Our PTOs are very active across the district organizing special events and fundraisers. We are very fortunate to be able to collaborate with parent volunteers to enrich the experience of our schools. I meet monthly with the co-presidents of our PTOs and value their partnership. They have organized Read-A Thons and holiday events, such as Fright Nights and Haunted Hay Rides to benefit our students.

In addition, the Consolidated PTO recently held one of its most popular fundraisers - Pizza Delivery. Families signed up to have a familiar teacher or staff member deliver a pizza to their home. To see the look on the students' faces when their teacher or principal arrived with their cheese or pepperoni pizza is priceless. This unique event is another example illustrating the strong connections being built among students, staff and parents.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Warm regards,

Ken

Kenneth G. Craw, Ed.D.

On Monday, October 17, 58 students were inducted into New Fairfield High School's French, Italian, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish Honor societies. These national organizations aim to promote academic excellence and cultural awareness through the study of language and culture. Students inducted in the honor societies have demonstrated both academic achievement, and a willingness to promote cultural diversity and awareness. We are very proud to welcome the newest members to our organizations.

Teaching and learning are thriving in our schools. This month John Antonetti, a consultant in his second year with us, worked with teachers on strategies to engage all learners. The purpose of this district-wide collaboration is to promote high-quality instruction in support of our vision of the graduate. Students are at the center of this important work. Captured in the pictures are students who are engaging in creative inquiry and exploration, two important features of how we define high-quality instruction. We strive to design instruction that promotes student agency and intellectual engagement.

Every year during the third full week of October, we recognize National School Bus Safety week. New Fairfield is fortunate to have a dedicated team of bus drivers who have as their top priority the safety of our students. Please take a moment to thank a bus driver for their service to the children of New Fairfield. The district recognized our drivers at a breakfast celebration earlier this week. Please use this opportunity to remind your child of the importance of following school rules while riding the bus for their safety and the safety of the other riders.

Good news! Work has begun on the Consolidated / Meeting House playground. The equipment that was on backorder has arrived and construction has begun. If the weather cooperates, we anticipate having the playground equipment installed and safety inspections completed prior to Thanksgiving.

Last week, the Board of Education and Board of Finance held a special meeting to discuss key topics in special education. New Fairfield Public Schools Director of Pupil Services, Katherine Matz, led an informative presentation and fielded questions from the board members. Please see the video link to the meeting below along with an accompanying memo detailing important information regarding special education trends in New Fairfield.

On Wednesday, October 26, the district is holding a recruiting event to identify additional substitutes. Anyone interested should drop by the Consolidated School between 9:00 and 12:00 to meet with district representatives. We Need You!

The district is excited to offer Chromebook insurance again for the 2022-23 school year. Insurance is available to any student K-12 who utilizes a district issued Chromebook. For $30, the device will be covered for the entire school year, with no deductible, in the event it is broken through accidental damage, including cracked screens ($85 without insurance) and a broken keyboard ($65 without insurance), or if it is stolen/damaged beyond repair ($300 without insurance) . Please see the flyer for more details, and navigate to the flyer and signup links below. Deadline to sign up is 11-28-22!