Category Archives: From Newton Public Schools

School Closing

March 12, 2020

Dear NPS Families,

For the past two weeks, we have been working closely with the Newton Department of  Health and Human Services to reduce the community spread of COVID-19. We have received many emails from concerned families and understand that this is a stressful and unsettling time.

Given the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our region, coupled with new guidance from the Governor, the state, infectious disease experts, and our local health partners, we have made the difficult decision to close the Newton Public Schools beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 13. There will be no school tomorrow, next week and possibly for a longer period. 

The decision to close schools is an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. It will only be effective if the community also takes steps to practice self-isolation, monitor for any symptoms, and avoid large gatherings. We need all community members to do their part or the school closure will not be successful in limiting the spread of the virus.

We know the cancellation of school, its associated activities, and events that use our school buildings is disappointing and extremely disruptive to our daily lives. However, we believe we must do so for the health and well-being of our community.

We expect to provide an update to you next week as we further assess the situation.  We also know you will have questions regarding learning opportunities for your children while school is closed and we will have more information on this subject late next week.

This is a unique public health situation that is rapidly changing. Our hope is that if we all work together, we can reduce the spread of this virus, protect residents, especially those most vulnerable, and resume normal activities as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

Important Update on School Events & Activities

March 11, 2020

Dear NPS Community,

In an effort to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all evening and community events in our facilities effective immediately and until further notice. All field trips will also be cancelled immediately. We have made this decision in consultation with the Newton Department of Health and Human Services. This decision is consistent with the state’s latest guidance for meetings and events which was announced yesterday. The City of Newton is also cancelling large public gatherings and many programs.

I know our decision to restrict access to our facilities will raise lots of questions. Here are some examples of events that will be cancelled beginning tonight:

  • Community events and meetings
  • Student performances
  • PTO meetings and other parent events
  • Adult education classes
  • Use of buildings by non-school groups

We will continue to offer before school and after school care at our elementary schools, as well as after school programs and classes run by Newton Community Education. After school activities at the secondary level will continue including athletics, rehearsals, and clubs, although we will not have outside spectators at indoor events. The Newton School Committee meetings will take place as scheduled.

In addition, the use of school buildings by non-school groups will be discontinued until further notice. We know this has a real impact on our residents and community organizations who provide valuable programs and activities.

We are fully aware that these decisions have significant ramifications and are difficult for our students, staff, families and community members. The cancellation of many meaningful activities will be a great disappointment to those who have worked very hard. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the guidance from the state and the current status of the COVID-19 situation. We want to do our part to limit the spread of the virus and to reduce the risk of infection for our community.

I recognize that the information in this message will raise a lot of questions regarding specific events and activities. We are in the process of developing an FAQ which should answer many of your questions.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this rapidly changing and unsettling time.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

Update from the Superintendent

Dear NPS Families,

As the news and information about the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to develop, you may have questions about our schools. We are working closely with the Newton Department of Health and Human Services to monitor this situation and stay up-to-date with guidance, including guidance relative to travelers.

To prevent any potential exposure to our staff and students, we are implementing federal guidance around returning travelers, which is evolving daily. To that end, today we made a decision to require students and staff from Newton North who returned from Italy on Saturday, Feb. 29th, to stay home from school beginning tomorrow, March 2nd, until further notice. These students and staff will return to school once we have been advised that it is appropriate. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), and under the direction of the Newton Health and Human Services department.

For your information, the city-wide Emergency Management Team has formed a committee to apply our robust emergency preparedness plans to possible scenarios around this infectious disease. While this specific virus is a new one, managing community spread of disease is not new and our public health professionals are well prepared. We will play an important role on this committee and will address questions about potential issues that may impact the day-to-day function of our schools.

The MA Department of Health shares the following recommendations to maintain good health:

Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Stay home if you are sick

For additional information on COVID-19, please visit the following websites:

We will continue to work with our City health partners to provide you with timely, accurate, and useful information.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

School Committee Update

Dear Friends,

This update is for the 2/10/2020 Newton School Committee meeting:

Superintendent Update

  • School teams used the early release on Thursday, February 6th for Professional Development in the following areas:
    • Elementary worked on Social Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Classrooms.
    • Middle worked on departmental frameworks and content.
    • Newton North worked on Race and Achievement.
    • Newton South worked on Social Emotional Learning.
  • On Wednesday, February 12th at 7 PM the NNHS Chinese Program and the Jingshan Exchange Program will co-host a fundraiser to benefit Jingshan School and to buy medical supplies for Wuhan University Hospital to help battle against the outbreak of Coronavirus.  Newton North alum, comedian Jesse Appell, will perform a comedy show followed by a NNHS student performance. Purchase tickets and make donations here: http://bit.ly/2vSkeFL.

