Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Can I leave my child a message?

It is not possible to relay routine telephone messages to students during the school day without disrupting an entire classroom. Please coordinate all plans and activities prior to the start of school. Please do not call or text students on cell phones during the school day. In the case of an emergency, please contact the house office and give the secretary the message. She will make every effort to relay the message. Messages such as "Call Home" will not be considered emergency in nature and will not be relayed.

What is the policy on the use of electronic devices in school?

Electronic devices are to be used responsibly. Newington High School recognizes that cell phones and other electronic devices are an integral part of modern society and are sometimes used for emergencies or other vital communication between parents and students. Nonetheless, no cell phone or electronic device is to be used for any purpose within classrooms. The only exceptions to this rule are when use of an electronic device is designated within a student’s individual education plan (IEP) or 504, or when the device is part of a teacher’s classroom instruction. If a student is caught a cell phone or electronic device in violation of this policy while in a classroom, the teacher will confiscate the phone or device and it will not be returned until a parent comes to school to claim it. Repeated violations of this policy shall warrant further disciplinary action according to our code of conduct.

UNACCEPTABLE USES of electronic devices include the following: Unauthorized audio/videotaping of images, internet postings, and use during emergency drills and procedures (ie. lockdowns, shelter in place, fire drills, etc.) Such unauthorized use will result in immediate revocation of privileges for the student. The parent/guardian will be notified and appropriate disciplinary consequences will be issued.

Is there a Student Dress Code?

Yes there most definitely is. Students are expected to dress and groom themselves in a professional manner. Students who look as if they are dressed to go to the beach, a nightclub, to bed, or somewhere other than school will be expected to change or will be sent home. Please be sure that clothing purchased for school does not expose the chest, midriff, and/or buttocks. Pajamas, hats, sunglasses or clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, or hate will not be allowed. Flip flops or black-soled shoes should not be worn to school. Athletic uniforms have a place after school but should never be worn to school during the school day for any reason.

When I call in an absence, is it excused?

We consider the absence verified but not excused. Students are allowed 20 absences in a full year course and 10 absences in a half year course. Our attendance policy is based on the expectation that most absences will fit within the allowable number of absences. Calling in an absence is required and will avoid disciplinary ramifications for the student in terms of truancy, but the call does not result in the removal of that absence from accruing toward the maximum allowed number of absences.

Automated Lunch Prepayment

The Foods & Nutrition Services Department offers an automated prepayment system called EZSchoolPay, an automated prepayment system, allows parents to view their child's meal account balance and purchases, set spending limits, receive low balance email alerts, as well as, make deposits into school meal accounts via the internet using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.

Early Dismissal Procedure

Early Dismissals are done through the Magee House Office. The late arrival/early dismissal form can be found here.

Please use the following procedure to release your child from school:

Upon arrival to school, students should come to the Magee Office with a note from the parent/guardian stating the time of dismissal. Students are given an early dismissal pass and sign out for the designated time.
In the event of an unexpected early dismissal, please call the Magee Office at (860) 666-5611 ext. 1150. Due to the volume of calls that come in, your call may go to voicemail. Please leave a message stating clearly your child’s name, student ID number, and time of dismissal. All messages are heard and checked consistently throughout the day. To avoid interrupting class instruction, students are paged to the Magee Office between periods, given an early dismissal pass and sign out for the designated time.
It is not required for the parent/guardian to come into the building to sign your child out.

Thank you for your cooperation in following this procedure.

Transcript/Record Requests

Please complete the transcript request form. Please mail the completed form with stamped addressed envelope(s) to:

Newington High School

Main School Counseling Office

605 Willard Avenue

Newington, CT 06111

Report Card Schedule

A report card schedule is published and available to parents.

Newington High School

For Parents

Newington High School