January 18, 2024
January 18, 2024
Dear NPS Families,
Today, the Newton Teachers Association (NTA) voted to strike, beginning Friday, January 19, 2024. Given this vote, school is canceled for Friday, January 19, 2024. School will not be in session. Buildings will be closed and all school-related events and activities will be postponed until the strike ends. As with any emergency school closure, the day(s) will be made up at some point before the end of the school year.
As a parent and long-time teacher, I am heartbroken that the failure of negotiations has led to this moment. This is detrimental to the health and well-being of our students and they should always be our first priority.
I empathize with our families who need to find childcare and with our students for whom disruptions to learning routines, social connections, and extracurricular activities are upsetting. The School Committee has shared that they are working as quickly as possible to resolve the outstanding issues related to the contract. While they do their work at the negotiating table, we will do our work to take care of kids and families and to ensure the safety of our buildings and operations.
Please see the information below on meal pick up should your family need assistance while the strike remains in effect. If you need access to medical or health supplies in your school building, please reach out to your school principal directly and they will connect you with our Director of School Health Services. Unfortunately, we cannot facilitate access to the building for any other items left there.
The Newton School Committee will soon be engaged in intensive sessions to settle the contract and end the strike. Each day by 7:30 pm, I will communicate with families if school will be in session the next day. As working parents ourselves, we understand how difficult this uncertainty will be for you.
Updates will be posted here:
Newton Public Schools Homepage
School Committee Negotiations Webpage
We all hope for quick resolution to this conflict so that our students can return to school. We care deeply for our teacher colleagues and respect the work they do in support of your students every day. We all want the very best learning environment and educational experience for our Newton Public School students.
Please review the following information for details on cancellations and closures, as well as access to transportation and meals.
Closures and Cancellations
While the strike is ongoing, school will be canceled, all buildings will be closed, and all school-related events and activities will be postponed until the strike ends.
Please see below for specific details:
School is closed. Treat this just like a snow day. School is not in session. This includes our specialized programs (Central and Community Connections)
There is no before school or after school care. The early morning care program is closed. After school care programs that operate in school buildings are closed.
All Newton Public School preschools are closed, including NECP, Newton South Preschool, and Newton North Plowshares
No regular yellow bus transportation
No van transportation
No METCO transportation
No athletic competitions (home and away) or practices. No intramurals or club sports.
No fine arts events, performances, or practices (plays, band, orchestra, performances, clubs, music lessons).
No weekend, daytime, or overnight trips for scheduled competitions or events
No school-related events or activities (school dance, socials, forums)
No Newton Community Education programs
Access to School Buildings
While the strike is ongoing, all buildings will be closed. You will not be able to access anything in the school (snow gear, musical instruments, water bottles, etc.)
If your student has medication or health supplies in the building that you must access, please email your school principal and they will connect you to our city health services director.
Food Service
Newton Public Schools will offer Grab and Go meals, similar to what we did during COVID. The meal will include three days of breakfast and lunch. Please note the dates and locations of pick ups below:
Dates (strike may not continue, but planning is in place)
Friday January 19, 2024 (3 day breakfast and lunch)
Monday, January 22, 2024 (3 day breakfast and lunch)
Thursday January 25, 2024 (4 day breakfast and lunch)
Location and time
Newton North (457 Walnut Dr.) - Tiger Drive 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Newton South (140 Brandeis Rd.) - Wheeler entrance 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
METCO Headquarters (for Boston Families) - 11 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Operations to Continue
Outside, non-NPS-based groups who have rented school buildings will be able to hold evening events and activities.
Events and activities that take place on school field space operated by Newton Parks and Recreation and other organizations will continue. All school-based athletics and events are canceled.
Private School Transportation to private schools in Newton will continue.
Transportation for students placed in out-of-district schools will continue.