Discussions/Updates

  • Information Technology and Library Department Goals – Director of IT, Steven Rittendi, presented an update that included information on the 1:1 Chromebook Initiative, Data Analytics planning and Infrastructure.
  • Mid-Year Superintendent Goals and Systemwide Goals Update – This update included a look at three specific areas of work:
    • Administrative Council: working towards projects aligned with existing district goals.
    • District Data Team: Using data to improve instruction.
    • Middle School Content Teams: Teams within all 5 major content areas working on professional development and data-driven student learning and performance focused inquiry cycles.
  • Fiscal/Operations – Chief Financial Officer, Liam Hurley, presented our second Fiscal and Operations Update of the school year. The district has spent 50% of the annual budget and our financial outlook was described as a “good news story” at this time.
  • Facilities Report – Chief Financial Officer, Liam Hurley, reviewed several projects currently underway including:
    • Cabot – Completed and will be coming off Facilities report.
    • Lincoln-Eliot/NECP – School Building Project – Bidding to start in May and estimated to be completed by 9/2021.
    • Horace Mann – Improvements including modular classrooms and a new playground.
    • Phase 3 Solar Panel Updates.
    • Oak Hill – construction of 3 additional permanent classrooms.
  • Discussion: Policy Update FA (Facilities Goals) and Policy Update ADF (Wellness) – Added language that reflects our transportation and sustainability initiatives.

Consent Agenda

Next Meeting

  • On Monday, March 16th at 7:00 PM the School Committee will have a Special School Committee meeting.  We review the budget in the instructional areas of Elementary, Secondary and Teaching & Learning.

We hope you found this summary useful. You can access all SC meeting documents via the NPS website (www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee). Additionally, if you are interested in watching a School Committee meeting from home or a recorded meeting, you can obtain access via www.newtv.org. We also offer “Virtual Office Hours” once a month using Facebook Live to provide the community with an opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts with members of the School Committee. Videos of past “Virtual Office Hours” are archived on the district Facebook page.

As always, we are very happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us via the email address below.

Sincerely,
The Newton School Committee

School Committee Update

Dear Friends,

This update is for the 1/13/2020 Newton School Committee meeting:

Special Meeting – SC Members OML Training

  • School Committee Training conducted by members of the City of Newton Law Department on the Open Meeting Law.

Superintendent Update

  • We have reached the halfway point of the school year.
  • NPS students shined at the annual MLK Day Celebration.
  • The Governor just unveiled the state’s budget, which includes 355 million dollars for education.  The newly implemented Student Opportunity Act resulted in approximately 85% of those funds going to 35% of the districts.  State aid to NPS was $787,000.
  • Mayor Fuller pointed out that Newton received less than our anticipated state aid (an approximately $400,000 differential) and that the City of Newton was absorbing the difference.
  • The Massachusetts Senate and House still need to deliberate so there is a chance these numbers will change.

Discussions/Updates

  • Enrollment Planning and Class Size Report:  Presented by Liam Hurley, Assistant Superintendent/ Chief Financial & Administrative Officer and Katy Hogue, District Student Data Manager.
    • The purpose of this report is to:
      • Support enrollment planning for the upcoming school year.
      • Highlight capacity concerns & opportunities in next 5 years.
      • Guide use of resources in budget process.
      • Guide long-range planning
    • Highlights of the presentation included:
    • Elementary School:
      • Average class size down.
      • Percent of classes with 25 or more students is down (2%).
      • 5-year enrollment projections to decrease by 277 students.
    • Middle School:
      • Large grade cohorts arrive and move on to high school in next 5 years.
        • Projected # of teams increase next year, remain stable and then decrease in FY24 and FY25.
    • High School:
      • Both schools projected over 2,100 students over the next 5 years.
      • Enrollment to stay elevated until larger cohorts start graduating in 2026-27.
  • Literature and Diversity Update: Presented by Mary Eich, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, Brian Baron, Newton South High School English Department Head, Melissa Dilworth, Newton North High School English Department Head, Eileen Keane, Library Media Coordinator K-12, Deana Lew, Elementary Literacy Coordinator, Joelle Pedersen, Middle School Literacy Coordinator.
    • Goals:
      • Students will have reading experiences that reflect multiple identities and life experiences.
      • Students will read texts that are written by authors of diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
      • Students will have the skills to analyze and critique traditional (canonical) literature from multiple perspectives.
    • Elementary: Work being done to retrofit and upgrade classroom libraries and bookrooms.
    • Middle: Gaps exist in the curriculum related to Asian American experience, Latinx experience, immigration, neurodiversity, LGBTQIA issues, Black experience treated from a largely historical perspective, and a major gap in linguistic diversity.
    • High School: Work being done to add titles that counter dominant narratives, increase financial support for professional development, enhance culturally responsive teaching and recruit diverse teaching staff.

