NFPS Update

Our campuses have been bustling with activity in recent weeks! A NFHS robotics team (pictured to the right) has been working hard in the new engineering lab in preparation for a recent competition. It's so exciting to see the robotics program growing. There have been several Senior Nights to recognize our Class of 2024 athletes and their families as the winter sports season is drawing to a close. In addition, there was standing room only at an amazing choral concert at Meeting House Hill School. In this edition of the NFPS Newsletter, please find photos, videos and updates on these events and more.

Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget

It’s also that time of year when the BOE and school administration are immersed in budget deliberations. At their February 1 meeting, the BOE adopted a fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget of $48,695,091, representing a 4.95% increase over the current budget. With stable enrollment, the staffing plan is comparable to this school year's, and it includes an investment in an additional school psychologist and a high school counselor to support student mental health needs. In addition, this budget restores the library media specialist position at the middle school, which is an essential component in developing literacy and research skills.

Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital Budget

The BOE also adopted a capital budget request of $794,577, with the majority of the funds allocated for the replacement of the stadium turf and track, which is nearing the end of its useful life. Please take a moment to review the budget documents on the district's website to familiarize yourself with the staffing and spending plans. You can also view the budget meeting videos under the Board of Education link. The BOE's budget will be presented to the Board of Finance on Saturday, March 2 at 9:00 a.m. in the Community Room.

Strategic Planning

Thank you to all who participated in the strategic planning surveys and focus groups! We really appreciate your input. The collective information was shared with the strategic planning team this week as a representative group of stakeholders from across the district convened in the high school's library for the purpose of establishing district goals. Following this key stage, committees will be created for each goal to develop the corresponding action steps by late February/early March, which will guide our next level of work from July 2024 through December 2025.

See snapshots below of the strategic planning committee in action.

Warm regards,

Ken

NFHS' Robotics team, 21860R, competed for the first time over the weekend at Danbury High School's VRC Over Under Competition.

Under the guidance of Coach Young, Lachlann and Kaiya were ranked as high as 15 (out of 72) based on their field performance and wins. They had a very difficult schedule playing against some of the top teams in the state and had a great showing. It was a great way for a novice team to begin.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kristine Woleck has been named as New Fairfield’s Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Coming to New Fairfield via the New Canaan Public Schools, Dr. Woleck will assume her responsibilities in New Fairfield on Monday, February 5th. Upon learning of her selection, Dr. Woleck stated, “I am honored to be joining the New Fairfield Public Schools in this role to partner with the community in support of the learning and growth of students across their years in the district. I look forward to connecting with teachers, administrators, families, and students as we build on the strengths of New Fairfield together and look ahead to the future.” Let's give her a warm NFPS welcome!

Cons/MHHS school is piloting a 5th Grade Peer Leadership program this school year. Fifth graders are chosen to be part of the team based upon their willingness to take on leadership roles throughout the school. One aspect of this program involves training these students to become peer mentors for our younger students by serving as ambassadors/role models for everyone in the school. As part of their responsibilities, these students initiate a Check In - Check Out Peer Mentorship relationship with kindergarteners.

The Meeting House Hill School Chorus delivered another outstanding concert on January 25th, leaving me immensely proud of the students. Witnessing past alumni return to their elementary school was humbling as a teacher. The packed room reveled in every moment. As I approach my 40th concert, this group of 164 members stands as the largest in Meeting House Hill School history.

Here is a snapshot of Allyson Story and Literacy Coach Amy Cabral (standing in back row) leading the rollout of the reading pilot training with a grade level of classroom and special education teachers. Allyson and coaches led similar sessions with each grade level to ramp up for the start of the pilot.

Students in Mrs. Bruno's Pre-Algebra class are working on problems collaboratively in stations around the classroom.

Seventh graders in Mrs. Kinscherf's Social Studies class are working on their final Russia projects and sharing their projects by doing a gallery walk during class.

Please give Bridget a thumbs up for receiving a Gold Key award for the CT Scholastic Art Awards!

She created comic strip artwork that will now be entered into the Scholastic Art National Awards where she can win additional awards and/or scholarships.

On December 23rd, our boys basketball team participated in the Anthony Ireland Holiday Invitational held at Crosby High School in Waterbury, CT. Our team was victorious over Hartford Public High School by the score of 79-45. Nicolas Martini was named the Most valuable Player of the Game leading the Rebels with 23 points.

On January 6th, our girls basketball team participated in the Slam Dunk Showcase held at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. The girls faced off against a tough opponent in Hendrick Hudson. The Rebels trailed after the first quarter, but pulled away in the 2nd quarter and never looked back. The final score was 64-35. Kaitlyn Mangan was named the Most Valuable Player of the Game scoring 16 points.

On January 6th, Joe Mahoney earned his 100th career win while competing at the Bristol Central Invitational. He was recognized at our next home event on January 17th. Joe was presented his banner by Coaches Soares, Musso, and Peterson. In addition to this, Joe was also selected as the GameTimeCT Boys Sports Athlete of the Week following his performance at the Bristol Central Invitational where he won his 126lb weight class and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament.

On Saturday, January 29th, the New Fairfield High School Rebel Cheerleaders attended the Annual Cheer and Dance Challenge at Quinnipiac University. They also competed at the South West Conference Cheerleading Championships at Newtown High School in Sandy Hook.