To access a specific section of Newton Notes, click below:
Good Friday (no classes): Fri. Apr. 3
Classes will resume on Mon. Apr. 6.
Good Friday Practices: Fri. Apr. 3
On Good Friday, Apr. 3, there will be no MS sports practices. JV and Varsity teams will offer optional practices. See the weekly schedule for details. All teams will resume normal practices on Mon. Apr. 6.
Giving Day 2026: Wed. Apr. 8
Every member of our Newton Country Day community – parents/caregivers, alumnae, families, students, faculty, staff, and friends – will come together for Giving Day, a spirited moment of pride, participation, and belief in our school. When gifts arrive together on one day, they create a powerful show of support for our students and the experiences that shape them. Join us on Wed. Apr. 8 by making a gift to The Fund for Newton Country Day and help us reach our goal of 400 donors.
Spring Family Conferences (no classes): Fri. Apr. 10 from 8am-4pm, on campus
Each student in grades 5-11 will join their advisor/TAG leader and parent/caregiver(s) for a 30-minute conference. There will be no classes on this day. Families can sign up for conferences using the Veracross Parent Portal. Please reach out to Ms. Healy or Ms. Dingivan with questions. Please note that the day before conferences, Thu. Apr. 9, is a regular school day.
Patriots' Day (no classes): Mon. Apr. 20
Classes will resume on Tue. Apr. 21.
Family Mass and Mater Brunch: Sun. Apr. 26 from 10am-1pm, NCDS Martin Center
We invite all families to join together for a Family Mass (location TBA). Please contact Ms. Milone (x4727) if you are interested in participating in the Mass. Afterwards, mothers/caregivers and daughters are warmly invited to gather for Mater Brunch, a beloved NCDS tradition, in the Martin Center. This special day brings students and their mothers/caregivers together for brunch and a service drive to support Welcome Home, an organization that provides families experiencing hardship with high quality household items. If you plan to attend, please consider signing up to support Welcome Home here and RSVP for the brunch here! Thank you to the Mater Brunch Committee and the Service Committee for their planning and support.
NCDS Summer Programs for Students Entering Grades 9-12
Summer programs are held during the month of June on campus. See the programs offered for summer 2026 and register here by Wed. May 7.
Save the Date! Spring Soirée Recital: Thu. May 12 at 6pm, Chapel and Duchesne Hall
Students enrolled in our private music lesson program via Noteworthy Studios will perform their prepared solo programs at the recital. The evening will begin in our Chapel and conclude in Duchesne Hall. Light refreshments will be served.
Yearbooks On Sale
The yearbook for the 2025-26 academic year is now on sale. Students are working hard to capture the events, activities, and memories of this school year. Place your order for the 2026 yearbook on the Jostens Website.
Prayers from the Heart (new website!)
Let the Prayers from the Heart community pray for your special prayer intention by submitting a prayer request via the Newton Country Day website, with the option to request confidentiality. Parents/caregivers who are interested may also volunteer to pray for the intentions of the community by subscribing to the Prayers from the Heart community also located on the website.
Absence Policy
If a student is going to be absent or tardy, parents/caregivers should notify the school before 9am by submitting an attendance note on the Veracross Parent Portal or calling the Academic Office directly (MS: (617) 559-4750, US: (617) 559-4747). In the event of a foreseeable absence, a student should communicate with her advisor and teachers to formulate a plan for meeting academic expectations during her absence.
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 (MS), or to the Front Desk (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/caregivers 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.
Grade 7 Outward Bound Overnight Excursion Form Deadline: Tue. Apr. 7
Parents/caregivers of Grade 7 students must complete the required participant forms for the Outward Bound School overnight excursion to Catherine Stone Island on Thu. May 14. More information about this overnight excursion was sent to families via email.
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion to Concord Museums: Wed. Apr. 8
Grade 5 students will participate in the "Colonial Sampler" program at Concord Museum. They will study colonial artifacts and compare period rooms from the 18th and 19th centuries. Students will also have the opportunity to connect with sites important to Thoreau, Emerson, and Alcott, authors whose works they will encounter in English class. As the program includes an outdoor segment, students should dress for the weather.
Grade 6 Explorers Excursion to Fenway: Wed. Apr. 8
Grade 6 students will travel by public transit to Fenway for STEM Day. After engaging in interactive science, technology, engineering, and math exhibits, the students will stay for a Red Sox game, beginning at 1:30pm. Student-athletes on lacrosse or softball teams will head directly from Fenway to Winsor School for afternoon games. Students not participating in these afternoon games will return to campus at approximately 4:30pm. The students should dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Please contact Ms. Horwitz with any questions.