Consent Agenda

Next Meeting
On Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00PM the School Committee will meet in regular session.  We will receive an update on district-wide goals and discuss the 1:1 Chromebook Initiative.

We hope you found this summary useful. You can access all School Committee meeting documents via the NPS website (www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee). Additionally, if you are interested in watching an SC meeting from home or a recorded meeting, you can obtain access via www.newtv.org.  On the district Facebook page, you can find videos of past “Virtual Office Hours,” which are held once a month and provide the community with the opportunity to ask questions through the FB Live format.

As always, we are very happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us via the email address below.

Sincerely,
The Newton School Committee

News from the Superintendent

In recent weeks, there have been many articles in the media about the passion and commitment that young people bring to the issue of sustainability. Here in the Newton Public Schools, many of our students are at the forefront of this issue, as evidenced by their powerful speeches to our School Committee last week.

While we have had excellent high school elective courses for many years, sustainability concepts are now integrated into core science courses at all levels. When I met with 6th and 8th grade students last spring to discuss their Global Goals and Generation Citizen projects, I was struck by how knowledgeable they were about the science behind the environmental challenges we face. Just last week at an all school assembly, 5th grade students at Angier educated their peers on sustainable practices both at school and at home.

I look forward to strengthening our own sustainable practices as a district while continuing to provide our students with multiple opportunities to learn about, engage in, model, and actively support a more sustainable planet.

Global Goals at Oak Hill

Big picture

Sustainability in the Newton Public Schools

The Newton Public Schools has long been involved in and taken action in support of sustainable practices. Recently, the district renewed its commitment to sustainability with the formation of the School Sustainability Working Group. In addition to efforts such as installation of solar panels on school buildings and LED lighting in schools, the working group is exploring new practices in the areas of energy, food service, recycling, and transportation. You can find out more on the new webpage at: www.newton.k12.ma.us/sustainability.A few examples of initiatives underway include:

  • Adoption of a recycling policy to confirm commitment to recycling in schools
  • Installation of bike racks and shelters at schools to promote environmentally friendly transportation
  • Pilot composting programs at two elementary schools
  • Use of compostable lunch trays
  • Elimination of styrofoam and plastic straws in cafeterias (straws available if necessary)

Last Monday, the School Committee reviewed an update on the sustainability work being done throughout the district. You can view the presentation here. There is more work to be done and we look forward to working with our students, staff, and community partners to improve and expand sustainable practices in the Newton Public Schools.

Sheltered Bike Rack at Newton North

Big picture

Our Community Partners

NPS is fortunate to have strong community partners with expertise and experience in addressing environmental and sustainability issues. Through development of a Climate Action Plan, promotion of the Newton PowerChoice program, and multiple initiatives within city departments, it is a clear that sustainability is a priority for the City of Newton. Participating in these initiatives and encouraging school departments to do the same is a way in which we can work together to make real progress. The dedicated group of volunteers at School Connections Green Newton is helping us to engage families in this work at the school level and we are grateful for their partnership.

Students at Work

Sustainability has taken on a greater role in the Newton Public Schools and students are serving as strong leaders on the issues. At both North and South, students have the opportunity to take sustainability courses. In the classes, students investigate solutions to real world problems and work with community partners like Safe Routes to Schools, Bike Newton, Green City Growers, and more. Coursework often culminates in projects and community presentations related to recycling, pesticides, consumerism, renewable energy, and composting. You can find out more about senior projects on sustainability work here.This past fall, North hosted a Sustainability Day – a day of workshops, presentations, conversations and activities in which students, staff, and faculty learned about environmental and sustainability issues from their peers and community partners. South is planning a similar day in February focused more specifically on the issue of climate change.

