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Welcome!
Welcome to the first Newton Notes of the 2026-27 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. 24
- 2-3pm: US Varsity Captains Meeting
- 2-3pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Committee & Affinity Group Heads
- 3-4pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 & 10
- 4-6pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts (students will receive details and directions from coaches via email)
Tue. Aug. 25
- 1-2pm: New to MS Welcome Orientation: Gr. 5 & 6
- 2-3pm: New to MS Welcome Orientation: Gr. 7 & 8
- 2-3pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Senior Mentors for Gr. 9 & 10
- 3-4pm: US Student Leadership Meetings: Student Government, Committee of Games, Peer Ministry, Peer Education, Honor Committee
- 4-6pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts
- 5:15-7:15pm: Class of 2030 Family Orientation and Advisory Picnic (see details in US Announcements)
Wed. Aug. 26: Opening Day
- 7:45am: Homeroom, all grades
- School Pictures will be taken for all grades (see note below).
- 2:30pm: Dismissal, all grades
- 3-5pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts
Thu. Aug. 27: Classes Begin
- 7:45am: Homeroom
- 3pm: MS Dismissal
- 3:30pm: US Dismissal
- 4-6pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts
Fri. Aug. 28: Classes
- 7:45am: Homeroom
- 2:30pm: US/MS Dismissal
- 3-5pm: US Sports & Musical tryouts
Fri. Sep. 4: Archbishop's Holiday (No Classes)
Mon. Sep. 7: Labor Day (School Closed)
School Pictures: Wed. Aug. 26
Coffee Pond Photography takes school portraits of all students each year on Opening Day. 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: Tue. Sep. 1 at 8:30am
The school celebrates the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the Martin Center. Students should dress appropriately for the occasion. Parents and caregivers are invited. During the liturgy, there will be a special blessing of the student Eucharistic ministers.
Save the Date! First Friday Prayer for Parents and Caregivers: Fri. Sep. 11 at 7:30am
We warmly invite you to join us each month for a simple 15-minute prayer service led by Sara Milone, Director of Mission and Ministry. Together, we'll pause amid the busyness of life to pray, reflect, and connect with our Sacred Heart community. Reflective 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.
Save the Date! Grandparents' Day: Fri. Oct. 9
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.
A Note From the Health Office
All families are required to submit completed health forms through Magnus Health via the Veracross Parent Portal by Aug. 1. Please note that an up-to-date physical examination and immunization record are required for participation in classes, athletics, and all school activities, including preseason athletics and performing arts auditions. For assistance with the Magnus Health Portal, please contact Magnus Health directly. For health-related questions or concerns, please contact the school nurse, Alexa Moran, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC.
If your student will require prescription medication during the school day or on an overnight school trip, a Prescription Medication Authorization Form signed by both the student's healthcare provider and parent/guardian must be on file before the medication can be administered. This form is available in the Magnus Health Portal.
Please contact the Health Office with any questions regarding health requirements or prescription medications.
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. 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 participate in additional performance opportunities through Note-worthy. See more info and request lessons. For questions, please contact Mr. Hagan.
Dance Class Attire
All MS students and 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. Teachers will answer any questions about class attire at that time. Students will have until Sep. 14 to acquire all required dance class attire.
Fall Sports
The start of the fall athletics season is just around the corner! We are looking forward to welcoming our student-athletes back to campus.The Fall sports season kicks off with tryouts for the US on Mon. Aug. 24, and for the MS on Mon. Aug. 31. More details on the schedule and what to expect those first two weeks can be found here.
If your child has not yet registered for a fall sport or would like to change their sport selection, please click on the appropriate link as soon as possible. (Middle School Upper School) Before the season begins, all families should also review the 2026-27 Athletics Handbook and complete the required acknowledgment form, available on the Athletics Team Policies page.
