|
|
Dear NCHS Family,
Crisp air, hoodies, pumpkins and bonfires -- fall is here! Our Visual and Performing Arts Program will kick off fall with the opening performance of ā
Shrek, The Musical, Jr.ā on Friday, November 1st at 7:00pm with additional performances on Saturday, November 2nd at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Our talented theater students and stage crew put on award-winning performances and I hope you will have the opportunity to see the show. The VPA Program will then end the month with ā
Clue on Stageā, a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the very end. Performances will begin on November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd at 7:00pm. We are also completing a very successful fall athletic season. Congratulations to all of our athletes for their hard work and commitment on and off the field. While I certainly am impressed with how well our teams do on the athletic fields, I am more impressed with how they compete and the sportsmanship they show throughout the year.
The first quarter ends on November 6th with grades available to view in PowerSchool on the afternoon of the 13th. If you have any questions about a specific class, please do not hesitate to contact your childās teacher. Please remember that comments are only required for students who receive under 80. However, we encourage parents to reach out to teachers if they would like specific feedback in a class.
November reminds us to be thankful and I am thankful for our wonderful faculty and staff that motivates, inspires and supports our students. We work collaboratively with the PFA and parents to improve studentsā lives and make NCHS a special place by providing excellent programming that continually enhances the culture for our students. I am honored to lead a school with such kind, motivated and smart students and supportive parents.
Finally, itās hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Itās one of my favorite holidays, not only for the delicious food but for the opportunity to reconnect with friends, and focus on my family and on what is important. I hope you get the opportunity to spend time with family and friends and disconnect a little from the grind of daily life.
I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
All the best,
Bill Egan
|
|
November PFA General Meeting
|
|
Coffee with the Principals
Wednesday, November 13th
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room
Join Principal Bill Egan and the other Assistant Principals for an informal Q&A.
|
|
RESCHEDULED!
Understanding the Teenage Brain:
The Keys to a Positive Relationship
Wednesday, November 6th
7:00pm, NCHS Wagner Room
Parents will learn to anticipate and understand the typical conflicts that arise with teens based on recent brain research. We will discuss how to manage the emotions teens trigger in their parents and learn tools to leave feeling better equipped to handle the highs and lows of the adolescent years.
|
|
Click on this link to
PURCHASE a yearbook.
Click on this link for all
SENIOR yearbook information like senior pictures, baby photo submissions, Lambs to Rams submissions and senior quotes.
|
|
Grade Level Parent Meetings & Information
9th Grade, Freshmen
|
|
PFA Networking:
Midterm Prep
Save the date!
Thursday, December 5th
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room
|
|
10th Grade, Sophomores
ļ»æ
|
|
PFA Networking:
The Academic Roadmap - Understanding the GPA and Naviance
Thursday, November 14th
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room
Please join us to get all of your sophomore year questions answered! Guidance Counselors Cynthia Rivera and Nick Willett will discuss many topics such as the Power School GPA and how it converts to a 4.0 scale; how Honors and AP classes are weighted; what GPA colleges see and care about; and how many AP classes should a student take. They will also show us a roadmap to our students' academic pursuits and will introduce Naviance which you will use during your studentās college search. Join us for this not-to-be-missed meeting!
|
|
PFA Networking:
Managing Junior Year Stress
Thursday, November 7th
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room
Whether this is your first child or third going into their junior year, come find useful strategies and tips to help your student cope with the pressures of this important year. Learn about the potential stressors - including academics, standardized testing, college visits, and social life - and learn ways to manage them all. Come hear from our panel of experts including Cynthia Rivera, Chair of NCHS Counseling Department; Eileen Donellan, Social Worker; Susan Bliss, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., Student Support Coordinator for NCPS; and Larry Sullivan, Assistant Vice Principal and 11th Grade Principal.
|
|
PFA Networking:
College Decisions, Decisions!
& NCHS Senior Internships
Tuesday, November 19th
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room
Speakers: Tracey Masella, LCSW, Adolescent Mental Health Specialist & Heather Bianco, NCHS Senior Internship Coordinator
As our seniors begin to submit college applications, now what? How will they cope with acceptance, rejection, and decisions? Tracey Masella, an expert in adolescent mental health affiliated with Silver Hill Hospital, will engage us in a conversation on how to help our seniors cope with the college decision process. Bring your questions!
