Newtown Public Schools
Weekly Update - January 6, 2025
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Newtown Families, Faculty and Staff,
Happy New Year! As we head into 2025, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. A new year brings fresh beginnings, renewed energy, and the chance to build on the successes of the past while setting our sights on an even brighter future. I wish each of you all the best as you embark on this new year.
The month of January also marks the beginning of the school district’s “Budget Season”. I will be presenting the 25-26 initial budget proposal to the Board of Education on January 14th at 7 pm in the Council Chambers. The meeting will also be live-streamed. I encourage you to attend the meeting, join virtually, or watch the recorded presentation afterwards. In addition, I will be coordinating with our PTAs to attend upcoming meetings in January and February to provide additional information and answer any questions. Keep an eye out for those dates. Your participation in the process is essential to the growth and strength of our district.
This year, we are faced with particularly significant challenges as we work to balance the rising costs of non-discretionary expenses (those that cannot be avoided or reduced) while striving to maintain the high-quality education and programs our community values. These financial pressures will require us to make thoughtful and, at times, difficult decisions to prioritize our students' needs and ensure fiscal responsibility. Our goal throughout this process will be to focus resources on those things that directly impact student learning and well-being, minimize disruptions to our staff and programs, and communicate transparently with all stakeholders.
January also marks the second half of our winter concert season. Dates and times for our elementary and intermediate concerts are listed below. I’m looking forward to getting to as many as I am able and seeing you there.
Finally, I’d like to extend warm wishes to all in our community who are celebrating Three Kings' Day today. May this special day, rich in tradition, bring blessings, happiness, and cherished moments with loved ones. Feliz Día de los Reyes!
Warm regards,
Anne
January Calendar
January marks the official start of the budget process. We encourage you to engage in the process whether in-person or virtually, your participation is an important part of the process.
The full district calendar can be found here.
District News and Reminders
2025-2026 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Online Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Students who will turn five on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible to register for Kindergarten. If your child’s birthday falls between September 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026 and you would like your child to attend Kindergarten, you may complete the online registration and indicate that you are requesting a waiver. If you plan to enroll your child in Kindergarten, or if you plan to request a waiver, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. This will help us plan for how many Kindergarten classes we will need based on the number of incoming students.
2025 Kindergarten Registration Process
Online registration for all students seeking entrance into Kindergarten for the fall of 2025 will open January 6, 2025
You may register your child on or after January 6th by visiting newtown.k12.ct.us and clicking on the Registration link
Requests for consideration for early entry (waiver) will be made through a special section of the regular online registration; no other action needs to be taken at this time
Any student seeking Kindergarten entrance for the fall of 2025 must be registered by February 1 in order for your home elementary school to schedule your child’s screening appointment
Screening will take place between February 3rd and 13th at the home elementary school
Specific dates and times will be communicated by the individual elementary schools
Once you have registered, please contact your elementary school to schedule a screening that will help your school prepare for your individual child’s needs.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Connell in our Central Office at 203-426-7606 for assistance.
Newtown Public Schools Preschool Program
Thank you for your interest in the Newtown Public Schools Preschool Program. The program offers quality educational services to children who have disabilities and to typically developing peers, referred to as Play Partners. Play Partners are role models to their disabled peers and benefit from instruction aligned to Connecticut Early Learning Development Standards.
If you are interested in having your child participate as a Play Partner, please complete the Play Partner Questionnaire 2025 - 2026 (LINK) by February 15, 2025. Play Partners are required to be three years of age on or by September 1, 2025 and be toilet trained before they are admitted to the program. You are still encouraged to complete the questionnaire if your child turns three shortly thereafter. We accept play partners throughout the year, accordingly. Children five years of age by September 1, 2025 are kindergarten eligible and will not be considered for participation as Play Partners. Kindergarten eligible children may not remain enrolled as a student in the Newtown Preschool Program.
Following submission of your questionnaire, the preschool team will contact you to invite your child to participate in a Play and Meet the Teacher activity scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, March 14, 2025 at Newtown Preschool Program located at Sandy Hook School. A preschool staff member will email you prior to the play session to confirm the details of the activity. Only one adult may accompany the child for the play activity.
You will receive notification through email by April 4, 2025 regarding your child’s Play Partner status. Parent confirmation of Play Partner participation will be due on April 25, 2025.
Newtown Public Schools Preschool Program Details are as follows:
Program Days: Mondays through Thursdays
Program Hours: Morning sessions run from 9:00 to 11:45
Afternoon sessions run from 12:45 to 3:30
Location: Newtown Preschool located at Reed Intermediate School
Rate: $2,400.00 for a full year four half day program
If you, a caregiver or an educator have any questions or concerns about your child’s development in any of the aforementioned developmental domains, rather than moving your child’s application forward as a Play Partner, it may be more appropriate to discuss your concerns and provide you with specific information regarding early childhood development or consider an evaluation. Please feel free to call Ms. Laura Pellerito, School Psychologist, at (203) 426-7683, if you have any questions about your child’s development.
Sincerely,
Laura Esposito
Supervisor of Special Education
Tel (203) 426-7626 • Fax: (203) 270-6185
Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness Game
NHS Unified Theater
This year marks a significant milestone for the NHS Unified Theater program—our 10-year anniversary! To celebrate, the Unified Theater class has written and will be performing a heartfelt and entertaining show titled "10 Year Reunion." We would be delighted to have you join us for one of the performances.
We’ve also invited back all 169 students who have been a part of Unified Theater over the past decade. It’s sure to be a memorable event filled with laughter, nostalgia, and community spirit.
Save The Date!
PTA Support Makes Our Schools Great!
More than just fundraising!
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!
PTA for Parents of Students with Special Needs
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!
For more information, please visit the Special Ed PTA's website by clicking on this link.
Join One of Our Teams & Make a Difference!
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!
3 Primrose Street
Newtown, CT 06470
(203) 426-7600