Grade 5 & 6 Sneaker Ball at Fessenden: Fri. Apr. 10 from 7-8:30pm
Students in Grades 5 and 6 are invited to attend Fessenden's annual "Sneaker Ball." Fun sneakers are encouraged! Please use this RSVP form to register by Wed. Apr. 8.
Grade 6 Explorers Excursion to Wellesley College Davis Museum: Tue. Apr. 14
Grade 6 students will visit the Davis Museum at Wellesley College, where they will participate in a guided tour focused on closely examining a work from the Roman world alongside pieces of Spanish and French art. During the visit, students will explore how artistic expression reflects cultural contexts and linguistic traditions. The students will make meaningful connections between language, culture, and art.
Grade 8 Capstone Showcase: Tue. Apr. 14 from 5:30-7pm, MS (third floor)
Grade 8 students will present their Capstone Projects. 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 in the third floor MS classrooms. Parents/caregivers, students, and faculty/staff are invited to attend. Please arrive at Mater Commons by 5:30pm.
Class of 2030 Course Selection Meetings: Tue. Apr. 21 and Thu. Apr. 30 from 5:30-7pm, Duchesne Hall
Current Grade 8 students and incoming Grade 9 students are invited, along with their parents/caregivers, to attend one of two course selection meetings to learn about the Grade 9 curriculum and request courses for next year. A light dinner will be provided. At least one parent/caregiver must attend with their daughter. Families have been assigned to a specific date/meeting based on the first letter of their daughter's last name (see below). Please contact the Admission Office if you have any questions.
- A-K: Tue. Apr. 21, 5:30-7pm
- L-Z: Thu. Apr. 30, 5:30-7pm
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion to Boston: Wed. Apr. 22
Grade 5 students will voyage, via public transportation, to the North End of Boston, where they will walk a trail that combines history and math. 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 and wear appropriate footwear for a significant amount of walking.
Save the Date! Grades 7 & 8 Dance at St. Sebastian's School: Fri. May 1 from 7-9pm
Students in Grades 7 and 8 are invited to St. Sebastian's School for a spring dance. Entertainment includes a DJ and games. Please note that student-athletes are required to attend their games or practices prior to the event. Depending on student need, transportation from NCDS will be available; a poll for students needing transportation will be distributed closer to the event.
Save the Date! Grades 5 & 6 Camp Hazen Virtual Meeting for Parents/Caregivers: Tue. May 5 at 7pm, virtual
Students will attend this overnight excursion from Wed. May 13 to Fri. May 15. A link for this virtual meeting for parents/caregivers will be emailed on the day of the meeting.
Save the Date! Grade 7 Outward Bound Experience Parent/Caregiver Virtual Meeting: Wed. May 6 at 7pm, virtual
Grade 7 students will attend an overnight excursion at Catherine Stone Island in Boston Harbor from Thu. May 14 to Fri. May 15. A link for this virtual meeting for parents/caregivers will be emailed on the day of the meeting.
Save the Date! MS Celebration of the Arts: Thu. May 7 at 5pm, Chapel, Theatre, and Barat Commons
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 will 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 by the school. Rehearsals will take place on Mon. May 4 and Tue. May 5 from 8-10:30am. All rehearsals leading up to the performance are mandatory. Prior to the performance on Thu. May 7, students will be provided a hearty goûter and will remain on campus in order to prepare for the performance.
Save the Date! Grade 8 Washington, D.C. Trip Meeting for Families: Thu. May 14 at 7pm, location TBA
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 19 from 5-6pm
All new students 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.
Spring Outdoor Recess
Now that spring is here, MS will head outdoors for recess. Students should come to school each day with the appropriate outerwear.
Participation in After School Activities
This is a reminder that any student who is not present at school by 10am is not permitted to participate in after school activities or events, including sports and performing arts.
Please Refrain from Front Desk Drop-Offs
We kindly ask MS parents/caregivers to refrain from dropping off items for their children during the school day. This policy is intended to minimize classroom disruptions and promote personal responsibility among our students. Please ensure your child arrives at school with everything she needs for the day, including her athletic attire or uniform, water bottle, homework, and any other necessary materials for class. Additionally, MS students are not permitted to retrieve items from the front desk until the end of the school day. Thank you for your understanding and support.
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 at (617) 631-0535 when you arrive to pick up your child. Please reach out to Ms. Kumi, Director of After-School, at x4909 with questions.
Blessing of the US Spring Athletes with Team Dinners: Mon. Apr. 6 at 6pm, Chapel
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 US spring season athletes and their families are encouraged to attend a team meeting and dinner with the coaches.
Grade 12 IMPACT Program: Fri. Apr. 10, on campus
On Fri. Apr. 10, 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. Please contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 with questions.
