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PA Meeting and State of the School: Thu. Oct. 2 at 8am, Sweeney-Husson Theatre
See details below.
First Friday Prayer for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. Oct. 3 at 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.
ADMISSION EVENTS
Prospective Parent/Caregiver Coffee: Fri. Oct. 3 from 8:30-9:30am
Admission Open House: Sun. Nov. 2 from 1-3pm
Tell your friends and neighbors about these upcoming Admission events!
- Open House Volunteers: We are recruiting volunteers to help at Open House. Please sign up here or call the Admission Office (x4246). All current students are also encouraged to participate. Thank you for your help in building our school community.
- Yard Signs: Display a yard sign or a car magnet (available at the front desk and Homecoming) to help spread the word about Open House!
- Calling All Sisters: If you have a daughter who will be applying this year, please call the Admission Office (x4246) to schedule her tour and interview.
Join us for Homecoming 2025! Sat. Oct. 4
Join us for Homecoming! Enjoy delicious food trucks, games, and plenty of Falcon spirit as our teams take on rival Dana Hall. MS games run from 10am-1:30pm, followed by JV and Varsity starting at 3pm, with the final matchup under the lights at 5:30pm. There will be a cookout for lunch and festivities for the whole family. Come celebrate with our community! See the Homecoming schedule here.
This week, leading up to Homecoming, is Spirit Week! The remaining two days are Thu. (wear your Boston sports gear) and Fri. (wear your Blue/Silver gear) with a pep rally during the school day. Go Falcons!
Full Court Balance: Navigating Academic Rigor & Athletic Commitment: Tue. Oct. 7 at 6:30pm, Sweeney-Husson Theatre
We are thrilled to welcome Kathy Delaney-Smith, legendary former Head Coach of Harvard Women’s Basketball. She will share personal stories and practical strategies from her decades of experience, highlighting how athletics can serve as a powerful partner—not a rival—to academic excellence. She will also offer insights for parents and caregivers on how best to support their daughters as they prepare for both the pressures and the opportunities of highly competitive colleges. Register here.
Grandfriends' Day: Fri. Oct. 10
Grandparents and Grandfriends will join students for a morning that will include a Mass, goûter, and special presentations. An email invitation has been sent with details; learn more and RSVP here.
No Classes (Indigenous Peoples' / Columbus Day): Mon. Oct. 13
Falcons Compete in the Head of the Charles: Sun. Oct. 19
Five Falcons will join thousands of rowers and coxswains taking to the water for the 60th Annual Head of the Charles Regatta. While racing takes place all weekend, come cheer the NCDS Boat on Sun. Oct. 19 at 9:56am!
Feast of Mater Admirabilis: Mon. Oct. 20
Students will celebrate the Feast of Mater Admirabilis with an all-school prayer service. This feast is a special day in all Sacred Heart schools. Students should wear pink to school. A special goûter will be served.
Bold Vision, Bright Future: Sat. Oct. 25
See information and purchase tickets here.
School Picture Retakes: Tue. Oct. 28
Students who were absent on Opening Day for pictures, or who wish to have their school pictures re-taken, can do so on Oct. 28. If you ordered copies of your original picture and you are having your picture retaken, you need to bring in the original pictures to give back to the photographer. To order photos, visit the Coffee Pond website and click the “Order School Portraits” button. Select Newton Country Day using the drop-down menu, enter the student's information, and select your packages. To order photos for more than one student, click “Order for Another Child” and repeat the process.
Halloween Celebration: Fri. Oct. 31
US and MS have Halloween activities during assembly times. Students are invited to come to school dressed in their costumes as long as they do not inhibit their ability to participate in classroom activities. Any group costumes should be approached with a spirit of inclusion, embracing the ethos of “cherished belonging.”
Save the Date! Breaking Bread: Multicultural Community Potluck & Interfaith Prayer Service: Wed. Nov. 5 from 6-8pm
The Community and Belonging & Mission and Ministry Offices are excited to invite all students and their families to Breaking Bread. We’ll enjoy a delicious spread of food while nourishing our hearts and our desire for connection and community. We invite you to share a dish that is special to your family and holds significance, whether for a celebration or a cultural tradition. RSVP here and contact Ms. Ramirez, Director of Community & Belonging or Ms. Milone, Director of Mission & Ministry, with questions.
