Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Welcome to my first weekly newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year. I hope you have been enjoying your summer and staying cool. It's certainly been a hot one. We have been getting ready for your return and can not wait!
I am looking forward to starting my 9th year (20th year at NHS and 31 years in education) as the Proud Principal of NHS. I am also a Proud Mom of two beautiful girls. My oldest will be starting her junior year at Drexel University and my youngest will be a junior here at NHS.
We have been busy hiring new staff, shining the floors, preparing activities, and making sure everything is set when our entire Family of Learners returns on August 28, 2025!
I absolutely love what I do and do not take for granted how lucky I am to be part of this wonderful community. My focus has been and will continue to be on shaping an inclusive and nurturing environment where every voice is heard and valued. I look forward to sharing our learning and successes throughout the year!
As I did all last school year, I will send a newsletter every Friday (starting next week)) with the happenings and achievements within our school community,. The newsletter will contain a lot of information, however, each section is clearly labeled so you can scroll to the information you desire. Please be on the lookout each week for this newsletter. If you have any highlights to share, please let me know.
Newington High School is committed to the Newington Public Schools mission in which we believe that a sound educational experience involves cultivating community. That involves multiple groups contributing to the wellness and success of all and groups of its members. We value shared success so we engage in ongoing improvement of the social/emotional, academic, and behavioral skills of all students. NPS utilizes the voice and experiences within the communitites we serve, to design opportunities that remove the predictability of achievement by groups/individuals.
We value your feedback, so please reach out at any time with any questions, concerns, or information.
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Schedules, school calendar, important links
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BELL SCHEDULES: Click HERE to view all our bell schedules.
DAY CALENDAR: Click HERE to view our NHS 2025-26 Day Calendar. Currently in DRAFT form.
REPORT CARD SCHEDULE: Click HERE to view the Report Card Schedule for our 2025-2026 school year. Please note that snow days will impact this schedule.
ANNOUNCEMENT SLIDES: Click HERE to view our announcement slides. (updated daily)
CLUB DIRECTORY: Click HERE to view our club information. (get involved!!!)
ATHLETICS: Click HERE for the Fall Sports Schedule
First week's schedule:
Thursday, August 28: First day of school for students. Click for Modified schedule! A day Friday, August 29: Second day of school for students. Click for Modified schedule! C day Monday, September 1: Labor Day - no school/offices closed
Tuesday, September 2: B day
Wednesday, September 3: A day
Thursday, September 4: B day
Friday, September 5: C day
***Bus Route information will be available on August 15th on students Powerschool account under the Transportation tab. The Vacant Seat program will open for students living in a "Walking District" sometime toward end of October. More informaiton regarding this program will be coming out as the date approaches. Any questions please contact our transportation department at 860-666-2441.***
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August/September Important Dates |
8/15 - Access to PowerSchool at 9:00 am (school counselors will be available beginning August 31 for students with major scheduling errors only and September 1 for all other questions/concerns) and Bus Routes will be posted on our website.
8/21 - New Student Orientation (8:15 am - 12:15 pm) *information was sent to families. Please email Mr. Harris at [email protected] with any questions. 8/29 - 1st Day of School for all students. HERE is our schedule. All students are expected to be in their Advisory period by 7:34 am. 9/1 - Labor Day - Schools and Offices Closed
9/2 - Late Buses begin
9/16 - PL Day - 12:25 pm Dismissal
9/16: Picture Day (retakes Oct 24)
9/16: Grade 12 Parent/Guardian Program 5:50 pm - 6:30 pm in the auditorium.
9/16: College Funding Stratey Night (virtual) 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
9/18 - Themed Thursday * MISMATCH Day - upload pics HERE
9/25 - Open House (more information to come)
9/30 - PL Day - 12:25 pm Dismissal
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Opening & New Information |
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PowerSchool will be available to view schedules on August 15! Please note that school counselors are not working this summer. Counselors will see students on August 28th for students with major scheduling errors only and on August 29th for all other questions/concerns. Our add/drop window changed and students will now only have 5 days to add/drop any classes. Therefore, the last day to make changes will be September 4th,
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Emergency Contact Form- As a reminder every year Parents/Guardians are asked to log into Powerschool and complete the yearly update form.
- Please review and submit the form even if you have no changes to make so we can verify we have up to date information for each student.
- Submit the form by November 3, 2025.
- May be completed in either the website or the app.
- You must use your Parent/Guardian account, not your student's account.
- Form must be submitted once for each child even if you have no changes to make.
- Please take the time to fill out the form and list at least two Emergency contacts.
- Once the form is submitted, our school will approve the form.
- Steps: a) Log into PS and click Forms on the left.b) Click a form, change any information and submit it.
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Opening Days - the first two days will begin with an extended advisory period. All students should be in their Advisory room by 7:34 am! We will have staff and student leaders available throughout the building to help guide students. Click HERE for the scheulde.
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SmartPass - This year, we will continue using our digital hall pass system The pass history of a student will lead to more effective and informative conferences, as well as accountability during emergencies.
