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Spring Athletics Tryouts: Mon. Mar. 2 - Fri. Mar. 6
We’re excited to kick off the spring athletics season at NCDS. Tryouts will take place Mon. Mar. 2 - Fri. Mar. 6, and students and families can view the full tryout week schedule and important details. We look forward to welcoming our student-athletes back for another season of growth, teamwork, and competition.
First Friday Prayer Service for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. Mar. 6 at 7:30am, Chapel
We invite all parents and caregivers to gather in the 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 in room 218.
Lenten Opportunity and Author Visit: Wed. Mar. 11 from 12-1pm, virtual
Join other parents/caregivers who are reading No One Walks Alone by Rev. Liz Walker, former pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church in Roxbury, MA, for a virtual lunchtime conversation with the author. In this year focused on our theme of Cherished Belonging, we will reflect together alongside Rev. Walker on the healing power of listening, shared story, and faithful presence, exploring how communities are shaped when grief is held with care and no one is left behind. During this season of Lent, we will consider how practices of accompaniment invite conversion of heart and a deeper sense of hope and belonging in our communities. Please contact Ms. Milone for the Google meet link to participate.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thu. Mar. 12, on campus
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered during the school day for students who wish to participate.
Spring Break begins: Fri. Mar. 13 at dismissal
Classes resume: Mon. Mar. 30
Save the Date! 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.
Save the Date! Spring Family Conferences: 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. Sign-up details will be emailed to parents and caregivers soon.
Save the Date! Family Mass and Mater Brunch: Sun. Apr. 26 from 10am-1pm, BC Trinity Chapel and NCDS Martin Center
We invite all families to join together for a Family Mass held in the Trinity Chapel. 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. This special day brings students and their mothers/caregivers together for brunch and a shared service project. It’s a meaningful opportunity to slow down, connect, and celebrate the unique bond we share with our daughters. More information to come!
Save the Date! 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.
Lost and Found Items to be Donated
The contents of the Lost and Found in Arches Gym and the Martin Center will be donated over Spring Break. Please check both Lost and Found locations for missing clothes, shoes, water bottles, books, etc. Every effort is made to return all items labeled with a name to each child. Please write students' names on personal belongings, especially water bottles.
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.
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.
After-School Elective: Hip-Hop Dance Class: starting Thu. Mar. 5 from 4:15-5:30pm
Get ready to move! We’re excited to once again offer a MS after-school elective: Hip-Hop Dance! Classes will take place after sports from 4:15-5:30pm, two days a week (Mon. and Thu.) starting on Thu. Mar. 5. This high-energy class will teach students the fundamentals of hip-hop movement, rhythm, and choreography in a fun and supportive environment. Students will learn several dance pieces that will be performed at the Spring Soirée in May. Questions? Please reach out to Dr. Tully.
Grades 5 & 6 Excursion to Boston Symphony Hall: Wed. Mar. 11
Students will travel to Boston Symphony Hall to see the Boston Symphony Orchestra perform. This special youth performance is titled "Something Borrowed, Something True: A Musical Exploration of the Essence of Belonging." Students should dress up for the occasion.
Grade 7 Field Trip to Salem: Wed. Mar. 11
As Grade 7 English embarks on the study of The Crucible, students will take a field trip to Salem. They will visit the Salem Witch Museum and engage in an interactive play about the Salem Witch Trials. Students should bring a jacket and water bottle, and they should wear comfortable walking shoes.
Grade 8 Hope for Humanity: Thu. Mar. 12 from 9:30-11am, Martin Center
Parents and caregivers of Grade 8 students are invited to attend the Hope for Humanity choreographic dance installation. Inspired by Goal III; schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to social awareness which impels action, students in Grade 8 discover and experience the dynamism of dance to inform change in furtherance of a humane world through their choreography. Following the presentation, parents and caregivers are invited to share in a special goûter with their daughters. Invitation and RSVP to follow.
Save the Date! 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.
Save the Date! Class of 2030 Course Selection Meetings: Tue. Apr. 21 and Thu. Apr. 30 from 5:30-7pm
Current Grade 8 students and incoming Grade 9 students are invited, along with their parents and caregivers, to attend one of two course selection meetings to learn about the Grade 9 curriculum and choose courses for next year. More details to follow after Spring Break.
