Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Good afternoon,
I can not believe it, but this is my last newsletter in May. When we return from the weekend we are officially in our last month of the 2025-2026 school year. Attendance is crucial as is completing ALL work.
Here's this week's learning: STUCO enjoyed their field trip to Mystic; Mr. Harris and I enjoyed hearing from students across the state at the CAS-CIAC Student Empowerment Advisory Board Final Presentation; students made delicious strawberry shortcake muffins; students (and a few administrators) learn how to shoot a bow and arrow; seniors are one step closer to graduation as they were able to spend time together today at Brownstone Quarry; and students were inspired by the meaningful and engaging discussions that focused on student wellness, including identity development, confidence, self-worth, substance use prevention, and the importance of positive support systems and mentorship given by Terrell Huff from DT Cares.
Newington Public Schools accepted a ceremonial check celebrating recent funding the Newington delegation helped secure for the district, specifically a $159,000 grant for our School-Based Health Center (see picture above, which includes Connecticut Senator Matt Lesser, State Representatives Kate Farrar and Gary Turco, Town Council members Kathy Gonzalez, Matthew Plourd, A.J. Tiniakos, and Hilda Nieves, Town Manager Jonathan Altshul, BOE Chairperson Amy Perrotti, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maureen Brummett, Integrated Health Services, Inc. COO Jill Holmes Brown, NPS nursing staff members Mercy Hetherington and John Jutras and me).
Themed Thursday final winner: Mrs. Rivera's Advisory - congratulations!!! I will be around next week to get your breakfast orders!
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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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!!!)
Next week's schedule:
Monday, June 1: A day
Tuesday, June 2: B day
Wednesday, June 3: E day
Thursday, June 4: O day
Friday, June 5: C day
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MAY & JUNE IMPORTANT DATES |
Project grad events:
- May 30 - Brunch & Bingo - NHS cafe. Doors open at 9:30 am (play 10:30 am - 1:30 pm) visit https://www.nhsprojectgraduation.com/store to purchase tickets.
- June 1 - Triple chance prize drawings
- June 1 - Puerto Vallarta fundraiser
- See more below
May 30 - last day for the Class of 2029 fundraiser (see info below)
June 2 - Pride Day
June 16 - June 22: Final exams. Click HERE for the full schedule.
- June 16 Periods 1 & 2
- June 17 Periods 3 & 4
- June 18 Periods 5 & 6
- June 19 Periods 7 & 8
- June 22 Makeup/Makeup
*Student may not move exam periods (they must take the exam in the period they have the class)
*Students do not need to attend if the have a study hall or mastery math/reading class
*If students do not have any makeup exams, they do not need to attend on June 22
*The first exam of each day runs 7:35 am - 9:35 am and the second runs from 9:50 am - 11:50 am. Lunch will be offered from 11:54 am - 12:15 pm for any student who would like a lunch.
*If a student is absent, administration MUST approve*** Therefore, please reach out to your HOUSE PRINCIPAL
***Click HERE for the full schedule, including bus runs*** |
FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
Dr. Brummett and I were honored to join in American Legion's Post 96 of West Hartford's celebration of the Class of 2026 Military Inductees. We were there, along with their parents and many dignitaries to salute Jack Williams (U.S. Marine Corps) and Dylan Andrade (U. S. Coast Guard), along with three other students from Hall and Conard High Schools.
We are grateful to all those who have served as well as those who will serve.
Thank you - Jack and Dylan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Every year the art department chooses an artwork to hang at the Board of Education for one year.
The work chosen exemplifies mastery of skill in the given media as well as personal expression.
Congratulations to Erin McKirdy (12) who was honored Wednesday evening at Town Hall with the 6 other district winners (one from each school) for her art work. Erin's work will be part of the permanent art collection at Town Hall for the 2026-2027 school year.
Way to go, Erin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Congratulations to Emily Lagana (11) who was honored by her family, friends, and teammates at the last game of the season for scoring 100 points for the Girls Lacrosse Team.
Way to go, Emily!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Who has the best slider in Connecticut?
NHS Pitcher Dylan Chamberland (11) has been nominated for her slider. He is up against 7 other baseball players across the state.
Please click HERE to vote for Dylan. Voting will close Tuesday, June 2 at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 3.