Heather Bianco will also explain the Senior Internship Program and what you need to know now.
|
|
Senior Internship Program (SIP)
The NCHS Senior Internship Program is in need of host companies/organizations who can provide meaningful internships to our Seniors. The Internship Program runs from May 18th to June 12th, 2020. If you have an internship to offer, please email
Heather Bianco
.
Registration will be available for the Senior Internship Program on
November 12th via email. Seniors will be emailed a link to register. The internships will be within a 15 mile radius of New Canaan and run from May 18th to June 12th, 2020 (end date remains flexible, depending on the weather!). On May 18th Seniors will come to the High School for a meeting from 8:00-11:00am and will start their internship on May 19th. Students will be expected to work 25 hours a week in lieu of attending classes. Their grades will be frozen before the internship begins and they can still participate in all after-school activities such as athletics and theater.
Students can also design their own internship. The forms for designing internships are on the
SIP website. SIP is accepting the forms now through January 7th.
Every Senior will be e-mailed a website link to apply for the Senior Internship Program on November 12th. The Senior Internship is not mandatory. If a Senior student does not want to participate in the program, he/she can decline on the website link.
|
|
ļ»æPOST PROM 2020 is Friday, May 15th!
We are still in need of a Clean-Up Chair!
Click here
if you are interested in helping out.
|
|
Get a Jump on Your Holiday Shopping!
|
|
is a fun shopping website that will donate 40% of your purchase to our Post Prom event!
|
|
NCHS RAM JAM is Coming!
Friday, March 27th, 2020
7:00pm, NCHS Auditorium
Seniors & NCHS Families ā Please Save The Date!
Ram Jam is a senior class variety show which will include lip synch performances, live bands, karaoke, and a fashion show for all of the school to enjoy.
All proceeds will go to the 2020 Post Prom!
|
|
Counseling News
Mark Your Calendars Now!
|
|
Fall Testing Dates
November 2nd - SAT & SUBJECT TESTS*
December 7th - SAT & SUBJECT TESTS
December 14th - ACT*
*Denotes NCHS as testing location
Colleges Visiting NCHS
Seniors are encouraged to come and hear firsthand the latest news from colleges in which they may be interested. Students who are unable to attend the info session should come into the CCC beforehand and fill out a regret form indicating their interest in the school. The schedule is available on Naviance and on the New Canaan High School websiteās School Counseling page. The visits are geared towards seniors but juniors may attend if they have a free period during the visit time.
|
|
New Canaan High School Theatre
|
|
ļ»æ
Freshman-Sophomore Musical:
Shrek The Musical Jr.
November 1st, 7:00pm
November 2nd, 2:00pm and 7:00pm
ļ»æ
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and acclaimed Broadway musical, āSHREK The Musical JR.,ā stars everyone's favorite ogre in a "big bright beautiful world." Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
|
|
ļ»æ
Upperclass Play:
CLUE On Stage
November 21st, 22nd and 23rd at 7:00pm
It's a dark and stormy night, and you've been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well . . . dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.
Tickets will be available for sale for $15/$18 after Shrek closes by
clicking here.
|
|
ā¢ Purchase Tickets
ā¢ Get Season Info
ā¢ Advertise in our Programs
ā¢ Get Audition Details
|
|
Annual Grapefruit Fundraiser
Benefiting the NCHS Choral Program and our local food banks
|
|
The NCHS Choral Programās annual GRAPEFRUIT FUNDRAISER has begun! This fundraiser has been a staple during the holidays in New Canaan for decades, benefiting the NCHS Choral Program students and local food banks and community organizations. The sales help fund our general choral program needs, transportation to choir events and dress rehearsals, concert attire, concert receptions, and out-of-town performance trips.
Help by purchasing a box for your family and friends!
Each box contains between 16-20 delicious āRuby Redā grapefruits and the cost is $25.00 per box. Ask any community member who has ordered in the past - you cannot find grapefruit like this anywhere locally and it is worth it!
Want to help, without taking a box of grapefruit home?
Weād love to DONATE a box on your behalf to a food bank or community organization in Fairfield County. In the past 3 years, we have provided over 400 boxes to local charities in CT and NY for distribution to those in need. Itās a great opportunity to help our extended community and our Choral Program at the same time!
Pay
through School Cash! (search āgrapefruitā)
**When you order, if there is a specific choir student to whom the sales credit should be given, please select their name on the website order form, or include in the email!**
Pickup is in the NCHS Choral Room, December 6th-19th from 8:00am-3:30pm. The sooner you pick it up, the fresher it will be!
