Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Happy 1st Friday of the 2026-27 School Year!
Wow, what a week. Staff had two full days of professional learning, followed by a morning of convocation that fired us up even more for opening day yesterday. Below you will see the district wide mascots who danced to "Don't Stop Believing" performed by our own rockstars: School of Rock. We also heard from Keynote Speaker: Dr. Miguel Cardona (also pictured below), Teacher of the Year: Kim DePalois (NHS alum) and Paraeducator of the Year: Sandra Pereira. Needless to say, we were all excited to welcome back our entire Family of Learners yesterday.
This week's learning:
- NHS honored Mr. Concannon (Wellness Teacher) as he reached a milestone of completing 50 years in education!!! Staff wore newly designed Family of Learners Tshirts with one of Mr. Concannon's sayings #AchieveGreatness (see picture above and to the left). Students witnessed history today!!!
- Seniors kickoff their final year with the traditional "senior sunrise" (see pictures below)
Reminder: Please read over the newsletter as it will be sent every Friday and contains a lot of important information. Should you have any news or accomplishments you'd like me to celebrate, please don't hesitate to reach out!
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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 2026-27 Day Calendar.
REPORT CARD SCHEDULE: Click HERE to view the Report Card Schedule for our 2026-2027 school year. Please note that snow days will impact this schedule.
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 Fall Sports Schedule
SCHOOL LUNCH: Click HERE to view the menus
First week's schedule:
Monday, August 31: A day
Tuesday, September 1: B day
Wednesday, September 2: O day
Thursday, September 3: E day
Friday, September 4: C day
*** The Vacant Seat program will open for students living in a "Walking District" sometime toward end of October. More informaiton regarding this program will be coming out as the date approaches. Any questions please contact our transportation department at 860-666-2441.***
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August/September Important Dates |
8/31 - Late Buses begin (4:00 pm pickup at gym entrance)
9/7- Labor Day - Schools and Offices Closed
9/10: Red, White, and Blue Day - wear these colors to support our first responders, which will carry over to our first home football game
9/15 - Picture day for Underclassmen (retakes Oct 23)
9/15 - PL Day - 12:25 pm Dismissal
9/15 - Grade 12 Parent/Guardian Program 5:50 pm - 6:30 pm in the auditorium.
9/15 - College Funding Stratey Night (virtual) 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
9/17 - Themed Thursday * Monochrome Day = Wear different shades of your favorite color or exclusively Black or White! . Enter Advisory photos HERE for a chance to win a free breakfast. 9/24 - Open House (6:00 pm start, 5:45 pmschedule pickup in auditorium lobby- if needed)
9/29 - College Fair
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FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
NHS is celebrating excellence...Congratulations to Zaccai Meek (10) on earning a PERFECT 1440 on the PSAT 8/9! In my 32 years in education, this is the first time I have encountered a student earning a perfect score on this assessment. What an incredible accomplishment and something to be incredibly proud of!
Way to go, Zaccai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thank you to the 38 Link Crew members who hosted their 2nd successful year of Link Crew tours!! They, under the direction of Mrs. Rezendes, hosted over 45 students. We are fortunate to have so may of our Family of Learners supporting our new students and incoming freshmen.
Way to go, Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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April Handel (12) was selected to be part of the A Shot For Life Family Program, which is an all-star program where some of the best baseball and softball players in/from Connecticut are selected through a scouting and interview process.
On Saturday, September 5, she will compete in a challenge to raise money toward Dr. William Curry's Cancer Research Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital. If you would like to support this cause, please email April at ahandel83445@my.npsct.org.
Way to go April!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Huge congrats to NHS alum, NCAA All American, and living legend, Katie Bohlke, for signing with Brooks!
Katie continues to impress us with all her acoomplishments!
Way to go, Katie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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This is a reminder to all those who drive through VA property to or from NHS - please drive responsibly, obeying speed limits and stop signs. VA Police will be conducting traffic enforcement and violators could be cited. |
If you are in grades 10, 11 or 12 and have Cafe Study (periods 1 and/or 2) you are eligible for Late arrival and/or Early dismissal (periods 7 and/or 8)
Late Arrival = If you have cafe study periods 1 and/or 2. You must arrive on time to Advisory.
Please click HERE to access the form or pick on up in any house office.
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If you would like to report a concern anonymously, please complete THIS SAFE (Sharing Anonyumously for Everyone's Safety) FORM.
If you would like to recognize any staff member or student for an act of kindness, please complete THIS KIND (Kindness Is Something Simple) FORM.
