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Welcomes and Farewells
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new members of our faculty and staff:
- Renee Dacey P '29, US World Languages Faculty
- Caroline Falvey, US Science Faculty
- Logan Gillis, Facilities Associate
- Katherine Kistner, Director of College Counseling
- Divya Kopalle, MS Science and Technology Faculty
- Monica Mascolo, MS Counselor
- John O'Neill, Director of Rowing, Assistant Director for Sports Performance, Math Faculty
- Micaela Rivera, Admission Associate
- Micaela Ryan, Grade 5 Faculty
- Mark Taylor, English Faculty
- Savannah Wood, Visual Arts Faculty
Congratulations to the following members of our community who celebrated their weddings this summer: MS Science faculty Ms. Cantor, and US World Language faculty Ms. Cummins, who will be known as Mrs. Russo moving forward. And another congratulations to our Database Manager Ms. Tan, who welcomed her second baby, Finley Jack, into the world this August!
We would also like to take a moment to thank our community members who will be moving on from Newton Country Day this fall to pursue new educational and career opportunities and enjoy their retirement: Lisa Bibuld, Brittany Borders '04, Cynthia Erickson, Pat Hadfield, Elena Loukas P '05, Mary Marley, Emily Martland '15, Tamas Molnar, Houda Robert, Stephen Ross, Emily Sargent, and Michael Veski.
Applicants for the 2026-27 Academic Year
If you have a daughter who is planning to apply to Newton Country Day this year, please let the Admission Office know so that we can give you priority in scheduling her tour and interview. Applications for the 2026-27 school year will be available through Ravenna by Sep. 1.
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 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.
Bus Service
Boston and MetroWest Bus Service begins Wed. Aug. 27.
There will be no bus service Fri. Aug. 29.
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. Please RSVP here by Fri. Aug. 29.
First Friday Prayer for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. Sep. 5 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.
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 and caregivers 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. Please submit grandparents' and/or grandfriends' contact information here by Wed. Sep. 17 in order to receive an invitation.
Absence and Tardiness Policies
- Attendance and Participation
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Newton Country Day Learning Center
We are proud to offer students additional support through the Learning Center. The Learning Center will be available to all students during afternoon WIN 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 Academic Support Coordinator, Ms. Tonge.
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.
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. 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:
- 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.
School Supplies and Summer Work
Students should be working toward the completion of all assigned summer work. Completed summer assignments should be brought to school on the first day, Wed. Aug. 27. Students should bring all required school supplies on the first day, as they will be building their course binders during Opening Day orientation activities.
Middle School After School Program begins Aug. 27
The MS After School program begins on the first day of school and is available for all MS students until 6:00pm each day. Students who take the Boston bus are supervised until bus departure. Students are expected to be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of their school day. Students are required to sign into the After School program if their parents/caregivers plan to pick them up more than 15 minutes after school or sports dismissal. Please text the After School number (617) 631-0535 when you arrive to pick up your child; they will then be dismissed from the After School program to meet you at the Arches.
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/caregiver 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.
MS Back-to-School Night: Thu. Sep. 4 from 6-8:30pm
The program begins in the Chapel at 6pm. Upon arrival, please register at the Arches entrance. The program concludes with a parent/caregiver wine and cheese social at 7:30pm.
Grade 7 Orientation Day Trips: Thu. Sep. 11 & Fri. Sep. 12
Grade 7 students will embark on a two-day Orientation program. Students should arrive at school each day by 7:45am.
- On Thu., students will spend the day at the Metrowest YMCA Family Outdoor Center engaging in teambuilding activities, low ropes courses, and an Amazing Race challenge. Students will arrive back to school at 5pm.
- On Fri., the students will visit the New England Aquarium as part of their science curriculum and then participate in a team-building scavenger hunt in the North End. The two days of orientation will conclude with a community meal in the NCDS Dining Commons on Fri. evening; parents and caregivers of seventh grade students are invited to join for dessert at the conclusion of the program at 6pm.
