Newington High School Principal's Newsletter
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Good afternoon,
It's hard to believe that a week ago we were at the Newi Underground dance (see picture below with some FBLA members) as well as far less snow on the ground. The snow has caused us to move the last day of school to Monday, June 22, 2026 (as of now). The graduation date, however, has been set and will not move. The date is Monday, June 22! We look forward to celebrating the class of 2026.
Tonight is Black History Month Celebration from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm in the gym and cafe. Soul food, music, dance, vendors, and history exhibits - all highlighting black excellence. Tickets ($10) will be sold at the door. I look forward to seeing you there tonight!
This week's learning: Dr. Adam Schirduan spoke to students about genetic engineering and gene manipulation through the use of CRISPR-Cas 9; students worked on a case analysis on a patient with abdominal pain and how an EMT would evaluate and treat this patient; and NHS collected $425 on PJ DAY today to support Newington's Got Lunch Program!
All my previous newsletters are posted on the website.
We value your feedback, so please reach out at any time with any highlights, questions, or concerns.
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Schedules, school calendar, important links
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BELL SCHEDULES: Click HERE to view all our bell schedules.
DAY CALENDAR: Click HERE to view our NHS 2025-26 Day Calendar.
REPORT CARD SCHEDULE: Click HERE to view the Report Card Schedule for our 2025-2026 school year. Please note that snow days will impact this schedule. (UPDATED 1/29/26)
ANNOUNCEMENT SLIDES: Click HERE to view our announcement slides. (updated daily)
CLUB DIRECTORY: Click HERE to view our club information. (get involved!!!)
ATHLETICS: Click HERE for the Winter Sports Schedule
Next week's schedule:
Monday, March 2: A day
Tuesday, March 3: B day/Early release
Wednesday, March 4: O day
Thursday, March 5: E day
Friday, March 6: C day
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FEBRUARY and MARCH IMPORTANT DATES |
February 27 - Class of 2027 fundraiser at Chipotle - Come support the Class of 2027 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Chipotle on 3575 Berlin Turnpike. Added bonus: If you go and send a photo of you at Chipotle to the Class of 2027 Instagram account: nhs_2027_class, or email one of your class officers: Taylor Lyons, Ella Rossi, Makayla Woods, Daniel Bieszczad, or Ryan Hughes, you will be entered in a raffle to get 50% off your prom ticket!
March 3 - Voices of Change Program - SPECIAL SCHEDULE *an independent academically informed school workshop & assembly program focused on improving the overall culture of school communities in the Greater Hartford area. March 10 - Guest speaker Stephen Hill - "Mindfully build a life worth defending" SPECIAL SCHEDULE *Stephen Hill is one of the most requested speakers in the country on youth mental health and substance use prevention. Stephen empowers young people to lead healthy, substance-free lives by showing the value of mindfully building a life worth defending. March 12 - March 14: NHS Musical, Anastasia (see below for more info)
March 13 - Scholarship applications due at 3:00 pm (info below)
March 17 - Early release day
March 19 - Themed Thursday - Sport Jersey Day Upload pics HERE
March 20 - Eid al-Fitr/No School/Offices Closed
March 24 - Early release/*Day Progress Conferences (12:55 pm - 2:40 pm)
March 25 - SAT day (seniors do not report to school)/*Evening Progress Conferences (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
**Progress Conference information will go out to families on March 13 at 9:00 am from individual teachers***
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FAMILY OF LEARNERS HIGHLIGHTED |
Mrs. Batista (Spanish teacher), Mrs. Lennon (retired math teacher), Mrs. Pigeon (math teacher) and myself joined the Habib Family at South Windsor High School for the Taste of Ramadan. The evening was filled with learning the meaning of Ramadan, speakers who shared their unique perspectives as Muslims in sports, high school, academia and life, prayer, and amazing food. |
Newington really showed up and brought home the glass yesterday! On February 26th, Newington’s DECA chapter competed in the State Career Development Conference. Students competed in various role play events where they had to create on the spot presentations for different business clusters. Newington made their mark, placing in over 10 different events. Anyone placing in the top 4 is eligible to participate in the International Career and Development Conference in Georgia in April. The students who placed include:
1st Place:
Zaid Khan and Sam Jacob - Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
2nd Place:
Abigail Pratt-Automotive Services Marketing
Sasha Taschuk - Hotel and Lodging Management
Grace Singh -Principles of Business Management and Administration
Jakub Watrus- Sports and Entertainment Marketing
3rd Place:
Kaity Dugas- Apparel and Accessories Marketing
Monica Kowalcyk- Business Finance
Jason White - Quick Serve Restaurant Management
4th Place
Siya Patel- Principles of Marketing
5th Place
Julia Kuczek - Food Marketing
Audrey DeFrancesco-Retail Merchandising
Coco Li- Principles of Business Management and Administration
Leona Johnson - Principles of Marketing
Lucas Yoder - Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Sasha Taschuk represented Newington as a four year competitor and has been a four-year state finalist. We have only had a few four-years competitors, but nobody has been recognized every year. We are so proud of each and every member who went out and competed and couldn’t be happier for the outcome, go Newi!
