A Note from the Principal . . . .
This past week our faculty engaged in the work of welcoming your children back to a new year at Day. In addition to the many logistics of opening school, we talked about the critical importance of creating a community of belonging. Current research supports the idea that an individual's need for belonging is just as important as their need for other basic needs.
How do children belong in a school community? It begins by the adults taking time to know them.... not just as learners, but as human beings. At Wednesday's opening day faculty meeting, we introduced the idea of our children having "funds of knowledge". It is a term that refers to students' collective knowledge and experiences that connects them to their culture and their families. Our goal this year is to use our students' "funds of knowledge" to better engage them in learning and creating connections with peers and staff.
How do will we accomplish this? This week, you can expect a brief phone call from your child's advisory teacher. It is just the first of what we hope will be many opportunities to get to our know our students from the perspective of their families and the beginning of what we hope will be a strong home/school partnership. Additionally, during this first week of school, teachers will focus on forging connections and getting to know their students by asking them to share.... about their learning experiences, their hopes, their worries, their dreams, their likes, their dislikes, their skills and their joys. It is a journey that leads to the creation of a shared sense of connection and belonging and is the true key to success in a middle school community.
SAVE THE DATE:
Monday, September 4, 2023 - No School Labor Day Holiday
Tuesday, September 5, 2023: First Day of School for Students
Monday, September 18, 2023: Parent Cell Phone Info Session: "Away for the Day at Day" at 6:30 p.m .
Thursday, September 21, 2023: Student Picture Day
Thursday, September 28, 2023: Early Release Day
Thursday, October 5, 2023: Back to School Night
WELCOME BACK VIDEO TO STUDENTS!
Linked below is a Welcome Message to Day that I sent to all Day students on Friday. Hopefully you have all received a copy as well. The video reviews back to school routines as well as previews some exciting new initiatives at Day.
Additionally, in the video I informed students of a shift in our cell phone expectations as part of our "Away For the Day at Day" Program. Students will no longer be able to use cell phones before school hours in our building this year. They will have access to their cell phones after school as we know students often need their phones to be in touch with families. As a reminder, we ask families to support our efforts to keep cell phones away during the school day by refraining from texting your child during the day.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Bus passes are now available and should be downloaded from Aspen.
Here are the instructions for downloading the pass:
1) Log into Aspen: https://aspen.newton.k12.ma.us/
2) Click on Family Tab at the top
3) Click on Child's Name
4) Click on Documents Side Tab
5) Look for and download Bus Pass 2023-2024 document
Once the pass is downloaded and printed, it can be attached to your student’s backpack or book bag. Some families use a luggage tag or a clear sleeve with carabiner to attach the bus pass. It can also be carried inside the backpack, though easy access to the pass is helpful.
Secondary students with a smartphone can download or display a screenshot of the bus pass on their devices.
Please do not board a bus without a bus pass.
If you have any questions about bus passes or new registrations, please contact the NPS transportation department at:
617-559-9051
bus_transportation@newton.k12.ma.us
Just a note that bus registration is currently closed while our staff review routes and ridership. Once we have assessed available space and confirmed routes, registration will re-open, likely in mid-September.
NEW PROCEDURE TO REPORT ABSENCES
There is nothing more important to your child's transition to a new school year than attending school every day on time. Being late to school or missing days of school disrupts students' routines and negatively impacts the development of strong executive functioning skills.
Newton Public Schools has updated and clarified the K-12 student attendance and absence procedures to ensure alignment across levels and compliance with school committee and state guidance. To read about the details click here: Student Attendance and Absence Procedures.
IMPORTANT:
Day, and the other middle schools will now be utilizing a Googleform for parents (instead of the absence phone line) for you to report when students will be absent.
THE LINK TO THE GOOGLE FORM IS BELOW.
. This form will be available at the bottom of all of the weekly newsletters as well as on the Day MS website. (Protip: Bookmark this link so you can access it easily.)
The student attendance and absence procedures document linked above includes clarification on absences that are considered excused and unexcused.
The following are examples of absences that are considered as unexcused.
Family Vacation - Students out of school for a family vacation e.g., Disney trips, family events, including weddings, international travel, etc.
Private School/College Visit - Student visiting a private school/college or other non-NPS school program during regular school hours.
Traveling - Family travel for non-vacation reasons e.g., parent sabbatical, ski school. Students who leave Newton for extended periods will be withdrawn and should re-enroll when they return.
Other Examples - Student stays home from school to not attend a field trip or participate in a planned curricular event.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Breakfast will NOT be served on the first day as we will be using the cafeteria to welcome 6th grade students.
6th Grade Students:
Report to the cafeteria on the first floor. They will find a table with their homeroom advisory teacher's name and sit down. Teachers will greet students there.