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Breakfast & Lunch Prices - Breakfast: is $2.00 and free for approved free & reduced students. Lunch is $3.75, $0.40 for approved reduced students and Free for approved free students.
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Chromebooks - We want to ensure your child has the tools they need to succeed in school. Their school-issued Chromebook is a valuable learning resource, and we appreciate your help in keeping it in good condition.
To protect your child's Chromebook:
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Handle with care: Avoid placing heavy items on it and be cautious when carrying it.
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Use the case: Students are expected to always use the provided protective case.
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No stickers: Do not put stickers on the device. Permanent damage will void any warranty or insurance claim.
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Charge nightly: Ensure the Chromebook is fully charged for school each day.
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Repair Promptly: Have minor device damage repaired promptly to prevent further damage and potential costs beyond chromebook insurance coverage.
Purchasing Chromebook insurance is encouraged. This optional coverage costs $35 each year and offers the following benefits:
- An immediate replacement device for your student
- Reduced or waived costs for repairable accidental damage or theft
Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child's education!
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Link Crew tours for incoming freshmen and any new student will be held on August 26th from 10am-2pm. Students should enter by the flagpole entrance and can arrive anytime between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. |
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Family of Learners Highlighted |
The Boys Tennis Team hosted their big annual Childrens' Charity Classic Tennis Tournament last weekend at NHS. All of the proceeds went to the Hosptial For Special Care. Thank you to the 74+ players (students and coaches) who helped make this happen. Hospital for Special Care was honored to be the beneficiary and the proceeds from this tournament will help the HFSC renovate their pediatric unit indoor play yard. |
Last school year I highlighed Mrs. Ramos (Spanish teacher) as she received a grant through Funds for Teachers Fellowship. She and her husband traveled to a rural area outside of Cusco, Peru, this summer and were able to donate a printer to 3 and 4 year olds. Thank you to those who helped with the donation drive in June - it certainly made others very happy!!! |
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Extra-Curricular Activities and Athletics |
Fall Sports Registration
Registration is open for fall sports! Please register all student athletes interested in playing a fall sport at www.newingtonathletics.com. Students will need to have a valid physical dated after 7/18/2024 on file with the Nurse's Office and submit a registration fee of $115. Boys Golf should submit their paperwork before 8/11 & all other sports should have their information submitted by 8/14 in order to begin on time.
Club Directory
Now is a great time to plan on how to get engaged with the NHS community! Use the club directory to review the many club opportunities offered at NHS and choose what you would like to be a part of. Try something new! Click here for the directory!
DECA
With the new school year comes exciting updates to the Storm Supply, our school store located in the cafeteria. You can also shop online using our catalog and follow the link to place orders online- bit.ly/NHSstorecatalog. The store is open on Mondays and all week before a spirit day, where you can pick up the latest school spirit merchandise and will be open other periods for snacks for students in cafe study. Alternatively, you can place your order online and can pick it up in the main office or Mrs. Miller's room, 201. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest updates: @newingtondeca. Fuel your storm spirit, gear up at the Storm Supply! |
Summer Photo Session for Seniors ONLY. In order to have a senior portrait in the NHS yearbook, students must have their portrait taken through Art Rich Photography.
Full and mini session options are available:
-Supreme Session (Southington Studio) - $67 - $77 Session Fee
-Deluxe Session (Southington Studio) - $47 - $57 Session Fee
-Basic Session (Southington Studio) - $27 - $37 Session Fee
-Yearbook Plus (Southington Studio OR NHS School Session August 11th) - $27 Session Fee and most affordable option that allows you to choose your yearbook photo and to place orders.
NHS will also be hosting two free sessions on Tuesday September 9th and Monday September 22nd for seniors to have their yearbook picture taken. There is no charge for this but your picture will be chosen by Art Rich Photography. No proof or retouching is available with this option.
Please contact Lauren Correll at [email protected] or (860 )666-5611 ext. 1352 with any question. |
School Counseling Department |
Seniors Applying to College, - wondering what you can do now before the school year starts?
The School Counseling Department will be using SchooLinks to send out college application supplemental materials (i.e. transcripts, counselor & teacher recommendation forms, etc.). Seniors (class of 2026) were introduced to SchooLinks during junior workshops and individual planning. We will continue to work with students and families on the next steps for the college application process this school year.
Here is a list of things you can do now before the school year starts so when you are ready to submit your college applications the School Counseling Department can send your supplemental materials.
1. Submit the Parent/Guardian “NHS College & Scholarship Records Release” form through PowerSchool Parent Portal under “Forms (in the left menu).” In the PowerSchool Mobile App click More, then Forms, and then [NHS] College & Scholarship Records Release.
2.Complete your Personal Reflection on SchooLinks.
