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Family Conferences: Your feedback is needed!
Please take a moment to complete this brief survey and share your valuable feedback on your Family Conference experience.
Advent Angels
Our Advent Angels tradition takes place during the month of December. MS students are each assigned a classmate as their Advent Angel; US students are assigned a classmate if they choose to participate. Each week, students celebrate this season of joyful anticipation by doing something special for one of their classmates. The total cost of the entire activity should not exceed $20 and should focus on creativity, not consumerism.
- Tue. Dec. 3: Bake something for your classmate
- Tue. Dec. 10: Make them something handmade
- Tue. Dec. 17: Reveal your identity in a creative manner
Shop the School Store for Christmas!
As you compile your holiday shopping list, don't forget to include the Newton Country Day School Store for all your Falcon fan gear!
MS Winter Coat Drive
MS Student Government is organizing a school-wide coat drive as part of the Coats for Kids initiative in Massachusetts. Please consider donating gently used winter coats of any size, from toddler to adult. Donation bins will be available in the MS and near the Arches entrance. The drive will end on Fri. Dec. 13. Please contact Ms. Barber (ext 4932) or Mr. Schusterbauer with questions (ext. 4755).
Prospective Parent Coffee: Wed. Dec. 4 from 8:30 - 9:30am
Christmas Party for Parents and Caregivers: Thu. Dec. 5 at 7pm
Parents and Caregivers are invited to join us for a gathering in the Martin Center Movement Studio to celebrate the Advent season. RSVP here.
First Friday Prayer Service for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. Dec. 6 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.
Sacred Heart Commission on Goals Coffee & Conversation: Fri. Dec. 6 at 7:45am
The Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG) provides a system of accountability for living the Sacred Heart mission. Its membership reflects the relationships of Head of School, trustees, faculty/staff, and senior leadership. Its mandate is to design a reflective process whereby a school community holds itself accountable for living according to the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools. 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 and students on how the School lives out the Goals and Criteria. Now we would like to involve parents, parents of alumnae and alumnae in these important conversations. Will you help us?
We plan to hold a workshop for parents and parents of alumnae on Dec. 6 directly after the First Friday Chapel Service at 7:45am. Please join us for coffee and conversation on how Newton Country Day lives out the Goals and Criteria. RSVP to Carol Fachetti, SHCOG Steering Committee Co-Chair. We look forward to seeing you.
Solemnity of Immaculate Conception: Sun. Dec. 8
The feast of the Immaculate Conception is Dec. 8. Due to the date falling on a Sunday this year, observance of the holy day is transferred to Mon. Dec. 9. Any student who wishes to attend a morning Mass in their parish will have their tardiness excused. Please contact Sara Milone, Director of Mission and Ministry, x4727 with any questions.
Admission Reception with St. Sebastian's School: Wed. Dec. 13 from 6:30 - 7:30pm
Newton Country Day and St. Sebastian's School are holding a joint admission reception. Prospective families interested in either school are invited to hear about the benefits of a Catholic independent school education. This year's reception is hosted by Newton Country Day. Families can sign up through Ravenna or by calling the Admission Office at either school.
Prayers from the Heart: Fri. Dec. 13 at 7:45am 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. Dec. 13 from 7:45-8:15am in the Blue Room for all those who are interested in praying together.
Christmas Basket Service Project: Volunteers Needed!
In early December, MS TAG & US Advisory groups will be decorating and preparing gift boxes to provide families with children who live in Dorchester in collaboration with Sr. Joyce McMullen’s Project Care & Concern. Every MS and US student is invited to participate. Boxes will be distributed to decorate and fill with nonperishable food and basic household gifts. In addition, students are encouraged to include gift cards to any of the following four stores: Star Market, Stop & Shop, Target, or TJ Maxx. Please make sure to indicate the value of the gift card in writing on the card sleeve or directly upon the card itself! All students are asked to bring in their donations by Tue. Dec. 10. The boxes will be delivered to Harbor Point on Sat. Dec. 14. We are looking for parent volunteers to sign up to help deliver these boxes (a two-hour commitment). Please fill out this Google Form to get involved! If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Potter at x4757 (US) or Mr. Schusterbauer at x4755 (MS).
Christmas Vacation begins on Fri. Dec. 20 at 11:30am (early dismissal)
Christmas Eve Mass: Tue. Dec. 24 at 9pm
We invite all families to the Christmas Eve liturgy in the Chapel. All are welcome!
Classes Resume: Tue. Jan. 7
Save the Date! Admission Curriculum Night: Thu. Jan. 9 from 6:30 - 8pm
Newton Country Day is hosting a Curriculum Night for prospective families. Some of our current students will be asked to participate as we show applicants and their parents what makes our school unique among Boston area independent schools. Current 8th grade families are also invited to attend if they are interested in learning more about our US program.