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There are two ways to put money onto your child’s meal account:
- You may set up an account through www.EZSchoolPay.com and pre-pay on-line whatever dollar amount you choose using a credit or debit card. You will be charged a $1.95 convenience/bank fee. You may also elect to participate in an auto replenish feature that allows you to set a low balance amount that will automatically replenish your child’s account at that balance from your credit card.
- You may send in a check or cash to the school cafeteria. The food service staff will enter your check amount or cash amount into your child’s meal account. For safety purposes, we recommend that advanced payments be sent in the form of a check. Checks should be made payable to Newington School Cafeteria. (There is no fee for this method of payment.) Please put your child’s full name and student ID # (same # as your child’s PowerSchool number) on the check. Your child’s teacher will collect prepayments in the morning and forward to the cafeteria. All monies sent into the cafeteria can only be used for meal and snack purchases and cannot be used for any other school event(s).
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Breakfast & Lunch Prices - Breakfast: is free for all students (one per day). Lunch is $3.75 for paid students, $0.40 for approved reduced students, and free for approved free students.
If you have any questions feel free to email foodservices@npsct.org or call the Foods and Nutrition Services Office at 860-665-8635 .
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SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER |
We are excited to continue our partnership with Integrated Health Servies. Please click THIS LINK (English) or THIS LINK (Spanish) to see what they have to offer and how to enroll. |
Medication Drop off:
If your student requires medication in school, there is a designated Medication Drop Off at the Nurses' office Wednesday, August 26 from 10:00am-12:00pm. If your student requires medication in school, a Medication Authorization Form must be filled out by a provider, signed by a parent, and handed into the Nurses' office. All medications with the exception of Epipens and Inhalers are to be kept in the Nurses' office at all times. At the High School level students are encouraged to carry their own Epipens and Inhalers for emergencies. If your student will be carrying their own Epipen or Inhaler, the nurses do still need an updated Medication Authorization Form from the provider.
If you have any questions about medications in school or health related questions, please reach out to the nurses via email at hsnurses@npsct.org or call them at 860-666-5611 x1163
Mrs. Rappoccio and Mrs. Lawrence
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EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES |
These are done through the Magee House Office. Please use the following procedure to release your child early from school:
- Upon arrival to school, students should come to the Magee Office with a note from the parent/guardian stating the time and date of dismissal. If the student does not have a note, you may send a ParentSquare message directly to Corina Muir OR call the Magee Office at (860) 666-5611 ext 1150. Students are then sent an electronic smart pass notifying them and their teacher of their dismissal. Prior to exiting the building, students MUST sign-out in the Magee House and then may leave the building through the Main Entrance.
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In the event of an unexpected early dismissal, please call the Magee Office at 860.666.5611, ext. 1150 OR send a ParentSquare message to Corina Muir. Due to the volume of calls that come in, your call may go to voicemail. Please leave a message stating clearly your child’s name, student ID number and time of dismissal. All messages are heard and checked consistently throughout the day. To avoid interrupting class instruction, students are sent an electronic dismissal pass to the Magee House Office for their designated time of dismissal where they will sign out and then may leave the building through the Main Entrance.
- If returning to school from an early dismissal, students should sign into the Magee office IMMEDIATELY upon returning to school.
- It is not required for the parent/guardian to come into the building to sign your child out or to escort the student back into school upon return.
- 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. If you received this notification, but have already notified the school, there is no need to call again OR expect an acknowledgment. We will take care of it
- During state testing/midterm & final exams - students are not allowed to be dismissed.
- All attendance codes will be reflected in PowerSchool by 2:30 pm each day. Therefore, we ask for your patience.
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ID's - students will no longer be able to purchase endless amounts of IDs. Once a student reaches 3, parents/guardians will be notified of the $9 total balance. That balance will need to be paid in full prior to a student being allowed to charge for additional IDs. It is a student's responsibility to have their ID on them during school hours to access the bathroom, buy lunch, check out library books, etc.
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Emergency Contact Form- As a reminder every year Parents/Guardians are asked to log into Powerschool and complete the yearly update form.
- Please review and submit the form even if you have no changes to make so we can verify we have up to date information for each student.
- Submit the form by November 2, 2026.
- May be completed in either the website or the app.
- You must use your Parent/Guardian account, not your student's account.
- Form must be submitted once for each child even if you have no changes to make.
- Please take the time to fill out the form and list at least two Emergency contacts.
- Once the form is submitted, our school will approve the form.
- Steps: a) Log into PS and click Forms on the left. b) Click a form, change any information and submit it.
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Chromebooks - We want to ensure your child has the tools they need to succeed in school. Their school-issued Chromebook is a valuable learning resource, and we appreciate your help in keeping it in good condition.
