The Rebel Crier

As you know, February is Black History Month in the United States, which provides us with the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the role African-Americans have played in the development of our nation. I’m sometimes asked things like “why do we need to do this” or “now will everyone get a month”? I always try to think about how to respond in the context of my role as principal, a former social studies teacher, and as a citizen of our country.

Black History Month, like other recognitions throughout the year such as months dedicated to Women’s History, Hispanic Heritage, Asian-Pacific Heritage, LGBTQ+ Pride and more, encourage us to look at ourselves through the lens of people whose perspectives have not always been treated respectfully. These celebrations are not to say that any culture, heritage, experience or race is more important than another, but to learn from as many experiences as possible to become better citizens and better neighbors. This directly ties into our school district's goals for graduates of our schools, which include guiding our students to be knowledgable scholars and engaged global citizens.

In our school, the importance of gaining deeper understanding is critical to being sure that all New Fairfield High School students feel valued and respected. Unfortunately we do get reports of language and behavior that causes some students and adults in our community to feel less valued and less respected than their peers. What they report is often, perhaps even mostly, not intentional, but nevertheless has unseen effects. Sometimes this is in school, and often it is not.

So as we strive to build a strong, inclusive, and intellectually open-minded culture at school, I encourage you to use opportunities like Black History Month to have discussions with your child about how your own heritage impacts how you, your relatives and ancestors see the world, and why it is important to seek out knowledge of others’ experiences to create a strong community.

Bridget Hearty '25 created artwork that was accepted into the Scholastic Regional Awards for Connecticut, and won a Gold Key, the highest award at this stage! Bridget will now be a participant in the Scholastic National Awards. The National announcement will be made in early March. Congratulations, Bridget!

New Fairfield National Honor Society students are excited to offer their tutoring services to the high school community!

Have your student fill out the form below to request a tutor. NHS students will reach out via email shortly afterwards to coordinate a mutual time and location.

NHS students are also offering tutoring after school on Wednesdays right outside of the Learning Commons from 2-3pm. This is a first come, first serve basis.

There are two free virtual college prep courses coming up in February for teens in 9th-11th grades and their parents/guardians at the Sherman Library : The Digital SAT vs. ACT (2/6 @ 6pm) and College Application Timeline Workshop (2/21 @ 6pm).

See the flyers and registration links below if you are interested!

The Digital SAT vs. ACT: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5blrJDan_syvqcCGLwnvPKCx9KKIS9LtcneA5tkYqaPvbaA/viewform

College Application Timeline Workshop: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdumRx5MfkA-bxxiTRGneQUF3s5D-32eqW9wNgdraWdiVUzsA/viewform

You can also go to: https://www.shermanlibrary.org/childrens-programs and click on the fliers to register.

Now in its 24th year, the Essay Contest was started by the Foundation’s James W. Cooper Fellows in 2000. The purpose of the essay contest is to get young people in Connecticut thinking about and exploring legal issues relevant to them.

PRIZES

• Winner: $2,000
• (2) Runner-up: $1,000

Click below for full information. Submissions due by February 22, 2024

https://www.ctbarfdn.org/essaycontest/essaycontest.html

PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK HERE

Staff Professional Learning Day

Presidents' Day

Staff Professional Learning Day

6:00pm, NFHS Theater