Belmont Hill Semi-Formal Dance for Grades 9 & 10: Sat. Apr. 11 from 7-8:30pm, Belmont Hill
The Belmont Hill students have invited our students in Grades 9 and 10 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 from 7-8:30pm. Early departures are permitted only with a parent/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.
Junior-Senior Prom: Sat. Apr. 11, Venezia Boston
Members of the Classes of 2026 and 2027 and their guests are invited to the Prom on Sat. Apr. 11. A Pre-Prom Reception will be held at Newton Country Day from 5:30-6:30pm. Buses depart NCDS at 6:30pm and return to NCDS by 10pm. Tickets are now available for purchase here and must be purchased by Thu. Apr. 2. The cost of attendance is $125 per ticket. Contact Ms. Kenney at x4756 with questions.
US Festival of the Arts Mandatory Rehearsals: Tue. Apr. 21 from 8-10:30am and Thu. Apr. 23 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 Tue. Students who are not involved in Festival of the Arts may arrive by 10:15am on Tue. and should check in in their grade level homeroom spaces upon arrival. Faculty will be available to meet with students who arrive at school by 7:45am and are not participating in Festival of the Arts. Attendance at these rehearsals is mandatory for all performers and is factored into their final project grade.
US Festival of the Arts: Thu. Apr. 23 at 6pm, Chapel, Theatre, and Barat Commons
US students enrolled in arts courses and committees display and perform their work in our Chapel, theatre, and Barat Commons for this final culminating curricular arts experience! Faculty will communicate the expected attire items students are responsible for providing for their performing groups. Dinner will be provided to student participants prior to performing.
Sophie's Place for Grade 10: Sat. Apr. 25 from 10am-2pm, NCDS Dining Commons
Grade 10 will be hosting Sophie's Place, a program in which we welcome residents from Hearth, a Boston-based residential non-profit organization with a mission to end homelessness for elders. Students will plan, prepare, and serve a meal as well as host activities with our guests from Hearth in the Dining Commons. We will be reaching out to students with details in the month leading up to the event. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Tremarche at x4929 or Dr. Potter at x4757.
Senior Projects Begin: Mon. Apr. 27
Grade 9 Pathways for Prevention Program: Thu. Apr. 30, on campus
In partnership with Belmont Hill, our Grade 9 students will participate in a half-day substance use education program led by Pathways for Prevention. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed, values-based decisions about their health and well-being. The program will run from 12:30-3:30pm. Please contact Ms. Roy at x4921 with any questions.
Save the Date! Grade 10 Service Day: Fri. May 1 (Parent/Caregiver Drivers Needed!)
On Fri. May 1 from approximately 8:30am-12:15pm, students in Grade 10 will participate in a grade-wide service day at several local non-profit organizations responding to food insecurity and hunger. We are looking for parent/caregiver volunteers to drive student groups to and from service sites that morning, without the expectation of staying with them during the service. If you are interested and able to help, please fill out this form. Contact Dr. Potter at x4757 with questions.
Save the Date! New Freedoms Program with Belmont Hill (rescheduled): Fri. May 1 from 7:45am-2:30pm, on campus
Seniors from NCDS and Belmont Hill will participate in an all-day wellness program focused on skills needed for the college transition. Seniors are expected to be on campus that day from 7:45am-2:30pm and will be excused from Senior Project. Please contact Ms. Roy at x4921 with questions.
Save the Date! One-Act Play: The New Margo, Fri. May 15 at 6pm, Duchesne Hall
Please join us in Duchesne Hall for an evening of mystery as the Acting Workshop class presents The New Margo by Stephen Gregg. It's only four days until classes of their freshman year begin, and Margo didn't come back to the dorm last night. When Margo finally arrives, she's been made over: stylish new glasses, a new hairstyle, and a whole new attitude. She looks fantastic! There's just one problem: Margo isn't Margo.
Save the Date! Grade 12 Activities in May and Important Dates in June
Members of the Class of 2026 will conclude their Senior Project and participate in mandatory class activities May 26-29. 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 28-29. Students are also expected to be in school from 8-11:45am on June 1, and for Prize Day and the Baccalaureate Mass on June 3, preceding Commencement on June 4. Please see the Commencement web page for more information and contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 with questions.
Save the Date! Grade 9 & 10 Semi-Formal Dance: Fri. May 29 from 7:30-9:30pm, Arches Gym
Students are invited to a semi-formal dance in the Arches Gym. Students are welcome to attend the dance alone, with a group of friends, or with an invited guest from any school. Further information, including permission forms and a ticket purchase link, will be shared with students in May.
Spring Elections
US elections for student leadership positions will be held during the spring, with specific information available in coming weeks. Parents and caregivers are asked to encourage students 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 must be up-to-date.
The Learning Center is Open!
We are proud to offer students additional support through the Learning Center. The Learning Center will be available to all students during afternoon W.I.N. blocks or by appointment.
