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Staff & CommunityNewsletter Newtown Public Schools
December 2015
Newtown Staff, Parents, and Community Members:
Please take the necessary time to review and read what is taking place within all of our schools, as this newsletter comes to you filled with student information and opportunity.
Personally, I would like to thank Ms. Laura Roche and Mr. David Freedman for their years of service with the Board of Education and also welcome Ms. Rebekah Harriman-Stites and Mr. Andy Clure who took their place December 1st. In addition, congratulations to the following recently elected officers within the school board:
Mr. Keith Alexander ChairmanDr. Michelle Ku Vice ChairmanMs. Debbie Leidlein Secretary
Mr. Clure, Ms. Harriman-Stites, Mr. Alexander, Dr. Ku, Ms. Leidlein, along with Mr. John Vouros and Ms. Kathy Hamilton will give countless hours for the good of all children. I look forward to working with the newly reconstituted Board of Education, and I am certain that they would welcome your input on student matters.
Board members can be reached via electronic mail at the following address:
Keith Alexander [email protected] Ku [email protected] Leidlein [email protected] Vouros [email protected] Hamilton [email protected] Harriman-Stites [email protected] Clure [email protected] of Education [email protected] Finally, on behalf of my office and the school board, we wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season.
Respectfully,
Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr. Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr.Superintendent of Schools
Upcoming Board MeetingsJanuary 5, 2016(budget overview)
January 7, 2016 (budget)January 12, 2016 (budget)
January 19, 2016February 2, 2016 (public hearding )February 4, 2016 (budget adoption)
February 16, 2016March 1, 2016
March 15, 2016
Rebekah Harriman-Stites
Andrew Clure
Newtown Public Schools Visual and Performing Arts 2015-16 Winner Exhibit and Performance Schedule
click on the link http://newtownmusicdept.weebly.com/
All events are free! Bring your family and friends and help support our talented artists and musicians!
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What’s Happening in our Schools......Dad’s Club at Head O’ Meadow
The Head O’ Meadow Dad’s Club was established in 2014 as a branch of the PTA in an effort to get fathers involved in supporting the needs of their children and the school. They held their first fundraising event at the Rockridge Country Club on November 27, 2015. This family fun event centered on FOOT GOLF; a sport in which players kick a soccer ball into a cup or onto a target in as few shots as possible. The game was played similarly to golf, except players
used a soccer ball and their feet, instead of a tee and a club. Teams rotated throughout the tournament and prizes were awarded for top scores. Fun was had by all !
NRCA Engages Newtown High School StudentsBy Chris Canfield, High School Science Dept. Chair
On January 11, Dr. Laura Cisneros of UConn will give a presentation about The Natural Resources Conservation Academy (NRCA) to Newtown High School’s Science D e p a r t m e n t . U C o n n ’s NRCA is an exciting program that engages high school students (grades 9 to 11) in natural resource conservation in their local community that is meaningful for the student, complementary to existing science curriculum, and beneficial to our communities and environment.
Initially, students attend a week-long field experience at UConn in July. Afterwards, each student conducts a
conservation project under the mentorship of a local conservation leader. Projects culminate in March when students present their work at the Connecticut Conference on Natural Resources and graduate as “Connecticut Conservation Ambassadors.” NRCA is currently working with another great group of students on a variety of conservation projects throughout the State. More information can be found on their website: http://nrca.uconn.edu/
To date, NRCA has worked with 92 students and 51 community partners on 74 conservation projects. It has been an enriching experience for both students, their partners, and their communities.
Dr. Cisneros is beginning to make school visits and speak with students throughout CT about the NRCA to recruit for the 2016 program, and this year they will be inviting teachers with students attending our program to participate in one of the field experience days as well.
Sandy Hook School Food Drive 2015
This was a record breaking year for our Annual Food Drive! Students and faculty worked together to collect over 2,400 cans and boxes of food to donate to the Wom-en In Newtown Organization. It was a large collaborative effort and the hard work and dedication certainly paid off! In order to celebrate all of their efforts, students par-ticipated in a parade fueled by team spirit and the positive energy of the giving season.