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Congratulations to Adrian Bielski (12) who was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award.
Press Release 2/22/26:
The Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American
Revolution (“DAR”), hosted its annual Good Citizen Award ceremony, February 21, 2026, at the Noah Webster Public Library in West Hartford.
Six schools were represented: Berlin High School, Conard High School, Farmington
High School, Hall High School, Newington High School and Northwest Catholic High
School.
The DAR Good Citizen Program and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. Students are nominated by their schools for
their characteristics of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. All students
are eligible to participate in a juried essay contest.
This year‘s essay, entitled “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility
for Preserving it,” asked the question: Describe how the characteristics of a good
citizen help to renew and strengthen the democracy achieve by the periods of the
American Revolution. This year‘s essay winner was Adrian Bielski from Newington High
School.
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Katie Bohlke (Class of 2024) is racing the 3k at the ACC Championships in Boston tomorrow. You can watch Katie race on ESPN+ at 3:05pm.
Additionally, two weeks ago, Katie broke Virginia Tech's program record in the event by 13 seconds.
Katie continues to shine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations
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Congratulations to Nick Briganti (Class of 2012) on being selected as one of the 2026 Olympic Men's Hockey Officials. What an experience Nick was able to have in Milan, Italy!!! |
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Bring this invitation (Class of 2026 Wood & Tap Fundraiser to Wood-n-Tap in Newington on Tuesday, February 24 from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm. 15% of your check (dine in or take out) will be donated to the NHS Class of 2026. |
Project Graduation NEEDS YOUR HELP. Please consider getting involved. This party cannot happen without your help. Join us at our next meeting, March 2nd at 6:30pm in the NHS Event Center. 6:30PM – Golf Planning Meeting. 7:00PM - Monthly Meeting.
Butter Braids – 02/17 – 03/09
Gift Card Bingo – 03/07
Vendor Fair – 04/11
Golf Tournament – 05/05
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Please click THIS LINK for the 2026 March Newsletter from our School Based Health Center.
Sign up for the school-based health center for easy access to medical and mental health services.
Visit their website: www.integratedhealthervices.org
or scan the QR code to the left:
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The SAT is a state-mandated test for all 11th graders enrolled in Connecticut public high schools. On March 25, 2026 all Newington High School students in grade 11 will be administered the SAT. Students in grades 9, 10 and 12 will not report to school on this day.
Some important details about the 2026 SAT:
- The School Day SAT will be Digital this year.
- All 11th grade students will have to use a school provided device. They can NOT use a personal device.
- Students will take the SAT in their Advisory classroom, unless otherwise notified.
- Any grade 11 student who does not report for the SAT on March 25th will be scheduled for a make-up test. Please make every effort to have your grade 11 student attend school on the SAT testing date (March 25, 2026) to avoid make-ups.
- Testing will begin at 7:34 a.m. and will end at approximately 10:55 a.m. for all grade 11 students at Newington High School. Following the test, students will have a lunch period then be dismissed from school and should either be picked up or take the bus home.
- Students can go here to find the SAT Practice Quick Start Guide to practice and become familiar with the digital SAT interface
- During Advisory on March 4th & 5th 11th grade students will participate in a pre-administration session for the Digital SAT School Day Test. During that time they will have the opportunity to pick four schools to send their SAT scores for free.
- Students can go here for the "SAT School Day Student Guide.”
- Linked here is the SAT “Parent/Caregiver's Guide: Preparing Your Student for the SAT".
- Please see linked parent/guardian letters (English or Spanish version) for further information.
All information about testing and specific test schedules will be posted throughout the building and on the NHS website in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions, please reach out to main school counseling.
