Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
|
Good afternoon,
Happy Friday and the last Friday newsletter of April. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Here's this week's learning: juniors completed the NGSS testing; students enjoyed a game called "Let's Catch a Witch" where students learned how the Salem Witch Trials got so out of control so quickly and understood the dangers of a "witch hunt"; students used and observed the reaction of samples of simulated blood from a mother, father and baby to determine the blood type of each sample; and students enjoyed field trips to the Beardsley Zoom and to the State Capital Manufacturer Connection Fair.
Reminder: The Main Office has several items in the lost and found such as water bottles, books, jewelry and clothing. Unclaimed items will be donated on May 1, 2026.
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.
|
Schedules, school calendar, important links
|
BELL SCHEDULES: Click HERE to view all our bell schedules.
DAY CALENDAR: Click HERE to view our NHS 2025-26 Day Calendar. (UPDATED 4/16/26) ***reflects the updated last day of school voted on by the BOE - is now June 22, 2026
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 4/16/26)
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, April 27: A day
Tuesday, April 28: B day
Wednesday, April 29: E day
Thursday, April 30: O day
Friday, May 1: C day
|
APRIL/MAY IMPORTANT DATES |
Arpil 1 - April 30 - SENIOR FAMILY SURVEY open THIS LINK to take this brief survey! April 27 - Parent Presentation on Prom Promise - virtual (see below for more info)
April 28 - last day to buy Senior Prom tickets. Please contact Ms. Cote (Rm 212), Ms. Slater (Magee House Office), or Mrs. Narowski (Rm 321) with questions.
April 30 - Themed Thursday = Monochrome Day. Upload pics HERE for a chance to win a free breakfast. April 30 - May 8: Townwide Art Show Mon - Fri, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at the Newington Senior and Disabled Center, 120 Cedar Street (see picture below)
May 1 - Decision Day - seniors wear something to represent your path for next year (college, armed services, workforce)
May 1 - Prom promise (daytime) - all juniors must attend; Junior Prom - Glastonbury Hills Country Club 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
May 4 - 12:00 pm Class Essayist Submission Deadline (see info below)
May 4 - May 15: AP Testing. Please click here to see important information for students taking AP Exams. May 5 - Early release day (12:25 dismissal)
May 5 - Orchestra Concert, 7:00 pm
May 7 - Band Concert, 7:00 pm
May 12- Motivational Speaker, Stephen Hill; 6:30 pm at MKMS (see below for more info)
May 15 - Prom promise (daytime) - all seniors must attend; Senior Prom - Aqua Turf, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
May 18 - Incoming 9th grade Transition Night - 6:30 pm, NHS cafe (students and parents/guardians)
May 19 - Early release day (12:25 dismissal)
May 19 - Chorale concert, 7:00 pm
May 20 - Scholars' Breakfast - invite only - you will receive an invitation via Advisory (grades 9-11) or mail (grade 12) by May 4.
May 21 - Themed Thursday = Staff dress as students and students dress as staff Day. Upload pics HERE for a chance to win a free breakfast. May 25 - Memorial Day Schools & Offices Closed
May 28 - AM & PM Awards - invite only
|
FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
Congratulations to Jeff Brunetti (PE Teacher and Coach) who was selected as CIAC's Assitant Coach of the Year for Girls Basketball 2026. Mr. Brunetti was honored at the Girls Basketball All State banquet Tuesday evening at the Aqua Turf. Head Coach Mike Forgione, Assistant Coach Yasmin Ithier, Athletic Director, Chris Meyers, his wife, mother, father, and myself were their to share in the celebration.
Way to go, Coach !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
Please see the flyers below that notify you of two incredible upcoming programs offered to the community.
- Safe Season - Navigating the Risks of Prom and Graduation Parties
- Stephen Hill - Motivational Speaker
|
Below are the important dates, times, and information for seniors as we approach graduation. This is a shortened summary of the events/schedules ahead of us. Mr. Ficocelli will be sending out updates about graduation via StudentSquare!
April 30th - Advisory Period - Senior Class Meeting in Auditorium:
- Graduation Information
- Complete this survey as soon as possible! The survey needs to be completed prior to graduation.
May 15th:
- Senior Prom - The Aqua Turf - 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Friday, May 22nd:
Last Week of May:
- Graduation tickets mailed home to students in good standing. Students not in good standing (academic, attendance, and financial obligations) will receive letters that their tickets are on hold.
- Senior delinquencies must be paid in cash to the main office from this date onward.
