A Message From Mr. Melillo
Dear Newtown Families,
I hope this message finds you well and that you have the time to read through my monthly update. Spring is upon us and we look forward to wonderful weather and many upcoming school celebrations. Below, please find some of our district's highlights and discover what makes Newtown Public Schools great!
Read Across America Week
Read Across America Week is celebrated from March 2nd to March 6h. The celebration begins on the birthday of the beloved author, Dr. Seuss. The entire month of March, in fact, is dedicated to reading. This event aims to encourage reading and educate people about its benefits, especially among children and young adults. Events are organized across the nation by schools and organizations to promote the joy of reading.
Final Four
Our Newtown High School Girls Basketball Team played in the CIAC semifinals at Trumbull High School on March 13th against Ludlowe High School. It was a tough loss for our girls, but they played hard and it was an excellent season. I couldn't have been more proud of the effort these girls gave that night.
Team of the Year
The Nighthawks won the Team of the Year Competition, a State Open event featuring all of the top teams in Connecticut, held in North Haven on March 11. Newtown scored 92 points to overcome Danbury (89.80), which edged Newtown for first in the Class LL State Championships.
Into the Woods
The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Into the Woods takes everyone's favorite storybook characters and brings them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. Our students and staff were fantastic.
Sharing Ramadan Dinner
I attended The Hedaya Islamic Center's annual Sharing Ramadan Dinner on Sunday, March 26, at Edmond Town Hall.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from the time of Fajr (the morning prayer) until the time of Maghrib (the prayer at sunset). At the time of sunset, Muslims break their fast, and that dinner meal is known as Iftar.
The March 26 event began with a program in the Alexandria Room about Ramadan and continued with prayer and dinner in the gym.
It was a wonderful community event where families in our community came together and enjoyed each other's company.
Bamd-O-Rama
On March 22nd, approximately 450 band members from Newtown Public Schools participated in Band-O-Rama. This event took a lot of planning and organizing to make this program come to fruition. Families and friends were impressed and thrilled with the performance - many smiling faces going out the door. It is our hope that we encouraged students to keep making music.