A Message from Mr. Melillo
Our school opening was a day filled with anticipation, hope, and enthusiasm. It signifies the start of another year of growth learning and transformation, for our students. I firmly believe that education is a tool that not only shapes young minds but also influences their future. By opening our doors to welcome students we are opening them to possibilities, which is truly extraordinary.
Our devoted staff in our school district have put in effort to prepare for this year. They have dedicated hours to creating safe nurturing and inspiring learning environments where our students can flourish. Together we are committed to providing an education that empowers our students to achieve their potential. As we begin a new school year, I'd like to highlight and share with you what makes Newtown Public Schools great!
Newtown High School Jazz Ensemble Music Release
The 2022-2023 Newtown High School Jazz Ensemble CD offers a captivating musical journey showcasing the remarkable talents of our students. This project provided students with a hands-on, authentic experience, allowing them to engage in the entire music production process, from recording to editing, mixing, and mastering. The result is a remarkable testament to their dedication and musical prowess. Special congratulations to Music Director Aaron Ovsiew for providing our students the opportunity to participate in this hands-on experience.
Middle Gate Ice Cream Social
On September 8th, I had a wonderful experience, at the Ice Cream social organized by the Middle Gate PTA. A little rain couldn’t stop them! It was a nice gathering of parents and students. It provided a chance for us to connect with parents and strengthen our school-community bonds.
Friday Night Lights, Saturday Night Win!
Congratulations to our Nighthawk Varsity Football Team on their week 1 win. Although the inclement weather on Friday night postponed the finale of this game to Saturday evening, our Nighthawks came away with a huge 25-23 victory over perennial football power St. Joseph High School. With ice water in his veins, kicker Will McManus booted a 29-yard field goal with 38 seconds left in regulation and a stingy Nighthawk defense preserved the win!
What is DEAI?
We hope this newsletter finds you in health and actively engaged in the conversations surrounding our public education system. We want to shed light on an effort taking place within Newtown Public Schools that has captured attention and sparked curiosity and concern among community members. We are referring to the journey towards Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI).
We understand that DEAI initiatives may be met with skepticism or apprehension by some individuals in our community. We value the range of opinions within our community and believe it is critical to engage in open, honest discussions about the work taking place in our school system. By doing so we can progress together by embracing our differences and striving for a more equitable future for all students. It is essential to embrace a broad spectrum of perspectives, including those that may disagree with the program's objectives. Varied points of view are valued, as they contribute to constructive dialogue and help us find common ground to create a more inclusive and equitable educational system that benefits all students and stakeholders. Embracing diversity of thought ensures a more comprehensive and effective DEAI program that addresses the unique needs and concerns of our diverse community.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion are not merely buzzwords; they symbolize a commitment to establishing a school environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Newtown Public Schools is committed to providing these opportunities for ALL students regardless of their background or identity enabling them to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. The Newtown Board of Education’s goal regarding DEAI efforts is to ensure each member of our educational community has the full opportunity to thrive in our schools through educational excellence and continuous personal and professional growth. To achieve this goal, the District needs to provide students with the tools each needs to succeed, regardless of background, race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, nation of origin, native language, socioeconomic status, or any other distinguishable situation. Further, the district needs to provide a school environment equipped with supportive and stimulating learning opportunities, resources for social and emotional growth, and exceptional educators who can guide students through their learning journey and prepare them for their future career and/or college experiences.
The successful implementation of DEAI extends beyond the confines of the educational institution and requires a willingness to accept differing viewpoints from the community, even those who may disagree with DEAI initiatives. Open and respectful dialogue with dissenting voices is essential for fostering understanding and collaboration. Embracing diverse perspectives from the community can lead to more comprehensive and effective DEAI strategies, helping to bridge gaps and dispel misconceptions. It demonstrates a commitment to transparency and inclusion, which, in turn, can contribute to a more harmonious and equitable learning environment for all students and stakeholders, ultimately enriching the educational experience.
Some individuals worry that DEAI initiatives might compromise standards. In reality, DEAI aims to ensure that every student has access to reaching their academic potential. By providing support and resources to students we can enhance academic achievement within our district.
We believe that:
Schools should be welcoming and supportive spaces for our students.
Our curriculum should be infused with materials that include diverse authors, protagonists, heroes, and historical figures.
When studying topics in our classroom, our students will learn through multiple lenses and points of view.
Schools should embrace kindness and diversity. Any form of harassment or bullying, whether based on race, culture, color, creed or religion, ancestry, national origin, mental and physical ability, age, marital status, physical appearance, family structure, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, economic status, veteran’s status, or other distinguishing personal characteristics, will not be tolerated.
As educators, we need to provide all sides to topics and remain apolitical. To encourage critical thinking, we need to develop learning environments that allow students to identify and understand perspectives provided in the material and related discussions, and to draw their own informed conclusions. That’s where true learning occurs.
The district is focused on creating an environment where individuals from all walks of life feel valued and supported. At its core, this mission involves a deep commitment to understanding and embracing the myriad dimensions of diversity, be it cultural, racial, socioeconomic, gender, or beyond. By actively creating an environment where differences are not merely acknowledged but celebrated, the district aims to facilitate meaningful interactions, dialogue, and collaboration among our staff, students, and their families. Through these efforts, we aspire to build a more cohesive and compassionate community, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute.
In conclusion, we firmly believe that by working and embracing the diverse needs of all of our students we can create an inclusive and equitable educational experience. Newtown Public Schools is dedicated to being transparent, accountable, and collaborative throughout the DEAI journey. We invite all members of our community to engage in discussions, attend meetings, and share their thoughts and ideas. We strongly believe that the more community voices we have involved, the better we can shape our DEAI initiatives according to our community's values and aspirations. We urge you to stay involved, ask questions, and express your thoughts as we continue on this journey. Together we can ensure that Newtown Public Schools remains a place where every child has the opportunity to thrive.