From The Newton South High School Athletic Director

Newton MA

09 September, 2021

6:51 PM

Description

Press release from the Newton South High School PTSO: September 9, 2021 Vaccination Requirements-Testing The NPS School Committee is requiring that student-athletes and students involved in extracurricular theater be fully vaccinated or participate in weekly surveillance testing. (We strongly encourage that you do both!) Please read this important information from our Vice-Principal. To provide proof of vaccination, students must log in to their NPS Google account and use the NPS Student Vaccination Confirmation Form to upload a photo of their vaccination card. Students must be logged into their NPS Google account to use this form, allowing NPS to easily connect their response with their last name. Please have each student in a family log in separately or on their school-assigned device to complete the form. Students are also required to check symptoms daily before attending practices by using the Fall 2021 Daily CV-19 Attendance Form regardless of vaccination status. Vaccination information: Evidence continues to show that the vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection, hospitalizations, and death. Still not vaccinated? Attend a Clinic! NPS is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics in September and October for people 12 and older at two sites, Newton North and Newton South High Schools. (The time and dates are the same for both locations) Saturday, Sept. 11, 8:00 a.m. to noon and Saturday, Oct. 2, 8:00 a.m. to noon Newton South Sign Up Link: https://tinyurl.com/NEWTONSOUTHVAX Newton North Sign Up Link: https://tinyurl.com/NEWTONNORTHVAX Vaccines are also readily available at pharmacies including Keyes Drug in Auburndale, Union Pharmacy in Newton Centre, CVS and Walgreens, and at other locations in Newton and across the state. Find a location at mass.gov. In addition to the health benefits to individuals and the community, fully vaccinated students will experience fewer quarantine/testing requirements in NPS Schools. NPS COVID Protocols for Athletics and Extended Theater Productions You can find the NPS protocols here. Please review them with your student-athlete as soon as possible. Indoor masks: Indoor mask use is required of all athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators. Gaitors are not allowed in NPS. Spectators: This season two (2) family members per player will be allowed to attend the indoor competitions. There is no limitation for outdoor spectators at this time. Locker rooms: Locker rooms will only be used to change into gear. A limited number of students will use the space at the same time and distancing must be maintained. No equipment nor clothes will be left in the locker rooms. As during last year the student gym bag is their locker. Food: Sharing food or drinks is not allowed at this time (no cakes, cupcakes, pizza, fruits, seeds, etc.) Transportation: Per state mandate, students must wear a properly fitting face mask while riding the bus. In addition, windows must be kept open and proper distance maintained. Strength and Conditioning Trainer Returns to South Fitness Center! Starting Thursday, September 9th, Will McGrath, a certified strength and conditioning trainer from Marathon Physical Therapy, will provide daily supervision to athletes who use the Fitness Center. Coach McGrath will work with our athletes, coaches, and out-of-season teams to provide challenging workouts in a safe and controlled manner. The Center will be open daily for three hours after school. Fitted face masks and cleaning protocols are required to use the room. Students must check-in by using their phone cameras to scan the QR code at the door. For safety reasons, the room can only be used while supervision is present. Please welcome Coach McGrath to South! Lions Pride Day – A Great Day at South! Last Friday, athletes and coaches gathered at the South's Stadium field for a morning of games and community-building activities led by South Wellness teacher and coach Mr. Alan Rotatori. The day was a chance to be together as one big team for the first time in many months and to understand the value of belonging to the Lion family! Our new principal, Ms. Stras also addressed the students and shared a fun morning with us. To wrap up the day, the Girls Volleyball players led all athletes in a South cheer. Good luck to all our student-athletes this season! This press release was produced by the Newtown South High School Parent Teacher Student Organization. The views expressed here are the author's own.