Mark Your Calendars! Cardinal's Holiday: Tue. Jan. 21
Archbishop Seán Patrick O'Malley's Cardinal's Holiday has been scheduled for Tue. Jan. 21. There will be no classes on this day, which immediately follows the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
Still Seeking Hosts: Mentor a Senior Through an Internship or Job Shadow
We are still seeking hosts for our seniors from Apr. 28 to May 23. See more details.
Network Summer Service Project Update
The Network of Sacred Heart Schools is taking a purposeful pause to re-evaluate the Summer Service Projects program, so there will be no network-wide summer service trips offered in summer 2025. During the coming year, the Network will be assessing how effectively these projects engage in purposeful learning that serves the common good. The Network is in the process of putting together a task force consisting of a cross-section of teachers and staff from across our many schools. The announcement from the Network stated: “Our re-evaluation will focus on how well we educate students to analyze systems that perpetuate injustices in our world and actions rooted in integrity, fostering informed, active citizenship and civic responsibility. Together, we will ensure that our future projects not only inspire action but also embody the core values of Sacred Heart education. This pause is not just a reflection but a step toward developing in our students a lifelong commitment to being people of integrity.” If you have any questions or would like more context on this decision, please contact Dr. Potter, Director of Community Service & Outreach, at x 4757.
Private Music Lessons
We are proud to continue our partnership with Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio to offer private music lessons on every instrument 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. 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 Dr. Corey Everly, Director of Music.
Snow Day Protocol
In the event of a snow day, all classes and activities are canceled. No classes will meet, and no additional work will be assigned. Students may choose to work on long-term assignments and previously assigned work; they may also find it beneficial to organize the school materials they have with them or read a good book.
Should the conditions merit a school closure for more than one day in a row, the subsequent day(s) will be structured as distance learning days. On distance learning days, all scheduled classes will meet at their appointed times. Homeroom and assemblies will not be held to allow screen breaks throughout the day. Students will use the Google Meet link posted in the Google Classroom for each course. If a student experiences a power outage or other weather-related complication, a parent/caregiver should notify the Academic Office.
Absence Policy
If a student is going to be absent or tardy, parents should notify the school before 9am. Parents may submit an attendance note on the Veracross Parent Portal or call 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 in Veracross 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.
MS Musical Beauty and the Beast Jr.: Auditions begin Mon. Dec. 2
Auditions for the MS Musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr., will begin on Mon. Dec. 2. We will hold auditions during our normal rehearsal hours, which run weekly from 3:10-4:30pm on Mon., Tue., Thu. and from 2:45-4:30pm on Wed. and Fri. Audition materials will be provided. There are extended rehearsals until 6pm during Tech Week (2/7-2/12) in order to prepare for the shows. All students who audition will receive a role in the production. Performances will take place on Thu. Feb. 13 at 7pm and Fri. Feb. 14 at 6:30pm. Please contact Dr. Everly with any questions.
Grade 6 Explorers Excursion: Tue. Dec. 3
As part of their History and Technology classes, students will visit the Leventhal Map and Education Center in Boston to see the current exhibit, Processing Place: How Computers and Cartographers Redraw our World. Building on their yearlong study of cartography in History, students will explore how technologies are changing how people create and interact with maps. Since students will be taking public transit and spending time walking in Boston, rain or shine, they should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Students will depart school at 9:45am and return by 2pm.
Cantilare at Avita: Thu. Dec. 5
MS Cantilare select choir, under the direction of Dr. Corey Everly, will perform a Christmas Carols concert at Avita of Needham Assisted Living Facility on Thursday, Dec 5. During this visit, students will also distribute to the residents of Avita the Affirmation Rocks created with their Grandparents during Grandparents Day.
Grades 7&8 Social at Belmont Hill: Fri. Dec. 6 from 7-9pm
7th and 8th grade students are invited to a social at Belmont Hill School. Students at Dana Hall and Winsor are also invited. Activities include skating (bring your own ice skates), karaoke, and gym games, and snacks will be provided. Admission requires $5 and a school ID card. Attendees should also consider bringing a new hat, gloves, or coat to donate to the Home For Little Wanderers.
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion: Wed. Dec. 11
The Grade 5 Voyagers will visit McNamara House, a senior citizen center in Allston, on a voyage that connects to Art and English. In Art, the fifth graders are working on a portrait unit that will culminate in each student creating a portrait of their senior citizen partner. In English, students are beginning a unit on memoir writing and life stories. Through this voyage, the students will practice how to depict life experiences through art and writing. Later in the academic year, the fifth graders will visit McNamara House again and present their portraits to their partners.
MS Advent Vespers Service: Wed. Dec. 18 at 5pm
(followed by dinner for families in the Arches Gym)
All MS Families are invited to attend this event.
