Newtown Public Schools

The days are getting shorter but the weather makes it feel like September! I know that all good things must come to an end and I’m sure that before we know it, there will be a true chill in the air.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the CABE/CAPSS Conference along with some of our Board of Education members. This is a joint learning opportunity presented by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) that brings together Board members and superintendents throughout the state. I share this because we had the benefit of hearing a wonderful keynote message presented by Tim Shriver on the conference’s theme of unity. In addition to being the chairman of the Special Olympics, Mr. Shriver is the founder of UNITE. UNITE is a nationwide initiative aimed at bridging divides, preventing violence, and addressing challenges collaboratively. At its core, UNITE asks the question, how can we move from a culture that divides us to a culture that unites us? There is no doubt that words are at the root of a shift in our society. It is simply too easy to use words that evoke contempt and it is everywhere in our society. There is a good amount of research that indicates that this is a contributing factor to the declining mental health in our youth. Certainly not the only cause, but a contributing factor, nonetheless.

As part of its effort, UNITE developed the Dignity Index, an eight-point scale used to evaluate the level of contempt or dignity in a given passage of speech. Scores on the lower end (1-4) indicate the presence of contempt and a lack of dignity, with a score of 1 representing the highest level of contempt. Higher scores (5-8) signify speech rooted in dignity, with a score of 8 reflecting the greatest level of dignity. I encourage you to check it out. I think if we all pledged to show dignity to even those we are opposed to, the world would be a much kinder and gentler place.

There is a Board meeting this week, and as always, I encourage you to attend or tune in via the link below to stay informed about what is happening in our schools.

Just a reminder that next week is a short week as there is no school on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Have a great week ahead!

Anne

The full district calendar can be found here.

Click on the link to view the agenda for this week's Board of Education meeting.

To view this meeting, the livestream link is: https://vimeo.com/event/729428

To make a public comment, the call in number is (US) 1-478-331-6100 PIN 304 949 256

National ESP Day is a day to recognize the contributions of school support staff, who are essential to the success of students and schools. These professionals include our

Cafeteria workers

Custodians

Bus drivers

Paraprofessionals

Nurses

School security officers

Food service workers

Health and student service employees

Reed Drama Club presents...

The Wizard of Oz, Youth Edition!

Registration forms are available on the Reed Club Announcements Page. Forms are due no later than November 19th. Auditions will be on December 2nd, 3rd and 6th. Students will be asked to sing a song from the show and prepare one scene to read. There will also be an option dance audition on Monday, December 16th.

Please contact Erin Loucks at louckse@newtown.k12.ct.us with any questions!

Our Newtown Public Schools and their PTAs are teaming up with the Bridgeport Islanders and the Newtown Middle School Student Government to help Fight Cancer. Join us Saturday, November 23, at 7pm for a fun night of activities and hockey! A portion of the discounted ticket fee of $24.99 and all chuck-a-puck proceeds will be donated to Ann's Place (a local organization that provides support & resources to people living with cancer and their loved ones) in honor of those in our schools battling cancer. Cancer in some way affects everyone, and many in our community are or have loved ones directly affected by cancer, so come help us support our community Fight Cancer!

See flyer below for more or click this link for more information.

FYI...Other cool things associated with 11/23 Hockey Fights Cancer Night:

1) Rally towel giveaway to the first 2,000 fans

2) LED bracelets to the first 2,000 fans

3) Specialty retail items

4) Bounce into excitement with inflatable games and face painting for kids in the atrium

We are excited to announce the formation of a new Booster Club for NHS Athletics!

The goal of HAWKS NATION is to provide additional support and resources to help enhance the experience for all of our Student Athletes.

HAWKS NATION will play a key role in organizing fundraising events, supporting school spirit, and providing financial assistance for programs and activities that are vital to the success of our athletes at NHS..

Please check out our website for more information: https://newtownhawks.com/

Newtown Athletics has several Nighthawks flying the nest in 2025 that will continue their education and love of their sport in college.

Abby Ihlefeld- Florida Southern Women's Lacrosse (not pictured)

Soheib Dissa-Duke-Track and Field/XC

Alexa Kwarcinski-Rollins College-Swimming

Jayden Taylor- Marist Football

Kenna Gioffre-Roger Williams- Wrestling

Jennifer Socci-CCSU Women's Lacrosse

Jenna Lagan- LeMoyne Womens Lacrosse

Brooke Bulkley-UCONN Women's Lacrosse

Madison Thoesen-CCSU Softball

We are so proud of all of our Student Athletes who excel on the field and in the classroom!

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and directors of the high school production of Letters to Sala! Your performance was a moving and powerful tribute to an extraordinary story of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of memory. Through your hard work and talent, you brought history to life, inspiring your audience to reflect on the importance of love and hope even in the darkest of times. Bravo to everyone involved for delivering such a meaningful and heartfelt production!

To view all photos, please click here

Did you know that joining your PTA offers several benefits for both you and our school community? Our PTAs do many wonderful things throughout the school year that support and enhance the educational experience for our students. In addition to raising funds for educational programs and classroom resources, members have the opportunity to have their voices and ideas heard, meet new people and build connections within the school and greater community, as well as gain leadership skills that can be both personally and professionally valuable. In addition, being involved in your PTA gives you a closer look at what is happening in your child’s school by participating in or organizing events that foster a positive school culture.

You can find a link to each school's PTA by clicking on this link.

Thank you for your support!

Being the parent of a student with special needs can be confusing, isolating and frightening. Newtown Special Ed PTA, or SEPTA, is a great way to connect with a supportive community. We look forward to you joining us!

Several of our schools are in need of student support services staff. If you enjoy working with kids, we encourage you to visit our employment opportunities page.

All-Star is actively seeking drivers. Flexible schedules and a paid training program. Consider calling today!