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This past week, School Counselors facilitated the 2nd round of Sophomore Career Workshops in Health classes & Junior Postsecondary Workshops in Physical Education II classes. In the Career Workshops, Sophomores explored personal values related to jobs and careers creating a vision board (see vision boards here); career exploration through the SchooLinks platform taking the “Top Skills”,“Would You Rather” and “Game of Life” assessments to research different career cluster options based on the results they received. In the Post-Secondary Workshops, Juniors were introduced to a variety of post-secondary options that included, but was not limited to: 4-year college, Community College, Military, Vocational/Trade School and a Gap Year. Juniors also used the “School Search” and “Learning Hub” features in the SchooLinks platform to start exploring their post-secondary options. At the end of the Workshop, Juniors received a Planning Calendar to provide information about important tasks to complete before the beginning of Senior year (click here for a copy).
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TODAY is the very last day students can purchase or reserve to purchase the 2026 NHS yearbook.
If you would like to purchase a yearbook, please follow the directions below.
If you know you want to buy one but need more time, simply email Lauren Correll at lcorrell@npsct.org by Friday 2/27 and a book will be held for you to pay at a later date.
After today, we will not be taking any more orders/reservations and will have a very small amount of extra books for purchase, first come first served.
If you have not purchased a yearbook, you can do so in one of two ways.
2) Bring in a payment of cash or check directly to NHS for $101.00. A receipt will be provided. Checks should be made out to "NHS Activities Fund" and can dropped off in the main office (attention: Lauren Correll) or to the Stoddard House Office. The deadline for this is Friday, 2/27, no exceptions.
Can't pay quite yet but know you want to reserve a yearbook? Please email Ms. Correll directly to reserve your copy.
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Sharing Anonymously For Everyone ( S.A.F.E) - This form can be used to report concerns to the school including but not limited to: concerns for the safety and well-being of others, acts of bias or prejudice by students or faculty, and other incidents (such as harassment) safely and anonymously.
Please fill out this information to the best of your ability so we can address the issue, providing as much detail as possible.
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Kindness Is Something Simple (K.I.S.S) is a way to recognize the kind acts of others. You may complete the form so that a staff member or student receives a Hersey's kiss attached to a K.I.S..S card. Take a few seconds to recongize someone anyday of the school year!!!
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"Anastasia” performances will be held March 12, 13, and 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. There will also be a 2:00 p.m. performance on March 14, 2026. Tickets are $15 for Students and Senior Citizens and $18 for Adults. Visit nhsdrama.booktix.com. for tickets.
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This month's Scribe can be found HERE. Our student's have put together a wonderful compilation for this month's edition. |
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Seniors who have applied to college may notice messages from colleges or programs indicating that their mid-year transcript has not yet been received. Please don’t worry—this is completely normal.
What to Know:
- School counselors will send mid-year transcripts to all colleges and programs students applied to by February 18 (pending no additional snow days).
- Once transcripts are sent, it may take several days for colleges or programs to update application portals or statuses.
Important Reminder:
- Mid-year transcripts will be sent for students who have completed all required steps for their counselor to submit supplemental college materials.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your school counselor for assistance.
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The Local Scholarship booklet for this school year has been released on the NHS School Counseling website (click here for link). Students will be submitting their local scholarship applications online. Seniors received information on the local scholarship application process during advisory on January 7th. Additional information on the local scholarship submission can be found on the NHS School Counseling website, School Counselor's Google Classrooms and in my weekly parent newsletters. The deadline to submit all scholarship applications is 3:00 p.m. March 13, 2026.
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1. Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Is Now Open! Link to website
FAFSA Checklist: What You'll Need to Complete You Application: Link to website
2. Here is a list of things you and your student can do now so when your student is ready to submit their college applications the School Counseling Department can send their supplemental materials.
- Submit the Parent/Guardian “NHS College & Scholarship Records Release” form through PowerSchool Parent Portal under “Forms (in the left menu).” In the PowerSchool Mobile App click More, then Forms, and then [NHS] College & Scholarship Records Release.
- Students complete their Personal Reflection on SchooLinks.
a. On the SchooLinks home page, click on “To Do List” tab, on top of page, and then “Personal Reflection”
b. Students should answer the questions completely and honestly - this is a major source of information for the counselor’s letter of recommendation
c. Students add an updated resume to their personal reflection. If they do not have a resume, they can create one using this template (click here).
***All these steps need to be completed before the school counseling department can send out any college application supplemental materials (ex: transcripts and school counselor recommendation letter) for your student.***
We hope with the additional support and programs you and your student will get the help they need to help them navigate through the college application process. If you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Korn, Director of School Counseling & Student Testing K-12, (skorn@npsct.org) or your student’s school counselor.
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All drop offs should occur at the west side of our building (in the back by the Event Center, prior to making a right onto Veteran's Drive). Students who are being dropped off should enter from the north side of our building, by the student parking lot. Doors will open at 7:05 and close at 7:34. After 7:34 am, all students will need to enter the building through our main entrance.
