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Dear Colleagues, Families, and Community Partners,
Welcome to our first quarterly newsletter of the 2026–27 school year! Inside, you’ll find highlights of exciting events across the district, celebrating the remarkable achievements of our students, staff, schools, and programs. We are also thrilled to welcome Dr. Matthew Correia, the new principal at John Paterson, who is already off to a fantastic start. In addition, the long-awaited John Wallace Renovation Project is officially complete, and the transformed space looks truly impressive. I hope you enjoy reading about all the wonderful accomplishments unfolding in Newington Public Schools.
On a bittersweet note, I recently shared my plans to retire from NPS in early 2027 after serving as your Superintendent for eight rewarding years. The Board of Education is actively working with a search firm to guide the leadership transition, and we will share further updates as the process progresses.
I remain deeply grateful to be part of this extraordinary Newington community and wish you and your families a wonderful, warm Thanksgiving season.
Be Well,
Dr. B.
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Welcome Dr. Matthew Correia to NPS!
It is my pleasure to announce that after a very thorough selection process that included parents, staff, Board members, and administrators, as well as a very talented pool of applicants, Matthew Correia has been chosen as the next principal of John Paterson Elementary School.
Dr. Correia joins Newington Public Schools after serving seven years as principal of Reed Intermediate 5/6 School in Newtown. Prior to his time in Newtown, he was the principal of Willard Elementary School in Berlin for five years, following his role as assistant principal. He began his career in education teaching Kindergarten as well as fourth and fifth grades.
Dr. Correia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University, a Sixth-Year Certificate and administrative certification from Sacred Heart University, and a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Western Connecticut State University.
He has hit the ground running at John Paterson Elementary School! We are thrilled to have him as a part of the Newington community.
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Schools of Distinction
Congratulations to Anna Reynolds School and Elizabeth Green School on being named Connecticut Schools of Distinction for the 2025–2026 school year! 🎉
This prestigious statewide recognition celebrates the dedication of our students, educators, and school communities to academic growth and achievement. Anna Reynolds earned distinction in all five categories, including high growth for all students in ELA and math, high growth for high-needs students in ELA and math, and high performance for all students. Elizabeth Green was recognized for high growth among high-needs students in ELA and math.
These beautiful certificates were designed by Jen Rodriguez, first grade teacher at Anna Reynolds Elementary School.
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NPS Equity Award Winner Announced
I am proud to recognize Rossella Hara, ML teacher and District Program Leader for the ML Department for PreK-12, as the recipient of the Wendy Crouse Equity Award. This was awarded to Rossella at our Convocation on August 26th.
This honor celebrates Rossella’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and ensuring that all students have access to opportunities that support their success.
Through her dedication to the Newington Public Schools community, Rossella exemplifies the importance of fostering an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Congratulations to Rossella Hara on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your commitment to advancing equity throughout Newington Public Schools!
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My Pet, Hamster.
Jonas Roberts, third grade teacher at Anna Reynolds, published the book My Pet, Hamster on September 25th! Jonas' book is about a boy, Robert, who moved away from his beloved pet, Hamster, who his classmates confused with an actual hamster! This heartwarming story is a play on the importance of punctuation! My Pet, Hamster. can be found here for sale on Amazon.
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John Wallace Grand Reopening
On Thursday, September 10th, we celebrated the grand reopening of John Wallace! We were joined by State Representatives Kate Farrar and Gary Turco, Senator Matt Lesser, Mayor Jon Trister, and many students, teachers, and community members. It was a memorable night filled with speakers, a 2001 time capsule opening, and student-led tours of the new wings!
Please check out the official ribbon cutting here!
As we look back on the last year and a half of the renovation, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our John Wallace educators and staff for your flexibility, resilience, and unwavering commitment to maintaining a warm, supportive learning environment throughout the construction process.
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Special Visitors at Anna Reynolds
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz visited Anna Reynolds on Friday, September 25th! They were happy to help distribute school breakfast and interact with students.
This visit celebrated the legislation that provides free breakfast for all students. As Gary Turco states, "A full breakfast helps students arrive in the classroom ready to learn, participate, and make the most of their school day."
Local officials such as Mayor Trister and Board Vice Chair Jessica Weaver also joined the event. The grand finale was Gov. Ned being a guest host on the Anna Reynolds Morning Announcements! The recording is linked here!
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October Superintendent's Outstanding Student of the Month
Congratulations to the October Outstanding Student of the Month winners from each school. Pictured from top left to bottom right: Anna Reynolds - Ainsley O'Neill, Ruth Chaffee - Maizie Bronyah, Elizabeth Green - Manuel Vazquez Stella, Newington High School - Josie Piela, Martin Kellogg - Aedyn Grubin, John Wallace - Jacob Nazario, John Paterson - Rhianna Comeau
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Newington Back to School Community Event
On Sunday, August 23rd, Royal Razor Barbershop and Newington Electric collaborated with NPS to host a back to school event for our students. Backpacks filled with school supplies, meals for families, and free haircuts were provided! Additionally, Hartford Healthcare was on site for health screenings! A huge thanks to National Honor Society and Student Council volunteers for organizing and preparing the school supplies and assisting on the day of the event!
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Zaccai Meek Earns a Perfect PSAT Score
Newington High School sophomore Zaccai Meek earned a 1440 (a perfect score) on the PSAT 8/9. Zaccai aspires to pursue a career in the medical field and has expressed interest in Cornell University. This impressive achievement will be recognized by The College Board through their National Recognition Program.
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Leading in Action: Students Connecting Across Schools
On Monday, October 5th, a diverse group of Newington High School student leaders visited Ruth Chaffee Elementary School to talk with second-, third-, and fourth-grade students about what leadership looks like both in and outside of school.
During this interactive conversation, Ruth Chaffee’s young leaders shared their own ideas about leadership and asked thoughtful questions. NHS students discussed the clubs and activities they participate in, the ways they lead in different settings, and how students can build leadership skills by stepping into new opportunities.
Together, students agreed that leadership can look like inviting someone from the buddy bench to play, being respectful, and—most importantly—being kind. NHS students also emphasized that leaders share responsibilities, serve as positive role models, and know when to ask for help.
This meaningful visit allowed NHS students to serve as role models while encouraging Newington Public Schools’ emerging leaders to recognize the leadership qualities they already demonstrate each day.
This event was organized by Mrs. Kristen Wild and Mrs. Erin Bonfoey from Ruth Chaffee Elementary School and Ms. Elsa Batista, NHS STUCO Advisor. Transportation was provided by our wonderful Newington Public School Transportation Department.
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November 12 & 13 - High School Conferences
November 26 & 27 - Thanksgiving Break
December 24 - January 1 - Winter Break
Please click here to view the 2026-2027 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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