All of our MS students participate as dancers, musicians, and lectors in our MS Advent Vespers Prayer Service. Students must provide their own ballet slippers and flesh toned tights. A standard Vespers outfit will be provided for them. All rehearsals leading up to this event will take place during regular school hours. Please contact Dr. Tully with any questions regarding this commitment.
MS Late Start: Thu. Dec. 19 at 9:30am
MS will have a late start at 9:30am. Students arriving earlier will be supervised in Mater Commons. Students in grades 7&8 will spend part of the afternoon skating with their classmates at the Daly Rink. Skates will be available for use. If students own skates, we encourage them to bring their skates to school this day.
Grades 5&6 trip to Boston Ballet's Nutcracker: Thu. Dec. 19
As part of a combined Voyagers and Explorers excursion, students in Grades 5&6 will head into Boston to see the Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker. The ballet begins at 1:30pm. Students will arrive back to campus at 4pm. Please reach out to Ms. Swallow or Ms. Horwitz with any questions.
Grades 5&6 Before School Robotics Club
Beginning in January, a Grade 5&6 Robotics Club will begin meeting on Tuesdays before school from 7:15-7:45am. The club will focus on exploring the fascinating world of robotics. Members will work with Sphero robots, which are known for their intricate designs and mesmerizing patterns. Students will learn about sensors, programming, and mechanics as they create and control these unique robots. The club will be led by Ms. Erickson, the MS technology teacher.
Save the Date! Grade 8 Parent/Caregiver Visitation Day: Mon. Feb. 3
The program will begin at 8am and conclude with 8th grade parents and caregivers joining their daughters at lunch in the Dining Commons. More details to follow.
MS After School Program
The MS After School program is available for all MS students until 5:30pm each day. Please text the After School number at (617) 631-0535 when you arrive to pick up your child; she will then be dismissed from the After School program to meet you at the Arches. Students who take the Metrowest or Boston bus are supervised until bus departure. Students are expected to be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of their school day. Please note, students are required to sign in to the After School program if their parents plan to pick them up more than 15 minutes after school or after sports dismissal. Any questions regarding the After School program should be directed to Ms. Kumi.
Blessing of the US Winter Athletes and Team Introductions: Tue. Dec. 3 at 6pm
US student-athletes and their families are invited to a blessing to begin the winter athletic season. The event will take place immediately after practices in the Chapel. Dress is casual. Immediately following the blessing, all winter season athletes and their families are encouraged to attend a team meeting and dinner with the coaches.
Grade 11&10 Semi-Formal Dance: Fri. Dec. 6 from 8-10pm
Members of the classes of 2025 and 2026 are invited to a semi-formal dance in Duchesne Hall. Students must arrive no later than 8:30pm and may not leave before 9:30pm. We encourage all parents to review the guidelines governing school dances with juniors and seniors before the dance. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Spelman at x4848 or Ms. Skudder-Pocius at x4882.
Ice Hockey Jamboree: Sat. Dec. 7
Ice Hockey Tournament: Fri. and Sat. Dec. 20-21
Engineering Design Field Trip to Boda Borg: Tue. Dec. 10
Students in Engineering Design visit Boda Borg as part of their project-based learning unit on electrical engineering. They will engage in a series of automated rooms with a combination of logical and physical challenges that require teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving to complete. This experience will inspire their design projects throughout the month of January.
Vespers Rehearsals: Mon. Dec. 16, Tue. Dec. 17, and Thu. Dec. 19
There will be a mandatory after school rehearsal on Mon. Dec. 16 from 3:45-5:45pm. There will be in-school rehearsals on Tue. Dec. 17 and Thu. Dec. 19 from 8-10:30am. Students who are involved in Vespers should arrive at school in time for regular homeroom at 7:45am. Students who are not involved in Vespers should arrive by 10:15am on Tue. and Thu. and should check in in their grade level homeroom spaces. There will be activities available during each rehearsal block for any students who are at school and not participating in Vespers.
US Advent Vespers Service: Thu. Dec. 19 at 7pm
All US Families are invited to attend this event.
All students enrolled in a dance or music course participate in our US Advent Vespers Prayer Service. Students will receive directions regarding performance attire from their individual teachers. Please contact Mrs. Davenport, Chair of Performing and Visual Arts, with any questions.
Senior Sleepover: Thu. Dec. 19
The Class of 2025 stays overnight at school to prepare for the all-school festivities on Fri. Dec. 20.
US Late Start: Fri. Dec. 20 at 8:30am
Boston and Metrowest Bus depart for Newton Country Day at the regular time. Christmas Vacation begins with early dismissal at 11:30am. The Boston Bus departs Newton Country Day at 11:45am.
