Newtown Public Schools

At tomorrow evening’s Board of Education meeting, representatives from MP Planning Group will present their findings on Newtown Public Schools' projected 10-year student enrollment and the impact these trends may have on school capacity and space utilization across the district. This analysis incorporates last year’s Facilities Condition Assessment, which examined the current state of our buildings along with anticipated costs for ongoing maintenance and capital improvements.

This objective, data-based work is essential for responsible long-term planning. It will help us ensure that our schools remain safe, well-maintained, and able to support high-quality learning while also managing costs for taxpayers. Strong public schools are a cornerstone of Newtown’s economic vitality and community identity, contributing to the desirability of our town and supporting property values. Tomorrow’s presentation is the first step in a much larger process that will include input from families, staff, town boards, and community partners as we plan for the future of Newtown Public Schools. You can stream the meeting live using the link located in the Board of Ed section below.

Tomorrow’s meeting will also see the conclusion of the terms of Deborra Zukowski and Brian Leonardi. I would like to thank them for their dedicated service, thoughtful deliberation, and steady commitment to Newtown’s students, staff, and families throughout their time on the Board of Education. I have personally appreciated getting to know Deb and Brian and am grateful for their partnership, their willingness to ask hard questions, and their advocacy for a strong and vibrant school district and I wish them both the best in their future endeavors.

Did you know that Newtown Public Schools is a partner and “sending district” for Region 12’s Agricultural Science and Technology Education (ASTE) program at Shepaug Agriscience Academy? This means Newtown students in grades 9–12 can apply to attend this program if they are interested in pursuing this type of educational pathway. As part of this partnership, each participating Board of Education is required to appoint two representatives with knowledge of agriculture to serve on a consulting committee. This group’s role is advisory—they offer ideas and feedback to Region 12, but they do not have formal decision-making authority. Representatives may not be current Board of Education members, and the agreement does not require that they be parents, though they may be. If you have experience or a strong interest in this field and might like to serve in this advisory role, or know someone who does, please contact my office—we’d be happy to share more information.

As a reminder, next week our schools will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving beginning on Wednesday. Monday and Tuesday are full school days.

Warm regards,

Anne

Our full district calendar can be found here

Click on the link to view the agenda for this week's Board of Education meeting.

To view this meeting, the livestream link is: https://vimeo.com/event/729428 To make a public comment, the call in number is (US) 1-650-980-4311 PIN: 630 683 780#

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.

On November 19, we’re celebrating National Education Support Professionals Day! Our amazing support staff including paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, custodians, cafeteria workers, nurses, school security officers and so many others help make our schools welcoming, safe, and successful every day. We’re so grateful for all they do to support our students, staff, and families. Be sure to thank a support professional this week!

CALLING ALL WINTER ATHLETES!

If you are playing a Winter Sport at NHS you must be registered.

Registration will close on 11/21. Please register today.

If you have any questions contact Stacey Nasser nassers@newtown.k12.ct.us

Congratulations to our student-athletes who have committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Their hard work and dedication on and off the field have led to this moment.

We are so proud of all of our students as they continue on their journey.

Way to go Nighthawks!

Marcus Gerace-Flagler College-Lacrosse

Natalie McLean-LIU-Lacrosse

Olivia Doersch-Lasell University-Softball

Sam Diaspro-Saint Michaels College-Basketball

Kamryn Morgenstern-Boston University-Rowing

Jameson Piccuillo-Fairfield University-Baseball

We are so proud to celebrate and honor Lin Hertberg, former NHS softball coach as he was inducted into the Connecticut Scholastic & Collegiate Softball Hall of Fame.

Coach Hertberg was surrounded by family and friends at a recent celebration held at the Aqua Turf.

His crowd of supporters is a true testament to lives that he touched and the mark he has left on NHS softball. This recognition reflects years of dedication and commitment to NHS Softball.

Congratulations on this well deserved achievement!

Just ahead of the start of their season, NHS Boys and Girls Basketball players volunteered at the Newtown Parks and Rec Turkey Toss. This annual free throw competition was held at NMS, and looked like a fun night for all involved!

The Newtown High School Marching Band and Color Guard proudly wrapped up an unforgettable 2025 fall season, one defined by musical excellence, student leadership, and vibrant community support. Their show, Duality, artfully explored the interplay between black and white, highlighting contrast, balance, and connection through powerful performance and design.

Competing in the highly competitive Group 2 Open classification, the ensemble remained undefeated throughout the regular season. Their momentum carried them to a Connecticut State Championship, where they placed 1st, and on to MetLife Stadium, where they earned 4th place at the USBands National Championships on November 8th with a score of 93.35 - an impressive feat amid the region’s best programs.

This season marks the band’s largest membership since the pandemic, fueled by growing student enthusiasm and expanding opportunities. Led by Drum Majors Cameron Linnetz, Henry Blatter, and sophomore Andy Christos, the group navigated through a busy performance schedule that extended beyond competitions. In addition to competitions, the band performed at football games, in the Newtown Labor Day Parade, at the Newtown Arts Festival, and did special performance at Reed Intermediate School.

As the fall season concludes, the Newtown Band is already gearing up for more opportunities. This week features rehearsal clinics for Winter Percussion Monday and Wednesday evening from 6-9 in the NHS Band Room (open to students in grades 7-12 with no experience necessary) AND a spin clinic for Winter Guard Tuesday night in the Reed Intermediate School cafeteria from 6-8:30, now enrolling students from grades 5-12. Whether in fall or winter, the NHS Band and Guard program strives to create a welcoming, growth-focused environment where they offer students a unique chance to belong, grow, and shine.

The Newtown Marching Band and Color Guard exemplify what’s possible when students, staff, families, and the community work in harmony. Congratulations to all involved on a successful season, and here's to many more!

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.