Save the Date! Fall Family Conferences
In November, students in grades 5-12 and their parents/caregivers will have the opportunity to participate in Family Conferences. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents/caregivers and their daughter to meet in person with each of her teachers and her advisor.
New for 2025: Family Conferences will be scheduled by student's last name.
Thu. Nov. 6, 8am-4pm: Students with last names A–K
Thu. Nov. 13, 8am-4pm: Students with last names L–Z
Sign-up details will be emailed to parents and caregivers on Oct. 10.
Save the Date: Mass of Remembrance: Sun. Nov. 16 at 4:30pm
We invite families to a Mass of Remembrance held in our Chapel. We will gather together to honor the memory of all deceased alumnae, family, and friends. You are welcome to submit names of deceased alumnae, family, and friends here. All names submitted will be brought forward during the offertory and remembered throughout the month of November.
Prayers from the Heart: Online
“Aim unceasingly at becoming a soul of prayer.” -St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
A community that prays together, stays together. Let the parent community pray for your special prayer intention by submitting a prayer request via the Veracross Parent Portal, with the option to request confidentiality. Parents and caregivers 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.
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.
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 Ms. Dingivan with questions.
CharlieCards
Student discount CharlieCards are available to all students in the Academic Office. Boston residents in grades 7-12 are eligible for free MBTA passes. If you are a Boston resident and your daughter has not yet received a CharlieCard, please complete and submit this form to Ms. Dingivan.
Attendance and Participation Policy
Students are expected to maintain regular, on-time attendance and active engagement in classes and the life of the school community. Students must attend all assigned classes and community time activities during the school day. Repeated lateness to a class or to school can affect course grades and/or participation in extracurricular activities. Students late to class on days of tests and quizzes jeopardize their performance on those evaluations, as they will not be granted extra time without good reason. If a student leaves school to attend an appointment, she must present a provider note to the Academic Office upon her return. A note is expected for any missed time in the school day, whether class or community time. A student who returns from an appointment without a provider note will not be permitted to participate in after school activities.
Lateness Policy
If a US student arrives late to school, she is to report immediately to the Front Desk to be recorded as present before going to class. A MS student who arrives late is to report to the MS Academic Office to be recorded and to turn in her phone. Late arrivals may only be excused by medical documentation. After a student has demonstrated a pattern of unexcused tardies, the class dean will notify the advisor who will make a call home. If chronic lateness continues to be a problem, further action will be taken. Students consistently late for school may forfeit privileges, including the right to drive themselves to school
Absence Policy
If a student is going to be absent or tardy, parents/caregivers should notify the school before 9am. Parents/caregivers may submit an attendance note on the Veracross Parent Portal or call the Academic Office directly: MS: (617) 559-4750, US: (617) 559-4747. Students may not leave the School grounds during the school day. Leaving campus without permission is grounds for disciplinary action. With parent/caregiver approval, older students may earn off-campus privileges. Typically, seniors earn privileges beginning in the fall and juniors earn privileges in the spring. In the event of a foreseeable absence, for example, Sacred Heart Exchange, a student should communicate with her advisor and teachers to formulate a plan for meeting academic expectations during her absence. In the event that a student will be temporarily under the care of someone other than the parent/caregiver, the Academic Office should be notified.
Late Arrival/Early Dismissal Policy
The school day begins at 7:45am with Homeroom, an important morning meeting where information is shared, community building occurs, and attendance is taken. Any student who has an appointment that necessitates being late to school or dismissed early must have this information noted in Veracross either by her parents/caregivers entering it directly via the parent portal or by calling the Academic Office directly: MS: (617) 559-4750, US: (617) 559-4747. Please make every effort to align early dismissal times with the end of class period time to reduce distraction to classroom learning. Lateness to class or missed classes due to early dismissal may impact the student’s academic performance.
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.
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion to the Museum of Science: Wed. Oct. 1
Students will travel to the Museum of Science to explore exhibits that highlight the diversity of living organisms and the non-living factors that support them. During this excursion which connects their Science and History classes, students will observe the relationships between animals and their environment, reflect on their role as stewards of the Earth, and use their knowledge of maps to move around the museum. Students should wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Grade 8 Exchange Program Information Session: Thu. Oct. 9 at 7pm
Parents and caregivers are invited to a virtual informational meeting regarding the launch of the Grade 8 exchange program. Access the meeting here.
