Newtown Public Schools

As we close out the month of May, the celebrations keep coming. At last week’s Board of Education meeting, we had the privilege of honoring the 2024 Profiles in Professionalism recipients, a truly remarkable group of adults who do so much for our schools every day. You can read more about this award and those recognized in the section below. This week, I am looking forward to attending Awards Night at Newtown High School to celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of our students. And of course, we are still enjoying concerts and art shows across the district.

Yesterday, we observed Memorial Day — a time to honor and remember the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication and courage. As we return to our routines this week, I hope we carry with us the spirit of reflection and gratitude that Memorial Day inspires. On behalf of Newtown Public Schools, I extend heartfelt appreciation to all who have served, and especially to the families who have lost loved ones in service to our nation.

Wishing everyone a strong and positive week ahead.

Warm regards,

Anne

The full district calendar can be found here.

In addition to the resources available within our schools, families in need of mental health support can also access the following local resources:

Newtown Social Services/Center for Support and Wellness

https://www.newtown-ct.gov/social-services

(203) 270-4330

Newtown Youth & Family Services

www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org

(203) 270-4335

A leading provider of mental health services, youth support programs, and family counseling.

211 of Connecticut
www.211ct.org or dial 2-1-1
A free and confidential service that helps connect individuals to a wide range of mental health, housing, and family support services as well as Mobile Crisis Intervention Services for families experiencing urgent mental health challenges with children or teens.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
https://988lifeline.org/ or call or text 988

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories.

Newtown Parent Connection
https://www.ctparentconnection.org/
(203) 270-1600

Offers trauma-informed care and community-building programs for all ages.

Throughout May, Newtown Public Schools proudly recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is an important opportunity to learn about the diverse experiences, achievements, and cultural heritage of our Asian American and Pacific Islander students, families, and community members. To access teaching resources, click on the ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER: Illuminating Meaning, Community and Heritage PD Playlist.

The following are the honorees for the 2024-2025 Profiles in Professionalism award who were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 20th.

At its May 20 meeting held in the Reed Intermediate School library, the Board of Education recognized 14 individuals as this year’s Profiles in Professionalism honorees for the 2024–25 school year.

This recognition program is a valued tradition in the district, offering an opportunity for staff, parents, and volunteers across all roles to be acknowledged by their peers for their meaningful contributions. Those selected are honored during a dedicated Board meeting, where written tributes from nominators are read aloud in front of the community. Each honoree was invited to the front of the room to receive a Profiles in Professionalism award, with family, friends, and colleagues present to applaud their accomplishments.

Congratulations to all the honorees and we thank you for your invaluable contributions to Newtown Public Schools!

Left to Right: Jessica Kenney, PTA Vice President, Newtown Middle School, Glenn Kane, Armed School Security Officer, Sandy Hook School, Karen Dreger, Lead Teacher, Head O’Meadow School, Brian DiBella, Technology Support Technician, Central Office, Sarah Connell, Central Office Project Coordinator, Mariza Borges, Sandy Hook School Nurse, Brian Walsh, Assistant Principal, Newtown Middle School, John Sullivan, Lead Teacher, Middle Gate School, Katherine Leja, Grade 1 Teacher, Hawley School, Jeffrey Tolson, Guidance Counselor, Newtown High School.

Not pictured: Marie Armstrong, Parent Volunteer, Newtown High School, Colleen Kimball, FLEX Teacher, Newtown High School, Lindsey Padua, Paraeducator, Middle Gate School and Darren Pierre, Head Custodian, Reed Intermediate School.

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

If you think we need more about the program background we could insert this but not sure if we need to.

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.

According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America the 2025 allergy season is expected to be long and intense. The number of allergy related student visits to the Health Offices across the district have skyrocketed in the past two weeks. Students must follow their allergy regimen (ie: oral medications, eye drops, nasal sprays) at home consistently for the most effective relief of symptoms. School nurses do not have stock allergy medication to dispense to students during the school day.

On May 19th, the Western Connecticut Superintendent’s Awards ceremony was held at the Amber Room in Danbury. The Western Connecticut Superintendents Association (WCSA) annually recognizes outstanding students from the region through its Student Recognition Awards Program. This program honors students who demonstrate excellence in three key areas: community service and service to others, academic prowess relative to ability, and leadership service to the school and community.

It was an honor to join Charlie Massett and Mary Guion from Newtown High School, as well as Lily Walker and Maddy Zupan from Newtown Middle School along with their families and principals to celebrate their outstanding achievements.

Addison Della Corte and Alex Siksay for their recognition and awards at the 10th Annual "Teen Vision" 2025 Connecticut High School Art Exhibit at Sacred Heart University!

1st Place: Addison Della Corte “Composed of Stardust” - Watercolor

2nd Place: Alexandra Siksay “In Sync with the Sun” - Watercolor

Please be sure to go check out the Amazing show until May 29th!

Sacred Heart University

5151 Park Avenue

Fairfield, CT 06825

Thank you for all the support of our Artists!

Newtown Public Schools Art Shows

Newtown Public Schools Spring Concerts

Happy to conclude a successful regular season for Girls Golf. We are excited to have the opportunity to compete for another SWC Championship.

Our Captains this year were Lucia St. Lorenzo and Riley Ragan. Our Seniors were Lucia St. Lorenzo and Sophia Wade. We are truly going to miss them. The Golf Team would also like to thank all of the incredible donors who helped us purchase team bags.

CONGRATULATIONS To NHS Girls Track and Field on their 3-PEAT SWC Championship!

We are so proud of our Girls Lacrosse postseason award winners. Amazing Student Athletes on and off the field.

CONGRATULATIONS!

ALL-SWC

Abby Ihlefeld

Natalie McLean

Brooke Bulkley

Emily Sachs

ALL-COLONIAL

Jenn Socci

Mo Murphy

Kayla Locke

HONORABLE MENTION

Blake-Heim Sherwood

Several standout softball players were recently honored with postseason awards! Congratulations Ladies, we are so proud of you!

ALL-SWC

Madison Thoesen

Gabby Ansman

Addy Cordova

ALL-COLONIAL

Sophia Caruso

Reagan Schenzer

Gillian Boughan

HONORABLE MENTION
Elena Burdo

Olivia Doersch

Girls Lacrosse will be playing in the SWC championship game against New Fairfield.

WCSU / Gametime: 4:30 PM

NHS Girls Golf will be playing for their 6th SWC Title at Brownson CC.

Softball will be playing in the SWC Semi Final against Masuk.

Frank DeLuca Field, Stratford CT / Game time: 7:00 PM

Volleyball heads to the Semi Final at Barlow / Game time: 6:00 PM

We completed another successful Wellness Week Tasty Tuesday event for all school levels in Newtown!

Staff did another outstanding job preparing dairy free smoothies made from fresh fruits including: mango, pineapple, orange Juice, peaches and bananas. The second option was fresh blueberries, basil and allergen free chocolate chips.. The Chartwells associates and management produced a total of 3500 nutritious and healthy samples for the students. Thank you Chartwells!

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!