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Welcome!
Welcome to the first Newton Notes of the 2025-26 School Year! Our September edition will be sent prior to Opening Day, so please keep your eye out for additional details then.
OPENING WEEK SCHEDULE
Mon. Aug. 25
- 2-3pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 & 10
- 3-4pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Committee & Affinity Group Heads
- 4-6pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts (students will receive details and directions from coaches via email)
Tue. Aug. 26
- 2-3pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Student Government, Committee of Games, Peer Ministry, Peer Education, Honor Committee
- 3-4pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 & 10
- 4-6pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts
- 5:15-7:15pm: Class of 2029 Family Picnic (see details in US Announcements)
Wed. Aug. 27: Opening Day
- 7:45am: Homeroom
- School Pictures will be taken for US and MS (see note below).
- 2:30pm: Dismissal (US/MS)
- 2:30-3:30pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Mass of the Holy Spirit Rehearsal (Schola Cantorum and second/third year Honors Dance Composition only) & Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 & 10
- 4-6pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts
Thu. Aug. 28: Course Introductions (special schedule)
- 7:45am: Homeroom
- 3pm: MS Dismissal
- 3:30pm: US Dismissal
- 4-6pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts
Fri. Aug. 29: No Classes
- 10am-12pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts
Mon. Sep. 1: Labor Day, No Classes
Tue. Sep. 2: Classes Resume
- MS Fall Sports begin after school
School Pictures: Wed. Aug. 27
Coffee Pond Photography takes photos of all students at the start of each school year. This year, all students (MS/US) will have their pictures taken on Opening Day, Wed. Aug. 27. To order photos, visit the Coffee Pond website and click the “Order School Portraits” button. Select Newton Country Day School using the drop-down menu, enter your child’s information, and select your packages. To order photos for more than one child, click “Order for Another Child” and repeat the process.
Mass of the Holy Spirit: Wed. Sep. 3 at 8:15am
The school will celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit in The Martin Center. Students should dress appropriately for the occasion. This year, all families are invited to join the Mass and, immediately following, an assembly featuring Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J. Email invitation to follow.
Dance
All MS students and any US students enrolled in a dance elective will need to purchase a pair of flesh-toned ballet slippers. Their assigned dance teacher will communicate all specific dance attire needs at the first class session. Students will have until Sep. 15 to acquire all required dance class attire.
Private Music Lessons
Newton Country Day is proud to continue our partnership with Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio to offer on-campus private music lessons on every instrument. Ms. Bordner, the studio director, and her faculty share a passion for teaching music, composition, and performance skills to students of all ages and abilities, on every instrument. Private lesson students have the opportunity to perform in a recital in May, as well as performance opportunities through Note-worthy. See more info and request lessons here. For questions, please contact Director of Music, Dr. Everly at ceverly@newtonSH.org.
Veracross
Please take a moment to review and update your contact information in the Veracross Parent Portal. Veracross is a comprehensive school information management system that enables families to monitor students' schedules, academics, and activities. Please familiarize yourself with the information and tools available in order to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of this application.
Textbooks and Curricular Materials
Course lists were emailed to families on July 21. You may order your course materials at our virtual bookstore. Please use the code “NCDS” when placing your order. You will also need to use this code to return your rented materials at the end of the year. Free shipping is available until Aug.17. You may purchase or rent textbooks from other sources so long as you obtain the required edition. Families with students enrolled in AP classes must pay the College Board AP exam fees through the MBS site by the first day of school. If a course is not listed on the bookstore website, students will receive those materials in class.
Please note: students will receive their schedules with teacher assignments on Opening Day.
For questions:
- Course Placement or Changes: During the week of Aug. 18, queries about placements or change requests will be directed to Department Chairs.
- Textbook Orders: Contact MBS Direct 24/7 Customer Service at 800-325-3252 or vb@bncservices.com.
- Other Concerns: Please call the school at 617-244-4246 during regular office hours and leave a message for the Academic Office.
Prayers from the Heart: Online
“Aim unceasingly at becoming a soul of prayer.” -St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
Our school community is one where no one carries their hopes or worries alone. Through Prayers from the Heart, parents are invited to share intentions-big or small-via the Veracross Parent Portal. If you prefer, your request can remain confidential. You are also welcome to join in praying for the needs of others by subscribing to the Prayers from the Heart group on the Parent Portal. Together, we create a circle of hope, holding one another in prayer and strengthening the bonds that connect us.
Save the Date! Grandparents' Day: Fri. Oct. 10
Grandparents and Grandfriends of students in Grades 5–12 are warmly invited to join us at Newton Country Day for a special day of community, learning, and the celebration of Sacred Heart values.
MS Family Orientation: Thu. Aug. 28 from 7:30-9am
Join us in the Martin Center to enjoy coffee and our new MS Family Orientation program, designed to welcome all MS families with a special emphasis on those who are new to our community. The morning will include introductions to key faculty and staff, an overview of how we nurture Courage and Confidence in students across each grade level, and a summary of frequently asked questions based on common parent inquiries. Families will also have the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers from their child’s grade and explore meaningful ways to partner with the school in support of their daughter’s growth and well-being.
Save the Date! MS Back to School Night: Thu. Sep. 4 from 6-8:30pm
The Back to School Night program will be followed by a community reception from 7:30-8:30pm.