Dr. Cisneros
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What’s Happening in our Schools......Reed School Holiday Helpers
Reed School Holiday Helpers have been hard at work holding fundraisers to provide our
students with some extra love and support this holiday season. Reed’s school counselors are the organizers of the program, which seeks to provide support for Reed families in need during the holidays. On October’s Harvest Soup Day, staff members made a variety of soups to be sold to the staff during lunch. For a donation, staff members could enjoy all the soup they wanted while at the same time bringing people together and brightening the day. In November, culinary breakfast delights were offered during the Holiday Helpers Staff Breakfast. Thank goodness for the bounty of quiche, casserole, yogurt, fruit and all those
yummy baked goods! So far, the Holiday Helpers have raised close to $500 with a school-wide Hat Day still to come. That event will give the entire school, staff and students a chance to participate and contribute.
Middle Gate S c h o o l has been
focusing on diversity and kindness this year. On October 8, the school community gathered to take a picture spelling out the phrase Be Kind. Later in the month, the school participated in its first Community Circle events of the year. During these assemblies, the October Ben’s Bells mini-bell recipients were recognized, and the children discussed the story Chester’s Way. In addition, there were two video clips depicting children trying to initiate a conversation and/or include others in a discussion (another focus area). To cap off a busy month, Middle Gate School participated in Mix it Up Day during lunch on October 27. It was exciting to see the children so engaged in conversation (particularly with others whom they may not have interacted with before) witness the
many smiles on their faces and listen to their responses to the various questions/discussion starters. The MGS staff participated in a similar exercise during its Faculty Meeting on November 17. That afternoon, the school community gathered again to take part in our annual Turkey Trot. This cross country fun run around the school property demonstrated citizenship and responsibility as the school collected food donations to help local families. Middle Gate School currently is finalizing plans for its December kindness projects.
Hawley Elementary provided lots of fun for s tudents dur ing
In te rna t iona l Educat ion Week , wh ich was he ld N o v e m b e r 1 6 - 2 0 t h . Staff p rov ided s tuden t s w i th g r e e t i n g s i n d i f f e r e n t l a n g u a g e s e a c h d a y . Throughout the week Special Area teachers engaged students in multi-cultural games during Physicial Education classes. Students studied art by artists from different countries, and international music provided songs from around the world as students listened and sang along. Students also spent time in the Library experiencing books from around the world. International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange.
Muffins for Mom
Thanks to the Reed Student Council
and the Reed PTA, students at Reed had an opportunity to come to school early and enjoy a muffin with their moms. The first event was
held in October and sold out so quickly that a second date was added in November. Between the two dates, over 600 moms were served – an impressive number considering our enrollment is 702. We are looking forward to Donuts with Dads in the spring!
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Newtown Middle S c h o o l h a s h a d a b u s y
N o v e m b e r , a n d December looks like it will be eventful as well. In November we had the privilege, of honoring our local Veterans.
Our students were given the opportunity to invite a family member that has served, or currently is serving in the Armed Forces. Our Veterans were treated to a breakfast and then to a ceremony where we, in our small way, thanked them for their service.
The Middle School also celebrated International Education Week during November. Each day we celebrated with song, trivia, food, and dance. What a great way for us to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our community and nation.
During December, we have planned many events in an effort to give back to the community. We are sponsoring Food Drives, Book Drives and an American Red Cross Blood Drive just to name a few. NMS would like to wish all a wonderful holiday season.
Hawley Elementary School a l s o c e l e b r a t e d Ve t e r a n s D a y. The main hallway
was decorated with Tribute Stars. Breakfast was prepared for 30+ veterans followed by an assembly consisting of understanding the meaning of the day, honoring the troops and singing patriotic songs. It was a day to honor and be very thankful to all of our veterans.
Sandy Hook Elementary School Hosts First
K-2 Super Hero Family Fun Night
On Thursday, November 19, 2015, approximately 50 families and 100 children participated in Sandy Hook’s first combined Math and Literacy Night. Students in grades
K-2 showed off their super math and literacy powers by participating in various math and literacy activities as they soared
through different cities, such as ZAP City! One of the favorite activities of the night was Smack Attack, in which students had to solve a math fact problem or identify a rhyming word.