Grade 6 Trip to Mars: Tue. Oct. 14
The entire grade will head to the Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Learning at Framingham State University to experience the Challenger Learning Center mission simulator. After the Mars Expedition, the students will spend the afternoon in the planetarium.
Grade 8 Retreat: Thu. Oct. 16-Fri. Oct. 17
Attendance on overnight retreats is a requirement of the Religious Studies curriculum from grades 8-12. All students are expected to attend in full. Students should not bring schoolwork, laptops, or other devices or materials that would distract them from full participation in this spiritual retreat. Grade 8 students should arrive at school on Thu. Oct. 16 by 7:45am for homeroom. We will travel to LaSalette Retreat Center in Attleboro, MA, and return to school in time for regular Friday dismissal and athletics. Bedding is not provided, so students should bring sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and/or blankets. The class will receive more information about what to pack in the weeks leading up to the retreat. Contact Ms. Milone at x4727 or Mr. Mylroie at x4927 with questions.
Grade 5 Voyagers Excursion to Codman Community Farm: Wed. Oct. 29
To introduce their wellness curriculum, students will connect food sources and production to bodily health through lessons at Codman Community Farm. Students should wear comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, as most of the day will be spent outdoors.
Phone Policy
In order to help our students be fully present and engaged during the day, student phones, smartwatches, and airpods are collected during homeroom and returned to students at the end of the day. If you need to reach your child during the day, please call the MS Office at (617) 559-4750.
Grade 9 Service Day, Parent/Caregiver Volunteer Opportunity: Tue. Oct. 14
Grade 9 students will divide into groups to perform community service at several local non-profit organizations focused on care of the elderly. All students should wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, and closed shoes such as sneakers. Following Service Day, students will attend afternoon classes and any games, rehearsals or practices that afternoon.
We are looking for parent/caregiver volunteers to drive students to/from their service sites. Please note, the actual service component is for students only. We are greatly appreciative of your support and time in helping make this service opportunity possible. To sign-up to volunteer, please contact Ms. Hurley at x4842. In your communication, please note how many passenger seats with seatbelts you have in your vehicle. For service specific inquiries, please contact Dr. Potter at x4757.
PSAT for Grades 10-11: Tue. Oct. 14
The PSAT/NMSQT is co-sponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. By taking the test, students will have a preview of the SAT that all juniors may take later this school year. The PSAT/NMSQT is also the qualifying test for juniors wishing to participate in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Juniors are entered into the contest just by taking the test. For sophomores, the PSAT is a great opportunity to practice bubbling in answers, budgeting time, and following instructions in this type of setting. We hope students do their best because the results can show areas of strength and opportunities for growth, but there is no cause for stress or extra practice.
Students should arrive at school by 7:45am well rested and having eaten breakfast. Students will be instructed on where they should report for attendance. Students should bring several #2 pencils and a working calculator. We will not have extra calculators. There is no need to do specific preparation. Testing will end by 12pm. After the PSAT, students will eat lunch and attend their afternoon classes and any games, rehearsals, or practices that afternoon.
No Classes for Grade 12: Tue. Oct. 14
Grade 12 students do not have classes on Tue. Oct. 14. We encourage seniors to visit and/or interview at local colleges or to work on essays and applications on this day. However, they are expected to report for any games, rehearsals, or practices that afternoon.
Grades 9 & 10 Ice Skating Social with Belmont Hill: Fri. Oct. 17, Daly Rink
Students from Newton Country Day School and Belmont Hill School are invited to an ice skating social at the Daly Hockey Rink (1 Nonantum Rd, Newton, MA 02458). Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.
School the World Information Session: Tue. Oct. 21 at 6:30pm, Room 118
Many students and parents/caregivers have partnered with School the World, a Boston-based non-profit organization that seeks to transform global poverty by providing access to education. School the World is currently recruiting US students to serve as volunteers for a service trip to Panama during March break in 2026. They are also planning service trips to Guatemala and Honduras in Summer 2026 that rising juniors can use for their Hesed projects. For more information, please contact Dr. Potter at x4757.
Shrek the Musical Cast: Save the Dates!
The cast of Shrek the Musical will be involved in two important community events in the coming months. Please reserve the following dates on your family calendar.