Save the Dates! Grade 7 Orientation Day Trips: Thu. Sep. 11 & Fri. Sep. 12
This year, Grade 7 will participate in a two-day off campus orientation program. Students will return to campus late afternoon each day. This is not an overnight program. Parents and caregivers are invited to attend the conclusion of the program, joining their daughters for dessert on Fri. Sep. 12 at 6pm in the Dining Commons.
Peer Ministry Retreat: Thu. Aug. 21 - Fri. Aug. 22
Connors Center Retreat House, 20 Glen St, Dover, MA 02030
Please arrive at 10am on Thursday and plan to be picked up on Friday by 12pm.
Please bring your prayer journal.
Class of 2029 Family Orientation and Advisory Picnic: Tue. Aug. 26 from 5:15-7:15pm
Members of the Class of 2029 and their parents/caregivers participate in the Grade 9 Family Picnic, during which the students gather with their advisory groups and parents meet their daughter’s advisor. Childcare will be provided.
- 5:15pm: Parent/caregiver program
- 6pm: Students join parents and advisors for dinner in Advisory Groups
Students involved in fall athletics or the fall musical will be dismissed by 6pm to attend. As the picnic is casual, students come directly from practice. Students not involved in fall athletics or the musical arrive at 5:15pm and participate in their own activities during the parent program.
Mass of the Holy Spirit Rehearsal: Wed. Aug. 27 from 2:30-3:30pm
Members of Schola Cantorum and second/third year Honors Dance Composition students (returning Juniors and Seniors) will rehearse to prepare for Mass of the Holy Spirit. Your teacher will reach out via email with specifics as to rehearsal location and other details.
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 from the Technology Department outlines device specification recommendations for all students entering the US.
US Fall Production: Shrek the Musical
Preseason auditions and rehearsals for our US Fall Production, Shrek the Musical, will run from Mon. Aug. 25 through Thu. Aug. 28 from 4-6pm and Fri. Aug. 29 from 10am-12pm. Callbacks for all cast members will take place on Tue. Sep. 2 from 3:45-5:45pm. Participation in all preseason activities is mandatory. Students should come prepared to the auditions with a memorized short monologue (no more than one minute) and be prepared to sing a verse and chorus from a song of their own choosing (no more than one minute). In addition, students will be asked to learn and perform an excerpt of choreography from the show. Previous musical theater experience is not required. All cast members will receive a role in our production!
Tech crew members will work during the same assigned hours, including preseason, as all cast members. Our regular practice schedule starts on Sep. 3. Weekly rehearsals run from 3:45pm-5:45pm on Mon. Tue. Thu. and from 2:45-4:45pm on Wed. and Fri. We have extended hours during Tech Week and students will receive a detailed rehearsal calendar during preseason week. Please direct audition related questions to the Director, Dr. Everly, at ceverly@newtonSH.org and stage crew related questions to the Technical Director, Mr. Farreh, at dfarreh@newtonSH.org.
US Fall Trips
Almost immediately after the school year begins, Grades 9, 10, and 11 leave for class trips. All students must have up-to-date medical forms on file in Magnus Health in order to participate in these trips.
- Grade 9 Orientation: Sep. 10-12 at Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, MA
- Grade 10 Outdoor Education Program: Sep.11-12 at the Morse Hill Outdoor Education Center in Shutesbury, MA
- Grade 11 visits New York City: Sep.10-12. The purpose of the trip is to deepen a commitment to Goal III, “a social awareness which impels to action,” through service, and to visit historical sites that connect with the U.S. History curriculum.
RMV Documents and Youth Work Permits
Please note that Newton Country Day cannot issue work permits. Students must take their required materials to their local public high school. To request a letter of verification and/or a transcript as proof of enrollment, please submit a transcript request form. Please email Frances Dingivan with questions.
SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS, Class of 2026
- Students received information via the College Counseling Google Classroom and a packet detailing the College Process Assignments to be completed over the summer. These assignments are due on the first day of the fall semester!
THE COLLEGE COUNSELING TEAM IS AVAILABLE DURING THE SUMMER
- If you are looking to receive feedback on developing your college list or drafting your essay, email us at kkistner@newtonSH.org, kriobueno@newtonSH.org, and jblanchard@newtonSH.org (for writing support).
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FALL:
- Upon returning to school, seniors are invited to schedule a meeting with College Counseling and their parents/caregivers. These meetings in September-October are important for cohesion in refining your college list and executing your application plan for the early deadline window in November.
- Seniors will be provided an unofficial copy of their transcripts when we return to school. Any student needing a copy of their transcript earlier than this should contact Ms. Healy in the Academic Office.
- The Grade 12 Health & Wellness Seminar during the fall semester will provide an opportunity each cycle to stay on track with all aspects of the admissions process and receive direct support.
- In September and October, college representatives will visit campus to hold information sessions (visiting colleges will be listed in Naviance). These visits are not interviews. The sessions are intended for students to gather information about colleges they’d like to apply to and to speak directly with the individuals who are often the ones reading their applications.
- For students who are not senior mentors for Grades 9 and 10, two days in September are reserved for college visits or to work on college applications. We will have an in-school application workshop for students who remain on campus. Students should check the website for athletics competitions if they plan to schedule weekend visits.
2026-26 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