As far as I know, you will have to download NCU 1.0 (Newton Connection Utilities) in order to connect to your Newton, and export it from Notes or Works. This will typically translate it into .rtf format. Some word processors, such as Appleworks/Clarisworks translate it better and willl let you view things such as sketches, I believe (it has been a long time).
If you can get hold of a copy of XPort 2.1, it will do the same thing, just more efficiently, plus take screen shots.
NCU is at unna.org, if you don't already have it. Good luck!