Upcoming Grade-Level Service Opportunities
During the 2024-2025 academic year, Newton Country Day has reinstated the longstanding initiative called Sophie’s Place, a Saturday devoted to welcoming residents from Hearth, a Boston-based residential non-profit organization with a mission to end homelessness for elders. Each class from the US will have the opportunity to plan, prepare, and serve a meal and host activities with our guests from Hearth in the school’s dining commons. This gives our girls the opportunity to deepen their awareness of the dignity of each person and of our responsibility to transform the world in a context of mutuality and reciprocity. The Junior class hosted a successful event on Sep. 28. The remaining dates are as follows:
- Senior Class – Sat. Jan. 25
- Sophomore Class – Sat. Mar. 1
- Freshman Class – Sat. Apr. 26
We will be reaching out to students in each grade level in the month prior to their class commitments. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Veski.
School the World Info Sessions
Many Newton Country Day students have partnered with School the World, a Boston-based non-profit organization that seeks to transform global poverty by providing access to education in Central America. School the World is currently recruiting volunteers for a service trip building a school in Panama during March break in 2025. During the month of December, they are hosting several Information Sessions for students and parents in the MetroWest area. They are also recruiting for summer trips to Guatemala and Honduras. Please note that participation in a service trip with School the World is an excellent way for rising 11th graders to complete the Hesed project! For more information, please contact Dr. Potter at x4757.
Save the Date! Exchange 2025-26 Introduction: Thu. Jan. 16 at 6:30pm
The Exchange Program will present an introduction to Exchange for the 2025-2026 cohort in Duchesne Hall. This is an experience available for rising sophomores and juniors, and includes travel over March Break and hosting at a time negotiated with visiting families. Come learn about the philosophies and goals of the program, the current exchange partner schools, the logistics behind hosting and international travel, and an overview of the application process. This is a mandatory information session for students interested in exchange, as well as at least one family member. For any questions, please email Mr. Stephenson.
Still Seeking Hosts: Mentor a Senior Through an Internship or Job Shadow
A heartfelt thank-you to our community members who have already volunteered to host a senior for their Senior Project! We are still in need of at least fifteen additional alumni, parents, and former parents to offer an unpaid, in-person internship or job shadow from April 28 to May 23.
By hosting a senior, you’ll provide them with the invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience—bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional development. You’ll also help them explore how their unique skills and interests can make a meaningful impact in the world.
Why host a senior?
- Inspire the next generation of leaders
- Provide students with hands-on experience and industry insight
- Help them discover potential career paths and develop essential skills
Whether you can offer an internship or a job shadowing opportunity, your guidance will play a vital role in shaping their future. If you’re interested in this rewarding opportunity, please contact Laura Baines-Walsh. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!
FINAL COLLEGE LIST:
- By early December, seniors must submit their final list of Regular Application colleges to the College Guidance Office via a form in the CG Google Classroom.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Complete and submit their portion of each application (application form, supplements, essays, and fees) by the appropriate deadlines, which vary.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply. The Common App site deadlines are based on EST (Eastern Standard Time)
- Send standardized test scores (if applicable) through the College Board or ACT website, unless a college accepts self-reported scores.
- Keep track of any messages sent in each of their colleges’ portals, including completing the SRAR.
- Open, read, and respond to emails related to the college application process.
COLLEGE GUIDANCE ROLE:
- By Dec. 25, the CG office will send transcripts, letters of recommendation, the school profile, and the school report to Regular Application colleges. The midyear grade reports will be uploaded as soon as they are available in Jan.
- The CG Team will help students develop and revise supplementary written responses. Please plan your time so as not to leave these for Christmas Break, as we will be enjoying time with our families as well. Even if you have confidence in your ED choice, begin these supplements before decisions are released.
DECISIONS:
- Students who applied Early Decision or Early Action will begin receiving admission decisions starting in Dec. Results can be: accept, defer, or deny. Results are always mixed; there are no certainties in the college process, and most students will receive both good and bad news in the coming weeks and months.
- If a student is accepted Early Decision, she should withdraw all other applications. Steps on how to do this can be found in the CG Classroom.
- In the College Guidance office, we enjoy celebrating students' successes with them. Students are encouraged to share all positive and negative decisions with the CG office. We will provide support, perspective, and suggest strategies as needed.
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION:
- Check each college’s financial aid website to see if the CSS Profile is required.
- Complete the CSS Profile immediately if the college requires it.
- All colleges require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Some colleges may also have additional financial aid forms.
- Seniors can access financial aid/scholarship support materials in the College Guidance Google Classroom.
- Families are advised to call the college’s Financial Aid office directly for specific inquiries.
Save the Date! Junior Parent/Caregiver College Night: Wed. Jan 29 at 7pm
An in-person event providing a comprehensive overview of the college guidance process. More information will follow.
Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter email, featuring the silver banner above!
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
Thank you for reading this edition of Newton Notes!
Please contact communications@newtonSH.org with any questions or comments.