- On the SchooLinks home page, click on “To Do List” tab, on top of page, and then “Personal Reflection”
- Answer the questions completely and honestly - this is a major source of information for your counselor’s letter of recommendation
3. Update your resume (should be in Google Drive) and make sure you have shared it with your counselor. If you do not have a resume, create one using this template: https://bit.ly/NHSResume
All these steps need to be completed before the school counseling department can send out any college application supplemental materials (ex: transcripts and school counselor recommendation letter) for your student.
Below are upcoming School Counseling Events/Dates:
September 10th - Magee and Doran House meetings with Seniors on Post-secondary planning process.
September 11th - Stoddard House meeting with Seniors on Post-secondary planning process.
September 16th (5:30 pm - 6:30 pm in auditorium)- 12th Grade Parent/Guardian night on college application and other post-secondary options.
September 16th (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm) - College Funding Strategies night (virtual) Advance registration required.
September 12th, 19th, & 26th - College Application support days in Library Classroom periods 1-8.
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A Few Important Things to Note:
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Attendance - Join us in emphasizing the importance of being in school. Attendance is critical to the success of our students. It not only contributes to academic success, but fosters relationships between students and teachers and students and their peers. NHS course work is rigorous and moves at a fast pace, so every lesson is vital to a student’s learning. When students miss school, they miss opportunities to ask questions, deepen their learning, participate in class discussions, and build connections.
We hope that families vacation during school vacation time and do their best to schedule appointments outside of school hours, or at the very least, have their student attend school prior to or immediately after an appointment. When students are pulled from school, it puts them at a disadvantage. If the choice is made to vacation during a time when school is in session, students will only be given one day per absence to submit their work.
If a student is going to be absent a Parent/Guardian must either call Magee House Office on extension 1525 or submit a note through ParentSquare directly to Corina Muir. If a note is submitted through ParentSquare a phone call is not necessary. If a call is made, a note will need to be entered in ParentSquare or brought to the Magee Office to be considered excused (for the first 9 absences for state reporting purposes. These absences, unless extenuating and cleared by administration, will count toward the loss of credit). For any absence beyond 9, a medical note, court documentation, etc. must be presented in order to be excused (for state reporting purposes only. These absences, unless extenuating and cleared by administration, will also count toward the loss of credit).
If a student is absent for medical purposes, medical documentation needs to be brought to the Magee Office office when the student returns to school. Once processed by the Magee Office, the documentation will be given to the nurses.
If a student is tardy, they must enter through the main entrance, sign in on the tardy kiosk and bring their pass to class. For delays or special schedules, they must report to the Magee Office to receive a tardy pass to get into class.
If a student is being dismissed early, a note must come from a Parent/Guardian either through ParentSquare or with a physical note brought to the Magee House Office.
NHS sends an automated message every morning at 9:45 am alerting families of any attendance change. This includes absences, late arrivals, early dismissals, and any message sent via ParentSquare. Therefore, we ask that you do not call if you receive this alert from ParentSquare if you have sent a message to Mrs. Muir via ParentSquare, only if you have not sent a message.
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Electronics - Given the distraction electronics can cause and the potential for inappropriat use, here is our policy:
- Electronic devices are to be used responsibly. Students should follow the individual teacher's classroom rules. Students should NOT have them out in class unless directed by the teacher. If a student is caught with a cell phone or electronic device in violation of our policy while in a classroom, the teacher will confiscate the phone or device, it will be brought to the house office, and it will not be returned until a parent/guardian comes to school to claim it. If a student refuses to turn over their electronic device they will be sent to the main office and the device will be confiscated by administration. Refusal to turn devices over to administration will result in the student being sent home.
- Unauthorized audio/video taping of images (including staff), student altercations, internet postings, and use during emergency drills and procedures (ie. lockdowns, shelter in place, fire drills, etc.) will result in immediate revocation of privileges for the student. The parent/guardian will be notified and appropriate disciplinary consequences will be issued.
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Parent Square - click HERE to obtain all the information about our new School Messenger.
Academic Integrity - Academic integrity is an integral aspect of any institution of education. Students are responsible for demonstrating their understanding of content standards and skills in an ethical manner. Academic dishonesty occurs when a student cheats, plagiarizes, shares assignments, or otherwise misrepresents someone else’s work or ideas as their own.
Cheating includes but is not limited to providing another student with information regarding assessments, copying another’s work, having prior knowledge of assessment materials not provided by the teacher, having unauthorized assistance in answering questions, and/or submitting work that another has completed on a student’s behalf. Plagiarism is a form of cheating that results from misrepresenting words or ideas that are not one's own. This includes the use of technology including artificial intelligence (AI). Students are subject to disciplinary and academic consequences that may impact acceptance into various national honor societies.
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School Based Health Center |
We are excited to continue our partnership with Integrated Health Servies. Please click THIS LINK (English) or THIS LINK (Spanish) to see what they have to offer and how to enroll. |
School nurse information:
Names: Callie Lawrence and Audra Rappoccio
phone number: 860-666-5611 x 1163 or 1164
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If you have any questions, concerns or highlights, please don't hesitate to contact me. You can reach out via the following ways:
Proud Principal,
Terra A. Tigno
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