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Update from the Business Office
Invoices for the 2025–26 school year will be available on the Veracross Parent Portal beginning May 7. Please take a moment to confirm your VCPay settings—your selected account for deposit payments may differ from the one you'd like to use for tuition payments.
Below is a summary of the first tuition payment:
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One-Pay Plan: Full tuition, along with activity fee, will be withdrawn on July 1
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Two-Pay Plan: Half of the tuition, along with the activity fee, will be withdrawn on July 1
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Ten-Pay Plan: 10% of tuition, along with activity fee and payment plan fee, will be withdrawn on June 5 or June 20
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If you opted in to Tuition Refund Insurance, that will be withdrawn with your first payment
If you have any questions, please contact Diane Tan at dtan@newtonsh.org.
Overnight Trips in May: Medication Form Required
We’re looking forward to the exciting overnight trips happening in May for our MS and Grade 12 students! To prepare, a required medication form is now available in your child’s Magnus Health account. Please log in via the Parent Portal to complete and submit the form as soon as possible.
- Grades 5-8: All medications needed for the trips must be submitted to the Health Office at least 3 days before departure.
Questions? Contact the school nurse at amoran@newtonsh.org. Thank you for helping us keep every student safe and healthy on their adventures!
Yearbooks On Sale
The 2025 yearbook is now on sale!Place your order for the yearbook on the Jostens Website. All yearbook orders must be placed by May 8.
Summer Programs Registration Deadline: Wed. May 7
Newton Country Day offers summer programs and sports clinics during the month of June. See available programs and register here. Please note: the deadline to register is Wed. May 7.
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.
Prayers from the Heart: Fri. May 16 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 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. May 16 from 7:45-8:15am in the Blue Room for all those who are interested in praying together.
Mass for the Feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat & Junior Ring Ceremony: Thu. May 22 at 9am
The school community will celebrate the feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat with Mass at Trinity Chapel on BC’s Newton campus. 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.
Mon. May 26: Memorial Day - No School
Mass for the Feast of the Ascension: Thu. May 29 at 9am
The school community will celebrate the Feast of the Ascension Mass in the Chapel. Students are reminded to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Extra Art Opportunities
Looking for local opportunities to grow your artistic skills? See a list compiled by Mr. Byron here, and contact him with any questions.
Athletic Placement Process
Introducing the Athletic Placement Process (APP) - an initiative starting Fall 2025. This process is designed to support student-athletes who demonstrate readiness to compete at a higher level. It will allow select MS students to be considered for participation in a varsity team sport, providing them with a unique opportunity to further develop their athletic skills.
This comprehensive process includes a physical maturity assessment (Tanner Scale), fitness testing, and a review of sport-specific skills. These measures ensure your child is not only physically but also emotionally prepared for advanced competition, reflecting our commitment to their safety and well-being. Questions can be directed to Warren Perry, Director of Athletics.
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.
JUNE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Mon. Jun. 2
- MS Field Day: 8-11:30am (no lunch or after-school supervision)
- MS Early Dismissal: 11:30am
- US Class Activities (advisor selection, etc.) and Athletic Assembly: 8-11:45am (no lunch)
- US Early Dismissal: 11:45am
- Boston and Metrowest buses depart at 12pm
- 2025 vs. 2026 Powderpuff Football Game: 12:30-1:30pm (optional)
Tue. Jun. 3: Faculty Work Day - No School
Wed. Jun. 4
- US Prize Day: 7:45-10am
- US Early Dismissal: 10am
- MS Prize Day: 9-11:30am (no lunch or after-school supervision; morning supervision available for students dropped off prior to 9am)
- MS Early Dismissal: 11:30am
- Graduation Rehearsal for Grade 12: 10-11am
- Graduation Liturgy Rehearsal for Grade 12 Dancers & Cantors: 11-11:30am
- Boston and Metrowest buses depart at 11:45am (last day for Metrowest and Boston buses)
- Graduation Liturgy: 5:30pm in the Chapel
- Seniors and their immediate family members are invited. Seniors must arrive at school by 4:30pm.
Thu. Jun. 5
- Commencement: 10am in the Sunken Garden
- Seniors must arrive at school by 7:30am. More information about the day of Commencement, including the Legacy Photo, can be found on the Commencement page on our website.
Grades 5&6 Camp Hazen informational virtual meeting: Tue. May 6 at 7pm
This meeting for parents and caregivers of Grades 5&6 will be held online from 7-7:30pm. A link to this virtual meeting will be sent on May 6.
Celebration of the Arts: Thu. May 8 at 5pm
All MS students will perform in the Chapel and Theatre and their artwork will be 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. Rehearsals take place on Mon. & Tue. May 5&6 from 8-10:30am. All rehearsals leading up to the performance are mandatory. We look forward to celebrating our students' hard work with you!
