District Intended Outcome: That we maintain the high performance of students meeting and exceeding district standards/expectations, increase performance of students performing below district standards/expectations, and reduce the predictable performance gap between groups of students performing at or above standards/expectations and groups of students performing below standards/expectations. |
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Hello NPS Community! Get ready to spring into action with our latest quarterly newsletter, packed with exciting updates and inspiring stories!
Inside, you'll find key administrative appointments—including changes at Central Office and John Wallace Middle School—a celebration of the amazing accomplishments of our students and teachers, and crucial updates to both the 2026-27 and the newly approved 2027-28 school calendars. Please note a major change: the Board of Education has set the last day of school for students to June 22, completing our 180 required school days.
These calendar modifications are a direct reflection of your valuable input, particularly regarding the number and impact of Professional Learning (PL) days. In a move designed to enhance communication, we're shifting our first teacher conferences to November (instead of December), ensuring parents and teachers connect earlier to discuss student progress and success.
Now, I'm thrilled to extend an invitation to our entire community to join the Kindness Kudos initiative! Introduced to staff last month, this new feature is our way of honoring individuals who go above and beyond to demonstrate kindness within NPS. I encourage everyone—students, parents, and community members—to consider sending me a kindness kudo today to acknowledge and celebrate any deserving member of our NPS family.
As we approach the home stretch of the school year, I wish everyone a truly restful and rejuvenating Spring Break. Thank you for your continued, unwavering support of our efforts to ensure every one of our children is learning and thriving.
Be Well,
Dr. B
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Daniel Dias is Named Assistant Superintendent
I am pleased to announce that, effective March 2nd, Daniel Dias has been appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Human Capital Development. Dan has been with NPS for twenty years in a variety of positions that include Social Studies/History teacher and Assistant Principal at Newington High School, as well as Assistant Principal at John Wallace Middle School. He served in his former role as the principal of John Wallace Middle School for the past 9 years and has been highly supportive and innovative with the district’s equity efforts.
Congratulations Dan!
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Marco Tirillo is Named Principal of JWMS
It is my pleasure to announce that Marco Tirillo has been officially named as the Principal of John Wallace Middle School.
During his interview process, it was clear that Marco understands the mission and vision of NPS very well. He articulated his goals to continue the work at Wallace to close our achievement gap, increase equitable discipline and restorative practices. elevate engaging and rigorous classroom practices and ensure effective PLC practices.
Marco brings 22 years of experience in education, including nine years at JWMS. In recognition of his impactful leadership, he was named the 2025 CAS Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year. Known for his warm, hands-on style, Tirillo builds strong relationships with students, staff, and families. His leadership has led to meaningful initiatives such as the student diversity committee and the school’s No Place for Hate designation. Prior to his time in NPS he served as an assistant principal and teacher in Hartford Public Schools.
Congratulations Marco!
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Calendar Updates
Due to weather related school closures the last day of school for students became Tuesday, June 23, 2026. However, at the April 8, 2026 Board of Education Meeting the Board voted to adjust the last day of school for students to Monday, June 22, 2026. This is the 180th school day for students. The last day of school for teachers will remain Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Additional information regarding the teacher schedule for June 23 will be forthcoming.
Based on survey results and significant input from Teacher Council, Administration, parent feedback, and the Board, on April 8, 2026 the Board approved the following changes to the 2026-2027 school year calendar:
- Make the day before winter break (Dec. 23, 2026) a half day.
- Drop from 2 to 1 PL days per month.
- Move the Dec. PL day from Dec. 1st to Dec. 8th.
- Move the Dec. elementary and middle school conferences to Nov.
- Move the Nov. high school conferences from Nov. 5th and Nov. 6th to Nov. 12th and Nov. 13th.
- Move the March elementary and middle school conferences from March 16th through March 18th, to March 3rd through March 5th.
- Special observance days are now included on an additional page.
The amended 2026-2027 calendar has been posted to the website, and can be found here.
The 2027-2028 school year calendar was adopted by the Board on April 8, 2026, has been posted to the website, and can be found here. |
Dress Down Day for Cruz Alves
Our school communities came together on Thursday, April 2nd in a powerful show of support for the Alves family. The Anna Reynolds PTO initiated a Dress Down Day to support Media Specialist, Magie Alves, and her family, as her son, Cruz, continues his courageous battle with brain cancer.
The Newington Public Schools staff's generosity and unity are inspiring. We hope this video, filled with colleagues, friends, and community, brings light and renewed strength to Cruz and his family during this difficult time. The NPS community will continue to hold the Alves family in our hearts and minds.
#CruzStrong
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Newington High School Achieves AP Honor Roll
Newington High School has earned a place on the AP® School Honor Roll for the 2024-25 school year! You can view our school's recognition details below. Congratulations to our staff members who have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success.
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Newington High School Black History Month Showcase
On Friday, February 27th, the NHS cafeteria was filled with the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of the "Black Excellence: Past, Present, and Future" showcase. This event marked the first time the school has hosted a Black History Month celebration of this scale, bringing together students, families, and community members for a night of education and inspiration.
