Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Good afternoon,
We had a great time bringing a little "sunshine" inside the walls and halls of NHS. Thank you, STUCO, for helping me hand out over 1,200 leis to our students, staff, and faculty at each of our entrances beginning at 6:50 am. Nothing like a little Tropical Spirit and music to start off our day! (see STUCO pic above and others below)
Congratulations to the following Themed Thursday - Tropical Day free breakfast winners.
Advisory: Mrs. Dennis' and staff member: Mr. Famiglietti.
Thanks to our wonderful NHS community (with the help of National Honor Society Secretary, Sam Jacobs, and DECA members), we are donating $856 to the Heavenly Hats Foundation.
Here is some of this week's learning: staff and students volunteered at Boxes to Boots for Operation Cares; students created character profiles from the novel "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison; students collected and analyzed data for their plant investigation; students examined combining their personal interests and a potential career in Journalism; our HOSA students learned from guest speaker, Steve Walling, Director and Clinical Coordinator of the School of Cardiovascular Technology at Saint Francis Hospital about careers in Echocardiography as he shared incredible videos and graphics of the heart and conditions such as mitral valve prolapse and septal defects; Amy Inzero, Literacy Instructional Coach at Elizabeth Green, shared meaningful coping strategies during a lesson on mindfulness in their Mental Health Seminar; and students in our Transition Academy sold handmade Snuffle Mats to our staff.
All my previous newsletters are posted on the website.
We value your feedback, so please reach out at any time with any highlights, questions, or concerns.
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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.
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
Next week's schedule:
Monday, November 24: A day
Tuesday, November 25: B day
Wednesday, November 26: C day/Early release
Thursday, November 27: No School/Offices Closed = Happy Thanksgiving
Friday, November 28: No School/Offices Closed
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER IMPORTANT DATES |
11/26: Early Release Day
11/27: Turkety Trot - (see more information below for more info)
11/27: Thanksgiving Break = School Closed/Offices Closed
11/28: Thanksgiving Break = School Closed/Offices Closed
12/1- 12/12: NHS Stuff a High School. We are collecting unwrapped gifts for teens and adults to donate to Newington Human Services. (see below for more info)
12/2: Early Release Day
12.3: Community Event - Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training 5) pm - 7:30 pm at NHS Event Center (see more info below)
12/12: PJ Day = Donate $1 and wear your favorite PJs and support a wonderful cause. Join us in a statewide initiative raising funds, spirits and awareness for kids battling cancer. *Money will be collected in Advisory - more info coming soon.
12/18: Themed Thursday: = Ugly Sweater Day
December 24 & 25: Holidays/School Closed/Offices Closed
December 26 - 31: School Vacation/School Closed/Offices Open
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FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
Brooklynn Bradely (12) was selected to participate in the Women In Leadership Event hosted by CAS-CIAC and held at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT. Brooklynn joined Mrs. Gamari (NHS Instructional Coach) and myself as we were inspired and empowered by the three guest dynamic leaders. |
Brooklynn showed off her amazing voice by opening up the event singing "Roar" by Katy Perry as well as empowering the audience mid-conference singing "The Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.
The audience of 270 women and young women leaders across CT heard from guest speakers Molly Qerin - Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV host, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Dr. Karissa Niehoff- first female CEO of the National Federation of State High School Associations, and Dr. Lauren Young - Executive Director of Athletics and Activities at the Vermont Principals' Association.
The Commentator, Assistant Director of Media and Technology for CAS-CIAC, Jada Mirabelle is seated to the far left.
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Congratulations to all students who made High Honors or Honor Roll this quarter.
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Our Boys Swim and Dive Team is still recruiting, and welcoming both boys and girls who are interested in swimming or diving this season. |
Join five (5) of your community organizations for an evening of learning, connections, and community! You will learn:
- How the opioid crisis is affecting the Newington community
- How to respond to an opioid overdose
- How to administer naloxone (Narcan)
- Harm reduction techniques and resources
- The Good Samaritan Law
- Local resouces for support, treatment and recovery
This is a free event and free dinner.
Registration is required. Call (860) 665-8590 or scan the QR code above or on THIS LINK, which contains all the information.
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Please click on THIS link to access the latest edition of Newington High School's Student Newspaper, The Scribe. Thank you to all our student writer's, as well as advisors Mrs. Aguiar and Mrs. Mehl. Happy reading!!! |
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This year, FBLA will be running the NHS Annual Stuff a High School. FBLA, along with other clubs and teams are looking to make this a huge event. They will be collecting gifts for teens and adults and bringing them to Newington Human Services on Friday, December 12th! The list of what they are looking for is HERE and can be dropped off at the Main office, Doran House Office, Stoddard house Office, Room 206 and the Main School Counseling Offive.
Questions: Reach out to Mrs. Dennis, room 206, or jdennis@npsct.org.
