Newtown Public Schools
Weekly Update - March 30, 2026
Dear Newtown Families, Faculty and Staff,
It’s hard to believe that the last day of March is almost upon us! As we move into the final stretch of the school year, it’s natural for students of all ages to feel a shift in energy and focus. With warmer weather, upcoming events, and the anticipation of summer, staying engaged can be a challenge. This is an important time for reinforcing routines, maintaining consistent expectations, and encouraging students to finish strong. Our teachers and staff remain committed to supporting students academically and socially, and we appreciate the continued partnership of families in helping students stay focused, organized, and motivated during these final months.
The Board of Education budget that will be presented to voters at the end of April will likely be determined at tonight’s Legislative Council meeting. I attended last week’s meeting to respond to remaining questions and also provided a written follow-up to help clarify several areas that can be difficult to fully explain in a public session. At that meeting, the Council’s education subcommittee indicated that it was not recommending any additional reductions, so we will see how discussions unfold this evening. Regardless of the outcome, it is important that community members exercise their right to vote on April 28. Any reduction to the proposed budget would be felt, particularly following last year’s reduction of approximately 30 positions. I believe this budget reflects a thoughtful balance between fiscal responsibility and the needs of the district, allowing us to continue moving forward in support of all students. See the Budget Happenings section below or more detailed information.
On a personal note, last Tuesday - one week past her due date - my daughter and her husband welcomed Patrick James Donahue to their family. Patrick was greeted by his 18-month-old sister, Maeve, who was excited to meet her baby brother. I was fortunate to be there when my daughter finally went into labor (after a few false starts), to stay with Maeve and then bring her to meet Patrick for the first time. Moments like these serve as a meaningful reminder of what matters most.
I want to remind everyone that schools will be closed this Friday. Next Friday, all schools will have a 3-hour early dismissal as we head into spring break. Please note that this early release was not part of the original calendar; it was modified to make up for the cancellation of December 23 prior to the winter break. You can access the updated school calendar by clicking the link below:
Warm regards,
Anne
Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom in ancient Egypt. Celebrated through storytelling, traditions, and family gatherings, the holiday centers around a special meal called a Seder, where symbolic foods like matzah are shared. Passover highlights important values such as freedom, resilience, and the importance of remembering and learning from history. To our Jewish students, families, and staff, we wish you a meaningful and joyous Passover filled with tradition and connection.
As part of our school community, we recognize that Easter is an important holiday for many students and families. Celebrated by Christians around the world, Easter is a time that symbolizes hope, renewal, and new beginnings. It is often observed with family gatherings, traditions, and reflection. Wishing our Christian students, families, and staff a joyful Easter filled with hope and renewal.
A huge shoutout to Sam Diaspro on being voted SWC Player of the Year by the league’s coaches!
An incredible honor and a true reflection of her hard work, leadership, and impact on the court. We are so proud of you—well deserved!
In order to help families avoid the accumulation of large negative lunch balances, the district will be implementing the following steps:
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At $25 or more: Parents/guardians will be notified by email.
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At $50 or more: School personnel will contact you directly.
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At $75 or more: A formal letter will be mailed home from the school.
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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.
