites that connect with the U.S. History curriculum.
  • Grade 10 Outdoor Education program at the Morse Hill Outdoor Education Center in Shutesbury, MA: Sep. 12-13

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College Guidance

Summer Assignments
All juniors have received information via the College Guidance Google Classroom and a packet detailing the "College Process Assignments" to be completed during summer break. This summer, all juniors are expected to complete items on this list. These assignments are due on the first day of the fall semster!

The College Guidance Team is Available During the Summer
We are available for virtual meetings with students or families. Simply email us at jrosenholtz@newtonsh.org, kriobueno@newtonsh.org, and jblanchard@newtonsh.org. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Looking Ahead to the Fall:

  • All seniors will have regular meetings throughout the first semester as a group, during which all aspects of the admissions process will be discussed. These meetings will keep seniors on track during the fall. Beginning in early Sep. many colleges will visit Newton Country Day to hold information sessions (students can check Naviance to see the list of visiting colleges). These visits are not interviews. They are intended for students to gather information about colleges and to speak directly with the people who will often be the ones reading their applications. Seniors will receive more information on these visits in the fall.
  • Upon returning to school in Sep. seniors will be given an unofficial copy of their transcripts. Any student needing a copy of their transcript earlier than this should contact Ms. Healy in the Academic Office. Upon returning to school, seniors should schedule a meeting with College Guidance. Parents and caregivers may schedule appointments with College Guidance throughout the first semester, and the College Guidance Office is available via email over the summer if students or parents have questions or need assistance. 
  • For students who are not senior mentors for Grades 9 and 10, two days in Sep. are reserved for college visits or to work on college applications (we will have in-school application workshops for students who remain on campus). Students should check the website for athletics competitions that weekend if they plan to schedule weekend visits.   

Save the Date! College Admissions for US Parents and Caregivers: Sun. Oct. 20 at 7pm
Location: Theatre
Kayte Hager, Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Boston College, will speak to parents about the landscape of college admission in 2024.

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Parents' Association

The Parents' Association encourages all families to get involved in our community. If you would like to volunteer, please visit the Parents' Volunteer Opportunities on the website.

Save the Date! Parents' Association Meeting: Mon. Sep. 9 at 7:45 am, Blue Room
Coffee will be served. All families are welcome! 

2024-25 PA Leadership

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