Back by Popular Demand!
On December 4th, the musical troupe from ArtsPower returned to Head O’Meadow to p e r f o r m t h e literature-based musical, “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” based on E.L. Konigsburg’s Newbery Medal-winning classic. The story follows Claudia Kincaid and her brother Jamie up the stone steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and right into the middle of an adventure! This musical happening was engaging and enchanting for students and staff alike. Our special thanks to HOM Cultural Arts Committee Chairs, Gioia Macey and Amy Roman for coordinating this terrific event!
What’s Happening in our Schools......
Middle School Veterans Day
Hawley Veterans Day
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By Michelle Hiscavich, Director of Music
“The arts are essential. They teach students innumerable lessons - practice makes perfect, small differences can have large effects, collaboration leads to creativity. The arts also teach children that there are several paths to take when approaching problems and that all problems can have more than one solution. Research has also shown impressive benefits of arts education on the entire school culture – especially student motivation, attitudes, and attendance. Numerous reports discuss the ways that increased access and involvement in arts education, encourages students to stay in school, succeed in school, succeed in life, and succeed in work” (Americans for the Arts ). Suggested reading – A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink.
Celebrating Student Achievement
Congratulations to all of these students:• The Newtown High School Drama Club’s production of The Great Gatsby was outstanding and very well
received by the audience. Congratulations to the cast and crew and their advisors!
• 17 music students have been selected to participate in this year’s Western Region High School Music Festival. Congratulations to Ashley Gong (flute), Thomas Hasselberger (tuba), Bryan Ingwersen (trumpet), Madeline Marlin (bass clarinet), Cameron Mitchell (trumpet), Conrad Reilly (trumpet), Robin Rockwell (clarinet), Jordan Klein (trumpet), Adam Wielebinski (bass trombone), Juila Bogdanoff (choir), Talia Hankin (choir), McKenzie Iazzetta (choir), Brooks Petershack (choir), Charles Romano (choir), Bryce Doherty (jazz bass trombone), Matt Ingwersen (jazz trumpet), and Thomas Jensen (jazz trombone). They will be performing at the festival on January 15-16 at Staples High School. Selection was made based on a stringent audition process that included a prepared solo, scales and sight-reading excerpts.
• The 2015 Esprit de Corps Award was received by the NHS Nighthawks Marching Band at the Nov. 7 Championship Competition at Met Life Stadium. The Nighthawks Marching Band was the highest scoring Class V Open Band from Connecticut and third in the overall competition (competing with bands throughout the Northeast). The competition was very tight with the Nighthawks’ score only 94 points below first place.
• Chamber Choir and Wind Ensemble students performed in this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Trumpet players Matt Ingwersen, Bryan Ingwersen, Quinlan Hart also performed Taps at the Head O’Meadow and Sandy Hook Elementary School programs on that day. Thank you to all of our students for honoring Newtown’s veterans in this special way.
Celebrating Musical Creativity
Throughout the early months of school, students in Mr. Lee’s music classes have been talking about and creating music in myriad ways. In Harmony and Composition I, students have sharpened their active listening skills, building a rich lexicon with which to explain the musical world around them. In AP Music Theory, our young composers have laid the groundwork for 4-part chorale writing, a pedagogical practice that dates back to Mozart and earlier. Meanwhile, classes have employed a technique called “vertical layering” to create interactive video game scores. The musical world is a diverse one indeed! Visit Mr. Lee’s website for examples of student work: http://newtownnewmusic.weebly.com/student-worknews/exploring-a-diverse-musical-universe
Continued on page 6
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Celebrating Visual Literacy and Creativity
Visual Literacy – Our First Language, It’s More Than Meets the Eye
“The limits of our language do not define the limits of our cognition” Elliot Eisner.