MS State Science and Engineering Fair: Sat. May 10
Our 7th and 8th grade students who earned 1st and 2nd prizes at the NCDS Science and Engineering Fair will present their projects at the MS State Science and Engineering Fair at Clark University. 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 begin at 1pm, followed by an Award Recognition Ceremony at 2:30pm.
Grade 7 Camp Burgess informational virtual meeting: Mon. May 12 at 7pm
This meeting for parents and caregivers of Grade 7 will be held online from 7-7:30pm. A link to this virtual meeting will be sent on May 12.
Grades 5&6 trip to Camp Hazen: Wed. May 14 - Fri. May 16
Students depart from campus on Wed. morning and return at 2:30pm on Fri.
Grade 8 Parent/Caregiver Washington, D.C. trip meeting: Mon. May 19 at 7pm
Grade 8 parents and caregivers 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 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. Current 8th graders are invited to volunteer as orientation leaders for the event.
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 entire Class of 2029! Students will meet the members of their Orientation Group, connect with their Senior Mentors, and learn about summer assignments. Prior to this event, math placement tests take place for students new to the school. This event is just for students.
Grade 8 Retreat: Tue. May 27
Students should be dropped off at school by 7:45am for homeroom. The Eighth Grade Retreat takes place during regular school hours at Barat House on Boston College's Newton Campus. Students should dress appropriately to be outside for part of the day. Contact: Mr. Mylroie at x4927.
Grade 8 Co-President Election: Tue. May 27
Current 7th graders interested in leadership opportunities are encouraged to run for the 8th grade co-president positions. Students in grades 5, 6, and 7 will vote in the election, which is based on 5-minute speeches that respond to writing prompts from Ms. Barber. The two co-presidents help to lead MS announcements, plan activities for students, organize charitable events, and serve as role models for their peers. Please contact Ms. Barber x4932 with questions.
Voyagers Excursion to the Crane Estate: Wed. May 28
Building on their lessons about marine ecosystems and human impact on the environment, students will travel with their Science and English classes to the Crane Estate in Ipswich. They will participate in a class called “Dunes and Beaches,” which focuses on observation and identification of local flora and fauna through a guided dune walk, hands-on discovery stations, and a beach wrack line survey. In addition to solidifying their understanding of ecology, students will practice descriptive writing, especially setting and sensory details, as part of their English curriculum. Because this program includes significant time outdoors, students should dress for the weather and should wear sturdy footwear.
Explorers to Local Track: Wed. May 28
6th graders will venture to a local track to investigate different track and field events through the framework of their Math and Wellness classes. Students will complete different events throughout the day and compare their times. They will investigate how their performance changes as the day progresses, with proper nutrition, and finally compete in a mini-Olympics to investigate how scoring works in track and field. Students should wear sneakers and athletic attire.
Grade 7 trip to Camp Burgess: Wed. May 28 - Fri. May 30
Students depart from campus on Wed. morning and return at 2:30pm on Fri.
Grade 8 trip to Washington, D.C.: Wed. May 28 - Fri. May 30
Students meet their chaperones at 7am on Wed. May 28 at the JetBlue ticket counter at Logan airport. At the conclusion of the trip, students can meet their families at the American Airlines baggage claim area at 10pm on Fri. May 30.
Grade 8 Liturgy: Mon. Jun. 2 at 5:30 pm
Grade 8 students and their parents/caregivers celebrate their completion of MS with Mass in the Chapel. Goûter to follow. Students should arrive by 4:30pm. Contact Mr. Mylroie at x4927 with questions.
MS Prize Day: Wed. Jun. 4 from 9-11:30 am (no lunch or after-school supervision), followed by early dismissal at 11:30am. Boston and Metrowest buses depart at 11:45am.
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 due May 5
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.
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 all students entering the US.
US Advisory Assignments
Each student in the US is assigned a faculty advisor whose role is to support and scaffold the student’s academic and interpersonal development. The formative conversations between a student and her advisor help the student recognize her strengths, identify areas for growth, and become an effective and empowered self-advocate.
The process for assigning US advisors is intentionally student-centered. On Mon. Jun. 2, students in rising grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to indicate their top 6 choices for a 2025-2026 advisor from a list of available faculty members. Rising Grade 11 and 12 students have the option to stay with their current advisor. When selecting a new advisor, not every student will be assigned her top choice. We are confident that each student will be able to identify a number of adults who might be a good fit for them from our list of faculty advisors.
In May, students in Grade 9 (who were assigned their advisor this year) will discuss their options for a Grade 10 advisor with their current advisor to help discern which faculty members might be a good match for their growth and needs next year. We strongly encourage you to discuss this process with your daughter at home, centering and empowering her voice as she considers her options.