We continue to partner with Prime Time Sports this year for all athletics apparel. As a reminder, all US athletes are now required to have the official warm-up to wear to competitions. That set can be purchased here. Our Nike Team Stores for the fall sports will open Aug. 19 - Sep. 2. This is the opportunity to purchase optional, sport-specific Falcon apparel. Additional information and shopping links will be shared closer to the opening date. We can't wait to kick off another exciting year of Falcon Athletics. Go Falcons!
Veracross
Please take a few moment to review and update your contact information in the Veracross Parent Portal before the start of the school year. Veracross is Newton Country Day's primary information system and serves as the central hub for important school information throughout the year. Families can use the Parent Portal to view student schedules, access grade reports and report cards, submit attendance notifications, register for events such as Family Conferences, complete school forms, and find important school announcements and resources. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the portal and the tools available so you can make the most of this important resource throughout the school year.
Textbooks and Curricular Materials
Course lists were emailed to families on Jul. 20. Go to the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore and enter the authentication code "NCDS" when placing your order. Order the required textbooks through MBS, or use the ISBNs to purchase them from a preferred alternative bookstore. Free shipping applies to orders placed through MBS Direct from Jul. 20 - Aug. 17.
Missing Courses: If a course is not listed on the virtual bookstore, the teacher will provide the text and class materials at the beginning of the school year.
Performing Arts: Separate information regarding concert attire and instruments will be sent out once classes begin.
AP Exams: College Board AP exam fees must be paid in full through the virtual bookstore.
Please note: students will receive their class schedules on Opening Day.
Course Placement or Changes
US students may request schedule changes during the Change Request period, which lasts for the first two cycles of classes. Not all requests can be accommodated — for example, if a requested course is already full. If you believe the course list contains an error, students or parents may call (617) 559-4747 and leave a message for the Academic Office.
Prayers from the Heart: Online
Our Sacred Heart school community is one where no one carries their hopes or worries alone. Through Prayers from the Heart, parents and caregivers are invited to submit a prayer request (big or small!) via the Newton Country Day website. If you prefer, your request can remain confidential. Parents 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.
MS Family Orientation: Thu. Aug. 27 from 7:30-9am
Join us in the Martin Center to enjoy coffee and our 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 MS administrators and grade level deans and 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.
MS Casting Call: Les Misérables: School Edition
We will hold an audition for the roles of Young Cosette and Young Eponine on Thu. Aug. 27 from 4-5pm. This audition is open to students currently enrolled in Grades 7 and 8. Students need to sign up for the audition in advance. Selected students will be required to attend weekly US Musical rehearsal on certain Mon./Tue./Thu. from 4:30-5:45pm. Students may still participate in a fall season sport. However, they must be able to attend the entirety of all scheduled Technical and Dress rehearsals and performances from Nov.9 - Nov. 21. Students should familiarize themselves with the song “Castle on a Cloud” in advance of the audition. Please refer to the Sign Up sheet for a more detailed description of the production and rehearsal expectations.
Save the Date! MS Back-to-School Night: Wed. Sep. 2 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: Fri. Sep. 11 & Fri. Sep. 18
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.
Peer Ministry Retreat: Thu. Aug 20 - Fri. Aug. 21
Students accepted into the Peer Ministry Council for the 2026-27 school year will attend a formation retreat at the Betania Retreat Center in Medway, MA. The retreat begins at 10am on Thu. Aug. 20 and will conclude at 12pm on Fri. Aug. 21. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the retreat. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Milone (x4727) or Erin Regan (x4918).
Class of 2030 Family Orientation and Advisory Picnic: Tue. Aug. 25 from 5:15-7:15pm
Members of the Class of 2030 and their parents/caregivers participate in the Grade 9 Family Orientation and Advisory Picnic. The program begins with a parent/caregiver orientation in the Martin Center, followed by a picnic during which the students gather with their advisory groups and parents meet their daughter’s advisor.
- 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/caregiver program.
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.
