To access a specific section of Newton Notes, click below:
ADMISSION EVENTS
- Prospective Parent/Caregiver Coffee: Wed. Dec. 3, 8:30-9:30am
- Joint Admission Reception at St. Sebastian’s School: Wed. Dec. 3, 6:30-7:30pm
Newton Country Day and St. Sebastian's School are holding their annual 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 will be held at St. Sebastian’s School. Families can sign up through Ravenna or by calling the Admission Office at either school. This event is for both students and adults.
Mission and Ministry Virtual Parent Book Circle: Dec. 3, 10, 17, 12-1pm
Join with other parents/caregivers this Advent for a three-week virtual small group centered on The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad. In this season of waiting and wonder, you’re invited to pause, reflect, and connect through the shared practice of journaling in community. Space is limited. To nurture a sense of community and continuity, participants are asked to commit to all three sessions. Sign up here. No preparation is required! There's still time to sign up.
Parent & Caregiver Christmas Reception: Thu. Dec. 4, 7-9pm, Upper Library
Join us for a festive evening to celebrate the season and each other! RSVP here.
First Friday Prayer Service for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. Dec. 5, 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 Ms. 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.
"Winter Wishes" Christmas Season Service Project (Donations due Fri. Dec. 12)
MS TAG and US Advisory groups are partnering with the YMCA to provide personalized holiday gifts for students at Boston International School’s Newcomer Academy and Sarah Greenwood Elementary, both of which serve migrant and refugee families recently arrived in Boston. TAG and Advisory groups will receive specific “winter wishes” and collaborate to purchase and provide gift(s) valued at approximately $125 for each recipient. TAG and Advisory groups will collectively decide the specific gifts to purchase, wrap, and otherwise personalize. If NCDS families would like to offer additional support, we welcome $25 gift cards (Target, Amazon, Visa, etc.). These will be distributed by the schools' principals to students with additional needs. All donations are due to NCDS by Fri. Dec. 12. For questions, please contact Dr. Potter (US) at x4757 or Ms. Mascolo (MS) at x4786.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Mon. Dec. 8
The school community will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Mon. Dec. 8 with Mass at Trinity Chapel. Students are reminded that this is a formal dress occasion. Please reference the handbook for details on expected attire.
All School Late Start: Fri. Dec. 19, 8:30am
Boston and MetroWest buses depart for Newton Country Day at the regular time before school. Christmas Vacation begins with early dismissal at 11:30am. The Boston and MetroWest buses will depart Newton Country Day at 11:45am. MS will not have athletics practices or musical rehearsal on this date. US athletes should refer to the online practice schedule.
Christmas Eve Mass: Wed. Dec. 24, 9pm, Newton Country Day Chapel
We invite all families to the Christmas Eve liturgy. All are welcome!
Save the Date! Admission Curriculum Night: Thu. Jan. 8, 6:30-8:15pm
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/caregivers what makes our school unique among Boston area independent schools. Current Grade 8 families are also invited to attend if they are interested in learning more about our US program.
Save the Date! Winter White Out: Fri. Jan. 23
Athletics will hold a "White Out" for our winter sports teams. All teams will compete at home, with the dance team performing during the basketball games. We will have halftime challenges, raffles, and other games for the whole family. Wear white, and come support the Falcons!
Help Wanted! Science & Engineering Fair Judges: Wed. Feb. 25, 3-6pm
Many thanks to those who have already responded! The Science department continues to look for more parents/caregivers, alumnae, and friends of NCDS who have a background in science, mathematics, engineering, medicine, or related fields, to judge Grades 7&8 and US student projects at the 31st annual Science and Engineering Fair on Wed. Feb. 25, 2026 from 3-6pm. If you are able to help, please visit the Science and Engineering Fair webpage or contact Dr. Webster at x4926.
Help Wanted! Host a Senior for an Unpaid, In-Person Internship or Job Shadow: Apr. 27-May 22
We are seeking alumnae, parents/caregivers, and former parents/caregivers to host our senior students for an unpaid, in-person internship or job shadowing experience from Apr. 27-May 22 for the Senior Project initiative, which aims to provide students with real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional development. We are seeking hosts from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. If you’re interested in providing this valuable experience for one of our seniors, please contact Dr. Baines-Walsh.
Prayers from the Heart: New Website!
“Aim unceasingly at becoming a soul of prayer.” -St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
Let the Newton Country Day community–parents/caregivers, alumnae and past parents–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.
Boston Bus Route Change
Beginning Mon. Dec. 1 the Boston bus will depart campus each day at 5:40pm. The MetroWest bus route will not be affected by this change. Because of this schedule adjustment, the school is offering a one-time prorated rate for families who would like to register for bus service starting Dec. 1. The prorated fees for the remainder of the year are $2,800 for round-trip service and $1,470 for one-way service. The deadline to take advantage of this one-time prorated rate is Dec. 31, 2025. Register here. Students receiving tuition assistance may qualify for an additional discount on the prorated rate (contact Mrs. Gaissl for more information). Contact Ms. Rudzinski with any questions about the bus.
