Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Good afternoon,
Happy October! We are officially halfway through the first quarter. Students should be seeing their teacher if they have any questions about their grades and staying after school for any extra support.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.
This week's learning:
- Playschool students loved learning about the letter "C" and how caterpillars move, from our NHS "teachers"
- Students used quality, innovation, and price to identify the value of a product
- Students analyzed cartoon images for historical context connected to the novel they are reading
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
SAFE (Sharing Anonyumously for Everyone's Safety) FORM: Click HERE
KISS (Kindness Is Something Simple) FORM: Click HERE
Next week's schedule:
Monday,October 5: A day
Tuesday, October 6: B day/early release
Wednesday, October 7: O day
Thursday, October 8: E day
Friday, October 9: 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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10/3 - Waterfall Festival & Chalk Walk (see info below)
10/3 - Designer Bag Bingo @ Holy Spirit, 183 Church St, Newington Come support NHS Cheer and have some fun. Contact: NHSCHEERLEADINGBOOSTERS@GMAIL.COM with any questions.
10/5 - Newington Student Assistance Fund Fundraiser at Puerto Vallarta (3:00 pm - close) *see below for more info
10/6 - Early release/12:25 pm dismissal for students
10/12 - Schools closed/Offices closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
10/15 - Themed Thursday= Flannel Day. Upload pics HERE
10/16 - Pink Out - see below for more information
10/16 - Blood Drive - See Mrs. Zuliani in room 305 with any questions
10/23 - Hats for Hope - district wide fundraiser - everyone is asked to donate $1 or more...(use the qr code in the poster to the left)
1st 500 to donate get a gold crown
10/27 - PSAT Day ONLY students in grades 9, 10, & 11 attend school
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FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
Congratulations to the following students who were selected as our Portrait of a Graduate, Students of the Month for October:
Mia Anctil, Azul Aragon Cruz, Brianna Bailey, Clara Dicks, Gavin Dusel, Chloe Hedstrom, Jayden LaBranche, Nathaniel Lurry, Patricia Napuli, Brianna Riley, Jonathan Stergakis, Dang Tran
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Project grad is excited to host a golf tournament benefiting the Newington High School Class of 2027 seniors and their Graduation Night Party!!!
Whether you’d like to play golf, sponsor the event, or make a donation, your support helps give our seniors a safe and unforgettable celebration.
Register today
Can’t make it? Donate by visiting our website
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2027!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lyman Orchards Pies & Cookie Dough ..... Our first fundraiser is underway! Stock up on delicious Lyman Orchards pies and classic cookie dough. Running now through October 6th!! Proceeds benefit the Class of 2027 Safe Grad Party.-11 Order online HERE.
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Class of 2027 Yard Signs Show your senior some love and celebrate their milestone year! Get your sign here: |
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Pink Out Day is coming soon, Nor'easters! On October 16th, we're inviting everyone to wear pink and help turn the school into a show of spirit and support. Need something pink to wear? The Storm Supply has a variety of Nor'easter apparel to help you join the celebration in style. Stop by the school store in the café or shop online at bit.ly/newingtondecacatalog to find your favorite gear. Remember, $1 from each purchase will be donated towards cancer research. Let's fill the school with pink, show off our Nor'easter pride, and make Pink Out Day a memorable event for everyone on October 16th!
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Come out and support the Newington Student Assistance Fund. NSAF is dedicated to providing interest-free loans and scholarships to Newington Residents who are pursuing post-secondary education or training. Founded in 1966, NSAF has granted over $1.7 million in interest free loans to thousands of Newington students.
When: Monday, October 5, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm - close
Where: Puerto Vallarta Restaurant, 2385 Berlin Turnpike, Newington
20% of Food & Beverage Sales (dine in or Take out) will be donated to the Newington Student Assistance Fund.
Come support a great cause!!!!!!!!
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National Honor Society students, Matthew Brown and Brayden Karanian, are running a service project to support The First Tee of Connecticut, a local non-profit organization.
They will be collecting bottles in the cafe, band room, SAC (rrom 217), and outside the auditorium from NOW until January 15th!!!
Please feel free to drop off your bottles to our main entrance and we will do the rest!
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Pink Out Games:
The NHS Boys and Girls Soccer teams want to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
We will be collecting donations for the American Cancer Society at the following games:
October 13: Girls JV and V
October 16th: Boys JV and V
October 21st; Boys Dev
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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.
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PREVIOUSLY SHARED IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
If your student is enrolled in one or more of the below courses for the 2026-2027 school year, they are eligible for UCONN Early College Experience (ECE) credit.
