Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Good afternoon,
We are headed into a long weekend with no school today or Monday. This newsletter contains a lot of new information so please make sure to review this newsletter more carefully.
This week the culinary event planning class successfully hosted over 65 people for a lunch, just days after the new semester started! They prepared wraps, salad, soup, bread, and desserts for Electric Boat and Senedia's lunch and learn, feeding counselors, administrators, and educators from all over the state. They worked hard and it paid off!
****TO ALL STUDENTS IN FRESHMAN STUDY - Please note that all freshman study halls have collapsed and moved and are now structured study halls. You can find the new teacher/room number on your PowerSchool schedule. Please email me with any questions!***
I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend. Stay warm, rest up, and we will see you Tuesday.
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. (UPDATED 1/29/26)
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 Winter Sports Schedule
Next week's schedule:
Monday, February 16: No School/Offices Opened
Tuesday, February 17: B day/Early release
Wednesday, February 18: O day
Thursday, February 19: E day
Friday, February 20: C day
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February 16 - Presidents' Day/School closed/Offices closed
February 17 - Early release/12:25 pm dismissal
February 19 - Themed Thursday - Twin Day Upload pics HERE to win a free breakfast February 20 - Newi Underground Dance 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, NHS cafe, tickets on sale February 9 - 18 ($10) HERE is the outside guest form February 27 - PJ Day for Got Lunch Program * see below for more info
February 27 - Class of 2027 fundraiser at Chipotle *see below for more info
February 27 - Black History Month Showcase (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm in the NHS cafe and gym hallway) *tickets go on sale next week *more info to come)
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FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
Newington DECA is proud to announce that its school-based enterprise (SBE) has earned Gold Certification for the 2025-2026 school year, one of only six schools in Connecticut to achieve this distinction. This massive undertaking was led by Abigail Pratt, Audrey DeFrancesco, and Kaitlyn Dugas, with the support of over 35 other DECA students. Their comprehensive report addressed 42 performance indicators including topics such as marketing, finance, and human resource operations. This is the first year the chapter participated in the SBE submission and earned the highest recognition. Newington will be officially recognized this April at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia and two students will present the selling component as well as participate in professional development sessions. The Storm Supply, the Newington school store, provides students with hands-on learning experiences in a variety of business areas, while allowing students to propose new ideas and learn from mistakes. |
The ‘Course Request’ screen on students’ grading portal for the 2026 - 2027 school year closed TODAY at 3pm.
*NEW* Parents/guardians will be receiving a letter through ParentSquare with a list of courses your student(s) requested for next year on afternoon. Please review the course requests and if any changes need to be made please contact your student's school counselor prior to March 17th.
If there are no courses listed on the letter, your student must contact their school counselor as soon as possible to submit course requests. If requests are not submitted by March 11th, 2026, a schedule will be auto generated for your student and we cannot guarantee changes will be honored after this date.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their school counselor to discuss appropriate courses and graduation requirements.
Program of Studies
This document outlines all the courses offered at Newington High School and provides information about graduation requirements, credits and grading. This document will be helpful in understanding the course selection process and in helping students choose elective courses. The 2026 - 2027 Program of Studies is available on the Newington High School website (click here).
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Students and parents/guardians can now see on their PowerSchool Student and Parent website account credits that students have completed and need to complete for graduation (this feature does not work in the mobile app). To find the “Graduation Plan Progress Screen '' on the grading portal users should click on the “Grade History" tab on the left hand side of the screen. Then on the top right of the screen click the blue button “View Graduation Plan Progress.” The screen will look similar to the picture above (based on student credit status):
Each requirement has a “status” column that shows how many credits a student has completed to date and a “completion” column that shows a visual of student progress towards that requirement:
Dark green- credits completed, based on courses students have passed and completed. When a requirement has a completion bar that is shaded completely dark green students have completed that requirement.
Light green- credits in progress, based on courses students are enrolled in for the current school year.
White- student still need to complete these requirements in future years.