The NHS faculty attended a session about the importance, role, and impact of visual literacy in learning as part of their professional day on November 3. A 2001 study estimated that more than 90% of the information people receive is visual. As we continue to find new ways to present curriculum to students, we need to teach them how to encode visual concepts and decode meaning in the many images surrounding us each day. “To develop visually literate citizens, teachers must engage all learners with art in its myriad forms, ideas and purposes, using it as a qualitative language that, like poetry, explores how, not what, something is.” (Sandell, Seeing a Bigger Picture: The Visual Arts). In this workshop presented by Carol Skolas (Art and Humanities) and Elli Hanna (English and Humanities), teachers were able to gain a better understanding of this sensory language and apply their learning by collaborating on a group project. The session was very well received with many teachers reaching out on how this practice can be incorporated in their instruction. Here is a link from the Toledo Museum of Art that discusses this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O39niAzuapc
Everyone has the ability to be an artist….look at the inspiring work our students are creating at Newtown High School:
And at Newtown Middle School:
Both 7th and 8th grade Art Enrichment students received a homework assignment at the beginning of the school year to design a bus safety poster for the annual COSTA Bus Poster Contest. This year’s theme was “Bully Free Zone.” Jack Wojtowicz received 3rd place in the 6th-8th grade category at the State level. Aliya Hafiz received 1st place at the State level and will be entered into a national judging. Both students received monetary prizes along with their framed posters, which will be on display at Newtown Middle School.
Celebrating the Arts...con’t....
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Celebrating Performance
Winter Concerts, Art Show, Music Festivals and Competitions
We are excited to present a variety of winter events throughout December and January. During those two months, there are a total of 21 events that include concerts, the annual Scholastic Art Show, the Western Region High School Music Festival, Winter Guard, and Winter Percussion Competitions. Several of our music students will also be performing at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and House Tours. Over 2000 students are involved in these events. Check The Bee, the District website (http://newtownmusicdept.weebly.com/), school websites, and PTA newsletters for the calendar. All events are free to the public and a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Bring your family and friends to support our talented artists and musicians.
NHS Writing Center Re-opens with Renewed Focus
By Abi Marks, High School English Dept. Chair
This fall the NHS Writing Center re-opened in a new location (B143) with a renewed commitment to our conferencing model that promotes reflection and conversation throughout the writing process. Based on the UCONN Writing Center model, our center is staffed by teachers and trained tutors who are ready to help students with pieces of writing from all disciplines. Students visit to conference at various points in the writing process bring everything from college essays to social studies projects to statistics papers. In the Writing Center, we work hard to create better writers, not better papers. In quarter one, we completed 833 conferences, representing 460 different students! This semester we are also piloting our Writing Center Theory and Practice course, in which students are learning to refine their own writing skills and their ability to successfully assist other students with their writing in the dynamic environment of a writing conference. Units of study focus on genres of writing and the writing process; effective peer tutoring strategies; and management of a successful, student-staffed writing center. Once students have completed the course, they will become the primary tutors in the Writing Center and assist in changing the culture of writing at the high school. As trained tutors, their primary objective will be to assist other students; communicate directly to teachers the conference results; and to maintain a comfortable, student-centered atmosphere.
Celebrating the Arts...con’t....
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At First Impression By David Abbey, Director of Human Resources
“You’ll never have a second chance to make a good first impression” is one of those sayings that seems like simple common sense. Yet, it is that rare individual who is able to demonstrate the ability to do so on a day-to-day basis – particularly when holding a high volume and, at times, hectic job. Thankfully, the Newtown Public Schools employs such a person, an individual who consistently displays kindness and competence in the course of her challenging position as Central Office Secretary and Receptionist.
As Front Office Receptionist, Meg Reilly is literally the first person that individuals coming into the Central Office meet. Having Meg in this position ensures that the Newtown Public Schools always makes a good first impression. The quantity and range of the requests that she encounters, and eagerly responds to, are astounding. Within a typical hour, she might help people coming in for an appointment with Dr. Erardi; getting finger-printed for a volunteer position; obtaining a substitute teaching position; or with respect to newcomers to Newtown, seeking information on residency related school assignments. This is in addition to persons coming in to ask about any number of non-education related questions – from the location of a Zumba Class to how Town Department handles an issue or event. Meg manages all of this multi-tasking with efficiency and grace, even as she answers phones and works on various job-related projects. Coordinator of Human Resources Suzanne D’Eramo notes that “Meg’s enthusiasm is contagious; her smile is infectious” and further offers that “she is the very definition of going above and beyond.”