Good luck Dylan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The Art National Honor Society hosted an Empty Bowls Event this week. Empty Bowls is traditionally an event where artists create bowls, host a simple dinner of soup and bread and everyone gets to eat out of the bowl that they purchase. Our students embraced the spring weather and decided to serve ice cream in the bowls that they sold. They raised $571.00 that they will donate to the Newington Food Pantry.
Thank you to all those who purchased a bowl.
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On Thursday, May 29, members of the National English Honor Society, under the leadership of advisor Gina DiBernardo, met in person with their first-grade pen pals from Ms. Colleen Gallagher’s class at Ruth Chaffee Elementary School.
Throughout the school year, the students exchanged letters as part of a pen pal program designed to strengthen writing skills, foster meaningful connections, and build a sense of community between our elementary and high school students.
The visit was a wonderful experience for everyone involved and highlighted the powerful role that written communication can play in bringing people together.
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Congratulations to Stephen Brookes (Music), Karina Ramos (World Language), and Jennifer Kowalsky (Science and highlighted last month) who were nominated by a student for being "truly exceptional, kind, and extremely supportive". The student also shared that "Mr. Brookes didn't just help me improve my music, but he gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to keep working hard." as well as "From day one, Mrs. Ramos has created an inclusive environment where those anxieties completely melt and fade away. She has built a classroom where it is completely safe to learn, make mistakes, laugh, and grow at our own pace.
The Honor Roll program recognizes teachers who are nominated for the Honored National Teaching Award.
Way to go NHS faculty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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We have had several ceremonies honoring all the great achievements of our stduents. Here are a few from this week:
Congratulations to the Athletic Award recipients who were honoroed Wednesday evening at the 2026 Athletics Awards Night. HERE is a copy of the 2026 links.
Congratulations to the AM Awards recipients who were honored Thursday morning.
HERE is a copy of the 2026 program.
Congratulations to our seniors who received scholarships last night. Thanks to our wonderful community, students received close to $150,000. HERE is a copy of the 2026 recipients who were honored Thursday evening.
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Students who would like to play fall sports are reminded to check the information for what they need to do to participate.
Summer Sports Physicals will be held on August 4th from 8:00 am - 10:00 am. More information to come.
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Pride Month is just around the corner, and the school store is ready to help your student celebrate.
Through June 5th, the Storm Supply will be hosting its official Pride Month Kickoff Sale, featuring limited-edition Nor'easter Pride t-shirts and hoodies.
Students can shop the sale in person at the school store located in the cafe, or you can browse and purchase items directly from home using our online catalog at bit.ly/NHSstorecatalog. Thank you for supporting our school community and showing your Blue and Gold pride!
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Newington Public Schools embraces the public display of our school spirit as witnessed by the creative graduation announcement banners. The following guidelines must be observed out of respect for all community members.
● The banners are for High School Seniors Only
● The size of the banner may not to exceed 4’x8’
● Banners may ONLY be hung on the fences at Clem Lemire Recreation Complex on the fence facing Willard Avenue and Mill Pond Park exterior fence facing Willard Avenue.
● Oversized banners or those put up ahead of Friday, May 29, 2026 will be taken down and discarded.
Banners may be put up beginning 12:00 noon on Friday, May 29, 2026 and must be removed by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Please note if banners are not removed by June 30th, they will be discarded. Please help us continue this wonderful tradition by observing these guidelines. Thank you for your support.
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Attention Freshman Families!
Please consider supporting the Class of 2029 through our upcoming Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser, which will run from Tuesday, May 26 through Saturday, May 30. This is an individual fundraiser, meaning the profits your student earns go directly toward their own school expenses. Students keep 50% of their total sales. Here is how the funds will benefit your student: ● Cover the Student Activity Fee: Selling $60 in popcorn earns $30 in profit, which will completely cover your student’s mandatory student activity fee. ● Earn Extra Credit: Any funds raised above that $30 fee will be credited to your student’s account to help lower the cost of future milestones, like prom tickets and the senior outing. Next Steps for Students: Please encourage your student to set up their virtual Pop-Up Shop and share their unique shopping link with family, friends, and neighbors. Because the fundraiser is online and the product is shipped directly to buyers, sharing the link widely is the best way to hit their goals! For step-by-step instructions and more details, please see the flyer to the left and link below. Thank you for your support in helping our students fund these memorable high school experiences!