Yellow- student requested course(s) in this graduation requirement that have not been completed yet This status will show up when students begin to request courses for next year.
Please note the Graduation Planner for students that transferred to Newington High School may not be accurate.
Students and parents/guardians should contact their school counselor with any questions regarding the graduation planner or requirements. Graduation requirements can also be found in the NHS Program of Studies (linked here).
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You will find information from the Athletic Department regarding spring sports attached to this email. We ask that you post, or have the information on hand, for your classes and simply remind students who would like to play spring sports to check the information for what they need to participate. Students can also access the material on www.newingtonathletics.com. |
Fall in love with discounted prices this month!
Apparel, Accessories, and More! Lowest prices ever!!! Only while supplies lasts (T-shirts, Hoodies, Crew Necks, Long Sleeve, Sherpa Jackets, Blankets, Keychains, String bags, Water bottles, Hats)
Come down to The Storm Supply (in the cafe), order online at bit.ly/NHSstorecatalog, or use the QR code above. Click here ---> February Frenzy for a flyer!
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Join the fun on Friday, February 27, 2026, to raise money for Got Lunch Newington.
A suggested $1 or more can be given you any teacher on Friday, February 27, or you can Venmo cocnewington (put "Got Lunch" in the "What's this for" box).
100% of donations go towards buying lunch groceries for Newington children this summer.
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Students in grades 10–12 who are proficient in a language other than English are invited to register for the Seal of Biliteracy testing! Applications are available in the Main School Counseling Office and are due February 27th. For more details about eligibility, languages, and the testing process, please visit Main School Counseling.
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NHS FBLA members attended Jumpfest in Salisbury, CT, celebrating the event’s 100th year!
Members heard from a community leader with an impressive business background who shared how his skills helped him volunteer with the Salisbury Winter Sports Association and move the organization forward.
Students learned about sports management and marketing, the importance of community engagement in business, and even got an inside look at the world of ski jumping. FBLA attended as spectators, but it was an incredible learning experience. This milestone celebration was even featured on the news — a huge moment for the Salisbury community!
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Come support the Class of 2027 on Wednesday, February 27th from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Chipotle on 3575 Berlin Turnpike.
Added bonus: If you go and send a photo of you at Chipotle to the Class of 2027 Instagram account: nhs_2027_class, or email one of your class officers: Taylor Lyons, Ella Rossi, Makayla Woods, Daniel Bieszczad, or Ryan Hughes, you will be entered in a raffle to get 50% off your prom ticket!
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Newington High School Students and Families:
All students are required to earn 1.0 credits in Health & Safety. One half (0.5) of this credit must be earned by passing Health I at Newington High School (or equivalency for transfer students). For the additional 0.5 credits, students can choose one of several pathways.
Flexible Pathways for additional Health and Safety credit
Students may earn the additional 0.5 required credits in various ways:
- Successful completion of digital citizenship unit in Grade 8 OR Self-directed online digital citizenship course (Information about the self-directed online course is below)
- If students have earned their second part of the health and safety courses, they can NOT take this course
- Successful completion of Health II ECE (0.5 credits)
- Successful completion of Medical Science II (0.5 credit) ~ credit cannot be used toward an additional requirement
- Successful completion of Mental Health Awareness & Substance Use Prevention Seminar (0.5 credit)
- Driver's Education course that includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, which includes 8 hour safe driving course with 2 hour parent training; and 8 hours of behind the wheel training (Full Course e-driver's Education Certificate, (cc-DEC) must be provided to receive credit)
- Lifeguard Certification
- Work, volunteer, or community experience requiring high school level safety training (must be approved by the principal)
- Achievement of Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold Award
Information about online Digital Citizenship course
This letter serves as an opportunity for interested students to participate in the online digital citizenship course (#1 above). Prior to consideration of enrollment in this course, please note the following:
- You are not eligible for this course if you have already completed your 0.5 Health & Safety Credit Course.
- Registration will be open from today, January 26, 2026 and will close Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- If selected for enrollment, students will receive access to the online course by Monday, February 23.