As both of these programs include outdoor activities, students should dress for the weather in athletic attire, wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, and bring a water bottle.
Grade 8 Families Washington, D.C. Meeting: Wed. Sep. 24 at 7pm
Grade 8 students will once again travel to Washington, D.C. as a culminating educational excursion linked to their study of American History. The dates of the trip are Wed. May 27 - Fri. May 29, 2026. Newton Country Day partners with educational travel experts Grand Classroom to offer our students a teacher-led trip exploring a wide range of experiences including, but not limited to, visits to the African American Museum of History and Culture, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, tours of various historical memorials and a curated visit to the Smithsonian Museums.
To learn more about this trip, join us for a virtual informational meeting on Wed. Sept. 24 at 7 pm. Representatives from the Grand Classroom will discuss details about the trip including the itinerary, registration process, costs, insurance, etc. Our faculty will also be available to answer any other questions you may have. The link for the meeting will be emailed to families on the day of the meeting.
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.
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.
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.
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 and caregivers meet their daughter’s advisor. Childcare will be provided.
- 5:15pm: Parent/caregiver program
- 6pm: Students join parents/caregivers 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/caregiver 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.
US Fall Production Callbacks
Callbacks for all cast members will take place on Tue. Sep. 2 from 3:45-5:45pm. Tech crew members will work during the same assigned hours 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, and tech crew related questions to the Technical Director, Mr. Farreh.
US Committee and Affinity Group Fair: Thu. Sep. 4
US students will have the opportunity during the school day to peruse offerings for student interest committees, affinity groups, and leadership committees. Students will then sign up for the groups of their choice. Note that membership in leadership committees is elected at the end of each school year, with the exception of 9th graders, who will be elected in the fall to leadership committees that include 9th graders.
Blessing of the Fall Athletes and Musical Artists: Mon. Sep. 8 at 6pm
US student-athletes and student-artists and their families are invited to a blessing to begin the season. The event will take place immediately after preseason practices in the Martin Center. Dress is casual. Immediately following the blessing, all fall season athletes and their families are encouraged to attend a team meeting and dinner with the coaches.
US Fall Trips
To facilitate Goal IV, “the building of community as a Christian value,” days have been set aside during the second week of school for grade-level programming. All students are expected to attend in full. Students should not bring schoolwork, laptops, cell phones, or other electronic communication or entertainment devices. All students must have up-to-date medical forms on file in Magnus Health in order to go on these trips.
- Grade 9 Orientation: Sep. 10-12
- Orientation takes place at the Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, MA. This retreat is designed to both help students get to know each other and familiarize themselves with the Goals and Criteria for Sacred Heart Schools. Class moderators and other Grade 9 faculty accompany the class. Students and faculty will travel by bus at 1:30pm on Wed. and return by 2:30pm on Fri. in time for athletic practices and musical rehearsals. Contact Ms. Hurley at x4842 with questions.
- Grade 10 Trip: Sep. 11-12
- The Sophomore Outdoor Education program takes place at the Morse Hill Outdoor Education Center in Shutesbury, MA. Programming is designed to help build understanding, respect, responsibility, and caring within the individual, between individuals within the group, between the groups, and between humans and the environment. Students and faculty will leave at 8am on Thu. and return by 2:30pm on Fri. in time for athletic practices and musical rehearsals. Contact Mr. Szilvasy at x 4843 with questions.
- Grade 11 Trip: Sep. 10-12
- The junior class visits New York City. 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. Buses leave Newton Country Day promptly at 7:30am on Wed. Students should arrive at school by 7:15am. Buses return to school around 7pm on Fri. Students will update their parents/caregivers about return time during the return trip based on traffic. Contact Ms. Kenney at x4756 with questions.
- Grade 12 Activities: Sep. 10-12:
- Seniors will participate in a “Love in Action” day of service and leadership programming on Wed., concluding in time for athletic practices and musical rehearsals. On Thu. and Fri., Grade 12 students will either be working with Grade 9 and 10 students as Senior Mentors or participating in on-campus college application workshops. Thu. and Fri. are great days to schedule off-campus college visits for students not involved in the Grade 9 or Grade 10 Mentors program. Contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 with questions.
