Newtown Public Schools

I want to sincerely thank all candidates who campaigned for local office here in Newtown. These individuals embody the spirit of civic duty and commitment. Regardless of political views, running for and serving on local Boards is a significant, often time-consuming, volunteer endeavor. Their participation directly influences the direction of our Town, and their work is vital.

A healthy, collaborative relationship between the Town and our Public Education system is paramount and ultimately benefits all residents of our community. It has been a pleasure to partner with First Selectman Capeci over the past year. As he prepares to depart, I warmly welcome the opportunity to continue this important partnership with Mr. Walczak, who officially takes the helm on December 2nd.

This week, Newtown Public Schools officially launches our internal budget development process for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, beginning with a series of meetings with each of the district’s cost center leaders. Principals and directors have already submitted their proposed budgets, which my Central Office team and I are now reviewing. This collaborative process allows a comprehensive picture to emerge, clarifying both our current and future resource allocation and shaping the future of our district in alignment with the NPS 3-Year Strategic Goals.

Following this initial step, the entire leadership team will convene to prioritize our strategic needs versus desired wants, identifying potential areas to reallocate resources to support important educational initiatives. My commitment throughout this process remains clear: to make fiscally responsible decisions that are in the best interest of Newtown Public Schools, ensuring we deliver the highest quality education to every student while being diligent stewards of taxpayer funds.

The proposed education budget is typically finalized and presented to the Board of Education in late January. As I did last year, I'll continue to keep the community informed along the way, as community engagement is essential as the budget directly impacts the level of service our families expect in our schools. While the referendum is still months away (April 28, 2026), many critical steps lie ahead. Throughout the process, I am available to meet with any individual or group to discuss our budget development and answer questions, so please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like more information.

Veterans, tomorrow is our day to honor you! Each of our schools has prepared a special program, and we have ensured that all the details have been shared with our community. If you are a veteran and aren’t sure of what programs are being offered, please reach out to your local school for information. I sincerely hope that all of you will join us in honoring you, including those veterans who work in our schools. There is no greater honor for our community than having you as our guest. Thank you for your service, and we look forward to seeing you!

Warm regards,

Anne

Our full district calendar can be found here

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and important contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Indigenous peoples. Throughout the month, we honor the traditions, stories, and resilience of Native communities, past and present, and reflect on their lasting impact on our nation’s history.

In schools, this month provides a meaningful opportunity for students to learn about the first peoples of our land, explore their cultural heritage, and appreciate the many ways Native Americans continue to shape our communities today. Let’s take this time to celebrate, learn, and show respect for the vibrant and enduring cultures of Native peoples.

In honor of Veterans Day, all of our schools are preparing special celebrations to recognize and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. Students will take part in assemblies, performances, and classroom projects that highlight the values of service and gratitude. Together, we look forward to honoring our veterans and expressing heartfelt appreciation for their dedication and courage.

On November 4th, staff members participated in a productive Professional Development Day focused on exploring the power of AI and its potential to enhance teaching, learning, and everyday classroom practices. The sessions were led by our knowledgeable Library Media Specialists and other staff members, who guided staff through hands-on activities and practical applications of AI tools.

Join us for a night of twists, turns, and laughter as our talented cast brings this classic whodunit to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the story, this production promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, CLUE is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

*Please note: The production includes the use of a prop gun and modified gunshot sound effects. We want to ensure all audience members are informed and comfortable attending the show.

Dates: November 13, 14, & 15 at 7:00 pm and November 16 at 2:00 pm

Location: NHS auditorium

Tickets are available at http://nhsc.booktix.com

We look forward to welcoming families, friends, and community members to support our students' hard work both on stage and behind the scenes.

Thank you for your continued support of the arts in our schools!

The Nighthawks are taking a well deserved break before the Winter season kicks off. After a busy and exciting fall, our athletes are catching their breath and recharging.

Our focus will shift to Winter sports and bring the same energy & pride to the court, mat, ice and pool.

You can still catch NHS Football in action. They travel to Sacred Heart University on Friday 11/14 to take on Notre Dame Prep, and then gear up for their final in-season game against Masuk for the Annual Turkey Bowl on 11/26.

Cheers to a short rest before another great season begins

Go Nighthawks!

Congratulations to the following Volleyball girls that received SWC recognition! We are so proud of you!

All SWC

Allie Nowacki

Ava Lombardo

All Colonial

Elena Burdo

NHS Dance recently held their Annual Kids Clinic. They had a blast! The best part was getting the opportunity to perform at halftime of the Football game with their idols!

They did not disappoint! A HUGE thank you to all that supported this amazing event!

Senior Mel Lordeiro, Captain of NHS Cheer is leading with her heart on and off the field. For her Capstone project, she is hosting a Breast Cancer Color Walk.

All money raised will be donated to Ann's Place, a local charity that specializes in the quality of life for cancer patients. This charity serves patients across CT and Hudson Valley NY.

This event is Kid and pet friendly.

https://www.annsplace.org/

In order to help families avoid the accumulation of large negative lunch balances, the district will be implementing the following steps:

• At $25 or more: Parents/guardians will be notified by email.

• At $50 or more: School personnel will contact you directly.

• At $75 or more: A formal letter will be mailed home from the school.

• If balances continue to grow without an effort to reconcile: Families will be contacted by the Central Office.

Please note: Students with a negative balance are not permitted to purchase a second lunch or snacks until the account is brought current.

Our goal is to support families in staying up to date with lunch accounts and to prevent larger debts from accumulating. By connecting families with school personnel, we hope to assist you in making online payments or, if eligible, applying for free and reduced-price lunch.

Click on the link for instructions on how to set up a MY SCHOOL BUCKS account so you can keep your account current.

Our PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is a group made up of parents, teachers, and sometimes community members who work together to support our schools. The primary goal of our PTAs is to build a strong connection between families and schools to create a positive learning environment for students. PTAs often organize activities and events that benefit students, such as fundraisers, family nights, and volunteer programs. These events help raise money for classroom supplies, field trips, or other school needs that may not be covered by the school budget.

In addition to fundraising, the PTA acts as a bridge between parents and school administrations. They advocate for students by addressing concerns or providing feedback to school leaders. PTAs also host meetings, or informational sessions to keep parents informed about important issues, such as curriculum changes, testing schedules, or educational policies. By fostering collaboration among parents, teachers, and administrators, our PTAs plays a crucial role in enriching the school community and supporting student success.

You can find a link to each school's PTA by clicking on this link.

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.