Class of 2024 Update

Hello Adams House Families (Class of 2024):

I hope that everyone is doing well. I have really enjoyed being a part of the North community. From my perspective, there are some students who have transitioned well and others still needing to get connected. This note should serve as an update for how students can access activities that are happening around the North community.  

Updates

Being engaged will help freshmen to stay connected to school and meet peer groups of like minded students who will help them to get better acclimated and find their voice. Freshman Cabaret 2020 is planning for a virtual show in December 2020! Freshman Cabaret is a no cut show for freshmen that we have annually. Theatre is a great opportunity to find expression in your first year of high school. There is still time to sign up for Freshman Cabaret, contact them at froshcab20@gmail.com for more information. 

Our fall athletics program is well underway, with a number of freshman teams and freshmen on varsity teams making statements throughout the Bay State League. 

Club Day last week was very exciting. A host of upperclassmen came out to show the best that their clubs have to offer. The Art History Club, Improv Club and Kindness Club (to name a few) will all be meeting during flex block. Many others have chosen to come together after school. At the conclusion of this week, we will have elected our first student government positions. The positions are: A Freshman Class President, five Freshmen Class Vice Presidents, and representatives to the Student Faculty Administration (3 positions + 1 alternate).  The president and VPs work together to organize school-sponsored events and activities and raise funds for the class. 

·      Elections - Friday 10/30

·      Term One Ends - 11/6 

Teacher feedback regarding grades is available the week following the end of the term   

What is the school’s website? https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/nnhs

NNHS Families website with important links: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/domain/47

NNHS FAQ for Parents/Guardians of 9th Graders

Pandemic Edition

What if there’s a problem with my student’s schedule? Class schedules are completed over the summer. Please meet your student’s counselor to address any scheduling problems.

Are athletic and extracurricular athletics available? Based on the recent guidelines established by the EEA, DESE, MIAA,  Bay State Conference, and Newton Public Schools, the Newton School Committee voted to allow the following sports participation the Fall 2020 Season; Boys and Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Golf, Girls Swim and Dive, and Boys and Girls Cross Country will begin the week of Monday, September 21st. All student-athletes interested in trying out for a fall sport must be registered through FamilyID.com. 

Football, Cheerleading, Dance, Girls Volleyball, and Unified Basketball have been moved to the MIAA Fall 2 Season, with tentative season dates of 2/22/21-4/25/21. MASKS ARE REQUIRED AS SPECIFIED BY MIAA SPORT SPECIFIC RULE MODIFICATIONS AND THE NEWTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT for all participants, coaches, and spectators at practices and games. In accordance with Newton Public School Health and Safety Policies, GAITERS ARE NOT PERMITTED for athletic participation. All information in this document is subject to change. Thanks for your patience as we work through these challenging times. Check the school website for clubs and other extracurricular activities. https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/domain/497

What school supplies does my student need? Students will only need to use their own laptop, or their school issued Chromebook to connect to online classes.  If your student needs a loaner Chromebook, please contact Adams House, 617-559-6310.

Is there bus service to the high school? Transportation questions answered here https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/214.

How does the school communicate with parents? Email your student's teacher if you have questions or concerns. Counselors can be helpful as well. Find teachers and counselors here https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/domain/499.

Visit our school’s web page http://www.newton.k12.ma.us. Reminders about upcoming events will be listed. There are links to special sites for kids and classroom web pages as well. It is our policy to use only the first name of students.

Where can I find staff contact information? A phone directory can be found on the web page https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/domain/499.

How do I find out my student’s Counselor, or track their progress? If you are unable to reach your student's counselor and it is urgent, please call the Counseling Office at (617)559-6230

Who do I contact if my child is struggling academically?   When a student is struggling, contact the teacher. If they continue to struggle contact the counselor and Dean.  

Where can I find out about NNHS rules, requirements and policies? In any society, there is a critical balance to be struck between freedom and responsibility. We seek to achieve this balance through the daily implementation of the policies and guidelines contained in our handbook. Each year, the handbook is reviewed and updated to reflect changes in State and Federal law, as well as recently enacted School Committee policies. Please familiarize yourself with the handbook’s contents. A complete version of all our district policies are available on our website, https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2915. 

When does the school day start and end?  The first class of the day begins at 9:15am. The last class of the day ends at 3:55pm. This is the daily schedule except on Wednesdays.  All blocks meet on Wednesdays beginning at 9:15 and the last class of the day ends at 3:15pm.  Your student’s schedule will dictate when they are to be in class, academic support or community/homeroom. 

Need to report a student attendance:   click here!

Student and Parent Involvement

How can my student meet peers or get involved in the school? Extra-curricular activities are a great way to meet peers. Club Day was held virtually on October 23rd. Meetings and events are advertised in announcements through email and Schoology. Clubs are student driven, so class officers should be in touch with classmates. If your student continues to struggle with getting involved, please reach out to counseling. They can help your student to find their way.

How can I get involved in the school? The NNHS PTSO strives to bring together the parents and guardians of our diverse student body in ways that are both enriching and enjoyable.  We invite you to join the North PTSO community; to take advantage of the many educational, cultural, and fundraising events throughout the year; and to use these great opportunities to socialize, volunteer, and learn as you connect with other parents and guardians.  

PTSO  https://web.northptso.org/site/

Clubs  https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/domain/497

We hope you and your child/children have a great year!