At the K-8 level, sustainability is a part of all science curriculum, seeking to connect students to the natural world and develop resiliency. Partnering with local scientists, getting outside and being “citizen scientists,” and developing solutions to real world problems through project-based learning are ways in which students learn about the world around them and human impact on the planet. Whether it is designing a gaming app to educate about climate change or creating a “cozy house” to learn about energy efficiency, NPS students are learning how they can make a difference in creating a more sustainable world.

Newton North Sustainability Day

School Committee Update

Dear Friends,

This update is for the 1/13/2020 Newton School Committee meeting:

Special Meeting – SC Training

Newton Schools Foundation Update and Vote

Discussions/Updates
PTO Equity Committee:  Presented by School Committee member Kathy Shields and several representatives from the Equity Committee.

  • Highlights of the presentation included:
    • Fiscal Year 2020 is the first fiscal year in which PTOs must comply with the new equity guidelines.
    • The Equity Committee will continue to examine how schools with smaller student populations are affected by the cost of Creative Arts and Sciences.

Sustainability Update: Presented by Liam Hurley, Assistant Superintendent/ Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

  • Highlights of the presentation included:
    • 2019 Goals met: School Sustainability Working Group formed and meeting monthly since June 2019, System-Wide Goals approved, sustainability page published on NPS website.
    • 2020 Goals include: Promote recycling and waste management, reduce single-use plastics, food waste reduction, promote sustainable transportation, support sustainable sourcing of energy and participating in a culture shift towards a more sustainable Newton community.

Transportation Update: Presented by Liam Hurley, Assistant Superintendent/ Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

  • Recommendations included:
    • Enter into a Merchant Agreement with MySchoolBucks for an integrated online registration and fee payment system.
    • Adjust the timeline of the bus application process and develop a tiered bus fee structure to encourage early registration.

Buffer Zone Update: Presented by Liam Hurley, Assistant Superintendent/Chief Financial & Administrative Officer and Katy Hogue, District School Data Manager

  • Recommendations included:
    • Angier:  Utilize existing Angier buffer zones with Williams and Zervas with the intention of maintaining 3 kindergarten classes.
    • Zervas:  Utilize buffer zone with Mason Rice in order to maintain 4 Zervas kindergarten sections through elementary school.
    • Peirce:  Utilize Cabot Buffer Zone to maintain 2 kindergarten sections.
    • Bigelow: Utilize Buffer Zone with Day Middle School to maintain 2 teams per grade.

Consent Agenda
The School Committee voted unanimously to approve Tamika Olszewski as EDCO Representative, Horace Mann PTO 1-day liquor license, 12-16-2019 minutes, FY20 Grants and Steve Siegel as DRC appointee

Next Meeting
On Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00PM the School Committee will meet in regular session. We will discuss the Enrollment Planning and Class Size Report.

We hope you found this summary useful. You can access all School Committee meeting documents via the NPS website (www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee). Additionally, if you are interested in watching an SC meeting from home or a recorded meeting, you can obtain access via www.newtv.org. On the district Facebook page, you can find videos of past “Virtual Office Hours,” which are held once a month and provide the community with the opportunity to ask questions through the FB Live format.

As always, we are very happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us via the email address below.

Sincerely,
The Newton School Committee

School Committee Update

Dear Friends,

This update is for the 12/4/2019 Newton School Committee meeting:

Presentation of gift from the Newton Chinese Language School:

  • Members of the Board of Directors from the Newton Chinese Language School presented the School Committee with two decorative vases in celebration and appreciation of their 60th anniversary.  The school has been operating at F.A. Day Middle School on Sundays for 60 years!

Superintendent’s Report

  • Note to parents that weather-related announcements are posted on the NPS site and social media at 5AM prior to any 6AM phone calls.

  • Principal searches are being conducted at Angier, Brown and Underwood.  Dr. Fleishman noted his appreciation for two long-time NPS veterans, John Jordan, Principal of Brown Middle School (31 years) and Loretta Lamberti, Principal of Angier Elementary School (32 years).

Discussions/Updates

  • High School Principals’ Update: Principals Henry Turner (NNHS) and Joel Stembridge (NSHS), joined by Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Toby Romer, presented a summary of ongoing and new initiatives at our high schools.  They reviewed the mission statements and how they reflect the districtwide goals of academic excellence, educational equity and social and emotional wellness.

  • Highlights of the presentation included:

    • Civic Engagement

    • Technology Integration

    • Multi-Level Courses

    • Ongoing Professional Development.