Parent/Caregiver Parking Reminder
When coming to campus for events during the school day (e.g. First Friday), please park in front of the school or in the senior or junior parking lots. Please do not park in spots marked as reserved.
CharlieCards
Student discount CharlieCards are available to all students in the Academic Office. If you are a Boston resident and your daughter (grade 7-12) has not yet received a CharlieCard, please complete and and submit this form to Ms. Dingivan.
Attendance Policies
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.
A provider note must be presented to the Academic Office for any missed time in the school day. If a student returns to school after an early dismissal for an appointment, she must check back in at the MS Office (MS) or Front Desk (US) and present a note from a medical provider.
Auditions for The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition: Mon. Dec. 1-Fri. Dec. 5
We will hold the MS musical audition process 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 and attendance is mandatory to be involved in the production. Rehearsals will pause after Dec. 12 (Vespers week) and resume Jan. 6. There are extended rehearsals until 6pm during Tech Week (Feb. 9-11) to prepare for performances. All students that audition will receive a role in the production. Performances will take place on Thu. Feb. 12 and Fri. Feb. 13. Please contact Dr. Everly with audition related questions.
Grade 5 Voyagers to Harvard Museum of Natural History: Wed. Dec. 3
With particular emphasis on the glass flowers, forest ecology exhibits, and vertebrate collections, Grade 5 students will explore the museum through the lens of their science and grammar classes to reinforce their understanding of food webs, data collection, parts of language, and storytelling.
Grades 7&8 Social at Belmont Hill: Fri. Dec. 5, 7-8:30pm
Grades 7&8 are invited to a social at Belmont Hill School. Activities include skating (bring your own ice skates), karaoke, and gym games, and snacks will be provided. Students should have already RSVPed on the sign up sheet in the Middle School. 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.
Advent Angels: Fri. Dec. 5, Fri. Dec. 12, Fri. Dec. 19
Our Advent Angels tradition takes place during the month of Dec. MS students are each assigned a classmate as their Advent Angel. 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.
Fri. Dec. 5: Bake something for your classmate
Fri. Dec. 12: Make them something handmade
Fri. Dec. 19: Reveal your identity through a card or illustration which includes a personal expression of good cheer, joy, and Christmas greetings. Under no circumstances are MS students to offer a monetary gift as part of their reveal.
Cantilare at Avita: Thu. Dec. 11
MS Cantilare, under the direction of Dr. Corey Everly, will perform a Christmas Carols concert at Avita of Needham Assisted Living Facility on Thu. Dec. 11 during the school day. During this visit, students will also distribute to the residents handmade Christmas cards designed by the students.
MS Advent Vespers Service: Wed. Dec. 17, 5pm
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. On the day of the performance, students will remain at school and will have a meal provided prior to performing. Students are monitored by MS teachers from 3-5pm. A cookie reception will be held in the Arches Gym at the conclusion of the performance. Please contact Dr. Tully with any questions regarding this important commitment.
MS Late Start: Thu. Dec. 18, 9:30am
MS will have a late start at 9:30am. Students arriving earlier will be supervised in Mater Commons. Students in grades 6, 7, and 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.
Grade 8 Speaker Event with Molly Herlihy '07: Thu. Dec. 18 (during school)
In the spirit of Goal IV, we will welcome Molly Herlihy ’07 to speak with Grade 8 on the impact of Goal IV on her career trajectory in community development. Molly is the Vice President of Operations, Impact and Strategy at the Boys and Girls Club of Boston.
Grade 5 Voyagers to Boston Opera House: Thu. Dec. 18
Grade 5 will travel to the Boston Opera House to see Boston Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. This voyage will expose students to professional dance and live orchestral music. The ballet begins at 1:30pm. Students will arrive back to campus for pick up at 4:15pm. Please contact Ms. Swallow with any questions.
Save the Date! Admission Curriculum Night: Thu. Jan. 8, 6:30-8:15pm
Newton Country Day is hosting a Curriculum Night for prospective families and Grade 8 families. Some of our current students will be asked to participate as we show rising Upper Schoolers and applicants and their families what makes our school, and US program, unique among Boston area independent schools.
Save the Date! Grade 7 Parent/Caregiver Visitation Day: Mon. Feb. 2, 8am-12pm
Grade 7 parents and caregivers are invited to join their daughters at NCDS during the morning and for lunch in the Dining Commons. Due to space constraints, we ask that only one parent/caregiver attend at a time. If both wish to participate, you are welcome to switch at 10:30am, allowing the second parent/caregiver to attend the second half. 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 buses 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. 2, 6pm in the Chapel
US teams will hold the Blessing of the Athletes & Team Meetings. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to attend with their daughters. A light dinner will be provided after the service, and US coaches will meet with their teams to discuss the upcoming season, policies, and expectations.