If you have questions, please contact Melissa Morello at mmorello@npsct.org.
Best regards, Melissa Morello Freshman Class Advisor on behalf of the Class of 2029 Officers
Please click HERE to view this poster and notice.
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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:
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BRUNCH + BINGO = the perfect Saturday (May 30)! Grab your friends and join us for a fun-filled morning of delicious brunch, 10 rounds of bingo, and awesome prizes! Cash is recommended for the 50/50 raffle! Come hungry, bring your lucky charm, and get ready for a great time supporting a fantastic cause! (see flyer above)
- 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.
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3.Triple the chances, triple the fun! Support Newington High School Project Graduation and enter the Triple Chance Prize Drawing! Drawing: June 1st at 7PM Don’t miss your chance to win big while supporting a great cause—grab your tickets today!
4.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.
5. Help support NHS Project Graduation 2026!
We’re collecting water and Gatorade—please see flyer for drop-off details and locations.
All of these can be found in the Project Graduation Store through THIS LINK
6.Skip the cooking and enjoy a night out while supporting a great cause! Join us on June 1st at Puerto Vallarta to support Newington High School Project Graduation. Enjoy delicious food, great company, and help make graduation night memorable for the students!
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To: All students and families (Grades 9-11) of Newington High School
All students and families (Grade 8 only) of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering
Over the summer, students have the opportunity to earn a mandated 0.5 credit toward the Health & Safety requirement set forth by the State of Connecticut and the Newington Board of Education. This course is online and free of charge. A Newington Public School teacher is available through Google Classroom to support students, as well.
What is the required credit?
Beginning with the Class of 2023, all students are required to earn 1.0 credits in Health & Safety.
- For 0.5 credits, all students are required to pass Health I at Newington High School (or equivalency for transfer students)
- For the other 0.5 credits, students have access to multiple options (flexible pathways):
- Successful completion of digital citizenship unit in Grade 8
- 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
- Self-directed online digital citizenship course. See below. This summer opportunity will fulfill 0.5 credits through this option.
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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 (#9 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 on May 22, 2026 - June 10, 2026
- If selected for enrollment, students will receive access to the online course on Monday, June 29, 2026
- All work must be completed and submitted online by August 7, 2026 (students have approximately 6 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 rising seniors.
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. NOTE: Students must be logged in to their NPS account to access the google form.
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: Mrs. Casey Campana, ccampana@npsct.org
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NHS has been awarded ten (10) $600 scholarships for courses at both the Hartford campus and Storrs campus. Please click THIS link for the information.
Large overview of the program:
- Each course is part of a one-week immersive exploratory college experience.
- Students will be taught by university professors and will experience a taste of college coursework
- Students will also take “Foundations for College Success”. This workshop series supports learning in three domains: College and Career Readiness, Personal and Leadership Development, and Academic Skills Development. Students will walk away with the start of a college list, a Raise.Me account to help earn scholarships, a Resume, and an academic skills toolkit for success.
- Storrs courses are Residential; Hartford courses are Commuter.
- The week in Hartford kicks off with a family day at The Hartford Yard Goats on us (3 tickets, food, beverages, and an exclusive Pre-College Summer reserved pavilion)
- Our website is BEEFY and has a ton of information about what we do with the students each week: https://precollege-summer.uconn.edu/.
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The Performing Arts Boosters is 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) |
This year summer league will have two components:
1. Summer League Games played at FSA.
○ One game per week from June 22nd - August 14th.
○ Girls will play on Mondays and Wednesdays.
○ Boys will play Tuesdays and Thursdays.
○ Games will be held at 4:45 or 6:30 pm.
○ Players should arrive 30 minutes prior to game time. Players will receive game jerseys as part of their registration. They will need to provide their own white shorts and white socks.
○ There will be two boys teams and one girls team.
2. Weekly Practices will be held at Clem Lemire, June 22nd through August 10th.
○ Girls will be Tuesdays from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
○ Boys will be Wednesdays 5:00 - 7:00 pm
3. Cost: Total Cost $100 paid to NHS Soccer Booster Club
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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 was held in the Auditorium:
- Graduation Information
- Complete this survey as soon as possible! The survey needs to be completed prior to graduation.
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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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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