A proud graduate of Newtown High School and Katherine Gibbs eleven years ago, Meg brought the skills and experience gained in the corporate world to the Newtown Public Schools. Since then she has been a para-educator at Head O’Meadow; a secretary in Special Services, and for the past three years, Central Office Secretary and Receptionist. Meg resides in Newtown along with her husband Pat and children Sean (NHS Class of 2014) and Katie, a senior at NHS.
Dr. Erardi sums it up perfectly: “Meg is the consummate staff member who works hard and smart every day. She offers every community member who visits Central Office her time and talent and only makes an extraordinary first impression.”
Thank you, Meg, for making a terrific first – and lasting - impression!
Meg Reilly
Our Maintenance Staff is Everywhere…..But Do You Know Them?
A lot of staff recognize John Verbanic who is a 26 year veteran to the Newtown Public Schools. Starting off as our courier, he worked his way up through the ranks and is now our general trades expert stationed at the High School. John’s primary trade is carpentry, but he wears a lot of hats, keeping the High School in ship shape.
Mark Purcell may not be so recognized, as he is our staff plumbing technician working in the background. Mark is a 14 year veteran with us and previously worked for private contractors for a number of years building up his skill set to become a P-2 Licensed Plumber. Mark has responsibilities at all of our schools to ensure our plumbing is working properly and often works in the depths of our facilities overseeing contractors.
Jeff Fell is our staff HVAC Technician stationed at the Middle School. Jeff has been with us for 9 years, previously working in the field for private contractors while gaining his HVAC S-2 Trade License. While Jeff is stationed at the Middle School, his responsibilities include the HVAC and exhaust systems for all of our facilities. While not at his home base, Jeff is out there on roof tops and in boiler rooms making sure everyone is comfortable.
Archie Paloian is the newest member of our Maintenance Department staff and has an E-2 Electrical License. We stole Archie from the Parks and Recreation Department back in 2013. Archie had been working for a private contractor as an apprentice electrician prior to coming to work for Newtown. Upon his arrival, we sought guidance from the State of Connecticut to get him into a sponsorship program to achieve his license. Jesse Bailey agreed to take Archie under his wing and train him for the final leg of the E-2 license program.
Jesse Bailey is our Maintenance Lead and District Licensed E-1 Electrician. Jesse, an 18 year District veteran, is one of many of our staff working behind the scenes to ensure our facilities are safe and functional. Jesse came to us as an E-1 after working many years in the field. His knowledge and experience are a great asset to the Newtown Public Schools.
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John Verbanic
Mark Purcell
Jeff Fell
Archie Paloian
Jesse Bailey
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We’ve Just Added Some New Chrome in our Schools,
That Is!By Carmella Amodeo, Director of Technology
Chromebooks have replaced some netbooks and laptops that were on carts in our K-8 schools. The low price of Chromebooks makes them attractive to purchase and much cheaper to replace or repair, if and when necessary. At first look, they even have the advantage of being easy to deploy. A few simple steps and they are enrolled in Google’s management console.
Wi t h d e s k t o p s , laptops and iPads a l r e a d y i n o u r inventory, why try Chromebooks? The laptops on carts were slow to start up. The Chromebook’s fast start up time is very a t t rac t ive . They
provide a PC-like experience and work with most every website. They even support the use of Flash. Yes, Flash has been known to cause issues in the past, but sometimes you still need it. Not only will they work on most websites, but a student can even have multiple windows open.
Unlike the iPad, Chromebooks have keyboards. A keyboard is a desirable feature when it comes to typing up a research paper or taking an NWEA assessment. Other districts have had positive experiences using them with NWEA. Even with the popularity of touch screens, typing will still be a necessary skill as students prepare for the workforce.
Our Chromebooks have been set-up in “public mode,” which means that upon opening the lid, the Chromebook opens to the desktop without any further action on the part of the student. Once there, the student can sign in with their Google Apps for Education, (GAFE), account to create and save documents and spreadsheets. In 2013, the District started providing students with GAFE accounts when they entered the fourth grade. This year several of our teachers have also begun exploring the use of Google Classroom with their students, a perfect marriage for the Chromebook.