Elections
US 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 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
From approximately 9am-12pm, students in grade 10 will participate in a grade-wide service day at several local non-profit organizations including senior centers, food pantries, and resource distribution warehouses. Students should dress appropriately by wearing closed-toe shoes (sneakers), pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Contact Dr. Potter at x4757 with any questions.
AP Exams: May 5-16
Exam Requirements and Guidelines
- 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 must bring their own fully charged testing device and charging cord
- The College Board strictly prohibits cell phones and smart watches in all testing rooms and during breaks
- Extended-time exams begin at the same time as standard testing; students unsure about their eligibility for extended time should contact Dr. Mims
Attendance Policy:
- Juniors taking morning AP exams are expected to join their afternoon academic classes after lunch break in the dining room. 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. These students should check in at the front desk in time to be seated in the exam room at 11:30am
AP Exam Schedule
Week 1
- Mon. May 5
- 7:30am: Latin, Biology
- 11:30am: European History
- Tue. May 6
- 7:30am: Chemistry
- 11:30am: US Government & Politics
- Wed. May 7
- 7:30am: English Literature
- 11:30am: Comparative Government, Computer Science A
- Thu. May 8
- 7:30am: Statistics
- Fri. May 9
- 7:30am: US History
- AP 2-D Art and Design and Drawing portfolios due
Week 2
- Mon. May 12
- 7:30am: Calculus AB, Calculus BC
- Tue. May 13
- 7:30am: French Language and Culture
- 11:30am: Environmental Science, Physics 2
- Wed. May 14
- 7:30am: English Language & Composition
- Thu. May 15
- 7:30am: Art History, Spanish Language and Culture
- Fri. May 16
- 7:30am: Physics 1
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.
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.
Sacred Heart Alumnae Induction: Tue. May 27 (seniors only)
Senior Project Symposium / Class of 2025 Cookout: Wed. May 28
Seniors will present their Senior Projects in the Arches Gym at 3:30pm. The Class of 2025 Cookout will follow at 4pm in the Sunken Garden. All senior families are invited.
Senior Retreat: Thu. May 29 - Fri. May 30
The Class of 2025 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 8:30am on Thu. and return by 2:30pm on Fri. Students should bring a sleeping bag or linens, pillowcase, 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.
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.
Graduation Liturgy: Wed. Jun. 4 at 5:30pm
Seniors and their families are invited to celebrate Graduation Liturgy in the Chapel. Students should arrive by 4:30pm. Contact Ms. Regan at x4918 with questions.
Save the Date: Leadership Training: Fri. Jun. 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.
Juniors
- Each student should focus on successfully completing her junior year, including final assessments and Advanced Placement exams.
- We encourage juniors to meet with College Counseling again before summer vacation.
- We are available to communicate with juniors' parents via phone, Google Meet, or in person during the rest of the year, during the summer, and in the fall. Please call or email 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, and schools are looking to these scores as part of the admission decision more than they were two years ago. 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 '25 to May '26 has useful links to assignments, deadlines, and financial aid resources
Class of 2026 College Counseling 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 the Google Form by May 5.
- All juniors are also expected to (1) write a personal reflection and (2) update their Naviance/College Classroom resumès detailing their extracurricular activities and accomplishments. Specific instructions were given in class meetings. These assignments are essential as they help us write our counselor recommendations over the summer.
- Both assignments are due on May 5. These assignments were introduced and assigned in early March. Please encourage your daughters to meet these deadlines, as these are important assignments. If students fall behind deadlines early (more assignments are coming, of course) they often add unneeded stress to an already demanding process.
Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter email, featuring the silver banner above!
Welcome Family Program Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to serve as host families for the new students entering Newton Country Day next fall. Please contact the Admission Office (admission@newtonsh.org) or Elena Loukas (eloukas@newtonsh.org) if you have any questions about this important role or to volunteer. We are particularly looking for families who will have daughters in MS and Grade 9 next year. Information about the responsibilities of a Host Family can be found here.
April PA Meeting Recording
Missed the April meeting where members of the Class of 2025 spoke about their experience at Newton Country Day? View the recording here.
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Breakfast: Well done and thank you!
Thank you to the PA, event chairs Megan Tranter, Natalie Santaniello and Christina Coughlin, and all who participated in making such a special breakfast for the Faculty and Staff last Friday!
Mater Brunch: Thank you!
Mothers and caregivers enjoyed a special morning with their daughters, building community while working on a bracelet making activity and assisting with donation items for the service project in support of Welcome Home. All will receive a keepsake photo of this memorable day. A special thank you to all families who generously donated to the project and the PA Service committee chairs, Kerrie Grover, Caitrin Dunphy, and Sheelah Sullivan.
May PA Social: Tue. May 20 at 4:30pm
The PA will celebrate parents and caregivers who have contributed to our events this year. Incoming 2025 families are also invited to attend so that our current families can welcome them into the community. Please mark your calendars and join us to extend a warm welcome to our new families before summer break!
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