7th Grade Students
Will report to their homeroom advisory classes. The room numbers for the classes were posted in ASPEN this Friday, August 25th. Staff will be available to guide students.
8th Grade Students
Will report to their homeroom advisory classes. The room numbers for the classes were posted in ASPEN this Friday, August 25th. Staff will be available to guide students.
New Students Without Team and Homeroom Advisory Assignments
Students new to Day who do not have a homeroom advisory assignment should report to the main office. Enter through the 21 Minot Place entrance.
COFFEE AND TOURS WITH THE PRINCIPAL
This school year I will be hosting a morning coffee accompanied by a walkthrough our school so caregivers can see our building in action.
These events will be scheduled every other month on Friday mornings from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Save the dates below:
SAVE THE DATE:
September 15, 2023 with Guest Visitor Dr. Anna Nolin
November 17, 2023
January 12, 2024
March 15, 2024
May 17, 2024
"Suggested" School Supply List
Linked below is a list of "suggested supplies" complied by grade. It is a general supply list to help your child get the year started but does not include more specific items that might be required for each class.
Please note that this is only a "suggested" supply list. We will offer supplies to any child who does not have access to their own. Also, children DO NOT need all of these supplies on the first day of school. Typically they should bring:
- A pen or pencil
- A combination lock
- One notebook
- One folder
- An independent reading book
Teachers will review them any additional supplies they might need to support their learning each year.
CHROMEBOOKS: 1:1 TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Every student in grades 6-10 in the Newton Public Schools is issued a Chromebook as part of the 1:1 Technology Program. Students in grades 11-12 have the option of bringing their own device or using an NPS issued device. The Chromebook is for use both in school and at home.
Entering 6th graders are provided with a Chromebook they will use for the length of time they are in middle school. Entering 9th graders are provided with a Chromebook they will use for the length of time they are in high school. Devices are kept by the student over the summer.
Chromebooks are issued in September. To issue your student a Chromebook, and for those who have not yet completed the form, please do the following:
Sign the Chromebook Loan Agreement - please read and agree to the Chromebook Loan Agreement available in our Aspen Portal. Printable and translated copies are also available. We will not issue devices to students in grades 6 and 9 until the loan agreement is signed. Please also review with your child.
Consider Opting-In to the NPS Chromebook Repair Fund - Families are responsible for the cost of damages to Chromebook devices. We encourage you to sign up for our Optional Chromebook Repair Fund. For $25 per year, all accidental damage to the device, including screen cracks, liquid spills, damages from dropping, etc. will be covered. Sign-up and payment for the Chromebook Repair Fund is done through the MySchoolBucks Portal.
In addition, we encourage you to examine some of the resources on Online Safety and Digital Citizenship posted on our website, and engage your children in conversations on these topics on a regular basis.
More information about the 1:1 Device program can be found on the NPS 1:1 Technology Overview Page.
Accessories for Chromebooks
This year we are asking the parents add two important Chromebook accessories to students' school supply list:
1. Plug-in Chromebook Headphones
As part of the "Away for the Day" cell phone initiative, bluetooth/wireless ear buds and headphones WILL NOT BE ALLOWED in school. As a result we ask that every family purchase plug in headphones for school use of Chromebooks. (an example is linked below) If families are not able to purchase this item, one will be provided by the school.
2. Chromebook Protective Case or Sleeve
Last year there were damages to hundreds of student Chromebooks at Day resulting in families receiving a repair bill. Investment in an inexpensive protection for your child's Chromebook will hopefully avoid unnecessary damages.
Chromebook case (dimensions: Dimensions 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 in. (W X D X H)
(an example is linked below)
AWAY FOR THE DAY AT DAY PROGRAM
I will be sharing more information about the "Away for the Day" program at a Caregiver Information Session on our new Cell Phone Program. See the meeting invitation and information below:
Date: Monday, September 18, 2023 (NEW DATE!!)
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual (See the link below)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/86427515550
Meeting ID: 864 2751 5550
Passcode: 981395
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Meals at NPS this School Year
Massachusetts will again provide universally-free meals for students in the 2023-24 school year. Please note the following
The FIRST breakfast and lunch are free each day
Please note that first meals are free for all students. However, second meals and a la carte items must be paid for with cash or with MySchool Bucks.
Paid Meal Pricing for Second Meals
The student charge for second meals is $5.25 for elementary students and $5.50 for middle and high school students.
How to use MySchoolBucks
Please create or check your family MySchoolBucks lunch account to ensure there are funds available if your child purchases a second meal or a la carte items (middle and high school only).
The district cannot allow negative balances in student accounts. Please ensure that your student's account has funds to purchase second meals or a la carte foods if you choose to allow this option for your student.
