Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Good afternoon,
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and looking forward to seeing many of you tonight at the Newi Underground dance.
This week's learning: students practice their French by partnering up in the "Exploring the City" unit; students planned and created a criptych drawing that symbolized personal meaning; students collect data to make sure water is a suitable growing envionment for the trout; and seniors are honored by their families, friends, and teammates at senior night sporting events.
Thursday Themed Day winners (Twin Day): Advisory = Mrs. Morales/Mrs. Francolino and Staff: Mr. Vida and Mrs. Riberio. (see pictures below) Congratulations on your free breakfast.
Name That Tune winner: Mr. Connolly's Advisory was the last winner time and chose "Aint No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross/Marvin Gaye. The Advisory winner this time was Mrs. Freese's Advisory! Congratulations on bragging rights and the rights to pick next round's song!
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 23: Aday
Tuesday, February 24: B day
Wednesday, February 25: O day
Thursday, February 26: E day
Friday, February 27: C day
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FEBRUARY and MARCH IMPORTANT DATES |
February 24 - Class of 2026 Fundraiser at Wood n Tap. Come Support the seniors! Dine in OR take OUt! 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm 3375 Berlin Turnpike
February 27 - due date for Seal of Bilteracy. 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. For more details about eligibility, languages, and the testing process, please visit Main School Counseling.
February 27 - PJ Day for Got Lunch Program - 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.
February 27 - Class of 2027 fundraiser at Chipotle - Come support the Class of 2027 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!
March 10 - Guest speaker Stephen Hill - "Mindfully build a life worth defending" SPECIAL SCHEDULE *more info coming March 12 - March 14: NHS Musical, Anastasia (see below for more info)
March 13 - Scholarship applications due at 3:00 pm (info below)
March 17 - Early release day
March 19 - Themed Thursday - Sport Jersey Day Upload pics HERE
March 20 - Eid al-Fitr/No School/Offices Closed
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FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
Congratulations to senior, Josiah Sims, who was celebrated by his family, friends, and teammates at his officially signing to play D2 football at Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH. |
Bring this invitation (Class of 2026 Wood & Tap Fundraiser to Wood-n-Tap in Newington on Tuesday, February 24 from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm. 15% of your check (dine in or take out) will be donated to the NHS Class of 2026. |
Sharing Anonymously For Everyone ( S.A.F.E) - This form can be used to report concerns to the school including but not limited to: concerns for the safety and well-being of others, acts of bias or prejudice by students or faculty, and other incidents (such as harassment) safely and anonymously.
Please fill out this information to the best of your ability so we can address the issue, providing as much detail as possible.
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Kindness Is Something Simple (K.I.S.S) is a way to recognize the kind acts of others. You may complete the form so that a staff member or student receives a Hersey's kiss attached to a K.I.S..S card. Take a few seconds to recongize someone anyday of the school year!!!
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"Anastasia” performances will be held March 12, 13, and 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. There will also be a 2:00 p.m. performance on March 14, 2026. Tickets are $15 for Students and Senior Citizens and $18 for Adults. Visit nhsdrama.booktix.com. for tickets.
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This month's Scribe can be found HERE. Our student's have put together a wonderful compilation for this month's edition. |
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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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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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