NPS News: Facilities, COVID, Tech, HS/MS


Dear NPS Families,

As we conclude our first full week of learning in the Newton Public Schools, I would like to provide you with an update on school operations. In this email, you will find information on the following topics:
  • Modifications to the facilities maintenance plan
  • COVID-19 case communication protocol
  • Technology device delivery update
  • Middle and high school dismissal time modification
  • Next steps on high school model discussion
  • Newton Community Education
  • Modifications to the Facilities Maintenance Plan

On Monday, Sept. 21, we shared a memo and presentation with the School Committee on revisions to our plan for maintenance, repair, and modification to the ventilation systems in our buildings. You can find the memo and presentation here: NPS Ventilation Plan to SC 9.21.20 and NPS SC Ventilation Presentation 9.21.20. 

Given the critical nature of ensuring all components of our HVAC systems are functioning at full capacity, the district, in partnership with the City of Newton Public Buildings Department, has developed a multi-pronged strategy to address the repair, maintenance, and modifications to our mechanical ventilation systems. This week, we engaged the following professionals to assist us with this work:
  • Mechanical engineering firm
  • HVAC contractor(s) (in addition to our current Boston Mechanical HVAC vendor)
  • Air testing and balancing firm(s)
The purpose of this work is to ensure that all components of our ventilation systems are operating at full capacity and meet or exceed professional standards. A timeline for this work will be shared with you as soon as it is finalized. All testing results, reports, and maintenance actions taken will be shared and posted to the NPS website. 

While this work is being completed, we are comfortable with students continuing in-person learning given the action steps we have taken to increase the introduction of fresh air into the building and the decreased number of students and staff in our spaces.

COVID-19 Case Communication Protocol

We know in this uncertain time, families want to receive timely information about COVID-19 infections in our school community. It is our commitment to be as transparent as possible, while also abiding by privacy regulations. In this linked document, you will find more specific information about our communication process and public health definitions. In addition, the Newton Department of Health and Human Services will maintain a data dashboard on their website to document positive COVID-19 cases in the Newton Public School community. This will include students and staff in all school models (hybrid, remote, and the Distance Learning Academy) and will be updated every Thursday.

Technology Device Delivery Update

We are committed to a 1:1 model for all students so that students in all learning models can access their academic programs with a district-issued device. We are waiting on the arrival of 2,300 iPads and 2,800 Chromebooks. While deliveries of devices have been delayed across the country, we expect the following:

Grades K-2: The iPad order shipped at the end of last week. We expect it to arrive this week.
Grades 4-5: Our Chromebook order, originally slated to ship in early September, is now expected to ship this week. 
DLA or Middle School - More than 1,000 devices have been distributed to students participating in fully remote learning without an alternative device at home. It is our intention to provide all students with an NPS device once the devices are delivered (see note above). Current distribution plans include families picking the devices up directly from their middle school or, in the case of DLA, the student’s home school.
When devices are ready for distribution, we will reach out with additional details.

Middle and High School Dismissal Time Modification

We are making the following change to the middle and high school dismissal time, beginning Oct. 7.

Wednesdays - 1:55 pm dismissal - Middle school
Wednesdays - 3:15 pm dismissal - High school
Next Steps on High School Model Discussion

We have received several questions about the high school distance learning model and our plans for updates and modifications. You can find answers to your questions here and learn more about next steps in our planning process.

Newton Community Education

Newton Community Education (NCE) is a branch of the Newton Public Schools that provides after-school enrichment opportunities for younger students as well as classes for teens and adults. Visit newtoncommunityed.org to see the complete course offerings. If you have questions, please email staff@newtoncommunityed.org. 

We look forward to next week as we settle into a rhythm for the 2020-21 school year.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Superintendent of Schools
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NPS Devices for Elementary Hybrid Students


Dear Elementary Families with Students in the Hybrid Model:

This letter is meant to provide you with an update on providing NPS devices to students for learning both remotely at home and in-person:

We are committed to providing a 1:1 model for all students so that devices can be used both in the classroom during in-person opportunities and at home for remote work. 

We are waiting on the arrival of 2300 iPads and 2800 Chromebooks. As stated previously, deliveries of devices are delayed across the country. 

