NFPS Update

As the winter break is upon us, we wish you a healthy, happy and peaceful holiday season with family and friends. See you in 2025!

Please enjoy our last newsletter for the calendar year!

Be well,

Ken

Kenneth G. Craw, Ed. D.

Kindergarten students enjoyed a special visit from Miss Adriana Duffy from the New Fairfield Children's Library last month. Miss Duffy compared school life long ago to today, complementing our study of "past and present" in social studies with hands-on primary sources. She shared artifacts from the New Fairfield Historical Society, including an abacus, a feather pen, a bonnet, a bell, and old photos of the town's one-room schoolhouse. NFES kindergarteners were engaged, curious, and excited to learn about school life long ago. A big thank you to Miss Duffy for an enriching and memorable visit!

On Tuesday evening, November 12, 2024, the Innovation Lab and Kindness Club, led by Mrs. Strashun and Mr. Giuliano, along with a number of Boy Scouts and volunteers, held the 1st Annual NFES Pinewood Derby. Over 55 boys and girls, from Kindergarten through 5th grade, carved and decorated race cars from a supplied block of pine. Within the specifications given, they created cars and attached wheels and axles to compete against other classmates.The event took place in the New Fairfield Elementary School Large Gym, and with the support of the Boy Scout members and their official track, a great time was had by all. Many thanks to all who made this event possible.

Earlier this month, as an extension of Mr. Giuliano's medical science class, Lori Beninson, a medical response trainer and first responder, taught a Junior First Aid and CPR class to an eager group of fifth graders. The students learned how to perform CPR on adults, children and infants. The students also became familiar with the Heimlich method and choking response for adults, children, and infants, and they learned about FEMA’s emergency supply list for home and school. We hope to offer more of these opportunities in the future to promote safety, empower children with hands-on medical response knowledge, and promote the field of healthcare.

Our second-grade students recently had an unforgettable experience during their social studies unit, thanks to two very special guest speakers!

New Fairfield First Selectman, Melissa Lindsey, visited NFES to teach students about the government here in New Fairfield. The students were eager to learn about how decisions are made in their town and came prepared with thoughtful questions to ask her. This interactive session gave the children a unique, hands-on understanding of local government and leadership.

To deepen their knowledge of local history, the students also welcomed podcaster Mike Allen who shared fascinating stories about Candlewood Lake. Known for his engaging storytelling, Mr. Allen helped the students explore the lake’s history and its importance to our community, sparking curiosity and inspiring future lessons.

These experiences deepened students understanding and inquiry about our town of New Fairfield. Thank you to First Selectman Lindsey and Mr. Allen for sharing their time and expertise with our students!

NFES fifth-grade peer leaders are making a big impact as they mentor kindergarten, first, and second graders each morning. These dedicated students model positive behavior, foster friendships, and support their younger peers in learning activities and social skills. Whether reading together, chatting about their morning, or playing games, this partnership builds confidence and strengthens our school community. These connections are a wonderful way to cultivate leadership and kindness in our students at every grade level and across grade levels!

For their final class of the trimester, students in Mr. Gadwah’s 7th grade Introduction to Drama class put on a showcase of their final performances for an audience of their peers. Each student in the class invited peers from other classes to come watch. Students performed monologues from such plays as “The Sound of Music”, “Bye Bye Birdie”, “Feiffer’s People”, and more! The sound board and microphones were also student-operated, using skills they had learned throughout the course. Congrats to these hard-working and enthusiastic theater students!

Eighth-grade students were tasked this month with the exciting "Tall Tower Challenge," where they used limited resources, including straws, pipe cleaners and paper clips, to build the tallest tower that could also hold a tennis ball at its peak. This hands-on activity encouraged them to think creatively and problem-solve under pressure. With only a few materials available, students quickly realized the importance of teamwork, planning, and trial-and-error as they worked together to design their towers. The challenge fostered critical thinking skills as they experimented with different structures, balancing the need for height with stability. The tallest tower built during the challenge reached an impressive 73 cm. Ultimately, the activity proved to be both a fun and educational exercise in engineering and collaboration.

The New Fairfield Middle School Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Jack Giuliano, presented a concert to family and friends earlier this month. It was an evening that showcased the growth and learning of our strings students. This was also an opportunity to celebrate the commitment and hard work of these students as they continue to grow their skills and come together as an ensemble for all to enjoy!

The NFMS Chorus performed their first concert of the year on December 17. The performance featured the sixth grade chorus, the 7th and 8th grade chorus, as well as the Rebel Trebles debut! The theme of the concert was "Better Together", and with songs that embraced differences and celebrated inclusiveness, the 120 middle school singers proved that "together, we are better when we sing!"

Students from New Fairfield High School attended the CAS/CIAC High School Leadership Conference in early December at Southern Connecticut State University. The conference brought together hundreds of student leaders representing high schools from across the state. Students were able to attend breakout sessions on a variety of topics, ranging from mental health, teamwork through STEM, igniting school spirit, school climate, the cost of being an adult, and introduction to college athletics and recreation. Teagan Beames represented NFHS as a student athlete and he presented information about bridging youth sports and community service and how athletes are making an impact in the SWC. Well-done, Teagan!

Culinary I students have been busy in the kitchen, taking advantage of the propane now available for use there. The students have been learning about yeast doughs. They made a variety of items, including pretzels and homemade boiled bagels. These culinary students then moved onto making pasta from scratch before heading out for holiday break. We are excited to see what's cooking in January!

Mrs. Busnel's and Mrs. Volovski's Pre-Vocational Classes have been hard at work! In November, they officially launched their student run business, "The Rebel Paws Bakery". Rebel Paws Bakery is a dog treat baking business that teaches students all aspects of creating and running a business. The students, with the help of Mrs. Busnel, Mrs.Volovski, and many amazing paraprofessionals, have enjoyed building the business, naming it, developing a logo, choosing a recipe, baking, packaging, marketing and selling the dog biscuits. Rebel Paws Bakery is officially open for business! Dog Treats are $2.00 per bag. Email busnel.melissa@newfairfieldschools.org to purchase some for your furry friend.

The Colonial Football Officials Association held its Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, December 5th. New Fairfield High School was selected for the second year in a row as the association's High School Sportsmanship Award winner. The officials commended the football program for both the actions of their coaches and student-athletes throughout the season. Athletic Director Mark Ottusch and Head Football Coach Greg Schwarz attended the event to receive the award.

For the 6th consecutive year, the NFHS Girls' Lacrosse Team has spearheaded the Connecticut Children’s Hospital Toy Drive. Donation bins were set up at local businesses in New Fairfield and The Greater Danbury Area. Rebel blue sky was shining bright! This work demonstrates Rebel Pride and our NFPS Vision of the Learner promoting engaged citizens who are active in our community.