Grades 11&12 Semi-Formal Dance and Winter Clothing Drive: Fri. Dec. 5, 8-10pm, Duchesne Hall
Grades 11&12 are invited to a semi-formal dance. Students must arrive no later than 8:30pm and may not leave before 10pm. NCDS students must complete this student information form and purchase a ticket; all guests must complete this guest information form. 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. Skudder-Pocius at x4882 or your student’s class dean.
Vespers Rehearsals: Mon. Dec. 15, 3:45-5:45pm; Tue. Dec. 16 and Thu. Dec. 18 during school
There will be a mandatory after school rehearsal on Mon. Dec. 15 from 3:45-5:45pm. There will be in-school rehearsals on Tue. Dec. 16 and Thu. Dec. 18 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 attend their grade level homeroom. There will be activities available during each rehearsal block for any students who are at school and not participating in Vespers.
Engineering Design Field Trip to Boda Borg: Tue. Dec. 16
Students in Engineering Design visit Boda Borg as part of their project-based learning unit on electrical and software 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. Students will analyze the circuitry and programming behind the rooms as inspiration for their design projects throughout the month of Jan.
US Advent Vespers Service: Thu. Dec. 18, 7pm
All US families are invited to attend.
All students enrolled in a dance or music course participate in our US Advent Vespers Prayer Service as outlined in their arts curriculum requirements. Students will receive directions regarding performance attire from their individual teachers. Please contact Mrs. Davenport with any questions.
Senior Sleepover: Thu. Dec. 18
The Class of 2026 stays overnight at school to prepare for the all-school festivities on Fri. Dec. 19.
Save the Date! Exchange 2026-2027 Introduction: Tue. Jan. 13, 6:30pm in Duchesne Hall
The Exchange Program will present an introduction to Exchange for the 2026-2027 cohort. This is an experience available for rising sophomores and juniors, and includes travel over Mar. 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.
Save the Date! Upcoming Grade-Level Service Opportunities
During the 2025-2026 academic year, Newton Country Day will continue to participate in the longstanding initiative of 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 experience gives our students 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. Class of 2027 hosted a successful event on earlier this fall. The remaining dates are as follows:
- Grade 12: Sat. Jan. 24
- Grade 9: Sat. Mar. 7
- Grade 10: Sat. Apr. 25
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 Ms. Tremarche.
Upcoming Social Opportunities
Throughout the year, Newton Country Day sponsors several opportunities for students to socialize with students from other local schools. Additionally, we often receive invitations for our students to participate in social events sponsored by other schools. While we expect additional invitations to come in as the year progresses, below is a list of the current offerings and invitations for the 2025-2026 school year:
- Fri. Mar. 6: Catholic Memorial Semi-Formal Dance, hosted by Catholic Memorial (Grades 9&10)
- Sat. Apr. 11: Belmont Hill Semi-Formal Dance, hosted by Belmont Hill (Grades 9&10)
- Sat. Apr. 11: Grades 11&12 Prom, hosted by NCDS
- Fri. May 29: Grades 9&10 Semi-Formal Dance, hosted by NCDS
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.
Financial Aid Information:
- If seeking financial aid, all colleges will need to receive the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for your student to be considered for aid packaging.
- Some schools will also require the CSS Profile. Check each college’s financial aid website to confirm what information is required.
- Seniors can access financial aid/scholarship materials and resources in the College Counseling Google Classroom. If specific questions arise, it’s best to contact a college’s Financial Aid office directly.
Save the Date! Class of 2027 College Kickoff Event: Thu. Jan. 22, 6:30pm
This in-person event for all juniors and their parents/caregivers will provide a comprehensive overview of the college counseling and admissions process. More information will follow.
Save the Date! PA Parent Education Speaker Series and Winter Warm-Up Social: Thu. Jan. 15, 6:30pm, Sweeney-Husson Theatre
Join the PA for an evening of connection and conversation. We will hear from Susan Averna, Ph.D. who will share her presentation, "Confident, Capable, Resilient: Nurturing our daughters' growth and well-being." Stick around after Dr. Averna’s presentation for a warm beverage and conversation! More details about the event will be included in an email.
Upcoming Parent/Caregiver Learning Events through PIN: All Invited
The Parents’ Independent School Network (PIN) helps parents and caregivers stay aware of what matters most in our independent school communities through engaging speakers and presentations. All NCDS parents and caregivers can attend these virtual events. Register below:
- Wed. Feb. 4 at 12pm: Protecting Your Children from Substance Abuse with Boston Medical's The Grayken Center
- Tue. Mar. 3 at 12pm: Ethan Kross: Harnessing Your Emotions for Growth
Volunteer Opportunity: Become Our PIN Rep!
The PA is looking for a volunteer to serve as our PIN (Parents’ Independent School Network) Representative. This fully virtual role keeps NCDS connected by attending 4-5 online PIN meetings each year and passing along helpful opportunities to our community. Contact Rachel Busby P '23 '26 '29 with questions.
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