Grades K-2: The good news is that the iPad order shipped at the end of last week. We expect it to arrive this week.

Grades 3-5: Our Chromebook order, originally slated to ship in early September, is now expected to ship this week. 

When the orders arrive, we will have some processing to do to prepare the devices for distribution. Once processed, the devices will be given to the schools to directly distribute to students. 

We understand that the unavailability of devices poses challenges for access. We are committed to getting the devices into student hands as soon as possible and are dependent on the arrival of these orders to do so. When devices are ready for distribution, we will be sending them directly to schools to give to students.

Thank you.

Steven Rattendi

Director of Information Technology and Library Services

Newton Public Schools
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Community Quilt


In June, the Burr teachers sent out construction paper squares for students to decorate for a Community Quilt project. We hope the students enjoyed working on them and look forward to sharing pictures of our completed quilt. 

Your child should bring his/her quilt square into school next week. If you are new to Burr, or have misplaced the square, please let your child's teacher know, and we will send a new one with directions for completion.
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Membership Toolkit Directory


We have updated our Online Family Directory with new cohorts, staff changes and other fields to help families stay connected. Please click below and login to update your information. 




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Message from Burr Distance Learning Academy Liaisons


Al Olszewski and Christine Dutt are the DLA liaisons for Burr students and families. Our role is to facilitate communication between Burr School and Burr PTO with the Burr families in the DLA. We will also help connect Burr students in the DLA with each other and with all Burr families. Please email Al and Christine at burrdla@gmail.com with your name and the name and grade of your student(s) so that we can begin to communicate with you and start pulling together class lists. We’re also here to help answer questions and support DLA families. 
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Boys & Girls Club


The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton is currently accepting registrations for its full-coverage Out-of-School Time Program for elementary school students. This 5 day, small cohort program is priced at $10-$15 per hour and provides two half days of coverage and three full days of coverage followed by enriching activities during the after-school hours. Complete details are available at www.newtonbgc.com
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SURVEILLANCE VIRAL TESTING PILOT FOR NEWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 



SURVEILLANCE VIRAL TESTING PILOT FOR NEWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS - PLEASE NOTE THAT SURVEY IS FOR NEWTON PARENTS ONLY

We are a group of scientists/physicians/parents who are engaged in the Safer Teachers, Safer Students: Back-to-School SARs-CoV-2 Testing Collaborative. This is a growing group of MA towns who are launching pilot programs to develop a comprehensive, coordinated infrastructure for surveillance (asymptomatic) viral testing of preK-12 staff/students to detect and reduce viral transmission and help our schools to open successfully and remain open.

We are seeking your input on a pilot viral testing program for Newton Public Schools.

This survey is completely anonymous and will remain open until Midnight on Thursday 09/24/2020.

To enable us to get accurate results, PLEASE submit ONLY ONE response per family. Thank you!

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LigerBots FIRST Lego League Opportunity


My name is Iris Yang and I go to Newton South High School. I am on the LigerBots (Newton’s high school robotics team) and I wanted to let you know the LigerBots are hosting an online Info Night on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7 pm to introduce parents to the FIRST Lego League (FLL). FLL is a robotics competition activity where kids in grades K-8 form teams of between 2-10 students, to learn how to build and program a LEGO robot to solve specific problems. The goal is to create a fun and friendly atmosphere for learning. If parents can’t make the info night or need more information, there are additional resources listed  below. 

The link to sign up below is:


Thank you, 

Iris Yang


Ligerbots, Team 2877

Additional Information: 

FIRST Mission Statement:


Game and Season Info: 



FIRST LEGO League is:

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Williams After School Club


Hello Burr Families,

The Williams After School Club, Inc. is opening our enrollment at the United Parish of Auburndale to other Elementary schools in Newton. 

Enrollment for our Auburndale Community Enrichment  located at the United Parish of Auburndale OPEN for 5-day enrollment!  Our full-day 8am-5pm program will support distance learning while promoting relationship building, social-emotional learning, and physical activity. There are options to send your child from 8:00am-12:30pm or 12:30pm to 6:00pm (no transportation provided). For additional information and rates please contact director@williamsafterschool.org.
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