Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Good afternoon,
Happy May!!! How is it May?
What a beautiful week we had both outside and inside NHS. I look forward to the Junior Prom this evening. I can not wait to see everyone dressed up!!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Here's this week's learning: seniors gathered early morning for their decision day tailgate (see picture above) and share their advice while taking photos during lunch (see picture below); students listened to "Cult of Personality" to create a definition and apply it to the rise of Stalin and USSR; juniors heard from Alison Silver (Personal Protection Consultant and Speaker ProtectUS) Newington PD and Fire, and administration about the importance of good decision-making (see mock car crash below); students learned about the event triangle and these components help facilitate a successful event; and students enjoyed trips to CT River Museum, The Computer Co, and the State Capital.
Themed Thursday (Monochrome Day) breakfast winners: Advisory = Ms. Miotke's advisory and staff = Ms. A. Sunderland & Mrs. Rivera!!!
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. (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, May 4: A day
Tuesday, May 5: B day/Early Release
Wednesday, May 6: E day
Thursday, May 7: O day
Friday, May 8: C day
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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 - PINK OUT Game Day for Girls and Boys Lacrosse 4:00 pm 5:45 pm @ Clem
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 (period 3 & 4) - all seniors must attend; Senior Prom - Aqua Turf, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm. Please complete THIS FORM if you wish to be dismissed! 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 27 - Athletic Awards Night - 6:30 pm - NHS Auditorium
May 28 - AM & PM Awards - invite only
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FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
Congratulations to Unified Athlete Isabel Negron and Unified Partner, Josie Piela who were honored at the 22nd Annual Special Olympics Unified Sports Award Banquet Monday evening at the Aqua Turf. Isabel and Josie were recognized for their dedication to inclusion, sportsmanship and teamwork!!!!
Way to go Isabel and Josie!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Congratulations to Katherine (Kasia) DeNapoli (10) who was selected as the Superintendent's Outstanding Student of the Month for the month of April. Kasia was recognized in a ceremony on Monday with the 6 other district winners.
Congratulations, Kasia!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Congratulations to Christa Cote, NHS Science Teacher, who was selected to receive the Excellence in Sciene Teaching - High School award for 2025! Ms. Cote will be recognized at CSTA's (Connecticut Science Teachers Association) Science Awards Celebration on May 27, 2026, at Dinosaur State Park.
Way to go, Ms. Cote!!!!
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This past week our Newington DECA Chapter traveled to Atlanta, GA for their International Career Development Conference (ICDC) to either compete or attend leadership conferences events. Kaitlyn Dugas, Siya Patel, Abigail Pratt, Jakub Watras, and Jason White were international competitors for role plays and Julia Singh and Justyna Slezok competed in the School Based Enterprisedue to our new qualification as a gold certified. Abbie was an international medalist for her top role play score and became an international finalist, placing her in the international top 20 in her category. Kaity was also an international medalist for her top role play score, which is an incredibly exciting achievement for Newington as all of Connecticut only had 19 events reach the stage. Additionally, Zofia Cygan, Julia Kuczek, Emma Kosofsky, and Lucas Yoder attended the Thrive Conference. Everyone worked extremely hard, but we also got to have fun. Students spent time at theDECA night including the World of Coca-Cola, The Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, an escape room, and more! Students also had the opportunity to pin trade and spend time with other DECA members from around the world. This trip was a huge success and they can’t wait till next year! |
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On Thursday, the Italian 3 and 4/ECE classes went to JW Middle School to visit with the new JW Middle School Italian class. The 2 groups have been sending PenPal letters to each other this semester in Italian discussing many topics of interest for a National Honor Society service project headed by senior Thomas DeNapoli. The students spent the morning together meeting for the first time, playing a cultural activity and answering questions about high school during a panel. Thank you to all the students who participated and to the JW Middle School Principal Marco Tirillo and Italian Teacher Ms. Michelle Rodriguez for hosting us. |
Congratulations to Mrs. Rezendes and Mrs. Charamut for being recognized by the Connecticut School Counselor Association for the 2026 Outstanding Student/Family Program of the Year. Mrs. Rezendes and Mrs. Charamut were honored last night at the CSCA Professional Recognition Gala Awards Ceremony at the Avon Old Farms Hotel.
Way to go, ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Hello class of 2026 family and friends!