Week of June 8th-June 12th:
- Periods 7 & 8 Exams (Seniors Only)
Tuesday, June 16th:
Wednesday, June 17th:
Thursday, June 18th:
|
Friday, June 19th:
7:30 am- 9:30 am – Mandatory Rehearsal #1/Cap & gown distribution - NHS auditorium
9:45 am- 11:00 am – Senior Graduation Walk: Elementary/Middle Schools
11:30am – Senior Gathering - Outside of Event Center - Pass out yearbooks and signing
*Final senior credit check conducted following this rehearsal
Monday, June 22nd - Mandatory Rehearsal #2:
8:00 am – Arrive to School
8:30 am – Assemble by House in Auditorium
9:00 am – Load Buses
9:15 am – Depart for Oakdale Theatre
9:45 am – Begin rehearsal at Oakdale Theatre
11:30 am – Depart Oakdale – Return to NHS
4:45 pm - Return to NHS to depart for Oakdale on NHS Buses. Please be back at NHS on time. *You CANNOT drive yourself to the Oakdale!
Monday, June 22nd - Commencement Ceremony:
4:45 pm – Assemble by House in Auditorium
5:00 pm – Load Buses
5:15 pm – Depart for Oakdale Theatre
6:00 pm – Arrive at Oakdale Theatre
6:15 pm – Assemble in staging area
6:45 pm – Begin processional
7:00 pm – BEGIN COMMENCEMENT!
*You MUST plan for your own transportation home.
* The All-Night Graduation Party will begin 1-hour after our ceremony ends. The latest time to enter is 11:15 pm. The event ends at 5 am.
|
|
There’s still time to get your "Yearbook" and "Banner" raffle tickets for a chance to win a FREE yearbook and/or a banner — two lucky winners will each receive one of these great prizes! See flyer above for details or go to the NHS Grad store! |
The Contest: Each year the NHS English Department holds a contest to select a senior to serve as the class essayist and to read an original essay during graduation. Seniors are encouraged to write and submit an essay of ~ 400-500 words in response to the prompt below. Responses will be read and evaluated by a committee comprised of English teachers and students, and the contest winner will be announced, recognized and take part in the graduation ceremony.
“Arete: A concept in ancient Greek meaning excellence and reaching one’s highest potential”
We are always learning and growing. We are constantly taking in our surroundings and evolving as people. Your time at NHS is no different. The last four years of your life have been marked by tremendous growth and change. You have overcome many obstacles to become who you are today. You have learned so much about yourself, others and the world around you. Many of these important lessons came as a result of your experiences here at NHS. No doubt some lessons learned are more powerful than others. Consider some of the profound ways you have evolved recently.
Essay Prompt: What is something you learned or some way you evolved for the better while here at NHS that you will take with you through life and that you think would be beneficial to all your fellow graduates?
Your task is to write an essay that explores an idea/lesson/concept that you learned or discovered during your time at NHS. This lesson could have been from a class, sport, club, or one that you just simply discovered over the last few years. How are you different as a result? How has it affected you? How are you a better person? How could it be a benefit to others? What do you want fellow students to walk away from NHS thinking about?
In addressing this topic, be cognizant of the occasion and your audience. In the end, remember that this essay will be presented to your classmates in a graduation speech. This is the message that you want the Class of 2026 to take with them into the future.
Deadline: Writing prompts will be delivered electronically to seniors. Essays will be due no later than Monday, May 4, at 12:00 noon. Your essay must be shared as a Google Doc with Mr. Alaimo ( balaimo@npsct.org). Essays sent later than this deadline or submitted via other means will not be considered. Your essay submission should not include your name anywhere on the document. Instead, include your student number.
In preparing your speech, please know that English teachers will be on the screening committee for finalists and therefore will not be able to help you to edit your essay or to provide you with ideas. You may, however, consult with any other teachers you want. Entries will be evaluated for insight, language, clarity, and message.
The winner will be expected to work with an English teacher to revise and edit the essay prior to graduation. The final speech will be approved by and rehearsed with Ms. Tigno prior to graduation.
|
See the link below for April's newletter.
|
Human Services invites students to a "Make a Walking Stick" Adventure.
Sunday, April 4/26: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Day 1 = Hike and find a stick
Friday, May 1: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Day 2 = Sand, Carve, & Stain your Stick
and register using the QR Code above
|
|
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.
|
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!!!
|
|
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".
|
|
A Few Important Things to Note:
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
School nurse information:
Names: Callie Lawrence and Audra Rappoccio
email: hsnurses@npsct.org
phone number: 860-666-5611 x 1163 or 1164
|
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
|
|
|
|