- AP/ECE Biology
- AP/ECE Calculus BC
- AP/ECE English Literature & Composition (Grade 12)
- AP/ECE European History/Modern Western Traditions
- AP/ECE Physics I
- AP/ECE Physics C
- AP/ECE Spanish
- AP/ECE Statistics
- AP/ECE United States Government
- AP/ECE United States History
- Contemporary Social Issues in Sports ECE
- Digital Graphic and Design II ECE
- Drawing II ECE
- Health II ECE
- Introduction to Genocide Studies ECE
- Italian IV H/ECE
- Medical Science III ECE
- Medical Science IV ECE
- Popular Music and Diversity in American Society ECE
- Writing Center Theory and Practice ECE
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There are several benefits registering for UCONN ECE credits:
- Become a UCONN undergraduate student with a UCONN transcript
- Earn college credit at UCONN with the possibility of transferring credit to anon-UCONN college/university.
- The courses are taught Newington High School Teachers
- Inexpensive way to earn college credit ($50 per credit hour)
- If your student is eligible for Free and/or Reduced Lunch the program is free.
"UConn Early College Experience Students register online for their courses using the UConn ECE registration system at UConn.DualEnroll.com.
All Student registration requests once submitted must be approved by the high school Site Representative (Mr. Korn), approved by a parent/guardian, and payment information collected (if applicable) to be processed.”
For detailed instructions on the registration process reference the:
You must enroll online to be eligible for UConn ECE credit.
The deadline to complete the online enrollment process is October 16, 2026 11:59pm EST.
If you have any questions or need assistance please reach out to your school counselor.
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The Newington High School Parent/Guardian Advisory Council (PAC) meets on select Thursdays each month with the principal. These meetings help families to gain insight on the happenings at NHS and provide any support and assistance needed. These meetings are informational and an opportunity for the school and community to work together.
Meetings will be held virtually at 7:30 am on the following dates for the 2026-2027 school year:
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Wednesday, January 13, 2027
Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Wednesday, March 3, 2027
Wednesday, April 7, 2027
Wednesday, May 12, 2027
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Beginning this Winter sports season, students will need 5 passing classes that earn .25 credit towards graduation in order to be eligible to participate. This adjustment aligns with the CIAC standards recently implemented. |
Please use the link below for Newington Athletics Gameday Guide. We will be transitioning to a digital ticketing model with a limited cash option for tickets, so please use the guide for ticketing information, event locations, streaming options, and much more.
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School Counseling Department |
Seniors Applying to College, -As we get closer here are some updates:
1. Senior Class House Meetings - Linked here is the presentation that has several resources at the end: Class of 2027 Senior Packet (click here) and the NHS application resource page (click here).
2. 12th Grade Parent Night Program- See information at the top of the newsletter for the presentation slides
3. Application Support Days- 10/9, 10/16 and 10/23
School counselors will be available in the Library Classroom for “Application Support Days.” There will be two counselors available each period for students to come in and get support with their college applications.
4. Connecticut Public Universities Application FREE day is November 1st.
Connecticut high school seniors can apply to Connecticut's public universities for free this fall, but application fee waiver windows now vary by school. Students must select the Application Fee Free Day / CT Resident Waiver option on their application during their university's window to qualify:
- University of Connecticut (UConn): October 15 - November 2
- Southern CT State University (SCSU): October 15 - November 15
- Eastern CT State University (ECSU): Open through November 15
- Central CT State University (CCSU): November 1 - November 30
- Western CT State University (WCSU): November 1 - November 30
*Please note:The college application and waiver needs to be submitted within the fee-free window. Supplemental materials (transcripts, teacher/counselor recommendations, essay updates) can be sent at a later date.
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5. Connecticut Auto Admissions Program (CAAP) Eligibility
"The Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program (CAAP) is for graduating CT high school seniors who have a 3.0 weighted GPA are eligible upon application to be automatically admitted to participating colleges and universities. Admissions to some programs within these colleges and universities may require additional student information or demonstrated student success in the first semester of attendance. This program waives the application fee, student essays, and recommendation letters for participating institutions.
Students need to create a Common App Account or log in to an exciting Common App account.
Students will need to fill out on their Common Application under the “Grades” section> “Education” tab, their cumulative GPA (which can be found in SchooLinks, and select GPA weighting as "weighte d.” Students will also need to make sure they indicate their graduation date as June 2027.
To see the list of schools that participate in the CAAP program and for more information, linked here is the CAAP website. Please note: CAAP offers can take up to a week to show on a student's Common Application account.
6. Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Is Now Open! Link to website
FAFSA Checklist: What You'll Need to Complete You Application: Link to website
7. Here is a list of things you and your student can do now so when your student is ready to submit their college applications the School Counseling Department can send their supplemental materials.
- 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.
- Students complete their Personal Reflection on SchooLinks.
- On the SchooLinks home page, click on “To Do List” tab, on top of page, and then “Personal Reflection”
- Students should answer the questions completely and honestly - this is a major source of information for the counselor’s letter of recommendation
- Students add an updated resume to their personal reflection. If they do not have a resume, they can create one using this template (click here).
- Register with the Common Application (www.commonapp.org).
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.
If you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Korn, Director of School Counseling, or your student’s school counselor.
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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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If you have any mediacl questions, school or health related, 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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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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