Once done with the assignments for the day, a student can simply sign out, and then another student can sign in with his or her own account. Work created is saved in the GAFE
account and accessible from any other Internet capable device. No data or settings are left behind for the next user.
This is the first year for piloting Chromebooks. There will be some adjustments and learning along the way, but the speed to get to the desktop and actually begin engaging in productive activities has already made it worth the exploration.
December…A Busy Month in the Business Office
December is a very busy time for the Business Office. While many are preparing for the holiday, the Business Office is preparing a multitude of reports along with meeting IRS compliance responsibilities.
Our Payroll Department gears up for printing out 800+ W-2 report of earnings forms for each employee, which are required to be sent out before the deadline of January 31st of each year. Our Accounts Payable Department is also preparing 1099s for all LLC and un-incorporated vendors who have earned in excess of $600. These reports, like the W-2, have to be postmarked on or before January 31st.
Each December, our Benefits Department is required to send out enrollment forms to all employees for the Flexible Spending Plan that is regulated by the IRS. These forms are due in December and must be entered into our system no later than December 31st in order for deductions to take place in the following year.
Also during this time, our budget team is working non-stop to complete a draft of our new budget for the following year. Meetings upon meetings are held with school administrators to tweak and finalize individual budgets, which then will be forwarded to the Business Office for review before completing a draft of the Superintendent’s Budget Book.
While activities might be gearing down elsewhere around the District for the holidays, the Business Office is in full speed with many responsibilities. The holiday season does not begin for us until the season is over!!
Connecticut is Getting Ready for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
By Jean M. Evans Davila, Assistant Superintendent
On November 4, 2015, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) announced the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The State of Connecticut now will begin to offer training to districts to prepare our teachers and administrators to learn more about these national standards or expectations for student learning and how they will influence classroom instruction. The CSDE has proposed a timeline for districts to gradually transition to full implementation of the new standards by 2019. Next year in Newtown, our District K-12 Science Committee will begin a focused study of these standards and our current curriculum and practices to ensure that we are primed to make important shifts in instruction over time.
When most parents and teachers were in school, our own classroom experience with science relied heavily on memorization of facts and tightly structured lab activities with strict adherence to an explicit set of steps we were required to follow to produce our lab reports. Once we transition to the NGSS, our children’s classrooms instead will be poised to become places in which students explore science through authentic experimentation processes, investigation of cross-cutting concepts, and development of solutions to real scientific problems. In other words, our students will be required to think and learn like true scientists through active and deep engagement in science. Science will become less about the textbook or the lecture, and more about doing, exploring, experimenting, arguing, and discovering. The NGSS incorporate principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the classroom as early as kindergarten, and gradually build upon these domains to ensure that students are prepared for college and career success. In addition, these new standards have been designed to align with the skills required for mastery of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, which are referred to locally as the Connecticut Core Standards.
Parents who want to know more about the NGSS and how to support their child’s learning of science should visit the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) web page for parents at www.nsta.org/parents. In Newtown Public Schools, our Science Committee members are eager to begin examining these standards through the lens of our current instruction and curriculum, so we can support our colleagues in the enhancement of student learning by infusing new practices in our classrooms during this period of transition. We look forward to keeping parents and the community informed of developments in our plans to incorporate the new standards into our classrooms and our observations of how these changes are affecting student learning.
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Jean Evans DavilaAssistant Superintendent
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A View from the Other Side
By Kellie June, Technology Dept
Each day I have the unique opportunity to be not only a parent in the school system, but I also get a behind-the-scenes vantage point of what makes our school district tick. I am a
member of the Technology Department for the District, and I am also the proud parent of a second grader at Sandy Hook Elementary.
I have been employed with the Technology Department since August, and while stepping behind the Wizard’s curtain of our school district, I have come to realize that everyone truly plays an integral part in our children’s school experience. Teachers, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers, lunch staff, library assistants, tech help, nurses, Central Office staff and everyone in between; ALL play an important role in the daily happenings of our school system.