Winter Outdoor Recess
On school days after a fresh snow, students have the option to participate in outdoor sledding on campus during their recess block. In order for your child to participate in this optional recess activity, they will need to come to school with the appropriate outer garments which include a winter coat, gloves, boots, and snow pants. Sleds are provided. Any questions, please reach out to Ms. Horwitz, Grade 6 Dean.
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 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/caregivers 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.
Catholic Memorial Semi-Formal for Grades 9 & 10: Fri. Mar. 6 from 7-10pm, Catholic Memorial
The Catholic Memorial School Student Council has cordially invited students in Grades 9 and 10 to a semi-formal dance on Fri. Mar. 6 from 7-10pm in the CM gymnasium. The event will be chaperoned by CM administrators and faculty. All Newton Country Day students in Grades 9 and 10 are invited to attend, whether or not they are an invited date of a CM student. Students interested in attending should click here to find out more and to register by Wed. Mar. 4. The sign-up form outlines CM’s safety protocols and expectations for arrival, attendance, and departure. CM will then send an email to the parents/caregivers of registered students the day before on Thu. Mar. 5 with all relevant details and contact information. Please contact Ms. Hurley at x4842 or Mr. Szilvasy at x4843 with questions.
Sophie's Place for Grade 9: Sat. Mar. 7 from 10am-2pm, NCDS Dining Commons
Grade 9 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 and host activities with our guests from Hearth in the school’s dining commons. We will be reaching out to students in each grade level in the month prior to their class commitments. The final Sophie's Place of the school year, hosted by Grade 10, will take place on Sat. Apr. 25. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Tremarche x4929 or Dr. Potter x4757.
Save the Date! 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.
Save the Date! 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. Contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 with questions.
Save the Date! 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 or 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.
Save the Date! 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.
Save the Date! 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. Rehearsals take place on Tue. Apr. 21 from 8-10:30am and Thu. Apr. 23 from 1:30-3:30pm. Attendance at these rehearsals is mandatory for all performers and is factored into their final project grade.
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.
2026-2027 Course Discernment Process
As US students begin 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. 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 maintain healthy habits and sufficient sleep. College admissions officers assess each applicant as an individual scholar. There is no set formula of courses nor count of Honors and AP classes that earn students an acceptance. Instead, they are seeking to understand each student’s academic journey and admit applicants who challenge themselves appropriately, pursue areas of strength and interest, demonstrate growth over time, and sustain meaningful commitments.
More information and resources about Course Discernment can be found in the 2/20 email "Course Discernment Process Slides, Meeting Recording, and Resources."
Class of 2027
- Students have been thoughtfully engaging in self-reflection as they research colleges and begin to develop a vision for their college experience. All Grade 11 students should schedule their initial college meeting prior to Spring Break.
- More information about our ongoing work in College Counseling and resources can be found in the email, "Term 3 Updates from College Counseling."
Class of 2026
- As culminating admissions and financial aid decisions arrive over the next month, the College Counseling team is available for support in understanding notifications and navigating final decisions.
- 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.
- More information about admissions notifications can be found in the 2/13 email, "College Counseling: Looking Ahead."
Sign Up to Contribute! Faculty/Staff Appreciation Breakfast: Fri. Mar. 6
Each year, parents and caregivers provide a special breakfast for our faculty and staff. It’s a small but meaningful way to say thank you for the care, dedication, and support they give our daughters throughout the year. Please consider signing up to drop off a breakfast item. Every contribution helps make our faculty and staff feel valued and celebrated! Sign up to bring breakfast items here.
Please reach out to the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Committee Co-Chairs with questions!
Missed the Coffee & Parent Involvement event but want to get involved with the Parents' Association?
Curious about how the parent community comes together at Newton Country Day but couldn’t join us last week? Please reach out to Rachel Busby or please fill out this form.
Save the Date! Family Mass and Mater Brunch: Sun. Apr. 26 from 10am-1pm, BC Trinity Chapel and NCDS Martin Center
Mothers/caregivers and daughters are warmly invited to gather for Family Mass and Mater Brunch. More information 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
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