Newtown Public Schools

Dear Newtown Families, Faculty and Staff,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 Edition of the NPS Weekly Update!

First, I want to thank you for the overwhelmingly positive support of this newsletter last year. Please know that I remain committed to providing you with consistent, transparent updates about the work happening across our schools in the year ahead.

As we roll into August, I hope you’re enjoying the slower pace and sunshine that summer brings. It’s hard to believe it’s already been seven weeks since the last day of school. While our schools may seem quiet from the outside, a great deal of behind-the-scenes work takes place over the summer to close out one year and prepare for the next.

In late June, many of our teachers engage in curriculum writing and revision to ensure instruction remains current and rigorous. July brings the start of summer maintenance projects, enrichment programming, and extended school year services. At the same time, administrators begin planning in earnest—reflecting on what worked well and identifying ways to make the upcoming year even stronger. Summer is, in many ways, a season of preparation and possibility. As August gets underway, there's a familiar mix of anticipation and urgency—excitement for a new school year ahead, coupled with the pressure of getting everything in place as the calendar days slip by.

Tomorrow also marks my one-year anniversary as your superintendent. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary school community. As I reflect on the past year, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and optimistic about what’s ahead. One of the most rewarding parts of this role is hearing from so many of you—whether through conversations, emails, or survey responses. It’s often in listening that I learn the most.

As we set our goals for the year ahead, we do so with your feedback in mind. Our commitment is to listen, reflect, and continuously improve—always with students at the center of our work.

Warm regards,

Anne

Summer programming at Newtown Continuing Education officially kicked off on June 30th. Anne Fries (Summer Administrator) enthusiastically greeted learners and their parents at 8:00 a.m. Approximately 75 eager Summer Academic Enrichment students arrived at Reed Intermediate School to begin their four-week, half-day journey of learning and exploration. Individual tutoring sessions were also hosted every hour on the hour from 8am to noon.

This year’s program, serving students who have just completed kindergarten through those entering 7th grade, featured the foundational elements of language arts, reading, and math. In addition to academic instruction, students enjoyed a variety of enrichment activities designed to keep them engaged, inspired and having fun throughout the summer. From Mindfulness sessions to hands-on STEM experiences with High-Touch High-Tech, each week there was a fun and exciting activity to add to the schedule. Even some critters from the Critter Caravan came along for some fun.

The Academic Enrichment program is specifically tailored for students who are recommended to attend. The program has a focused, supportive environment with smaller class sizes and a small student-to-teacher ratio. This smaller class setting allows students to benefit from individualized instruction and a personalized approach to learning.

Meanwhile, at Newtown High School, students exiting 7th and 8th grades participated in their own specialized academic experience. This half-day program offered core instruction in language arts and math. What’s the summer without some fun? The program also allowed students culinary experiences, open art sessions, and physical education with Mrs. Lombardo, Newtown High School’s PE teacher! Students also had the opportunity to tour the high school, providing learners a view into their next educational chapter. The program also provided learners with lessons centered around developing a growth mindset—an essential skill for future academic success.

Also creating and buzzing at the high school was SMART Camp, focused on Summer Music and Arts. This year’s sessions welcomed around 50 campers who immersed themselves in a range of hands-on activities, including paper mache piñata making, clay workshops, watercolor painting, chalk and oil pastel creating, LEGO building, dance, and culinary arts!

Campers selected up to three artistic mediums to explore over the two-week session, culminating in an art show where campers proudly displayed their completed projects to parents, grandparents, guardians and friends. The program is led by certified educators and supported by enthusiastic high school interns; who not only assist with artistic projects but also help guide campers around the high school campus.

Newtown Continuing Ed’s summer programming continues to provide meaningful experiences for students to keep learning, connect with peers, and gives opportunities for learners and campers to try something new—all while having fun. From academic support to creative expressions, the summer offerings provide a well-rounded experience for students of all ages.

Last week, the district's leadership team gathered for their annual summer retreat—a time to step back from daily operations and engage in meaningful planning for the year ahead.

This year’s theme, “Together, Igniting Our Potential, Inspiring Achievement,” guided discussions focused on aligning school-based goals to district priorities and deepening our understanding of Connecticut’s accountability framework. The team also explored updates to our teacher evaluation platform and participated in a collaborative team-building session with district cabinet members.

As always, the retreat helps the team return to their schools with a renewed sense of purpose and shared direction—ready to support students and staff in the year ahead.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Jenna Connors on her appointment as as the new Principal of Middle Gate Elementary School.

Jenna brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our district to this role. She has previously served as Math/Science Specialist and Lead Teacher at Hawley School, Assistant Principal at Reed Intermediate School, and most recently as Interim Principal at Middle Gate. During her time in that interim role, Jenna quickly earned the trust of staff and families through her thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to students.

We are excited for all that lies ahead under her leadership!

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Carla Tischio on her appointment as Assistant Principal of Reed Intermediate School. Selected from a pool of 150 applicants, Carla distinguished herself with her strong leadership, deep commitment to Newtown, and proven record of service.

Throughout her tenure, Carla has been a valued contributor to numerous school and district initiatives. Her collaborative spirit, institutional knowledge, and dedication to continuous improvement have left a lasting impact. We are thrilled to welcome her back to Reed in this well-deserved leadership role.

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.

Message from the Superintendent Message from the Superintendent

Dear Newtown Families, Faculty and Staff,

2025 Summer Enrichment Program 2025 Summer Enrichment Program

A-Team Summer Retreat: Together, Igniting Potential, Inspiring Achievement A-Team Summer Retreat: Together, Igniting Potential, Inspiring Achievement

Welcome to Ms. Jenna Connors, New Principal of Middle Gate School! Welcome to Ms. Jenna Connors, New Principal of Middle Gate School!

Welcome Reed Intermediate's New Assistant Principal! Welcome Reed Intermediate's New Assistant Principal!

Newtown Public Schools' School Calendar 2025 - 2026 Newtown Public Schools' School Calendar 2025 - 2026

Join One of Our Teams & Make a Difference! Join One of Our Teams & Make a Difference!