All student meals must be processed at the register
All student meals must have their meal scanned at the Point of Sale register - even though the first meals are free. This is necessary so that Newton receives the accurate federal and state revenue to operate the program.
Student ID barcode cards will be provided for all K-5 students, which will be waiting for them at school on the first day of school. The cards will remain at school, and each school will determine how the kids will access their cards each day.
DAY PTO
We hope you will consider joining the Day PTO. This is a wonderful way to get involved in supporting your child at the middle level. There are volunteer opportunities from being a Team Parent to sponsoring Teacher Appreciation Events to chaperoning the Fall Fest Dances.
Please reach out to the Day PTO a the contact information below.
FALL MUSICAL
The Fall 2023 Musical will be Mean Girls.
A note from Ms. McGettrick, Day Drama Teacher, about some new policies around the fall musical. See below.
We are going to make certain audition materials for Mean Girls jr. accessible all summer, and interested families of incoming students who don't yet know Schoology will be able to get access through a Google Drive share - I've done this before through a Google Form on my website, and it's been successful for helping new families get oriented.
NEW - For the musical - We are going to formally audition only the 7th and 8th graders for principal roles and ensemble roles.
We want to maximize opportunities, but also minimize stress and pressure, as new students get acclimated to the program.
To that end - Sixth graders will have a separate two-day audition process to provide an orientation to what rehearsals and performances are like, and we will provide a more holistic approach to the audition process - for example, more small group singing in the audition, than solo singing, etc. I see this as an incredibly positive teaching opportunity as they get adjusted to middle school, in general, but seeing if Day Drama is a good fit for what they'd like to do after school.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE FALL MUSICAL, CLICK ON THE DAY DRAMA WEBSITE BELOW.
FALL SPORTS AND AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT DAY
Day Middle School offers diverse opportunities in sports, clubs and drama.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Afterschool Enrichment Directors by email.
Andy Comings comingsa@newton.k12.ma.us
Mark Murphy murphym@newton.k12.ma.us
After school programs typically end at 4:00 p.m. A late bus is available to students at 4:10 p.m. (Sports games end after 4:00 p.m an individual transportation must be arranged. Practices all end by 4:00 p.m.)
Basic Info:
Families must sign their athlete up on FamilyID before the first day of practice/tryouts . When asked about payment click pay by check. Myschoolbucks (the way to pay online) will open once team rosters are finalized. An email will go home when payment is open and families may choose at that time to pay online or by check (financial assistant is available).
The school must also have an up to date physical on record by Monday, September 11, 2023.
Preseason meetings will be held before or after school on Friday 9/8, Monday 9/11 or Tuesday 9/12. The exact day and location will be announced the first week of school.
Timing:
Fall Sports: 9/11/23-11/3/23
Fall Intramurals 9/18 -11/10
Clubs Projected Start Date: week of 9/18
Sports:
Fall Interscholastic Sports:
Soccer (Boys’ and Girls’ Teams, 7th and 8th ONLY, this is a tryout sport)
Cross Country - Open to All Day Students
Flag Football - Open to All Day Students
Fall Intramural Offerings: (pending staffing of positions)
Our hope is to offer the following this fall depending on staffing:
Kickball
Ultimate Frisbee
Staffing:
Cross Country Head Coach: Ian Moloney
Cross Country Assistants: Hannah Alegbeleye, Jayne Kerner, Sean Paige
Girls Soccer Head Coach: Adam Lunin
Girls Soccer Assistant: Amanda Church
Boys Soccer Head Coach: Mark Murphy
Boys Soccer Assistant: TBA
Flag Football Head Coach: Leah Bowers
Flag Football Assistant: Zack Herring
Intramural Ultimate Frisbee: Dylan Landfear
How do I sign up my child?
The first step to registering your child is to log into Family ID using the information linked below in the Welcome Letter.
F.A. Day Sports and Intramural Welcome Registration Letter
TIMELINE FOR FALL SPORTS
- The Family ID Portal opened Friday, August 25th and registration CLOSES on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
- Coaches meetings will be help NO LATER THAN Monday, September 11, 2023.
- Information about fall sports will be updated on the school website by Monday, September 11, 2023.
- Physicals are due in the office by Monday, September 11, 2023.
- The first practice for fall sports will begin on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
DRAMA AND CLUBS
Clubs at Day typically begin on a rolling basis at Day the week of September 18, 2023. Information about clubs and the upcoming tryouts for the fall musical are linked in the letter below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DAY
Linked below is an important list of common questions that families often ask about our school. Included is information about the first day of school as well as information about who to call with specific questions. This is a great reference guide that will support your family throughout the school year.