Info Session for Upper School Spring/Summer Travel Opportunities: Thu. Sep. 18 from 5-6pm in the Sweeney-Husson Theatre
Please join us for an optional information session for parents and caregivers on upcoming school-sponsored trips. The meeting will provide details on the performing arts trip to Spain (Mar. 15-22), the service immersion trip to the Dominican Republic (June 5-12), and the service immersion trip to the Romero Center in Camden, NJ (June 15-20).
We look forward to sharing more about these exciting opportunities for our students.
US Back-to-School Night: Thu. Sep. 18 from 6-8:30pm
The program begins in the Chapel at 6pm. Upon arrival, please register at the Arches entrance. The program concludes with a parent/caregiver wine and cheese social at 7:30pm.
Class of 2026 Parent & Caregiver Reception: Thu. Sep. 25, under the tent from 6:30-8pm
Celebrate the beginning of a remarkable year for your daughters and the pride we share in their Newton Country Day journeys. RSVP here.
Grade 11 Hosts Sophie's Place: Sat. Sep. 27 from 10am-3pm
Sophie’s Place is a special Newton Country Day tradition where we host visitors from Hearth to join us for a meal. The meal is prepared and served by students, with all decorations and activities being student-organized. More information to follow.
The College Counseling Team is eager to connect with students as you return to campus. We appreciate your effort and collaboration this summer as you’ve been working through your college essays, college lists, and applications.
Once on campus, seniors should schedule fall planning meetings with their college counselor, Ms. Kistner or Ms. Riobueno, in Sep. and Oct. to finalize college lists and application building in preparation for the Nov. 1 early application wave. Parents/caregivers are invited to the fall planning conversation to ensure informed and cohesive planning and centering the student in her decision making process.
September Highlights:
- Summer assignment expectations for the first day of school, due Sep. 2.
- A draft of your college essay should be submitted to our College Counseling Google Classroom here.
- Your Naviance account should reflect your current college list, as it is evolving, under the “Colleges I’m Applying To” tab.
- The College Counseling team will be reviewing your essay and college list ahead of fall college meetings.
- Programming will be available on Thu. Sep. 11 and Fri. Sep. 12 for seniors to participate in college application workshops and local college visits.
- Beginning the week of Sep. 15, college admissions representatives will visit NCDS during the school day to host information sessions and meet with students. Seniors should check Naviance regularly to view visiting colleges and sign up for meetings of schools they are interested in.
Resources:
- Seniors planning to take another ACT or SAT this fall should review available testing dates and promptly register for exams. Registration deadlines will pass quickly. Fee waivers are available for students who qualify.
- Seniors were provided college process-related materials before they left for the summer; those resources can be found here.
- A Timeline of the College Application Process with embedded resources, including financial aid information, can be found here.
The Parents' Association is excited to welcome all parents and caregivers back to school! We have a great slate of events planned for this year, including:
- Thu. Oct. 2 at 8am: Parents' Association meeting featuring Head of School, Jessica Hooper P '28, who will provide a State of the School presentation and other school updates. More details to come.
- Sat. Oct. 4, All Day: Homecoming! It is going to be a fun event filled with athletic competition, school spirit, and socializing for students and families. Check out the Homecoming Athletics & Activities schedule, and sign up for an easy volunteer shift to help and hang out with other parents!
Mark your calendars now for the 2025-26 PA meetings:
- Thurs. Oct. 2 at 8am: Head of School annual State of the School presentation
- Wed. Jan. 15 at 6pm: PA social followed by an expert parent/caregiver resource presentation
- Thurs. Apr. 16 at 6pm: Presentation by the NCDS Board Chair
Want to join a committee? The Mater Brunch Committee (which runs the event in April), and the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Breakfast Committee (which runs the event in March) are looking for members. Please reach out to Rachel Busby at smithr119@yahoo.com or 617-596-5679 if you are interested!
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