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Show your support at the annual Thanksgiving football game on 11/26 by wearing blue and gold to school and the game! Order online at bit.ly/NHSstorecatalog. |
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Parents/guardians and students:
As you may recall, on October 28th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade students were given the opportunity to complete PSAT as part of our school day. The scores of this important test were officially released by the College Board on November 13th. During Advisory on November 12th teachers provided general information/links about how to use your PSAT scores and Khan Academy, a free test preparation, in order to practice skills (click on grade level, Grade 9, Grade 10 & 11, to see lesson overview and resources that were shared). Students will need a College Board account to access the score reports. The account should be in the student’s legal name and shared with parents to avoid problems when registering for future College Board tests.
To access student scores, go to collegeboard.org and log in if your student already has an account from last year, or create an account if this is their first time. If your student previously created an account and does not remember their User ID or password, OR, if you have more than one account and need to merge accounts, please call the College Board student helpline at 866-433-7728. High school personnel do not have access to student accounts.
When you access your student's score report, the first thing you will see is the total score, which is a combination of the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing and the Math sections. These scores give an indication of how well students will do on the SAT and the areas that they will need to address in order to score higher on the exam in the future. CollegeBoard has partnered with Khan Academy to support students in preparing for future SAT exams.
Linked here is College Board's website to provide information on understanding PSAT/NMSQT scores.
Linked here is College Board's website to provide information on understanding PSAT 8/9 scores.
If you have any questions please contact your student’s school counselor.
J. Seth Korn
Director of School Counseling & Student Testing K-12
Chairman, CT School Counselor Association
Newington Public Schools
605 Willard Avenue, Newington, CT 06111
Phone: 860.666.5611
Fax: 860.594.4196
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On Thursday, November 20, NHS EdRising students went on a field trip to Wesleyan University for a leadership symposium. They heard from members of the CT State Legislature who are still in the classroom, as well as staff from the CT State Department of Education. During the breakout sessions, they learned about the college transition process, practised mock interviews, tried speed lesson planning, and explored education programs at other high schools that gave them ideas to bring back to Newington. Overall, our club had a great time and came back with new skills and knowledge that will help them in their future careers in education. |
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Newington Public Schools and CCSU have established a partnership agreement that allows Newington High School students the opportunity to take up to two evening courses per semester, four per academic year, to earn university credit if the student earns a grade of “C” or higher.
Guidelines
- Newington High School 11th and 12th grade students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible to enroll in up to two evening courses for which the student has satisfied all academic prerequisites.
- Enrollment in courses is on a space available basis.
- Participating students will have the costs of tuition and fees waived. Students will be responsible for purchasing all required course materials.
What Type of Courses Can an NHS Student Take at CCSU?
- Eligible students may take any course that is not offered at Newington High School and is not a graduation requirement. Examples of courses currently not offered at Newington High School include American Sign Language I, Introduction to Anthropology, Elementary Arabic I, Elementary German I, African Diaspora Art, Astronomy, Psychology of Women, Construction Materials & Methods, Introduction to the Criminal Justice System.
- Students interested in registering for a course to accelerate his/her high school graduation must schedule a conference with their school counselor to complete the required forms, and obtain the necessary approval of their parent(s) and principal.
Procedures for Enrollment
- Schedule a meeting with your School Counselor to review the course description, course perquisites, and verify the course is held in the evening.
- First time students will need to create a CCSU Dual enrollment online account for the Spring semester, which begins on January 21st. Click here for step-by instructions
- Students need to have created a CCSU Dual Enrollment Account and requested courses through CCSU Dual Enrollment no later than January 9th.
Resources:
CCSU 2025-2026 Course Catalog
CCSU 2025-2026 Course Search
CCSU Dual Enrollment Student Resources
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Don't miss the 15th Annual Newington Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot!!!
When: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025 at 9:00 am
Where: Eagle Lantern Open Space (park on Jeffery Lane or Eagle Drive)
Please click on the link - Turkey Trot - to see all the information.
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If you wish to park on school grounds, you MUST fill out this student parking form, also found in the main office. Once approved, you will receive sticker to affix to your driver's side rear window. Students must have a sticker to park on school grounds. you can also pick up this form in the main office. |
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1. Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Is Now Open! Link to website
FAFSA Checklist: What You'll Need to Complete You Application: Link to website
2. Here is a list of things you and your student can do now so when your student is ready to submit their college applications the School Counseling Department can send their supplemental materials.
- 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.
- Students complete their Personal Reflection on SchooLinks.
a. On the SchooLinks home page, click on “To Do List” tab, on top of page, and then “Personal Reflection”
b. Students should answer the questions completely and honestly - this is a major source of information for the counselor’s letter of recommendation
c. Students add an updated resume to their personal reflection. If they do not have a resume, they can create one using this template (click here).
***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.***
We hope with the additional support and programs you and your student will get the help they need to help them navigate through the college application process. If you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Korn, Director of School Counseling & Student Testing K-12, (skorn@npsct.org) or your student’s school counselor.
