A Message from the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Alicia M. Roy

As the last days of summer approach, we excitedly contemplate a new school year and all of the possibilities it will bring.  Our C
onvocation theme to welcome everyone back is Anything is Possible.  We have to believe in each oth
er and believe that working together all that we plan as staff members and families for our students is possible and will be realized.  With our concerted efforts and our focus on the curriculum, anything will be possible.

On Wednesday, August 30th, a full day of school, our students will return for the new school year, and the staff and classrooms are prepared for their arrival.  One new administrator has joined our team: Allyson Story will be the new assistant principal at Meeting House Hill School working with Principal James Mandracchia.  Other staff hired to complete our team are also prepared to welcome students.

Undoubtedly, families filled the summer months with various learning experiences for their children.  Additionally, each school offered a summer program designed to ensure learning continued through July and August. The PTO offered Camp Innovation, science enrichment, for the fifth consecutive year.  Consolidated students will celebrate their summer reading program with a movie night on Friday, September 8 starting at dusk.  MHHS is planning a special pie throwing celebration involving students and staff during the first few weeks of school as way to celebrate summer reading achievements.

One highlight this fall is redefining the district of the vision.  The New Fairfield Public Schools began last spring gathering input from community stakeholders, fam
ilies, parents, staff, and stud
ents.  Soon we will release a draft to the community to review and provide
one last round of feedback before the document is presented to the entire Board of Education for approval.  The most important focus will remain working with families and staff to meet the needs of the students in the 21st century.  Our work on pedagogy and ways to honor student voice, passion, and dreams will continue.  It is this continued focus on meeting student needs that will make our district successful.

Curriculum work on science and social studies is on the agenda for this year.  We also continue to offer professional development based on staff input to meet their needs and to support them in our ongoing work implementing the standards and preparing all students to be college and career-ready.

I extend wishes for a rewarding school year for staff, students and families.  Follow activities in our schools on the website, www.newfairfieldschools.org
.  There you will find our daily Tweets that showcase occurrences.  Please also consult the district calendar, website, and newsletters for upcoming events.  If we focus on the achievement of every learner, if we foster positive relationships and set high expectations, if we continuously improve through professional learning communities, and if we value research that guides our practices, then we will set the conditions where all students experience success and where our schools and the district thrive.