There's still time to get your "yearbok"and "banner "raffle tickets for a chance to win a FREE yearbook and/or banner. Two lucky winners will receive one of these great prizes! Click these flyers for more info:
- Parent Night Out - Join us for an adults-only evening out on May 9 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at The Bar on Cedar. Tickets are available through the Project Grad store or via Venmo. Click this link for more info: Project Grad Adults night out
- LET’S GET FLOCKING!! Join us as we “flock” to surprise your friends, neighbors, or your graduate with a fun and festive display! All proceeds will benefit the NHS Project Graduation. Click this link for more info: Project Grad "Let's get flocking"
- Your Support Is Needed - We are asking for community support to help make this year’s Senior Project Graduation a special and memorable night for our seniors. Please click What is Project Grad? for more information. Donations can be made through the Project Grad site or via Venmo.
- Newington High School Class of 2026 Yard Signs are available! Get yours today and display for everyone to see! You can purchase them at the project grad store. Please click: Project Grad Class of 2026 Lawn Sign for more info
All of these can be found in the Project Graduation Store through THIS LINK
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The senior class trip is scheduled for Friday, May 29th, 2026, at Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park in Portland, CT.
The price for the event is $25.00. Tickets will be sold in all lunch waves from Friday, May 1st, through Friday, May 8th. Students may pay by cash or check (Made payable to the NHS Class of 2026).
Food is not included in the price. Students may bring their own food, and concessions will be open during the day.
The buses will leave NHS at 9:00 am and return by 2:00 pm.
In addition, everyone who attends the trip must complete two forms.
2. Waiver for Brownstone. If a student is under 18, a parent or guardian must complete the form and add the student. The QR code ABOVE will also work.
The EVENT CODE for Brownstone 140103-A5D8
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Please click ----> SBHC May Newsletter
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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
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Any student needing prom formalwear is reminded of our Prom Closet. Please see the flyer above!!! |
Here is a summary of the tips posted to Parent/Student Square:
Linked here is info about Fully & Hybrid AP Testing. You have also been invited via Google Calendar to your AP exam and its location.
Linked here is the exam schedule sent 4/8/26 to all students taking AP exams and their parents/guardians.
Tip #1: - check out the resources
Tip #2
1. Run a system check on their school provided chromebook via the BlueBook Application to make sure it meets testing requirements (link here instructions).
2. Students need to use a school provided device for AP testing. If you never received a school provided device you can check one out in main school counseling the day before their first AP exam.
Tip #3
Important Reminder for Digital AP Exams
Remember, for digital AP Exams (fully digital and hybrid digital) on exam day, students will need to sign in to Bluebook™ using their College Board student account information to access their digital AP Exam. Saving their password on their testing device won’t work.
You should locate your CollegeBoard student account information and sign in to Bluebook before exam day; to ensure you can sign in to Bluebook will help avoid delays on exam day.
Your CollegeBoard Login information should be written down on a piece of paper and brought with you to each AP TEST. Again SAVING YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK WILL NOT WORK!!
Tip #4
Supplies needed:
1. Photo ID Required: A valid form of identification is required (Student ID, Drivers License or a State issued photo ID, or Passport)
2. #2 Pencils
3. Black or Blue Pens
5. Your CollegeBoard Login information written down on a piece of paper, not just saved on your chromebook. Saved passwords and usernames on your chomebook WILL NOT work in BllueBook.
6. FULLY CHARGED School Provided Chromebook & Charger- don't forget to plug it in the night before your AP exam. If you do not have a school provided Chromebook you can check one out in main school counseling the night before.
Tip #5
Take a deep breath- YOU GOT THIS!!
Eat a good meal and get a good nights rest the day before your AP Exam(s) and eat a good breakfast.
Here are a few friendly reminders:
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Lunch: If your test is scheduled for an afternoon session (12:00-4:00), please bring lunch and eat before the test
- Inform your teachers and coaches that you will be taking an AP Exam(s).
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Follow through with academic responsibilities. When students miss class due to AP testing, they are responsible for contacting their teachers to keep on pace with the classes they miss. Students will be marked with an “Office Excused (OFFX)” on days they have an AP Test.
- If you are testing at Newington Town Hall or Lucy Robbins Welles Library, you are required to park in the library lots. Parking is limited, try carpooling or get dropped off.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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See the link below for April's newletter.
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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
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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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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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