SPOTLIGHT
on New Milford Schools
Dear New Milford Public Schools Families, Faculty, Staff, and Community,
The time between our February long weekend and the April vacation week is an important time for consistent learning, as students are nicely settled into school routines, and we tend to have fewer disruptions due to weather. Throughout each week, I find myself in each of the five schools, and it is indeed a pleasure to see our students engaged in their work, asking questions, assisting peers, and considering big ideas. At the same time, teachers are continuing their professional learning by discovering our new K-3 reading series, Bookworms; considering middle school Math resources; using student performance information to plan lessons; and thinking about the best ways to teach reading in each subject area. The efforts needed to maintain a culture of learning for students and adults never cease, and we are rewarded with progress and growth in every school because of this hard work. In the pages of this edition of the Spotlight on New Milford Schools, you will see many examples of our students' and staff members' efforts and progress which we are proud to share with you.
Sincerely,
Janet P. Parlato, Ed.D.
- March 9th - Daylight Savings Time Begins
- March 10th - St. Baldrick's Foundation -Greenwave Braves the Shave, 2:30-5:00, NMHS
- March 13th - Staff PD (2 hour Delayed Opening for Students)'
- March 14th - Opening Day for Legally Blonde, The Musical (see below for all performance dates & deets) NMHS
- April 14th-18th - Spring Recess (SCHOOLS CLOSED)
- May 15th - Early Dismissal - Staff PD
- May 26th - Memorial Day (SCHOOLS CLOSED)
- June 14th: Graduation ~ 10:00am @ NMHS Joe Wiser Stadium🎓
By Adrienne Williams
I remember all those years ago, when you begged to do gymnastics. I never wanted you to because of what I knew it would do to your body, but we caved and decided to “let you give it a try.” We know how that story ended up going. I also remember you looking up to the girls in the gym and asking me, “Mom, do you think one day I could be a level 10?” I told you yes, that with hard work and determination, you could do anything. Fast-forward thirteen years, through failures and falls, triumphs and perseverance. After a wildly successful year of placing second at Regionals and securing a spot to represent Region 6 at Eastern Nationals. After winning SWC’s three years in a row and being named one of the top 15 gymnasts in CT to watch, you were ready to be a level 10. This past summer, I watched you work harder than you ever have. You were nailing the skills it would take to be amazing as a level 10, and to finish your high school career breaking records, something you worked tirelessly for for 13 years, training 3-4 hours a day, 5 days a week, 365 days a year.
Then it happened…a botched beam dismount.
The doctor told you it was a mild subluxation of your left shoulder, put you in PT, and you carried on. However, it happened again, and this time worse, with a full dislocation. It was hard that day in November, seeing the tears spill down your cheeks as the doctor rattled off a laundry list of injuries to that shoulder, followed by the words, “you need surgery.” After much deliberation, you begged the doctor to let you try to have some semblance of a senior year, to get that opportunity to compete as a level 10 and break those records. He agreed but was realistic in saying it may or may not happen. Here is where life lessons kick in, resilience, versatility. Even when things don’t work out the way you want them to, there are still blessings to be recognized. You had a choice…one that a 17 year old shouldn’t have to make. But you were determined, once again, to make it. You took a month off, worked hard in PT, and although you could do watered down versions of each event, the harder skills were tougher, and the shoulder kept dislocating. You and your coach were at a crossroads, and a decision was made that crushed you. You would never be able to compete as a level 10. All those years of sacrifice, missed birthday parties, sleepovers, family events; the bumps, the tears, the successes of doing something you love so much, was coming to an end sooner than you had wanted. You were devastated, but you decided to conquer as much of your high school season as you could. Each time you compete, I cry, because (in your words), you are “giving it your all each time you are out there, because it might be your last.” For 13 years, I have watched you in this sport, and it has brought me such joy. I have seen you struggle and watched you succeed. You have gotten to a place in your sport that some never make it to. Gymnastics is often mentally tougher than its physical demands, and you have proven to be one of the toughest ones out there. You are an inspiration to so many. I can say, without a doubt, that you have inspired me as well. And although being hesitant all those years ago, I am immensely grateful for the discipline this sport has given you, and all the life lessons that have gone along with it.
