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Newington High School

Home of the Nor'easters ~ A Family of Learners

Superintendent Weekly Update #15

Posted Date: 12/14/25 (06:32 PM)


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Superintendent's Update

Weekly Update #15 December 14, 2025

Diverse students

Leveling Up Culturally Responsive and Engaging Pedagogy "With a Little Help from our Friends"

District Intended Outcome: That we maintain the high performance of students meeting and exceeding district standards/expectations, increase performance of students performing below district standards/expectations, and reduce the predictable performance gap between groups of students performing at or above standards/expectations and groups of students performing below standards/expectations.

Our Educators and Students are Doing Amazing Things!

Mental Health Seminar Studies Problem Gambling
Christina Redman, SEL Counselor at NHS, shared that The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling visited our Mental Health Seminar class to educate students on the warning signs of gambling and the importance of prevention. The presentation included an interactive activity in which students ranked various scenarios by gambling-related risk, an overview of the brain chemistry involved in addiction, and a powerful personal testimony from a speaker who shared his journey to recovery from gambling addiction.
Stars
Ruth Chaffee Safety Patrol Swearing In
The Ruth L. Chaffee School Safety Patrol Officers were sworn in on Thursday, December 11th. This group of fourth graders are ready to take on the responsibility to keep our school safe! Each Safety Patrol Officer received an ID, belt, and badge to be worn when they are on duty. They also took a pledge to keep our school safe. Mr. Ramon Nunez, School Security Officer, and Mrs. Emily Provost, Head Teacher will supervise this group of students and are looking forward to them having a successful year. 
Ruth Chaffee Safety Patrol
Wellness PACER Test Results
MKMS Wellness Teacher, Brent Orozco, reports that Nico Pizzoferrato, student at Martin Kellogg, broke the boys’ 20-meter PACER test record with 122 laps, demonstrating exceptional cardiovascular endurance, determination, and resilience. This accomplishment reflects not only his physical ability but also his strong work ethic and commitment to personal improvement.

CT FBLA 2nd Annual Business Brunch at the University of Hartford

Julia Dennis shared that the Business Brunch at the University of Hartford for the CT FBLA members had 70 people in attendance from high schools throughout the state. Newington had 20 students in attendance! 

We also had some Newington speakers: 
Jessica Weaver, Michael Branda (he works for the Alzheimer’s Association which is FBLA’s national charity partner), Nick Rezendes (Allison Rezendes’ husband), Newfield Construction: Britney Ethier and John Flis, and 3 NHS Alumni who all now work at Travelers as Priving Analysts: Luke Brown, Madison Bagioni, Arjun Patel. It was a great morning and high energy! 

Our students are truly amazing: What I love the most is that even though none of our students are state officers this year—and as the new CT FBLA State Advisor—the NHS FBLA officers have gone above and beyond to ensure our chapter continues to thrive and to support me with any CT FBLA tasks I need help with.
helping hands

Everyday Hero 2025-26

Linked here is the Everyday Hero nomination form for this school year.

Bus driver, Lei Wang was honored at the Board meeting on December 12 for noticing a bear was in a student's yard as they were exiting the bus. She quickly called the student back on the bus to safety, drove away, and asked dispatch to alert the parent. JP grade 3 student, Molly Mackey, is pictured below with Board Chair Perrotti, Lei Wang and her mom Megan Mackey
Everyday hero

Holiday Card Contest Winners Were Recognized at the December 12 Board Meeting

Six students were recognized for their holiday card submissions for this annual contest. Parents and special guests were present to cheer the artists on. Pictured below are the winners along with Board Chair Perrotti and Newington Art League Member, Alyssa Lewis , who heard about the contest and wanted to honor the students. Students were also given 10 cards with their own design on it. For the complete list of winners and their designs click Holiday Contest Winners and their Designs. Special thanks to our art teachers who helped me coordinate this annual event.
Card contest winners
Coming Attractions

Coming Attractions

Equity

Equity

Celebrations and Condolences

Celebrations: none reported

Condolences: none reported
Be Well,

Maureen