- What can we help with?
- Study skills (studying, note taking, reading comprehension, reading speed, etc)
- Executive functioning skills (organization, time management, planning, etc)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Academic Support Coordinator, Ms. Tonge.
Class of 2027
- Fri. Apr. 10: In-school SAT for members of the Class of 2027 who opted in via registration. Students report at 7:45am.
- Tue. Apr. 14: Class Meeting: Communication & Relationships with Admissions Officers
- Sun. Apr. 26: College Fair: BISCCA College Fair at Babson College from 1-2:30pm. Please note, only Grade 11 students will be permitted to enter the fair. Parents and caregivers are invited to attend the MEFA Financial Aid Information Session at 2pm.
- More information about our ongoing work in College Counseling and resources will be available in the email coming mid-April, titled, “Term 4 Updates from College Counseling.”
Class of 2026
- Fri. May 1: National College Decision Day
- Students must submit an enrollment deposit to one college/university, typically by Fri. May 1, to secure their spot in the freshman class.
- Discerning college options: Students are encouraged to meet with their college counselor as a resource while evaluating their college options, navigating waitlist status, or comparing financial aid packages.
- Navigating the waitlist: Students should carefully review any waitlist offer they would like to pursue and complete any necessary action steps like completing a waitlist form to confirm their desire to remain in consideration. Keep your college counselor informed of any schools you choose to pursue a waitlist offer and be sure to submit an enrollment deposit at another school by Fri. May 1 while you await any waitlist updates.
- Accommodations in college: Grade 12 students who currently have academic accommodations at NCDS may also be eligible for accommodations in college. Please visit the website for the Office of Accessibility for a college to see what accommodations they offer and how to apply for them. If you need help applying or have questions, please contact Ms. Tonge at the NCDS Academic Support Office.
2026-2027 Course Discernment Process
As US students continue the course discernment process for the 2026-27 school year, we encourage them to lean into the framework of Sacred Heart education. The first priority is building strong foundational skills that allow students to engage deeply in their learning and demonstrate true mastery.
Sustainable excellence requires a holistic approach, one that enables students to engage confidently in coursework, participate meaningfully in co-curricular life, nurture friendships and family relationships, and critically, maintain healthy habits and sufficient sleep. Our students are strongly positioned in the college admissions evaluation as a result of the guiding philosophy Sacred Heart education provides.
More information and resources about Course Discernment can be found in the Feb. 20 email “Course Discernment Process Slides, Meeting Recording, and Resources”.
PIN Guest Speaker Zoom: A Fireside Chat with Lisa Marker: Tue. Apr. 14 from 12pm-1pm
Parents’ Independent School Network (PIN) invites all parents/caregivers to join a Zoom call for a fireside chat with Lisa Marker Robbins from Flourish Coaching Co. In her discussion of “Calm the Chaos: Help Your Child Prepare for the Future Beyond High School," Lisa will share tangible advice for parents on how to help teens explore post-high school paths for success in college and in their careers. Pre-registration is required to attend. Register here.
PA Meeting featuring Ms. Maura Murphy ‘99, Chair of the Board of Trustees: Thu. Apr. 16 at 6pm, Sweeney-Husson Theatre
Join us for a Parents’ Association gathering featuring Board Chair Ms. Maura Murphy '99. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear more about the thoughtful work happening behind the scenes to support the mission and future of Newton Country Day. During the evening, Ms. Murphy will share insights on:
- The Board of Trustees structure and responsibilities
- The Board’s role in stewarding the mission of Newton Country Day
- How the Board collaborates with leadership to support the life of the school
- How the Board stays connected to and represents the parent/caregiver community
- Highlights from the strategic planning process, including emerging themes
- The momentum created by the success of Bold Vision, Bright Future and the new turf field project
There will also be time for questions and conversation with Ms. Murphy. We hope you will join us!
Family Mass and Mater Brunch: Sun. Apr. 26 from 10am-1pm, NCDS Martin Center
We invite all families to join together for a Family Mass (location TBA) at 10am. Afterwards, mothers/caregivers and daughters are warmly invited to gather for Mater Brunch in the Martin Center. More information, including RSVP and signup links, can be found in the All School section.
Stay Informed! Add PA Events to Your Calendar
- Click on the gray RSS icon at the top right of the school calendar.
- Click on the green "iCal" button next to “Parents' Association Events”.
- Click "Add to your default Calendar app".
Questions? Reach out to the PA Leadership!
President: Rachel Busby P '23 '26 '29
Officer: Brie Allen P '26 '29
Officer: Jennifer Bekarian P '29 '30
Officer: Emily Venanzi P '26
Officer: Kelly Woolbert P '21 '23 '31
P