March 4, 2022

Cardinals,

Spring Break is just around the corner and the school year is entering into its final stages. As we break into the month of March it is important to keep in mind some very important happenings in our District: Parent / Teacher Conferences, Report Cards, and Graduation. In addition to these events which are “regular” events in the Newton Community School District, we have another special occurrence in our school news: an update to our Return to Learn Plan.

At the last school board meeting, held on February 28, 2022, the Newton Community School District Board of Directors approved three changes to our Return to Learn Plan. The first of these changes is the availability of drinking fountains. The District shut down regular drinking fountains for the Fall of 2020 and they have been out of service since then. Drinking fountains are now available throughout our district. We are, however, still encouraging students to bring their water bottles and fill them up at our filling stations. The drinking fountains located in our buildings will be disinfected daily.

The second change to our Return to Learn plan is how we handle masks / face coverings. The CDC has continued its recommendation to wear masks in our schools during the pandemic until just recently. They have now removed that recommendation. Our Return to Learn Plan had stated “face-coverings are optional for students, staff, or visitors, and are recommended by the CDC.” We have now removed the words “and are recommended by the CDC” from our plan to reflect the current recommendations and guidelines.

The third and final change to our Return to Learn Plan is in the area of transportation. Masks had been required on all school buses as a result of a Federal order. That order is now lifted. The updated language in our plan now states “the CDC is no longer requiring the wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education / child programs.” This change takes effect immediately.

Our Return to Learn Plan can be found on our website (www.newtoncsd.org) and continues to be reviewed and revised to stay in compliance with the guidelines and recommendations from local, state, and federal agencies. Any additional changes to our plan will be communicated to you as they get approved through our school board.

I hope everyone is able to enjoy their Spring Break. Be safe and come back ready to complete the 2022-2023 school year.

Yours truly,

Tom Messinger, Superintendent

Newton High School Choir

The Newton High School Choir has had a busy year, and are excited for upcoming performances.

Seniors Plans for Next Year

As we near the end of the third quarter, Seniors are making plans for next year! With a number of paths to take, we are proud of how NCSD prepares our Seniors for anything they set their minds to!

Teacher Feature- Kelly Kaufman

Kelly Kauffman has been a great team member at Emerson Hough Elementary. She is a integral part of the team, and does an amazing job meeting children for each of their individual needs. Learn more about her here!

Student Registration and Re-Enrollment

Student Registration & Re-Enrollment for the 2022 – 2023 school year has begun!

The Newton Community School District is proud to offer families top-notch and best educational choices in Iowa. We serve approximately 3,000 students (PreK – 12th Grades) enrolled in small class sizes at our seven schools – four elementary, Berg Middle School, Newton High School, and WEST Academy.

Check out our School Boundaries Map to find your child’s elementary school!

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION – 4 YEAR OLD PROGRAM

If your child will be 4 years old on or before September 15, 2022 please complete and return a Preschool application (with required documents) to the Central Registrar’s Office (EJH Beard Administration Center, 1302 First Avenue West – Newton, Iowa).

Click here to learn more about the Preschool Registration process! Click here for a Preschool application!

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

If your child will be 5 years old by September 15, 2022, your child can be registered for Kindergarten. Please complete and return a Kindergarten application packet (with required documents) to the Central Registrar’s Office (EJH Beard Administration Center, 1302 First Avenue West – Newton, Iowa).

Click here to learn more about the Kindergarten Registration process! Click here for a Kindergarten application!

RE-ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS

For information on re-enrolling a current student through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, please click here! Re-enrollment for the 2022 – 2023 school year opens Mon, March 7, 2022.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEW or RETURNING STUDENTS

Families new to the Newton Community School District or returning after ending their enrollment, or after being enrolled in another district, will need to contact the Central Registrar during business hours (Mon-Fri) (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM) to begin the registration process.

If you have any questions about student registration or re-enrollment for the 2022 – 2023 school year, please contact Melinda Robertson (District Office, Central Registrar) at 641.792.5809 or robertsonm@newtoncsd.org