To protect your child's Chromebook:
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Handle with care: Avoid placing heavy items on it and be cautious when carrying it.
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Use the case: Students are expected to always use the provided protective case.
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No stickers: Do not put stickers on the device. Permanent damage will void any warranty or insurance claim.
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Charge nightly: Ensure the Chromebook is fully charged for school each day.
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Repair Promptly: Have minor device damage repaired promptly to prevent further damage and potential costs beyond chromebook insurance coverage.
Upon graduation, seniors MUST return their chromebook, charger, AND case. Any item not returned will result in a charge on their account that must be paid for prior to graduation.
Purchasing Chromebook insurance is encouraged. This optional coverage costs $35 each year and offers the following benefits:
- An immediate replacement device for your student
- Reduced or waived costs for repairable accidental damage or theft
- Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child's education!
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Extra-Curricular Activities and Athletics |
Fall Sports Registration
Students will need to have a valid physical dated after 7/10/2025 on file with the Nurse's Office and submit a registration fee of $115. Physicals can be brought to the Nurse's Office or mailed in. See website for more info.
Club Directory
Now is a great time to plan on how to get engaged with the NHS community! Use the club directory to review the many club opportunities offered at NHS and choose what you would like to be a part of. Try something new! Click here for the directory!
DECA: The new school year is here, and the Storm Supply, the school store in the cafeteria, is fully stocked with fresh gear to help you show off your school spirit all year long! This year, we’re also introducing electronic payments in the Storm Supply for faster, easier checkout.
Stop by to see what’s new and grab your favorites. Can’t make it in? No worries, shop anytime online at bit.ly/newingtondecacatalog and place your order in just a few clicks.
We’ve added tons of new apparel this year, perfect for football games, spirit days, and everyday wear. Whether you're cheering in the stands or participating in themed days, we’ve got something for everyone. Be on the lookout for theme days:
- Black Out
- Red, White and Blue (First Responders)
- Blue and Gold
- Pink Out designs (Breast Cancer Awareness).
Ordered online? You can easily pick up your items in the main office or in Mrs. Miller’s Room 201.
Stay connected and don’t miss a drop—follow us on Instagram @newingtondeca and TikTok @newington.deca for updates, new arrivals, and reminders. Send any questions to amiller@npsct.org.
Get game-day ready and represent in style, shop the Storm Supply!
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Summer Photo Session for Seniors ONLY. In order to have a senior portrait in the NHS yearbook, students must have their portrait taken through Art Rich Photography.
NHS will also be hosting two free sessions on Tuesday September 8th and Wednesday September 30th for seniors to have their yearbook picture taken. There is no charge for this but your picture will be chosen by Art Rich Photography. No proof or retouching is available with this option.
Please contact Lauren Correll at lcorrell@npsct.org or (860 )666-5611 ext. 1352 with any question. |
School Counseling Department |
Seniors Applying to College, - wondering what you can do now before the school year starts?
The School Counseling Department will be using SchooLinks to send out college application supplemental materials (i.e. transcripts, counselor & teacher recommendation forms, etc.). Seniors (class of 2027) were introduced to SchooLinks during junior workshops and individual planning. We will continue to work with students and families on the next steps for the college application process this school year.
Here is a list of things you can do now before the school year starts so when you are ready to submit your college applications the School Counseling Department can send your supplemental materials.
1. 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.
2.Complete your 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. Answer the questions completely and honestly - this is a major source of information for your counselor’s letter of recommendation
3. Update your resume (should be in Google Drive) and make sure you have shared it with your counselor. If you do not have a resume, create one using this template. You will need to make a copy to create your own. https://bit.ly/NHSResume
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.
Below are upcoming School Counseling Events/Dates:
September 9th - Magee and Doran house meetings with Seniors on Post-secondary planning process during advisory
September 10th - Stoddard house meeting with Seniors on Post-secondary planning process during advisory
September 15th - 12th Grade Parent/Guardian night on college application and other post-secondary options.
September 15th - College Funding Strategies night (virtual) advance registration required.
September 11th, 18th, & 25th - College Application support days in Library Classroom periods 1-8.
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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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We are seeking qualified applicants to join our transportation family in serving the Newington Public School community!
*Excellent Pay $25.91 start to $31.34
*18-20 Hours Weekly (Regular School Year)
*School Vacations Off
*Holidays Off
*Great Working Conditions
*PAID TRAINING available for qualified applicants.
Please contact the Transportation Department at (860) 666-2441 or come to 401 Garfield Street, Newington, CT 06111
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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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