Dear NPS Community,

As we bid farewell to winter's chill and welcome the warmth and renewal of spring, I extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you. Spring is a time of transformation, growth, and hope, and I am thrilled to share with you the latest updates and highlights from our school district.

I encourage everyone to continue embracing the spirit of learning and discovery. Let us celebrate our accomplishments, no matter how big or small, and remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence.

As we look ahead to the months to come, let us seize the countless possibilities that spring has to offer. Together, we can cultivate a culture of kindness that will empower our students to reach new heights and make a positive impact in the world.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued partnership and support. Your involvement and engagement are instrumental in shaping the future success of our students and our community as a whole.

Wishing you all a joyful and rejuvenating spring season!

Sincerely,

Chris

We would like to provide you with an overview of the recent budget proposed by the Legislative Council and how it aligns with the educational goals and initiatives of our district. The budget reflects a comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and support for all students.

The budget prioritizes educational improvement through various initiatives. These include investments in new reading programs for grades K-8, professional development opportunities for teachers, and the acquisition of supplemental materials to enrich the learning experience. There is a strong emphasis on early intervention with the implementation of a pilot Kindergarten Readiness program.

The budget addresses the diverse needs of students by offering multiple tiers of academic support, expanding after-school programs, and investing in resources to address student behaviors. Efforts to enhance career pathways, including grants for dual-enrollment courses and internships, aim to provide students with practical skills and early exposure to higher education and professional environments.

Improving communication and community engagement are also key priorities of the budget. Clear and consistent communication channels, including newsletters, updated websites, and upgrades to the school messaging system, aim to keep parents, educators, and community members informed.

Overall, the Board of Education budget reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of our students, supports our dedicated staff, and fosters strong connections with parents and the community. We believe that these investments will contribute to a more engaging and effective learning environment.

Educational Improvement Initiatives

• Investments in new reading programs for grades K-8.
• Professional development opportunities for teachers.
• Acquisition of supplemental materials to enrich the learning experience.
• Implementation of a pilot Kindergarten Readiness program for early intervention.

Student Support

• Multiple tiers of academic support.
• Expansion of after-school programs.
• Investment in resources to address student behaviors.
• Grants for dual-enrollment courses and internships to enhance career pathways.

Communication and Community Engagement

• Clear and consistent communication channels.
• Newsletters, updated websites, and upgrades to the school messaging system.

Manageable Class Sizes:

• Allocation of resources to maintain manageable class sizes.
• Prioritization of smaller class sizes to enhance student engagement and teacher effectiveness.
• Investment in additional teaching staff to support smaller class sizes where necessary.
• Focus on creating optimal learning environments conducive to student success.

Overall Commitment

• Reflects dedication to providing high-quality education.
• Supports staff development and engagement.
• Fosters strong connections with parents and the community.

On Friday, March 15th students at Newtown High School participated in the annual Jordan Porco Foundation Check-In Fair. The fair was set up in the main lobby for students to “check-in” on their mental health through a variety of stations focusing on self-care, building connections, identifying strengths, promoting self-acceptance, and raising awareness for mental health issues.

The stations included in the fair were:

Uplift: Promotes self-care and helps participants find coping strategies that work for them.

Paint Your Art Out : Focuses on Therapeutic and mental health benefits of art and creativity, and how they can serve as protective coping strategies.

It Takes a Village : Focusing on building social networks and a sense of connection, acknowledging that getting involved in your community can be a protective factor for our mental health.

Thrive: Focusing on strengths and embracing a positive attitude to equip us to thrive in their environment, and recognizing what we have to be grateful for.

Younique: Younique promotes self-acceptance and positive body image.

Be Yourself: Promote self-acceptance/acceptance of others.

Mood Matters: Raise awareness of anxiety, mood and other disorders including depression and provide resources.

Rise Up: Brings awareness to sexual assault and relationship violence, as well as the mental health effects that often follow.

Check In- Chill Out: Emphasizes that checking in with your mental health is just as important as checking in with your physical health.

NHS Clubs and activities signed up to manage each table making it a truly inclusive experience. Many teachers brought their classes down while other students chose to come during their study halls or free periods. Our dear friends Addie and Leah, the comfort dogs, spent the day getting some extra NHS love. The fair was organized by our Hope Squad students led by NHS school psychologist Stacie Martinez and social worker Lauren Sheintop.

Judy Thomas and I convened to strategize our approach to acknowledging Autism Awareness Month and delving into initiatives aimed at bolstering vocational opportunities and career pathways for students on the autism spectrum. Autism Awareness Month, observed annually in April, serves as a pivotal platform for raising public consciousness about autism spectrum disorders, promoting acceptance, and fostering understanding. It's a time when communities worldwide come together to advocate for inclusion, support individuals with autism, and celebrate their unique talents and contributions. Against this backdrop, our discussion centered on harnessing this momentum to not only raise awareness but also to discuss ideas within our educational framework. We brainstormed various avenues, including tailored vocational training programs, mentorship initiatives, and partnerships with local businesses to create inclusive work environments.

"Urinetown: The Musical" is a satirical and darkly comedic production set in a dystopian future where a severe water shortage has led to a ban on private toilets. The citizens are forced to use public amenities controlled by a corrupt corporation, which profits from hefty fees for the privilege.

I commend the Newtown High School Drama students and the Newtown Band and Orchestra for their outstanding performance of "Urinetown: The Musical." Their dedication, talent, and hard work brought the production to life, captivating the audience with their exceptional acting, singing, and musical accompaniment. Each member of the cast and crew demonstrated remarkable commitment and creativity, immersing the audience in the dystopian world of the show while delivering its satirical and thought-provoking messages with skill and precision. The synergy between the Drama students and the Band and Orchestra added depth and richness to the performance, enhancing the overall theatrical experience. Congratulations to everyone involved for a truly wonderful and memorable production. Your collective efforts have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of attending.

During Read Across America Day, I had the opportunity to read a story to Ms. Walsky’s class at Sandy Hook School. I read The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt. The kindergarten class was enthralled with the story of a box of crayons quitting their job! The students laughed and asked many thought provoking questions. I look forward to coming back to Ms. Walsky’s classroom again!

The Newtown Winter Guard extravaganza competition was a wonderful display of competition as over 25 teams competed at Newtown High School: The audience was treated to a dazzling display of musicality and artistry. The Newtown Band and Color Guard, alongside the Fine Arts department, showcased their exceptional talents and dedication at the Winter Guard Extravaganza, leaving audiences in awe with their outstanding performance. With precision and grace, the Color Guard mesmerized spectators with their synchronized movements, vibrant costumes, and stunning visual effects, transporting viewers into a world of artistic beauty and expression. The Fine Arts department's commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of the production, from the meticulous choreography to the flawless execution of each arrangement. Their collective talent and passion for the arts shone brightly, inspiring both admiration and applause. Congratulations to the Newtown Winter Guard, as well as the Fine Arts department, for their remarkable Winter guard Extravaganza performance, a true testament to their hard work, creativity, and artistry.

Two students at Newtown High School (NHS) and two students at Newtown Middle School (NMS) were honored with the prestigious Western Connecticut Superintendents' Award. In recognition of their outstanding academic achievements, exemplary character, and contributions to the community, these students were selected by faculty and staff. I had the privilege of traveling to both schools to personally present the awards to these deserving students, celebrating their dedication and positive impact on their school communities. Congratulations to Bryana Diaz (NHS), Grant Ricks (NHS), Jenna Freeman (NMS) and Paige Hillefeld (NMS).