- Sat. Oct. 25 Bold Vision, Bright Future performance: Cast members will be opening the evening of our special gala celebration. Cast members will be picked up from our campus at approximately 2:30pm and transported to the Omni Seaport for rehearsals and their performance. Students will be provided dinner. They will be transported back to campus at approximately 8:30pm post performance and should be picked up at school. Please contact Ms. Gallagher if you would like to make an alternative pick up plan and allow your daughter to be dismissed directly from the event.
- Sun. Nov. 2 Open House: The cast will participate in an Open Rehearsal. We anticipate portion of the event to take place between 12:45-1:45pm.
Please reach out to Mrs. Davenport with any questions about either of the commitments listed above.
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.
Understanding Financial Aid and Paying for College Virtual Meeting: Thu. Oct. 23 at 6:30pm
Guest speaker Jonathan Sparling will walk parents/caregivers through the technicalities of financial aid packaging in this virtual meeting. Link to follow.
Partnership this Month: Seniors should continue to meet with College Counseling to refine their college lists and finalize their application plans. Counselors will also continue to support the development of essays, supplements, role play mock interviews, and review applications prior to submission. College admissions representatives will continue to visit NCDS through the end of Oct. Students should check Naviance or our Google Classroom weekly to plan for the admissions visits they’d like to attend.
Early Action / Early Decision: We encourage seniors to take advantage of the early application window, whether that is an early action application or the binding early decision agreement, as an endeavor to receive good news early. Students will be asked to complete an early application intent form (in Google Classroom) to indicate and confirm their early college deadlines. Students are responsible for submitting their college applications, requesting teacher letter of recommendations through Naviance, and sending official test scores from College Board, if applicable to their application plan.
Financial Aid: The FAFSA financial aid application is expected to open on Oct. 1. This is the free application for federal student aid that can be sent to any college a student applies to. Many private colleges, including those who offer Early Decision, utilize the CSS Profile for a more in-depth evaluation of a family’s financial situation in addition to FAFSA to offer a more tailored financial package. If financial flexibility is important to your family, we encourage you to use the Net Price Calculator on each individual institution’s website to glean an estimate of a financial aid package. These results will only be as reliable as the data you provide. If your family is discerning an Early Decision opportunity, you can contact the Office of Financial Aid at the university to see if they will engage in a pre-read for a financial package. Additional information about navigating the financial aid process will be provided during a virtual program on Thu. Oct. 23 at 6:30pm.
ACT Administration:
Oct. 18 (Late registration closed)
SAT Administration:
Oct. 4: (Late registration closed)
Nov. 8: Registration Deadline Oct. 24
TWO LAST-MINUTE REMINDERS!
Tomorrow Morning!
PA Meeting & State of the School 2025-26: Thu. Oct. 2 at 8am, Sweeney-Husson Theatre
Head of School Mrs. Hooper will share exciting updates on our school’s future—including highlights from the athletic audit, global travel & service immersion programs, recent campus enhancements, and a look ahead to a new strategic plan. Special Feature: Meet two new leaders—Mrs. Tonge (Learning Center) and Mrs. Kistner (College Counseling)—as they introduce their vision for student success. Join us to learn, connect, and stay informed about what’s coming next.
Don’t miss it—Homecoming is THIS Sat. Oct. 4!
Bring your family and your Falcon pride for a full day of fun: kids’ activities, a whole-school cookout, food trucks, and plenty of evening excitement—plus the main event, cheering on our NCDS teams against Dana Hall!
- Athletics & Activities Schedule: Activities and food are free of charge. Bring your Venmo or credit card for the School Store to stock up on apparel!
- Sign up here for an easy one-hour volunteer spot at an activity station to connect with parents.
Let’s fill the sidelines, show our spirit, and celebrate together. Go Falcons! A big thank you to our Homecoming Chairs, Sue Bouchard and Christy MacLetchie, and the whole Homecoming Committee for all their hard work to make this event a success!
Family Service Opportunity: Thanksgiving Food Drive
Information will be coming soon about how you and your family can support the PA Service Committee’s annual Thanksgiving Basket food drive. We’re partnering with Centre Street Food Pantry in Newton to provide supplies for Thanksgiving meals for their clients, and will be sending out a signup genius soon for families to participate. Stay tuned!
Mark your calendar: 2026 Parents’ Association Meetings
- Wed. Jan. 15 at 6pm: PA social followed by an expert parent/caregiver resource presentation
- Thu. Apr. 16 at 6pm: Presentation by the Board Chair
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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