Good afternoon,

Happy Friday and Happy Mother's Day weekend!!! I am so fortunate to be gifted this NHS Family. Lots of things happening in May.

Here's this week's learning: National Honor Society students (Morganne Tucker and Kaity Dugas) would like to that those who donated to their "Bedside Bears" Service Project (see flyer below); students participated in an inspiring session with Dr. Robinson, Director of Choral Activities at CCSU that elevated their music making (Thank you NHS Performing Arts Boosters - see picture to the left); staff enjoyed Teacher Appreciation week as STUCO provided "love" through their kind acts; music students shined in their performances; students enjoyed hearing from Alkegen (a global leader in developing and providing high-performance specialty materials designed to positively impact the environment) as well as a field trip to Mystic Aquarium; students learned about the amount of chemicals found in vape and the harmful ways these chemcials affect our brains, lungs, and heart; and NHS Alums Rachael Thatcher and Tristan Mason spoke to students about their experiences as editors and published creative writers

The Town-wide art show was another HUGE success. Please click HERE to watch a video.

Thanks to Mr. Myler, ESOL teacher, and Mr. Trowbridge, Digital Content Specialist., we will be streaming live baby chick hatching. We are setting up an around the clock stream starting either late tomorrow or Sunday afternoon. Eggs are set to hatch on Tuesday. 

Click on this link to watch ----> https://youtube.com/live/leWbr-cmQd4?feature=share

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.

Andriy Grynyk, a 2020 Newington High School graduated with High Honors from Southern CT State University in 2024. Andriy is now a third-year medical student at UConn and has just published his first book.

His family will be donating a few copies to our school library. Here is the link to the book which is a guide to preparing for USMLE exam.

Congratulations, Andriy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Performing Arts Boosters is encouraging families to attend their upcoming NHS Performing Arts Boosters meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:00 PM in the Event Center. They are currently planning the banquet and hope to increase parent involvement and attendance as they work to continue supporting our performing arts students and programs.

They are also encouraging families to purchase banquet tickets early so they can have an accurate headcount for the event. Tickets can be purchased at nhsdrama.booktix.com.

Additionally, they are hosting a LIP SYNC BATTLE on June 4th at 6:00 pm in the NHS cafeteria. email nhspab06111@gmail.com with any questions. Grab your friends and show your skills. $150 for 1st place!! (see THIS flyer as well as the picture above)

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.  

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.