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Welcome, Susie Ramirez '99 P '31!
Newton Country Day is thrilled to welcome alumna Susie Ramirez '99 as our new Director of Community and Belonging. A dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience spanning private, international, charter, and public education, Ms. Ramirez is a compassionate leader who values every individual's contributions to the school community while holding herself and others to high standards of integrity. Ms. Ramirez earned her B.A. in American Studies from Trinity College and holds a master’s degree in School Counseling from Boston University. A Boston native, she now resides in Berlin, MA, with her husband and their two children, including current 6th grader Carmen '31. Ms. Ramirez can be reached at x4732 and at sramirez@newtonSH.org. Learn more about Ms. Ramirez here.
Classes Resume: Tue. Jan. 7
SHCOG Parents Workshop: Tue. Jan. 7 at 5:30pm
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, our 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. Perhaps you have heard about it from your daughters. Now we would like to involve parents, parents of alumnae, and alumnae in these important conversations. Will you help us? On Tue. Jan. 7 at 5:30pm we will host a workshop for parents and parents of alumnae both in-person in the Blue Room and virtually on Google Meet. Click here to access the virtual meeting. For those who are able, we hope you can join us in person for refreshments and conversation on how Newton Country Day lives out the Goals and Criteria. Please RSVP to Carol Fachetti at cfachetti@newtonsh.org.
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.
First Friday Prayer Service for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. Jan. 10 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. Jan. 17 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. Jan. 17 from 7:45-8:15am in the Blue Room for all those who are interested in praying together.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Mon. Jan. 20 (No Classes)
Cardinal's Holiday: Tue. Jan. 21 (No Classes)
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.
Re-enrollment for the 2025-26 school year begins Feb. 1
Parents and caregivers will receive an email with instructions about how to re-enroll through Veracross. Re-enrollment will also be available through the Veracross Parent Portal beginning in February. The deadline to re-enroll for next year is Feb. 15.
Save the Date! Family Mass: Sun. Feb. 2 at 4:30pm
We invite all families to join together for a Family Mass held in the NCDS Chapel. Please contact Sara Milone (x4727) if you are interested in volunteering to serve as a lector.
Save the Date! Science and Engineering Fair: Wed. Feb. 26 from 3-6pm
The Science Department is looking for parents, alumnae, and friends of NCDS who have a background in science, mathematics, engineering, medicine, or related fields, to volunteer to judge 7th grade, 8th grade, and US student projects at the 30th annual Science and Engineering Fair. If you are able to help and have not already received an invitation via email, please visit the Science and Engineering Fair webpage or contact Tamas Molnar at x4961 or sefair@newtonSH.org.
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 we experience several snow days, some could be structured as distance learning days. We would note the Distance Learning format in the Snow Day announcement. On distance learning days, teachers will communicate asynchronous assignments via Google Classroom by 9am. Assignments will be due the next time the course meets. If a student experiences a power outage or other weather-related complication, an extension will be granted.
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 Advent Vespers Video
Thank you for your patience as we experienced technical difficulties with our livestream of MS Advent Vespers in December. The full video recording is now available. Please forward the link to whoever may have not had the chance to view it online.
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion to McNamara House: Wed. Jan. 8
The Grade 5 Voyagers trip to McNamara House, a senior citizen center in Allston, has been rescheduled to Jan. 8. This voyage 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.
Grades 5&6 Before School Robotics Club: begins Tue. Jan. 14 at 7:15am
This 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.
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion to the Boston Public Library: Wed. Jan. 22
Students will travel to the Boston Public Library with their Grammar and Art classes. To build on their lessons about storytelling and visual representation, they will participate in a bookbinding workshop and view the library’s famous John Singer Sargent murals.
You Glow Girl Party: Fri. Jan. 31 from 5:30-7pm
MS Student Government is sponsoring You Glow Girl, a glow-in-the-dark party for all MS students. Symbolizing the inner light we foster in each student, valued especially during the dark months of winter, this community event will feature food, games, and glow-in-the-dark activities. Supervision between the end of the school day and the party will be provided. Students are still expected to attend their after-school sports or performing arts commitments.
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. Invitation to follow.
MS Musical: Feb. 13 and 14
Our MS musical production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. will take place on Thu. Feb. 13 at 7pm and Fri. Feb. 14 at 6:30pm in the Sweeney-Husson Theatre. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 starting Feb. 1. The link to purchase tickets will be made available in our February edition of Newton Notes. We hope to see you there!
Cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast Jr. have extended Tech and Dress Rehearsals on the following dates and times. The rehearsals listed below are all mandatory in order to participate in our shows. In addition, cast and crew stay after school on show days in order to warm up and prepare themselves for their evening performances. Dinner will be provided for cast and crew on show days.
- Fri. Jan. 31: 2:40-5:30pm
- Fri. Feb. 7: 2:40-5:30pm
- Mon. Feb. 10: 3:10-6pm
- Tue. Feb. 11: 3:10-6pm
- Wed. Feb. 12: 2:40-6pm
- Thu. Feb. 13: 7-8:30pm (show day)
- Fri. Feb. 14: 6:30-8pm (show day)
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.
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 05/01/2025.