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Foodshare
- They come every other Thursday to the Market Square parking lot/ Constitution Square
- They suggest you arrive by 8:30 am
- Distribution is from 8:45 am - 9:15 am
- Bring a shopping bag to put your food in
- You do not need to qualify or live in Newington
- There are other places Foodshare goes -check their site for more information
- Phone: 860-856-4321
Newington Food Bank
- They are open for food distribution by appointment only
- Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Thursdays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
- You must qualify for assistance before you can get food
- Call first- 860-665-8590
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Newington Public Schools recognizes that some members of our community may be facing financial hardship due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, changes to SNAP benefits, or any changes to household size and/or income. We understand that these circumstances can create challenges, including potential food insecurity for some families.
Please know that the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program continues without interruption. Students who qualify for this program also receive breakfast, and these services remain fully funded and available to all who participate. Families can apply for benefits at any time throughout the school year and if approved, the benefit is for the entire school year. Families that experience either a permanent or temporary loss of income, including those currently not receiving wages, are encouraged to apply or reapply for free or reduced benefits. The link for information on free and reduced-priced meals, which includes the link to apply online or to print an application, can be found here: https://www.npsct.org/free-reduced-meal-info
Additional support can be obtained by visiting the following websites:
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the Newington Public Schools Food Service Department at foodservices@npsct.org or 860-665-8635.
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VA Connecticut wanted to ensure that Newington High School was made aware of a temporary closure on their campus that could impact students trying leave campus towards Cedar Street or to access Alumni field or the ice rink. Newington campus will have a temporary road closure to support Phase I of their underground utility installation from Monday, November 03, 2025 – Monday November 24, 2025. These activities will require temporary closure of Veterans Circle to pedestrian and vehicular traffic at the intersection of Building 3 and Building 12 of the Newington Campus during regular business hours daily. |
Bus Drivers wanted? No experience needed. Part-time positions, Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 9:00 am and 2:30 pm- 4:45 pm.
Appply online at www.npsct.org and click Employment, External applicants, Bus Drivers (part-time)
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Our school counseling department has created a new FaceBook page! Click on the QR code to the left or this link: https://www.facebook.com/NHSCounselors to obtain information about college and evening programs. As the year goes on, the content will change based on things that are relevant at that time of year. |
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During advisory tlast week school counselors met with senior students by house to provide information on the post-secondary process. Linked here is the presentation that has several resources at the end: Class of 2026 Senior Packet (click here) and the NHS application resource page (click here). |
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Stay connected with all the happenings with NHS sports and school spirit! Go to eyeofthestorm_nhs on Instagram!
We look forward to seeing you at all our events and participating in school spirit!
If you have any questions, please email senior Abbie Pratt at apratt84922@my.npsct.org.
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Every year the main school counseling office hosts various college rep visits.
This is a great way for your child to make a connection with the college that they are thinking they may want to apply to in the future and ask those questions in a more informal visit.
Students should pay attention to announcement slides for information on who is coming and when.
This is open to any Junior or Senior. They can sign up to attend these visits in their SchooLinks accounts.
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All drop offs should occur at the west side of our building (in the back by the Event Center, prior to making a right onto Veteran's Drive). Students who are being dropped off should enter from the north side of our building, by the student parking lot. Doors will open at 7:05 and close at 7:34. After 7:34 am, all students will need to enter the building through our main entrance.
All pick ups should occur in the same location.
The map below outlines the student drop off in blue. You will note the "student drop off section" and the blue star(*) which indicates where the students will walk to get to the North entrance. We are asking you to abide by our protocols to keep everyone safe. Thank you!
There is absolutely NO student drop off at the gym entrance or along the cones that indicate "no parking/no drop off".
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Wrestling with Character LIVE is an interactive entertainment experience with something for everyone! Family and friends will be entertained with action packed, high flying professional wrestling combined with sketch comedy, singing and dancing, sound and visual effects and audience participation the likes of which have never been seen before in Sports Entertainment and Professional Wrestling.
Audiences will be part of an interactive environment where they can cheer on favorites like ‘Swish’ Marbury accompanied by mascot Dunks, dance along with Shockwave the Robot, jeer the sinister Professor U. Spite, come face to face with the Middle Earth’s RATROM and have to be on the lookout the dastardly Bully and resident SuperHero - ThunderOus SuperKidd!
Audiences will be captivated by larger than life, relatable characters who engage in storytelling that will remind long-time fans of why they fell in love with professional wrestling. Friends and family who are entertained by sketch comedy, theatrics and special effects and theatrics will be laughing and participating in the live performance!
WwC LIVE partners with community organizations to assist in fundraising for school, youth leagues and non-profit organizations. Bring family friendly entertainment to your private birthday, campground, corporate event of any size specific to your event. Add an unique family oriented attraction to your community fair or carnival.
Wrestling with Character LIVE is more than wrestling, it is an engaging and interactive entertainment experience like no other!
Facebook: wrestling with character LLC
Instagram: @wrestlingwithcharacterlive
Business Inquires: 860-874-1244
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Extra-Curricular Activities and Athletics |
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! |
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
email: hsnurses@npsct.org
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:
- phone: (860) 666-5611 x 1190
- email: ttigno@npsct.org
Proud Principal,
Terra A. Tigno
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