Volunteer. Intern. Make a difference.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GET STARTED - DROP IN TO SEE US DURING THE SCHOOL DAY!
Interested in service? Students: involve yourself, friends, athletic team or club! Teachers: engage your classes and serve the community. Visit our Get Started – For Students page.
Visit us in Room 134 (next to the cafeteria) during our office hours:
Tuesdays: 11:40am-3:00pm (Blocks F1, G1 & Tiger)
Wednesdays: 8:00am-1:05pm (Blocks C2, WIN1, D2) E2 by appointment
Thursdays: 11:40am-2pm (Block G2) E3 by appointment
If the times above are not convenient, we are also available to meet by appointment. Email us:
Claudia Wu: wuc@newton.k12.ma.us
Terry Yoffie: yoffiet@newton.k12.ma.us
Civics Day/Civics Night 2026!!
The NNHS Next Gen Voices Club and the Center for Civic Engagement & Service are hosting Civics Day 2026 featuring discussions with City officials, Civic Jeopardy, voter registration, and non-profit organizations/agencies which will highligh civic engagement opportunities for high school students. Students: check the NNHS Schoology page for more information.
Civics Night is an opportunity for the NNHS community to learn about what is being taught at NNHS in history and civics and what the aspirations for the programs are. For more information, please visit the NNHS PTSO website and Parent Square.
NNHS SEAL FOR CIVIC ACTION AND NNHS SEAL OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
Members of the NNHS Classes of 2026 and 2027 who have demonstrated passion and an on-going dedication to civic life, service and social justice may be eligible to receive the NNHS Seal of Civic Action and/or the NNHS Seal of Social Justice on their transcripts. If you would like more information about this opportunity, please visit our page on the Seals of Civic Action and Social Justice.
DEADLINES FOR 2025-2026:- Spring 2026 Round (for Class of 2026 and 2027):
- Deadline for final reflections: Monday, April 13, 2026
- Seal Recipients will be notified by mid-May, 2026.
- Seals will be affixed to recipients’ NNHS transcripts.
- Fall 2026 Round (for Class of 2027 only) Deadline TBD
CIVIC ACTION GRANTS
Have an idea of how to improve or change something at NNHS and/or community and you need a bit of money to get started? Want to plan something related to civics for your classroom or a group? Consider applying for a Civics Action Grant from the Center. Civic Action Grant Applications from the NNHS community are now being accepted.
EVENTS
2021 – 2026 CCES HIGHLIGHTS:
A Conversation with Kimberly S. Budd, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts at NNHS
A Conversation with U.S. Congressman Jake Auchincloss at NNHS
A Conversation with U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs at NNHS
A Conversation with U.S. Congressman Joseph Kennedy at NNHS
A Conversation with former Governor Michael Dukakis at NNHS
Conversations with members of the Press: Using Statistics to Illustrate the News
Conversations with members of the Press: Media Literacy and Our World
CCES Co-Directors developed and teach History 840: Transforming Your World: an elective open to all NNHS students which focuses on the structure of the U.S. government and how students can engage with current issues and the community around them.
Saturday Night at the Races: student collaboration with the League of Women Voters on a program educating voters about candidates running for Municipal office at NNHS
Student Field Trips to the U.S. Federal District Courthouse: conversations with federal judges and observing proceedings
Created opportunities for students to work as Election Poll workers in municipal and general elections
Over 16 Student-led Voter Registration drives
Student internships at Newton City Hall
Supporting classroom curriculum and student groups through the Center’s Civic Action Grants
Provide guidance to new and expanding student service clubs
Support student-led Local Government Day/Civics Days
Support student-led Health & Wellness Days
Support student-led Creative Minds – Showcasing the Arts!
Support student athlete leaders in discussions on leadership, ethics and values
NNHS Students present their civic action projects to classmates and middle school students on an ongoing basis
What We Do
We are excited to bring you many different events and opportunities for civic engagement throughout the year.
Ideas. Diverse Viewpoints. Engagement.
Help students identify service-based internships / jobs and service opportunities through one-on-one mentoring and an extensive database developed by Center.
Create civic engagement opportunities and provide support to student and faculty-led public/community service initiatives.
Develop curriculum on civic engagement and related issues to be used in classroom settings. Support current and ongoing faculty efforts in leadership, civic engagement and service.
Facilitate discussion groups/seminars and training in leadership.
Host programs related to current events and attract speakers to address issues related to civics, community engagement, leadership and service.
Work with officials and agencies at city, state, and federal levels to bring initiatives and education about government to NNHS students.
What We’ve Been Up To
A Conversation with Federal Judge Allison Burroughs
Federal District Court Judge Allison Burroughs spoke with students about her path to becoming a federal judge and the various…
Creative Minds
CCES and NNHS Next Gen Voices club hosted an art event highlighting the talents of fine, performing and visual artists…
Visit to the Moakley Federal Courthouse
Students enjoyed a tour of the John Joseph Moakley federal courthouse and sat in on court proceedings with Judge Saris….