Tuck Everlasting Cast/Crew at Curriculum Night: Thu. Jan. 9
The cast/crew of Tuck Everlasting has been invited to perform their opening number for our upcoming Curriculum Night on Jan. 9 at 6:30pm. Students have already confirmed with Mrs. Davenport if they are available to participate. All confirmed participants should plan to arrive by 6pm for warm up and sound tech prior to the start of the event. Students staying through the end of the school day will be provided with dinner.
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.
Musical Theatre Performance Workshop: Sat. Jan. 25 from 2-5pm
Newton Country Day will host our very first Musical Theatre Performance Workshop in conjunction with Roxbury Latin School. This event is open to students currently in grades 9-12. The event will include theatre improvisation exercises and several classes in performance techniques led by a master guest teacher. All activities will take place on our campus. Students should sign up to participate by Jan. 7. Students should reach out to Mrs. Davenport, Chair of Arts, with any questions.
New Freedoms Program: Tue. Jan. 28
Seniors from NCDS and Belmont Hill participate in an all-day wellness program at Belmont Hill focused on healthy relationships and the life skills needed for the college transition. The day will feature a combination of speakers and small-group discussions. Students will depart after homeroom and return by the end of the school day. Please contact Ms. Roy at x4921 with questions.
Agape Latte: Thu. Jan. 30 from 6:30-7:30pm
US students are invited to Agape Latte, a faith storytelling series. Please contact Ms. Regan at x4918 with questions.
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.
Retreats
Attendance on overnight retreats is a requirement of the Religious Studies curriculum. All students are expected to attend in full. Students should not bring schoolwork, laptops, or other devices or materials that would distract them from full participation in the spiritual retreat.
- Tue. Feb. 4 – Fri. Feb. 7: Grade 11 Kairos Retreat. Grade 11 students will travel to Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT, returning Friday evening. Basic bedding is provided, but students can bring sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and/or blankets to supplement. Students will receive more information about what to pack in the weeks leading up to the retreat. Contact Ms. Regan at x4918 or Dr. Potter at x4757 with any questions.
- Thu. Feb. 6 – Fri. Feb. 7: Grade 10 Retreat. Grade 10 students will travel to Toah Nipi Retreat Center in Rindge, NH, returning to school by 3pm on Friday. Bedding is not provided, so students should bring sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and/or blankets. The class will receive more information about what to pack in the weeks leading up to the retreat. Contact Ms. Milone at x4727 or Mr. Ross at x4969 with questions.
- Thu. Feb. 6 – Fri. Feb. 7: Grade 9 Retreat. Grade 9 students will travel to LaSalette Retreat Center in Attleboro, MA, returning to school by 3pm on Friday. Bedding is not provided, so students should bring sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and/or blankets. The class will receive more information about what to pack in the weeks leading up to the retreat. Contact Ms. Hurley at x4842 or Ms. Regan at x4918 with questions.
- Thu. May 29 – Fri. May 30: Grade 12 Retreat. Grade 12 students will travel to the Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, MA, returning to school by 3pm on Friday. Bedding is not provided, so students should bring sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and/or blankets and will receive more information about what to pack in the weeks leading up to the retreat. Contact Dr. Potter at x4757, Mr. Guzman at x4791 or Mr. Stephenson at x4964 with questions.
Save the Date! US Course Request Process: Tue. Feb. 11 from 7-8pm
Parents of current ninth and tenth grade students, please save the date to hear from the Head of US, College Guidance, Academic Schedulers, and Department Chairs regarding program offerings, course recommendations, and our design philosophy for building balanced schedules that develop skills and demonstrate strengths.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Complete and submit their portion of each application (application form, supplements, essays, and fees) by the appropriate deadlines, which vary for Regular Decision.
- 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:
- Midyear grade reports will be uploaded as soon as they are available in late January.
- Students will also receive guidance on completing letters of continued interest updates during this time period.
- The College Guidance Team will help students revise supplementary written responses and continue discussing application strategies.
DECISIONS:
- Students who applied Early Action or Rolling will continue to receive admission decisions through January and later.
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION:
- Students seeking financial aid should determine whether their colleges require the CSS Profile (common among private colleges) and note that all colleges require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Seniors can access financial aid and scholarship support materials in the College Guidance Google Classroom.
- Families are advised to call the college’s Financial Aid office directly for specific inquiries.
JUNIOR PARENT/CAREGIVER COLLEGE NIGHT:
- Date: Wed. Jan. 29 at 7pm in Duchesne Hall.
- Details: An in-person, comprehensive overview of the college guidance process will be held at NCDS. This event will allow parents/caregivers to meet the College Guidance Team and learn how their daughters will be supported throughout the college process.
PSAT
- Grades 10 and 11 students can view their PSAT results by logging into their College Board accounts.
Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter email, featuring the silver banner above!
PIN Meeting: Wed. Jan. 15 at 12pm
Head of School Panel: The Role of Sports in a Balanced Education
Panelists: Derek Boonisar, The Fenn School; Ryan S. Dahlem, The Rivers School; Judith Guild, Brimmer and May School; Mark J. Stanek, Shady Hill School. Register here.
Parent/Caregiver Wine & Cheese Social: Thu. Jan. 16 from 6-8pm
Please join the Parents' Association and Head of School Jessica Hooper in the Blue Room for a wine and cheese social.
Save the Date! Très Bien Auction Springs Into Community: Sat. Mar. 1 at Wellesley Country Club
Invitation to follow. Contact Marie Carroll or Diane Cavallo for more information.
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.