Dear families,

As we enter our third week with students in the building, we want to say thank you again to all of our teachers, to our fantastic scholars, and to you for your patience and support.

Remember we have our first PTO meeting this Tuesday, October 6th, at 6:30pm via Zoom — the link will be sent out to everyone soon via email.  We hope to see you there!

And looking ahead, a reminder that there is no school on Monday, October 12th.

Playground Use During the School Day:

As the mayor noted in her update this week, for the safety of everyone, we must reserve use of the school grounds and playground during school hours for only those students present for in-person learning that day.  That means 8:30am-3pm every day, as we do have some students in the building (and having recess) from 12:30-3pm as well.

Mayor Fuller’s Note:

It’s great to have some of our youngsters back in school buildings.  While our elementary schools have the most students on-site currently, our middle and high schools also have some students attending daily as well.  Students are going outside for recess and some athletes in some sports are also having practices and games.

As part of our COVID-19 protocols, our schools are paying a lot of attention to students’ interactions being within cohorts, physical distancing and the use of face coverings.

To support these health efforts, school playgrounds and school grounds during school hours are for students attending the affiliated public school during their in-person learning time.  Fields and tracks at both high schools after school are for our students’ use during team practices, games and meets.

Please do not enter these areas during these hours and instead wait to use them after our students are gone.

Flu Vaccine Clinics

Newton’s Health and Human Services Department has scheduled two drive-through/walk-up, appointment-based, weekend flu clinics open to Newton residents and Newton Public Schools students and their families.

Registration is not yet open for these clinics.  Online appointment registration will open tomorrow (October 5th) at www.newtonma.gov/flu.

Adults and children older than 6 months may be vaccinated at these clinics.  Some high-dose flu vaccine will be available for adults who are at least 65 years old.  These clinics are free and health insurance information is requested, but not required.  If you do not have a vehicle, you may walk-up to receive a vaccine.

Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Newton North High School  (457 Walnut Street)

Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Newton South High School  (140 Brandeis Road)

Additional dates may be added depending upon demand.

Appointments are required and may fill quickly.  Alternatively, consider getting a flu shot at an another time and place; they are available in many locations, including primary healthcare provider offices, local pharmacies and urgent care clinics.  A list of some additional options for flu shots can be found at newtonma.gov/flu.

Please note that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is requiring the flu vaccine for all students by December 31, 2020.  Once your student has received their flu immunization, please send the documentation to our school nurse, Kristen Thibodeau (thibodeauk@newton.k12.ma.us).

Thank you all again, and have a great week!

Principal Morrissey & the PTO