All pick ups should occur in the same location.
The map below outlines the student drop off in blue. You will note the "student drop off section" and the blue star(*) which indicates where the students will walk to get to the North entrance. We are asking you to abide by our protocols to keep everyone safe. Thank you!
There is absolutely NO student drop off at the gym entrance or along the cones that indicate "no parking/no drop off".
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A Few Important Things to Note:
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Attendance - Join us in emphasizing the importance of being in school. Attendance is critical to the success of our students. It not only contributes to academic success, but fosters relationships between students and teachers and students and their peers. NHS course work is rigorous and moves at a fast pace, so every lesson is vital to a student’s learning. When students miss school, they miss opportunities to ask questions, deepen their learning, participate in class discussions, and build connections.
We hope that families vacation during school vacation time and do their best to schedule appointments outside of school hours, or at the very least, have their student attend school prior to or immediately after an appointment. When students are pulled from school, it puts them at a disadvantage. If the choice is made to vacation during a time when school is in session, students will only be given one day per absence to submit their work.
If a student is going to be absent a Parent/Guardian must either call Magee House Office on extension 1525 or submit a note through ParentSquare directly to Corina Muir. If a note is submitted through ParentSquare a phone call is not necessary. If a call is made, a note will need to be entered in ParentSquare or brought to the Magee Office to be considered excused (for the first 9 absences for state reporting purposes. These absences, unless extenuating and cleared by administration, will count toward the loss of credit). For any absence beyond 9, a medical note, court documentation, etc. must be presented in order to be excused (for state reporting purposes only. These absences, unless extenuating and cleared by administration, will also count toward the loss of credit).
If a student is absent for medical purposes, medical documentation needs to be brought to the Magee Office office when the student returns to school. Once processed by the Magee Office, the documentation will be given to the nurses.
If a student is tardy, they must enter through the main entrance, sign in on the tardy kiosk and bring their pass to class. For delays or special schedules, they must report to the Magee Office to receive a tardy pass to get into class.
If a student is being dismissed early, a note must come from a Parent/Guardian either through ParentSquare or with a physical note brought to the Magee House Office.
NHS sends an automated message every morning at 9:45 am alerting families of any attendance change. This includes absences, late arrivals, early dismissals, and any message sent via ParentSquare. Therefore, we ask that you do not call if you receive this alert from ParentSquare if you have sent a message to Mrs. Muir via ParentSquare, only if you have not sent a message.
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Electronics - Given the distraction electronics can cause and the potential for inappropriat use, here is our policy:
- Electronic devices are to be used responsibly. Students should follow the individual teacher's classroom rules. Students should NOT have them out in class unless directed by the teacher. If a student is caught with a cell phone or electronic device in violation of our policy while in a classroom, the teacher will confiscate the phone or device, it will be brought to the house office, and it will not be returned until a parent/guardian comes to school to claim it. If a student refuses to turn over their electronic device they will be sent to the main office and the device will be confiscated by administration. Refusal to turn devices over to administration will result in the student being sent home.
- Unauthorized audio/video taping of images (including staff), student altercations, internet postings, and use during emergency drills and procedures (ie. lockdowns, shelter in place, fire drills, etc.) will result in immediate revocation of privileges for the student. The parent/guardian will be notified and appropriate disciplinary consequences will be issued.
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Parent Square - click HERE to obtain all the information about our new School Messenger.
Academic Integrity - Academic integrity is an integral aspect of any institution of education. Students are responsible for demonstrating their understanding of content standards and skills in an ethical manner. Academic dishonesty occurs when a student cheats, plagiarizes, shares assignments, or otherwise misrepresents someone else’s work or ideas as their own.
Cheating includes but is not limited to providing another student with information regarding assessments, copying another’s work, having prior knowledge of assessment materials not provided by the teacher, having unauthorized assistance in answering questions, and/or submitting work that another has completed on a student’s behalf. Plagiarism is a form of cheating that results from misrepresenting words or ideas that are not one's own. This includes the use of technology including artificial intelligence (AI). Students are subject to disciplinary and academic consequences that may impact acceptance into various national honor societies.
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School nurse information:
Names: Callie Lawrence and Audra Rappoccio
email: hsnurses@npsct.org
phone number: 860-666-5611 x 1163 or 1164
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If you have any questions, concerns or highlights, please don't hesitate to contact me. You can reach out via the following ways:
- phone: (860) 666-5611 x 1190
- email: ttigno@npsct.org
Proud Principal,
Terra A. Tigno
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