Newtown Public Schools

On Friday, I had the opportunity to recognize Newtown’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Kathleen Dye! Kathleen is a 7th grade science teacher at Newtown Middle School who has been teaching in the district for 19 years. She is dedicated and well respected among her colleagues and we are thrilled to see her honored in this way! Congratulations Kathy!

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and staff of the Intermediate School on their production of Wizard of Oz Jr this past weekend. The performance showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and hard work of our fifth and sixth grade students, along with the dedication of the educators and volunteers who supported them. School theater programs like this one not only build confidence and teamwork, but also create lasting memories for students and families alike. We are proud of all who contributed to bringing this classic story to life on stage. Bravo!

As the vibrant colors of spring surround us, May also marks an important time for our community: Mental Health Awareness Month. I’d like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of mental well-being for all members of our school community — students, staff, and families alike. In our schools, we believe that a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals feel safe, seen, and heard is essential for learning, growth, and overall well-being. Throughout May, we encourage everyone to take some time to learn more about mental health, engage in open conversations, and prioritize self-care. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. In addition to the resources available in our schools, please see the section below for just a few of the community resources available to support you or someone you know who may be struggling.

Finally, the Board of Education will meet tomorrow to discuss the $900K reduction to the 25-26 budget. Assuming they are able to meet consensus, I expect that next week, I will be able to share how those reductions will impact our schools.

Warm regards,

Anne

Reminder that NEXT WEDNESDAY is a 3-hour Early Dismissal for ALL SCHOOLS.

The 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) 1-475-222-3530 PIN 832 166 933#

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.

As we move into May, let's take a moment to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from May 5th to May 9th, 2025!

Our dedicated and passionate educators are the very heart of Newtown Public Schools, tirelessly inspiring and guiding our students each and every day. Their commitment to building a love of learning, providing unwavering support, and shaping the future is truly invaluable. This week offers a meaningful opportunity for students, families, and the entire community to express their sincere gratitude for the extraordinary work our teachers do. Thank you, Newtown teachers, for your incredible dedication and the profound difference you make in the lives of our students!

Wednesday, May 7th, is School Nurse Day, and we ask everyone to take a moment to sincerely thank our wonderful school nurses for all they do. Their dedication to the health, safety, and overall well-being of our students is truly remarkable. Knowing they are there, providing expert care and a calming presence, allows our students to focus on learning. From managing everyday needs to handling emergencies and encouraging healthy habits, our nurses are vital members of our school communities. We are so grateful for their caring hearts, their professionalism, and their unwavering commitment to our children and families.

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.

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.

The impact of Ms. Dye’s guidance is felt across our Middle School through her work with the NMS Robotics Club and the GSA Club, among other committees. Kathy beautifully articulates that teaching isn't simply a job, but a deeply felt calling stemming from her profound love for science and a sincere desire to nurture the potential within each young person. Her humble demeanor and vibrant passion are truly inspiring. With a family background steeped in education, Kathy spoke with warmth about the significant influence of her father on her own path. Kathy's exceptional dedication and inspiring approach make her a truly outstanding educator, and we are thrilled to name her as Newtown's Teacher of the Year 2025!

Newtown Middle School, with grant funding from the School Based Health Alliance, is working on a garden project focused on teaching sustainable food practices and healthy lifestyles. District and school staff were present at Newtown Earth day at the Middle School on April 26 to share information about the project with the community. The new garden and interdisciplinary curriculum making use of the outdoor space will promote healthy eating, build awareness around sustainability, increase physical activity, and foster academic growth. The first phase of the garden is expected to be completed in June.

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.

Twelve of our high school students had the wonderful opportunity to attend Instituto Las Encinas for nearly two weeks.

During the exchange, our students shadowed their host peers in various classes, participated in workshops, and experienced the daily routines of Spanish student life. In addition, they enjoyed cultural excursions to Segovia, the Reina Sofía Museum, the Prado Museum, and several historic sites around Madrid.

The students were deeply appreciative of this enriching experience—one that will surely stay with them for a lifetime!

Over 100 Reed Intermediate School students performed the Wizard of Oz, Jr. to a sell-out house this past weekend. Students had a variety of roles - acting, singing, dancing, stage crew, special effects, colorful costumes, and make-up…All made this favorite story come to life to the delight of families, friends and community. Newtown High School Auditorium Tech Crew students ran the sound and light boards. Thank you to our talented RIS students and the advisors that directed and produced the show - the performances were outstanding! Here is a glimpse of the show:

Photo cred: Erin Loucks

The Newtown High School Gold Jazz Big Band participated in this year’s WCSU High School Adjudication festival on May 2. The band performed followed by a workshop with Jaime Begian, Co-Coordinator of Jazz Studies. Students enjoyed the opportunity to perform and received feedback from an active performing artist in the jazz scene.

79 students in grades 5-12 gathered last Thursday to perform in 23rd Newtown Night of Jazz. Jazz Band is another opportunity for students to make music and perform with friends. They come before and after school to learn how to read lead sheets, learn about jazz theory and style, interpretation and improvisation, along with the skill sets to perform in this idiom. They performed music of contemporary jazz composers as well as some of the greats including Glenn Miller, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Harold Arlen, Billy Strayhorned and Dizzy Gillespie. Here is a taste of their performance (RIS Jazz, NMS Jazz, NHS Blue Jazz Combo and NHS Gold Jazz Big Band):

Newtown Public Schools Art Shows

Newtown Public Schools Spring Concerts

The recent Faith Food pantry drive, Nighthawks week of Giving was a huge success thanks to the efforts of student-athletes, coaches, and parents.

The week-long drive held by the Spring teams at NHS exceeded expectations of the organizers. Donations poured in during home games & practice sessions.

"As a result of your substantial gift, a host of local individuals and families facing food insecurity will be delivered a better quality of daily life . Please know at least for the next two months, as we close in on summer; will be made easier to provide for those in need. We are touched and humbled by your kindness" said Joan Brand from FFP.

Plans are already underway for a fall donation event, with hopes of building on this momentum.

Congratulations to Kiddist and Alicia on receiving the

SWC One Athlete & One Partner Leadership Award!

Congratulations to Moira Murphy & Marc Maurath on receiving the CIAC Scholar Athlete Award.

The Scholar-Athlete Program annually recognizes two high school seniors – one boy and one girl – from each member high school whose academic and athletic careers have been exemplary, whose personal standards and achievements are a model to others, and who possess high levels of integrity, self-discipline and courage.

Our wrestlers exemplify the true meaning of Student-Athlete.

Way to go boys!

Gearing up for another busy week at NHS. Let's hope Mother Nature is kind.

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!