NFPS Update

Veterans Day

Last week, our schools commemorated Veterans Day by thanking local veterans for their service to our nation. At Cons/MHHS, students honored relatives who served in our Armed Forces with a special breakfast celebration in the cafeteria. It was followed by a parade through the hallways, which was led by a group of veterans from the New Fairfield Veterans Association, pictured to the right.

Students then gathered in the gymnasium for an assembly consisting of speeches, poetry readings and music from the Major Minors Chorus. The featured speaker was Chief Warrant Officer 4, Aaron LaTourette, a reservist in the Marines who is also a police officer and local resident. He shared with students his inspiring life story and commitment to serving our country.

Class of 2023 - College and Career Outcomes Report

This is the time of year when our seniors are actively applying to college or exploring career opportunities. At the November 2 Board of Education meeting, Kim Loughlin, NFHS Director of School Counseling, presented an informative report on the college and career outcomes for the Class of 2023. The presentation included information regarding the college admissions process and supports for students and families.

In closing, the leaves have fallen and the weather is noticeable cooler with Thanksgiving right around the corner. We wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.

Warm Regards,

Ken

Kenneth G. Craw, Ed. D.

Superintendent

Forty students were inducted into the National Honor Society on November 1st. Inductees are juniors and seniors who have met the minimum GPA requirement, highlighting their scholarship. They have also shown their excellence in the other three pillars of the National Honor Society: Leadership, Character and Service. They will continue to give back to the community as new members and will complete 25 additional hours of community service, including tutoring peers, planning food drives, and hosting our Red Cross Blood Drive in March this year.

On October 17th, 48 World Language students were inducted into the World Language Honor Societies at New Fairfield High School. NFHS proudly sponsors five language honor societies, including Spanish, French, Italian, Latin and Mandarin Chinese. To be inducted, students must meet both rigorous academic and character qualifications, including an expressed desire to continue in the study of languages and cultures other than their own.

New Fairfield High School won a Michaels' Cup Award for the 2022-23 school year for its exemplary sportsmanship. The award was the result of the collective efforts of the Class Act Council, athletes and coaches. Pictured above are several students representing the Class Act Council recognized by the Board of Education at its November 2nd meeting for this achievement. The award was presented to NF on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the CIAC Sportsmanship Conference held at the Aqua Turf. Way to go Rebels!

The kindergarten classes took a walking trip to the New Fairfield Company A Firehouse on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Each class spent approximately one hour learning about fire safety skills, fire equipment, and fire prevention. This field trip was designed to help alleviate children’s fears about fires and empower them should an emergency arise. We are thankful to the wonderful volunteers for taking the day to educate our students.

Students and staff had a great time showing off their costumes in the Halloween Parade.

Fourth graders from Miss Moore's class are working on Tim Burton inspired self portraits in art class with Mrs. Foster.

The students in the Sports and Outdoor Literature senior elective class participated in a rowing field trip to New Milford. Twenty students were introduced to the sport of rowing, including terminology, workout processes and rowing mechanics. They worked together to carry a 250 pound wooden training boat to open the rigs and to secure the oars. While in the boat, they learned how to square and feather the oar blades on the water. Upon their return to school, they began their reading of the award-winning book, The Boys in the Boat.

CBS Sideline College Football Reporter Jenny Dell topped off a mini unit on sports writing and journalism with a zoom visit. She shared her pathway to success and challenges. As an added surprise, students received a visit from her husband, Will Middlebrooks, the former third baseman of the Boston Red Sox. He shared his World Series ring with the students. It was a great afternoon!

From September 20, 2023 through November 6, 2023, the Consolidated and Meeting House Hill school psychologists and social workers partnered with general education teachers to provide a series of whole-class lessons spanning ELC through grade 5. These targeted lessons were tailored to meet the individual needs of each class while focusing on the broad areas, such as friendship skills, relationship building, collaborative teamwork, and fostering a strong classroom community.

Paraprofessionals from throughout the district came together for Professional Learning on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. During their professional learning, they participated in a variety of team building activities to promote collaboration, communication, and problem solving.

In collaboration with the NF Prevention Council and the Western CT Coalition, approximately 50 people came together on October 24 at NFHS to engage in a community conversation about how we can all play a part in empowering and supporting our youth in NF. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event!