Newtown Public Schools

There is just one week and one day of the school year left and it will be a busy one! Tuesday evening our Board of Education will meet, Wednesday is our moving up ceremony for Newtown MIddle School’s eighth graders and Thursday evening is graduation day for our Newtown High School seniors. Our high school graduation takes place outside in Blue and Gold Stadium and right now the weather looks cooperative.

I’ve recently received several requests asking whether the school year could end for students on Friday, June 13, instead of having them return for a shortened day on Monday, June 16. Because the school calendar is formally approved by the Board of Education, any change must go before them for a vote. As such, I’ve added this item to tomorrow night’s Board of Education meeting agenda for discussion and decision.

This idea hadn’t been on my radar earlier, and I apologize for not considering it sooner. While I’ve heard from many families in favor of shifting the final day to Friday, I also recognize this change could present challenges for others. Tomorrow evening, the Board will weigh these perspectives and make a final decision. I’ll be sure to communicate the outcome on Wednesday morning so families can plan accordingly.

On another note, next Monday’s newsletter will be the last NPS Weekly Update until August 4. I want to thank you for your continued readership and kind feedback throughout the year—it has truly been a labor of love and a meaningful way to stay connected with our school community.

A special thank you goes to Sarah Connell, who has helped transform weekly updates into the polished, engaging newsletter you receive each Monday. Her behind-the-scenes work has made a tremendous difference—thank you, Sarah!

Wishing everyone a strong finish to the school year!

Warm regards,

Anne

The full district calendar can be found here.

Congratulations to our retirees! We thank you for your dedication and service to the students and families of Newtown!

Pictured: Laura Battisti, Robyn Cologna, Phil Cruz, Diane Dennis, Kathy Gramolini, Michelle Hiscavitch, Cynthia McArthur

Not Pictured: Peter Bernson, Rosemarie Costello, Colleen Ferris-Kimball, Mark Mahoney, Ellen Monroe, Julie Shull, Sharon Vetrano

This past week bus drivers, as well as leaders from All-Star, Newtown Public Schools and State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, gathered to recognize one our drivers, Jim Tomassetti, for 52 CONSECUTIVE YEARS of driving a school bus! Jim shared that he loves driving the bus (but hates getting up early) and plans to continue driving. Thank you for your service to Newtown, Jim!

The Rotary Club of Newtown is looking for a host family or families, for the 2025/2026 Spring semester.

One to two families are needed to host a young lady from Japan, who will be entering Newtown High School as a sophomore for the 2025-2026 spring semester (January – June). If you would like to host part of all the spring semester or would like more information, please contact David Freedman 860-372-1596 or newtowndad@hotmail.com

Rotary clubs channel their commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity:

• Youth Service, one of the five, recognizes the importance of empowering youth through leadership development programs. Rotary Youth Exchange is one of many youth leadership development programs offered by Rotary.
• Living in a foreign country is a powerful way to gain global understanding and promote peace.
• Through Youth Exchange, students learn a new language, discover different cultures and customs, and make friendships that last a lifetime.
• The objectives of the Rotary Youth Exchange program include: • Instilling international understanding and goodwill in students • Creating positive change by empowering youth • Making lasting connections for host clubs, host families, communities, and the students involved Rotary districts administer the Youth Exchange program in collaboration with local Rotary clubs.
• A Rotary district is a group of Rotary clubs in a specific area or region.
• Rotary has approximately 530 districts worldwide. Unlike many exchange programs, Rotary Youth Exchange is managed by volunteers, resulting in relatively low administrative costs and a strong support network of engaged Rotarians.
• Rotary’s youth protection policies and district Youth Exchange certification program ensure that the safety of our youth is the highest priority.

We want to alert families and staff to a concerning social media trend circulating on TikTok that encourages students to tamper with school-issued Chromebooks in ways that can cause them to overheat or catch fire. This behavior is extremely dangerous, posing serious risks to student safety, school property, and the learning environment. Such actions may lead to disciplinary consequences and potential legal ramifications.

We urge parents and guardians to speak with their children about the hazards of participating in viral online challenges. While these trends may appear entertaining, they can result in real harm and long-term consequences.

To our staff, if you notice any unusual behavior or signs of device tampering, please contact your school administrator immediately.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe and focused on learning.

Click here for more information and to apply.

We are excited to offer Newtown High School students the opportunity to participate in the Spanish Exchange Program with our partner school Instituto de Enseñanza Secundaria (IES) Las Encinas. Our sister school is located just outside of Madrid in the small town of Villanueva de la Cañada. We have proudly maintained this exchange program since 2013, offering students valuable opportunities for language immersion and cultural understanding. This enriching international experience involves traveling to Spain and staying with a host family, with the potential to host a Spanish student in return. Our exchange has helped students to make friends within the school and across continents, become more confident and engaged global citizens, and helps students stand out from their peers with their college applications.

We are asking families to submit a letter of intent to travel and /or host to indicate their serious interest and commitment to having their student participate in the program. This is not a final commitment, but it helps us plan accordingly and begin reserving travel arrangements. We are asking for these by June 30th.

Specific information about the trips - including the letters of intent that state dates and requirements - can be found on our Google classroom code q2sxvwqj. Or, families are welcome to contact either Ms. Elizabeth Ward-Toller (Warde@newtown.k12.ct.us) or Mrs. Olmos-Valeri (olmos-valerim@newtown.k12.ct.us) with any questions.

We hope you’ll join the international adventure!

Around 25 parents came to Hawley to share with students their careers. They brought hands-on materials and the students were very interested and engaged.

Hawley's 4th Graders had a great time at Dickinson Park with fun games and activities including dunking the Principal!

This week we celebrated our Student - Athletes who have committed to play at the next level. The students and families were treated to some amazing ice cream from Ferris Acres Creamery.

We are so proud of these athletes. We look forward to watching you do incredible things.

NHS Boys Basketball had a great day volunteering with the Friends of Newtown Seniors at their spring shredding event.

Great job Boys!

Congratulations to our Baseball players for being recognized with postseason awards. Great job Boys!

Wes Keayes - All SWC Outfielder

Johnathan Moseman - All Colonial Infielder

Kieran Garrity - All Colonial Outfielder

Jamie Piccuillo - SWC Honorable Mention Pitcher

Congratulations Maddie Thoesen on being named Class LL All State!

Maddie will continue her education and love of the game at CCSU next Fall.

We are so proud of our Girls Golf team members for being recognized with postseason honors. Way to Go!

Riley Ragan-All SWC

Edie Derosa- All Colonial

Lucia St. Lorenzo-All Colonial

Ellie Garbowski-All Colonial

Please ensure your child's lunch account is up to date so they can enjoy nutritious meals at school. If your family is facing financial challenges, we’re here to help! Reach out to your child's counselor or principal for assistance and resources. Every student deserves a healthy meal!

Did you know that joining your PTA offers several benefits for both you and our school community? Our PTAs do many wonderful things throughout the school year that support and enhance the educational experience for our students. In addition to raising funds for educational programs and classroom resources, members have the opportunity to have their voices and ideas heard, meet new people and build connections within the school and greater community, as well as gain leadership skills that can be both personally and professionally valuable. In addition, being involved in your PTA gives you a closer look at what is happening in your child’s school by participating in or organizing events that foster a positive school culture.

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

Thank you for your support!

Being the parent of a student with special needs can be confusing, isolating and frightening. Newtown Special Ed PTA, or SEPTA, is a great way to connect with a supportive community. We look forward to you joining us!

For more information, please visit the Special Ed PTA's website 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.

All-Star is actively seeking drivers. Flexible schedules and a paid training program.

Consider calling today!