I’m not sure I’ll ever see you vault again, or swing the bars so gracefully like you always have.
I don’t know if I’ll ever hold my breath while you throw yourself backwards on a beam, or watch you tumble across the floor. But I have all the memories, and I have loved watching you do what you love, all of these years. You will forever be our MVP, and Dad and I will forever be your number one fans.
I don’t know what you’ll do next kid, but I’m sure it will be great.
Love,
Mom
Did you know that the Powerschool App does not show student report cards? To see report cards you must use your browser on a computer, phone or any other device that allows you to login to your New Milford powerschool parent account.
New Milford Public School uses a third party vendor to create and email report cards and the PowerSchool app does not accept any third party access to their app. Please be aware that logging in to your account with the link above will allow you to see actual report cards as well any archived report cards or forms from New Milford Public School whenever they are needed.
If you have any trouble logging in to your parent portal, please put in a technology ticket here or call your child’s school for assistance. Always check your portal on a browser if you don’t see something you are looking for on your app, there is always more data on the browser option than the app.
Ed Gerety
On Tuesday, February 4th, nationally renowned inspirational speaker, Ed Gerety visited Schaghticoke Middle School for three grade-level assemblies titled, Catching Waves: Shaping Your Future Today. Ed captivated our audience with powerful messages of respect and responsibility, consequences of choices, being kind and inclusive, acknowledging and expressing gratitude, and the courage to believe in oneself. Active participation was encouraged throughout the assemblies and Ed raved about SMS’s participation and citizenship during each assembly.
Visit from President Lincoln
Sarah Noble 5th Graders enjoyed a visit from President Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln shared many anecdotes from his life and through his presidency. He also led the students in reciting the Gettysburg Address. Students were able to participate and ask questions of the former president as well.
26th Annual Elementary Celebration of the Arts by the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS)
Learning Walks
The Leadership Team was part of the 1st in-house Learning Walk at HPS. There were celebrations for the trends of learning. Learning Walks bring us beyond our own classrooms to observe learner-centered practices and bright spots in classroom environments, celebrate strengths, and identify trends to inform future support—all in a non-evaluative way.
We Choose Love
Love is in the air! Here at Northville we choose LOVE every day of the year, not just on Valentine's Day.
The Kindergarteners celebrated 100 days of school on Feb 4th. They dressed up as Senior Citizens with glasses, hats and curlers.
The Kindergarten Teacher Team had a different theme - they "rocked" the first 100 days!
Outstanding Arts at the 26th Annual Celebration of the Arts at CAS
Avery in Second Grade received the Outstanding Arts at the 26th Annual Celebration of the Arts from CAS. Here he is in a photo with Mrs. Gallagher and Mrs. Surreira who both attended the event. Shreeji (not pictured) in second grade also won for NES!
Collecting Plastic with LHTC Students & Groundhog Day
The students from LHTC continue to help us collect plastic for our soon-to-be upcycled bench!
February 2nd was Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. According to the legend it means six more weeks of winter! Here's hoping good ole Phil is wrong this time!
February was American Heart Month 💗
One of the objectives is to raise awareness about hearth health and encourage people to make small changes in their lifestyle to help prevent heart disease. One of the recommendations is to increase fiber intake with whole grains/fruits and vegetables. The school lunch program does this on a daily basis by only offering whole grain products, 5 subgroups of vegetables, and a variety of fruits.
The department is also committed to trying new food items to keep the students engaged and interested. A “Woodle” (whole grain ramen noodle prepped in a spicy chili sauce) sample day was done in January at the High School. Over half the students tried the samples and provide positive feedback. The plan is to offer this whole grain (51%) noodle bowl, with fresh vegetables and chicken in the future. A photo is on the right.