Consent Agenda

Next Meeting

On Wednesday, December 16th at 7:00PM the School Committee will meet in regular session.  We will receive an update on MCAS, review the Enrollment Analysis Report, and give recognition to our two retiring School Committee members, Diana Fisher Gomberg and Steve Siegel.

We hope you found this summary useful. You can access all School Committee meeting documents via the NPS website (www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee). Additionally, if you are interested in watching an SC meeting from home or a recorded meeting, you can obtain access via www.newtv.org. On the district Facebook page, you can find videos of past “Virtual Office Hours,” which are held once a month and provide the community with the opportunity to ask questions through the FB Live format.

As always, we are very happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us via the email address below.

Sincerely,

The Newton School Committee

School Committee Update

Dear Friends,

This debrief includes an update on negotiations with the Newton Teachers Association as well as a debrief of the 10/21/2019 Newton School Committee meeting.

Many of you responded to our last newsletter asking for an update on our contract negotiations with the teacher’s union. We have been meeting regularly and more meetings are scheduled in the next few weeks. While the details are confidential until the terms of a new contract are ratified by both sides, we are able to share the following information:

  • Timeline:  The current negotiation process began 15 months ago when the union and the School Committee negotiating teams came together to develop a new contract. The goal and the sincere hope was to settle a new contract before the current one expired in August 2019.

  • Unions: Newton Public Schools has 3 unions: The Newton Teachers’ Association, which includes approximately 2,000 members comprised of teachers, all school administrators (except principals and central administration), classroom and special education aides, and IT professionals. Unlike many of our peer districts, the NTA is a very large and diverse group which makes the negotiating process longer and more complex. The Custodial Association (approximately 90 members, all custodians) and the Secretaries Union (approximately 60 administrative professionals) are smaller and less complex.

  • Budget: The NPS budget is developed in partnership with the Superintendent, central administration and principals and approved by the School Committee. The budget allocation for NPS comes from the City.

  • Contract: When a contract expires, its terms remain in full effect until replaced by a successor contract. While negotiations are ongoing, all NTA employees continue to receive salaries, step increases (unless they are at top step), healthcare, longevity pay, and all other benefits, except cost of living adjustment. NTA members will receive the cost of living adjustment (COLA) once the contract is settled.

  • Complexity: Public school contracts address many issues beyond salaries, health insurance and other benefits, such as stipends for work outside the school day, parental leave, sick time, prep time in school, to name a few.

  • Hard work: The negotiating team and the union have been working hard and creatively to settle the contract. We have made progress, working through many of the 60+ items that have been identified as priorities, including an early agreement last winter to begin full day kindergarten this fall.

Like many of you, the members of the School Committee decided to live and serve in Newton because of its wonderful school system. We have enormous respect for our skilled and dedicated educators who come to school every day excited about working with our children and passionate about education.  We look forward to continuing our work with the NTA and settling the contract soon.

10/21/19 School Committee Meeting:

NPS Updates

  • The Preliminary Enrollment Report showed that overall, enrollment dropped slightly for the second year, though there is variation among individual schools.

  • The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and School Connectedness surveys illustrated student reports of substance use, violence and safety, physical activity, and mental health. Materials included a 3-page summary, a full summary of results, Connectedness findings, and additional Connectedness summary graphs. Brief headlines: alcohol and tobacco use have declined, vaping has increased, concern about safety at school has increased; anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidality levels have not declined, and condom use has declined. The schools and city will continue to work collaboratively on these issues.

Other Updates and Second Readings

  • Second Reading, Discussion: NPS FY20 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The next major school building projects should be Franklin, Countryside, and Ward. The scope of work at Ward is to be determined, with community input.

Consent Agenda

  • The School Committee voted unanimously to approve the 10-7-19 Minutes, Overnight/Out-of-State Field Trips, and School Committee Secretary Appointment (renewing the appointment of Lisa Mazzola.)

Next Meeting

On Monday, November 4th at 7:00pm, we will receive an update from the Equity Working Group and Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ). In addition, the Irwin Blumer Book Awards will be made.

As always, we are very happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us via the email address below.We hope you found this summary useful. You can access all School Committee meeting documents via the NPS website (www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee). Additionally, if you are interested in watching an SC meeting from home or a recorded meeting, you can obtain access via www.newtv.org. On the district Facebook page, you can find videos of past “Virtual Office Hours,” which are held once a month and provide the community with the opportunity to ask questions through the FB Live format.

Sincerely,

The Newton School Committee