It is amazing to see how many detailed processes go into a successful school year. Countless details need to be checked and rechecked monthly, weekly and daily in order for our children to progress through the year.
Before working in the District, I was just an average parent that gave minimal thought to the many moving parts of our great school system.
So as the school year revs up and time starts to fly faster and faster each day, allow me to offer two things to consider: 1. Be patient. There are many cogs in the wheel of our children’s education. All of the forms, emails and other logistics that require parents’ attention are important. We might not always understand the importance in all of it, but as we remind our kids to stay on top of their work in school, we as parents need to do our part, too.
2. It takes a village. District staff goes well beyond the faces that we see when we visit schools. There are many important players “behind the curtain,” and we might not always consider them. However, they all share the same goal of a successful school year for students, staff, and our community.
Thanking Those Who SERV
By Judy Blanchard, Recovery Project Director
Newtown has been the recipient of much generosity since 12/14/12. From small gestures of kindness to large donations and recovery grants, all have helped our community move forward. The SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence) grant has provided enhanced security, training, trauma focused programs, and support personnel to our schools. As always, it is the human element that has made the greatest difference.
Twelve SERV grant funded mental health support staff (social workers, school psychologists, and counselors) have served our district steadfastly with kindness, compassion, and caring. Thanks to their efforts, since the beginning of this school year, over 100 students have received individual counseling sessions, forty-eight group sessions have been formed, and over 400 parent consultations have been completed.
As we move into the New Year, I wish you and your child(ren) continued growth and success. Please remember that when we hit bumps in the road, as we often do, there is a dedicated group of mental health professionals available to support you who care deeply about the recovery of our children and community. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2016!
Who and What is the District Security and Safety Committee?
By Mark Pompano, Director of Security
The Newtown Public Schools District Security and Safety Committee (DSSC) is responsible for oversight of the District’s Emergency Operations Plan, as well as each school’s respective Security and Safety Committee (SSSC) and Safe School Climate Committee. The creation of the DSSC was commissioned in 2013 by former Interim Superintendent John Reed, with the intention of creating a community-wide partnership to address security in both the public and private schools in Newtown. Newtown Federation of Teachers’ President Tom Kuroski and Director of Security Mark Pompano co-chair the Committee. The DSSC membership is divided between the Regular Committee and the Executive Committee (denoted by asterisk). The Committee members are: Dr. Joseph Erardi,*Tom Kuroski,* Mark Pompano,* Gino Faiella,* Carmella Amodeo,* Dr. Melissa Brymer, Carlen Gaines, Captain Joe Rios,* Bill Halstead, Marlene Bucci, Patricia Llodra,* Dr. Michelle Ku,* Dr. Anthony Gentile,* Al Miles, Diane Rockwell, Gregory King, Lieutenant Richard Robinson,* Myriam Woods, Chris Geissler, Tom Brant,* Wayne Ciaccia, Robert Tait, Dr. Lorrie Rodrigue,* Carolyn Schreiber,* Sister Colleen Smith, and Alan Colangelo.* The DSSC Regular and Executive Committees meet monthly (alternately), and all members are very receptive to and thoughts or suggestions that you might have regarding school security.
Introducing the Anonymous Alert App As part of the District’s continuing efforts to improve the safety and security of our students and staff, we are excited to introduce our newest tool-the Anonymous Alerts App. As you know, Newtown Public Schools does not support, encourage, or tolerate any behavior that prevents any student from reaching their full potential. Through the generosity of, and in partnership with the creators of Anonymous Alerts, beginning January 4, 2016, students, staff, and even parents can use their smartphone or tablet to quickly, easily, and anonymously report information to school administrators at Newtown High School and Newtown Middle School. Please know the Anonymous Alerts service will only be operational on school days between the hours of 7:00 am. – 5:00 pm., and it is not intended to replace dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency situation.
How to report an incident or concerns from Internet connected computers or tablets:
1. Go to https://www.anonymousalerts.com/newtownps from any connected device.2. Click on the web button called “Anonymous Alerts,” and fill out the incident report.
