The Rebel Crier
January 10, 2025
Mid-Year Progress Assessments: January 16-22
Purpose & Expectations
The primary purpose of mid-year assessments is to provide students with specific feedback for growth and thus provide both students and teachers with valuable information regarding progress in the current year so far. In full-year courses, this will allow our teachers to have actionable information to help all students succeed over the second half of the school year.
Some assessments will be test-based, while others may be project-based. Teachers in each department have collaborated with their colleagues to create common assessments for all sections of the same class. Our mid-year assessments are not intended to be "one and done" exams. No matter what format mid-year assessments take, all students will receive feedback for growth.
Note: For semester courses, your student may have a final exam/final project, worth 10% of the final grade. Teachers may exempt seniors only from their final exam in these semester courses if they attain a final grade of A- or better.
Assessment Period Schedule
Mid-Year Progress Assessments and Final Exams for semester courses will be administered during assigned class blocks, so that tests and projects are distributed equitably. All regularly scheduled classes will meet on these days.
THESE ARE REGULAR E & F DAYS (7:15-2:05)
1/16 E: Periods 1 & 5
1/17 F: Periods 2 & 6
1/21 E: Periods 3 & 7
1/22 F: Periods 4 & 8
Senior Yearbook Ads Extended to January 20 🎓
Deadline has been extended to 1/20/25 for '25 Senior Ads!
Don't Forget to purchase an Ad for your '25 Senior!
Time is almost out to place a personalized ad for your favorite '25 Senior!
It is time to buy a '25 Yearbook too!
All ads, personal & business, are due by 1/20/25
Click on the QR Code on the attached flyer to place your ad and buy a yearbook today!
You can click on this link too: https://yearbookforever.com/
Thank you for supporting the NFHS Yearbook!
Contact Ms. Giddings with any questions.
(Former) Students In Action!
Alumni Panel for Juniors and Seniors
This week, NFHS Juniors and Seniors heard from a panel of recent Rebel Alumni, who spoke to them about post-high school life from the perspective of graduates who were in their shoes just years or months ago! Panelists spoke to current students about their path to college or careers, different aspects of life after high school, and shared reflections on what helped them where they are now and what they'd do differently. We're looking forward to making this an annual event!
We are grateful to the alumni who participated, as well as to current senior Nicole Taylor for moderating the panel!
Pictured Above: (Front Row) Sarah Bollacke '24, Evelyn Butorac '23, Sam Raiano '22, Olivia Melton '23, Marco Tripaldi '22, Brooke Jones '20(Back Row) Mr. D'Amico '94, Kelly Ford '22, Ava Romanello '22, Nicky Eklund '24, Jayden Racca '20, Jack Benzing '21, Nicole Taylor '25
Thanks to Mrs. Romanello, Mrs. Vengalli, and Mrs. Montalvo for putting this great event together with Mrs. Laughlin!
First Annual Festival of Cultures
February 1, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
New Fairfield Public Schools is proud to announce the first annual Festival of Cultures, a community event designed to celebrate the rich diversity within our town. This engaging festival will bring together residents, students, and performers to share and experience the unique traditions, music, cuisine, and art of the many cultures represented in our community. We are seeking funding to support the event by providing supplies for cultural presenters and refreshments for our dedicated performers, ensuring a successful and enriching experience for all attendees.
Event Purpose:
The Festival of Cultures aims to:
Highlight the cultural diversity of New Fairfield.
Promote understanding and appreciation of global traditions through interactive displays, performances, and presentations.
Foster a sense of community pride and unity by celebrating the unique contributions of all cultures within our town.
Event Details:
Date and Time: February 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Location: New Fairfield High School theater and dining commons
Activities: Cultural displays, live music, dance performances, storytelling, and interactive workshops, food vendors.
Community Impact:
The Festival of Cultures will provide an invaluable opportunity for residents to learn about and celebrate their neighbors' cultural backgrounds. By fostering greater understanding and respect, the event will strengthen the fabric of our community and create lasting memories for participants and attendees alike.
We are excited to launch this new initiative and invite your organization to partner with us in making the Festival of Cultures a resounding success. With your support, we can ensure that the event is well-resourced and welcoming to all, setting a strong foundation for future annual celebrations.
If you would like a table display, sponsor/supervise a club table, or have any other ideas to contribute, please Follow this link to sign up, or contact Kate Planz or Ernest Fabrizio-Garcia.
Procedure Reminders
As the new year begins, here are some reminders about school procedures that will help things run smoothly and safely at NFHS!
Safe Driving On Campus 🛑
Please remember to drive cautiously and slowly on campus! Especially durning morning drop-off, we are seeing people rushing to exit, and not being aware of other cars and pedestrians. Observe all speed limit and one-way signs, even after school hours! We appreciate everyone cooperating to keep our students and staff out of harm's way!
Bringing Items to Students During the School Day 🎒
Parents/guardians should refrain from dropping items off during the school day.
It is the students' responsibility remember their lunches, equipment, etc. when they come to school in the morning. The number of items being dropped off can be overwhelming for the main office staff, and creates a safety concern in the main entrance and office.
Transition to High School Night- Save The Date!
Upcoming Events: Save The Dates!
Mid-Year Assessments: January 16, 17, 21, 22 📝
Mid-Year Assessments in full-year courses, final assessments in semester courses. See details above.
No School- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 20
School and offices are closed.
First Semester Grades Close: January 24 🏁
Friday, 1/24 is the last day for students to submit work for first semester.
Early Dismissal for Students: January 29
Staff professional learning day. Students dismissed at 10:50
Transition to High School Night: January 29
Families and students in grades 8 and 9 are invited to learn all about NFHS programs!