- All work must be completed and submitted online by the close of school on Friday, April 10, 2026 (students have 7 weeks to complete the course)
- The course consists of six units. Each unit has a short quiz with 3-4 questions of multiple choice and open-ended questions. Students must complete each quiz with “best effort” as determined by the teacher. Each quiz is self-correcting and will give immediate feedback to the student. If the student does not complete “best effort” quality on any quiz, the teacher may ask the student to re-do the unit.
- The culminating experience for the course is a multiple choice summative assessment. Students must earn a 90% (answer 21 out of 23 questions correctly) to receive credit for the course. Students are able to continue to access content as they complete quizzes and their summative assessment.
- Students may retake the summative assessment as many times as they need to earn the minimum passing score of 90%.
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Information about online Digital Citizenship course
This letter serves as an opportunity for interested students to participate in the online digital citizenship course (#1 above). Prior to consideration of enrollment in this course, please note the following:
- You are not eligible for this course if you have already completed your 0.5 Health & Safety Credit Course.
- Registration will be open from today, January 26, 2026 and will close Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- If selected for enrollment, students will receive access to the online course by Monday, February 23.
- All work must be completed and submitted online by the close of school on Friday, April 10, 2026 (students have 7 weeks to complete the course)
- The course consists of six units. Each unit has a short quiz with 3-4 questions of multiple choice and open-ended questions. Students must complete each quiz with “best effort” as determined by the teacher. Each quiz is self-correcting and will give immediate feedback to the student. If the student does not complete “best effort” quality on any quiz, the teacher may ask the student to re-do the unit.
- The culminating experience for the course is a multiple choice summative assessment. Students must earn a 90% (answer 21 out of 23 questions correctly) to receive credit for the course. Students are able to continue to access content as they complete quizzes and their summative assessment.
- Students may retake the summative assessment as many times as they need to earn the minimum passing score of 90%.
- Learning is expected to be independent and students are expected to work and learn with honesty and integrity. Failure to adhere to expected code of conduct will result in loss of credit for this course.
- Class enrollment is limited with priority given to seniors. The class will be offered again in the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026.
What the coursework entails
The course is broken down into six units that cover six different topics related to Digital Citizenship. This design also allows students to complete one unit at a time, from the beginning of the unit through all learning materials (reading, slide presentations, videos), and formative assessments in one sitting of 90 minutes or less.
How to Enroll
Interested students should first discuss the class with their parent/guardian, just as they would with all other class enrollments and changes. Next, complete this form. Students must be signed into their school email to access and complete this Google Form with their parent/guardian.
If you have questions
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Appropriateness of the class for me or my student: Student’s school counselor
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Content of the course: Kristen Freeman, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, kfreeman@npsct.org
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Support from the teacher during the coursework: Brian Hartley, Library/Media Specialist, bhartley@npsct.org
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Seniors who have applied to college may notice messages from colleges or programs indicating that their mid-year transcript has not yet been received. Please don’t worry—this is completely normal.
What to Know:
- School counselors will send mid-year transcripts to all colleges and programs students applied to by February 18 (pending no additional snow days).
- Once transcripts are sent, it may take several days for colleges or programs to update application portals or statuses.
Important Reminder:
- Mid-year transcripts will be sent for students who have completed all required steps for their counselor to submit supplemental college materials.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your school counselor for assistance.
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The Local Scholarship booklet for this school year has been released on the NHS School Counseling website (click here for link). Students will be submitting their local scholarship applications online. Seniors received information on the local scholarship application process during advisory on January 7th. Additional information on the local scholarship submission can be found on the NHS School Counseling website, School Counselor's Google Classrooms and in my weekly parent newsletters. The deadline to submit all scholarship applications is 3:00 p.m. March 13, 2026.
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Please click THIS LINK for the 2026 January Newsletter from our School Based Health Center.
Sign up for the school-based health center for easy access to medical and mental health services.
Visit their website: www.integratedhealthervices.org
or scan the QR code to the left:
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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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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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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 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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