NPS sent a COVID Update newsletter on December 30, 2021 during the winter break. You can access the COVID Update here:

NPS COVID Update - December 30, 2021

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, has updated their isolation and quarantine guidance for positive cases and close contacts. You can review the new guidance here:

Revised Isolation and Quarantine Guidance - Updated December 30, 2021.

Two of the most important steps we can take right now to mitigate COVID transmission in our schools and community are to wear masks properly and to conduct the daily health assessment. Here is the most recent information on masks:

Face Coverings - January 2022

We are encouraging everyone to consider upgrading their masks to at least a surgical mask. KN95 or N95 masks also are more protective. No mask will be effective if it is not worn properly. Please ensure your child(ren) understands how to properly wear a mask which will reinforce the same messaging we are providing in schools. For additional information on masks, please visit the CDC’s website: CDC Mask guidance. NPS has also received a supply of KN95 masks for our staff who may choose to wear them.

A reminder that regardless of vaccination status, all staff and students Pre-K-12 are required to wear a face-covering throughout the day (including on the bus) except while eating, drinking,or outside. The face covering should be well fitting, covering the nose and mouth. Make sure the mask fits snugly against the face. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask. Pick a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out. A mask with layers will stop more respiratory droplets getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask if you are sick.

Daily Health Assessment - January 2022

Below please review the graphic that identifies possible symptoms of COVID-19. Please be sure you are conducting this health assessment daily with your student and keep students home when sick.

The faculty, staff, and administrators in the Newton Public Schools are energized and ready to welcome students back to in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. We are focused on and excited to begin re-establishing community amongst students, staff, and families, fostering climates of belonging and inclusion for all, and resuming our rich academic and extra-curricular programs.

Please find our Back to School plan here: 2021-22 Back to School Health and Safety Plan - August 18, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is still a part of our daily lives and as such, we are implementing health and safety protocols in our school buildings to provide safer and healthier learning environments for students and staff. Protocols and procedures will be revisited regularly as we monitor health data in our community and the state.

Please visit the tabs to the left side of this page for information and resources. If you have questions, please email: community@newton.k12.ma.us