Upper School Fall Production: Les Misérables: School Edition
Preseason auditions and rehearsals for our Upper School Fall Production, Les Misérables: School Edition, will run from Mon. Aug. 24 - Thu. Aug. 27 from 4-6pm and Fri. Aug. 28 from 3-5pm. Callbacks for all cast members will begin on Mon. Aug. 31 from 3:45-5:45pm. We will hold rehearsal from 10-12pm on Fri. Sep. 4. Students should come prepared to the auditions with a memorized short monologue and be prepared to sing a verse and chorus from a song of their own choosing. Previous musical theater experience is not required. All cast members will receive a role in our production! Stage crew members will work during the same assigned hours as cast members. Weekly rehearsals run regularly from 3:45pm-5:45pm on Mon. / Tue. / Thu. and from 2:45-5pm on Wed. / Fri. We have extended hours during Tech Week and students will receive a detailed rehearsal calendar during August preseason week. Please direct questions to the Musical Producer and Arts Chair, Mrs. Davenport.
Blessing of the Fall Athletes and Performers: Tue. Sep. 1 at 6pm
US student-athletes and US Musical 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 gym. Dress is casual. Immediately following the blessing, all fall season athletes and artists and their families are encouraged to attend a team meeting and dinner with the coaches.
US Fall Overnight Trips
Grades 9, 10, and 11 leave for class trips in early September. To go on these trips, all students must have up-to-date medical forms on file in Magnus Health.
- Grade 9 Orientation: Sep. 9-11 at the Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, MA
- Grade 10 Outdoor Education Program: Sep. 10-11 at the Morse Hill Outdoor Education Center in Shutesbury, MA
- Grade 11 visits New York City: Sep. 9-11. 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 US 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.
The College Counseling team has grown! We are thrilled to have Ms. Jane Bilodeau, Associate Director of College Counseling, join Ms. Karen Naylor-Riobueno and Ms. Katherine Kistner in the College Cottage. The expansion of the College Counseling team will allow us to provide even more individualized support to students, parents, and caregivers, and the ability to deepen our program offerings.
Class of 2027
- College Counselors continue to be available to support Grade 12 students in their college search and application development this summer. Students may book appointments for feedback on their personal essay, activity list, application development and college list refinement.
- Grade 12 students are diligently working on their summer action items due Sep. 3 to allow a smooth transition back to school and to prepare for early application deadlines (Oct. 15 / Nov. 1).
- The first, in a series, of Optional Application Workshops kickoff this month. Students must RSVP to indicate their participation. Future (optional) application workshop dates include:
- Wed. Aug. 12 from 1-3pm
- Thu. Aug. 13 from 10am-12pm
- Fri. Sep. 4 from 8-10am
- Fri. Oct. 9 from 12-2pm
- Tue. Oct. 13 from 10am-12pm
- In addition to individual counseling this fall, Grade 12 students will receive ongoing support through a college seminar class which meets in place of their Health & Wellness class.
Class of 2028
Welcome to College Counseling! We look forward to growing in partnership with students, parents, and caregivers in the 2026-27 school year.
- This fall, Grade 11 students will be assigned a College Counselor to support the development of their aspirations and vision beyond Newton Country Day. Grade 11 students will also be invited to engage with visiting college admission officers on campus this fall when their academic schedule permits.
- The June email titled, “Welcome to College Counseling” outlines basic information about what to expect from partnership with College Counseling throughout the Grade 11 journey.
The Parents' Association would like to wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable rest of the summer! We look forward to connecting and seeing you at the start of the school year. Please save the date for the first PA sponsored meeting featuring a presentation on the State of the School by Jessica Hooper P ’28, Head of School, on Tue. Sep. 22 from 8-9am.
If you have any questions or need anything as we approach the start of the school year, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
2026-27 PA Leadership
Co-Presidents
Brie Allen P '26 '29
Jennifer Bekarian P '29 '30
Officers
Diane Cavallo P '23 '28
Rosanna Hennessey P '21 '23 '25 '28
Kelly Woolbert P '21 '23 '31