How to report an incident or concerns from an iPhone or Android Phone:
1. From the iPhone Store, download the free app by searching for “Anonymous Alerts”.
ORGo to the Play Store, search for “Anonymous Alerts,” and download the app.
2. After downloading the app, click on it, enter setup/login newtownps; and then enter newtownps as your password.
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Anonymous Alerts.jpgplay.google.com
By Mark Pompano, Director of Security
The Holiday Season is definitely a time to celebrate with family and friends. However, it can also be a time when very busy people become less vigilant and vulnerable to theft and other criminal activity. With a little planning and attention to personal safety, the holidays can continue to be a relaxing and festive time of year. The Newtown Public Schools Security Department wants everyone to have a safe, secure, and happy holiday season and offers the following simple tips to help you achieve this:
• Be extra vigilant in locking doors and windows when you leave your residence, even if you plan on being gone for only a few minutes. Leaving a few interior lights on (and even a radio), which gives the appear-ance that someone is home.
• Avoid displaying holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway. If you’re leaving on a holiday trip, be sure to store all gifts in a safe location prior to your departure.
• Be wary of persons soliciting for charitable donations. Be skeptical and ask questions (e.g. identification, organization, tax ID number, how donations will be used, etc.). If you are not satisfied with the answers provided, do not donate.
• If possible, do your shopping during daylight hours. If you must shop after dark, always park your vehicle under a street lamp and coordinate shopping trips with a family member or friend. There is safety in numbers.
• Always close the windows and lock your vehicle, but never leave any items in plain view inside. If you must store purchased items in your vehicle between shopping, store all items in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Take only the cash you need, or pay with a debit or credit card. Be mindful of persons behind you looking over your shoulder as you enter your pin number.
Holiday Shout-Out My security personnel and I wish to thank all administrators, faculty, and staff for your continued vigilance and commitment to school security and safety during 2015. We wish you and yours a very happy holiday season, and look forward to continuing to work in partnership with you for the good of all our schools in 2016!
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Dear Staff and Community Members:
As we enter our second year of Climate and Culture Committee work we are certain that the evolving challenges are continuing to be met with members committed to moving the Newtown Public Schools forward one student at a time.
We share with you the following information as a testament to the Committee’s cooperative spirit and their steadfast approach to maintaining and enhancing teaching and learning excellence for all children:
• Co-presented to the Board of Education – “We are all in this Together” May 19, 2015
• Teach 2015, a national AFT conference where Dr. Joseph Erardi attended and jointly presented with the NFT Union Executive Board in Washington, D.C. July 2015
• Profiles in Professionalism, June 2015, where staff including custodians, secretaries, clerical, educa-tors, administrators were recognized for their con-tinued dedication to students
• In the spirit of collaboration all employees who had professional years amounting to 25 in this dis-trict were recognized and applauded for their con-tinued dedication
• Tina Jones, music teacher at Middle Gate School, was recognized as Teacher of the Year
• End-of-year evaluation system was streamlined to eliminate redundancy
• Evaluation system allows the option of one or two student learning objectives
• Two professional development sessions have been dedicated to our teachers’ individual learning and professional growth
• Securing an even balance of teachers and administrators on the Teacher Growth Plan
• A survey on the Teacher Growth Plan will be conducted yearly to illicit teacher feedback
• Assessment Work Group – 75% teachers, 25% administrators will meet in January to review, refine and streamline the existing District Assessment Calendar
• Ongoing work of the Committee will include:
1. Prioritizing of the District’s initiatives
2. Student expectations and discipline
3. Newtown Teacher Growth Plan
• In addition, the Committee is addressing the transitioning of students between schools
The collaboration between the teachers and the Board of Education only can move to be a win-win for all students in the Newtown Public Schools. With the exception of Laura Roche, Board member who has chosen not to seek re-election and to whom we express our deepest gratitude for all she has offered to this district.
Updates from Our Climate and Culture Committee by John Sullivan & John Vouros
The Newtown Public School District is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons and equal access to Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The Newtown Public School District does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learningdisability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. The Newtown Public School District does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and licensing against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction.