The program was the creation of NHS students Naomi Stowers and Ty’Lasia Huff. Under the guidance of social studies teacher and advisor Lynn Roach, Naomi, Ty’Lasia and the showcase team produced the entire event, which aimed to honor African American heritage while looking forward to the contributions of the next generation. The team included: Makayla Bissette, KelRoy Kelley, Johnny Stergakis, Gabby Lovelace, Leah Bouffard, Isabel Stanco, Isabella Rodriguez, Madaline Visser, Lauren Visser, Joshua Visser, Evelyn Trillo, Grace Miller and Matthew Cook.
The evening featured a powerhouse lineup of live performances. The Sankofa Kumba Cultural Dance Group captivated the audience with traditional rhythms and movement, followed by an electrifying, high-energy performance from the Hartford Proud Drill, Drum, and Dance Corps.
Beyond the stage, attendees explored a curated Black History Exhibit that highlighted influential leaders and historical milestones. The event also served as a marketplace for local talent, featuring a variety of Black-owned and student-run businesses.
No celebration is complete without community dining, and the showcase delivered \authentic soul food catered by Jamaican Jerk Shack. The dinner provided a space for guests to reflect on the evening’s performances and the importance of cultural representation in schools.The evening closed with the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem.
The success of the "Black Excellence" showcase was made possible not only by the dedicated student production team but also through the generous support of Newington parents and community members. By creating a space that honors both history and future potential, Naomi Stowers, Ty’Lasia Huff, and their peers have established a new tradition for Newington High School.
I visited Ms. Roach's class last week to deliver cookies and express my appreciation for all their hard work. It was an outstanding event.
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NHS Presents Anastasia The Musical
The Newington High School Drama Club recently transported audiences from the snowy streets of St. Petersburg to the glittering jazz clubs of 1920s Paris with their spectacular production of Anastasia. Opening to a packed auditorium on Thursday, March 12th, the show served as a masterful showcase of student talent, dedication, and professional-grade production value.
The performance run, which spanned four shows from March 12th to March 14th, highlighted the immense growth and skill of the NHS performing arts department. Community members and local representatives praised the production as "truly outstanding," noting that every detail—from the stunning vocals and vibrant dancing to the intricate set design and live music—was executed with remarkable precision.
Audiences were particularly moved by the "spectacular" performances that brought Broadway-quality magic to the local stage, featuring high-stakes drama and a soaring score.
Beyond the actors on stage, the production was a massive collaborative effort involving the stage crew, musicians, and staff, all supported by the NHS Performing Arts Booster Club.
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MKMS Presents Legally Blonde
The MKMS Drama Club brought a burst of energy to the stage in February, delivering a high-spirited and polished production of Legally Blonde Jr. Under the skillful direction of Olivia Johnson, the cast and crew transformed the school’s auditorium into a world of pink-hued Harvard Law ambition, showcasing the incredible range of talent within the student body.
The production, which officially opened on February 26th, proved that these middle schoolers could handle the complex vocals and choreography of a Broadway-style hit with professional ease. A standout moment for the community was the school day performance, which I was lucky enough to attend. Students performed for their peers, staff, and lucky local attendees!
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January Superintendent's Outstanding Student of the Month
Congratulations to the January Outstanding Student of the Month winners from each school. Pictured from top left to bottom right: Ruth Chaffee - Quinn Tessier, Martin Kellogg - Dustin Dwyer, Elizabeth Green - Liam Cyr, Newington High School - Tarun Sathya, John Paterson - Layla Sheehan, John Wallace - Kaelyn Melendez, Martin Kellogg - Jackson Arcari, Anna Reynolds - Mayson Formica
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February Superintendent's Outstanding Student of the Month
Congratulations to the February Outstanding Student of the Month winners from each school. Pictured from top left to bottom right: Elizabeth Green - Marley Major, John Paterson - Messiah Caravallo Figueroa, Anna Reynolds - Kinsley Gabriel, Newington High School - Grace Singh, John Wallace - Quinn Marziano, Martin Kellogg - Olivia Perlmutter, Ruth Chaffee - Ava Chung
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March Superintendent's Outstanding Student of the Month
Congratulations to the March Outstanding Student of the Month winners from each school. Pictured from top left to bottom right: Ruth Chaffee - Ruben Arroyo, Anna Reynolds - Malia Hargraves, Martin Kellogg - Macy Johnson, Newington High School - Alexia Interlandi, Elizabeth Green - Nyla Jones-Ruiz, John Wallace - Anastasiia Turkot, John Paterson - Sarah Woods
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April Break (No School) - 4/13/26 - 4/17/26
Memorial Day (No School) - 5/25/26
Last Day of School for Students - 6/22/26
Please click here to view the 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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Thank you for reading! For more information about the district please visit the NPS website at the link below, or our Facebook page here.
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