Come and hear the student performances you are supporting!
Please join us for our Winter Choral Concert
Wednesday, December 11th, 7:00pm at the beautiful St. Mark's Episcopal Church in New Canaan. The Concert Choir and Madrigal Ensemble will be sharing music of various styles as well as featured soloists and holiday selections. The Madrigal Ensemble will also be featured at the New Canaan League of Women Voters holiday luncheon at Waveny on December 10th.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us!
*NCHS Choir Room:
203-594-4690
|
|
NCHS Athletic Department
A Letter from our Athletic Director
|
|
Our girls teams had a tremendous Fall season. Congratulations to Girls Cross Country, our Class L Division Champions! The girls placed six runners in the top 25. They will compete in States this afternoon, November 1st, in Manchester, CT. Field hockey finished their season with a record of 14-2. They will host Norwalk in a quarterfinal FCIAC game on November 1st. Girls soccer ended with a record of 12-3-1. They are hosting Wilton on November 1st as well in a quarterfinal FCIAC playoff game. Lastly, girls volleyball rounded out the season 12-5 with two games to go in the regular season. They are also in position to host an FCIAC playoff game next week. Girls swim and dive finished the regular season with a record of 4-3. They will be in Greenwich for the FCIAC Girls Swimming Trials on November 2nd. Congratulations to all our girls teams!
Boys football is currently 4-2 with three remaining home games on November 1st, November 8th and November 15th, all at 7:00pm. The Turkey Bowl will be held on November 28th at 10:00am at Darien High School. Details on ticket allocation will be sent to students, teachers and booster members at 12:00pm today via email.
The athletic department had a successful HUDL onsite professional training day in early October for coaches and parents. The following sports will have a direct benefit from this exciting partnership with HUDL: Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Ice Hockey, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys and Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Wrestling and Football.
Benefits of the HUDL program for NCHS coaches include: automatically capturing practice and game video in the gym and stadium, fast and professional game statistics breakdown, the ability to streamline the film review process, and discovering game-changing insights. Additional benefits for our student-athletes are: developing game intelligence with video review and personalized feedback, sharing personal highlight reels with family and friends, and getting top plays seen by recruiters. We are excited to implement this new program!
Winter and spring registration are open on our website
www.ncrams.com. Go Rams!
Jay Egan
Director
NCHS Athletic Department
|
|
October 7, 2019 BOE Meeting:
Members of the audience expressed concern that having the elementary schools start earlier will decrease the time working parents have to spend with their children. They discussed the importance for all students to get enough sleep, and they asked that no school start before either 8 a.m. or 8:15 a.m.
NCHS principal Bill Egan presented the NCHS Assessment review and was joined by several NCHS department chairs later in the presentation. Highlights included:
ā¢ 96% of Class of 2019 graduates attended four year colleges
ā¢ 85% of those students are attending colleges that are considered most competitive (30%,) highly competitive (42%,) very competitive (13%)
ā¢ Many college level classes are offered, and 78% of grade 12 students have taken at least one college level class including PLTW, UCONN, NCC and AP-designated courses.
ā¢ New Canaan High School students compare favorably in the DRG in both ACT and SAT scores and fall well above the state average.
ā¢ The English and Social Studies Departments are continuing to implement and revise benchmarks and formative assessments which will help support best practices across disciplines and offer support for all learners.
ā¢ The Mathematics Department plans to continue making math relevant by relating and connecting math to real world experiences.
ā¢ Some math teachers are creating video tutorials for students to access for additional support.
ā¢ The department is also looking to implement interventions for students who have gaps in understanding while challenging all learners.
ā¢ The Science Department is continuing to offer a variety of courses to accommodate all student interests.
ā¢ There are 19 different science courses offered and most students take four years of science.
ā¢ The department wants to continue to support the needs of high-performing science students through expanded AP opportunities as well as offer differentiation strategies within classes to students who require them.
ā¢ In Special Education, priorities include maximizing inclusion times, providing PD for various disabilities, and creating skill-based classes in reading and writing.
October 21st, 2019 Board of Ed meeting:
Dr. Luizzi presented the latest information regarding school start and end times and NCAF (New Canaan Athletic Foundation.) . Dr. Keating reviewed the Statement of Accounts to help prepare for 2020-21 goals, budget assumptions, and related priorities.
The Next BOE meeting: November 4, 2019, 7pm in the Wagner Room. Proposed items: Enrollment Projections.
|
|
Thanks to the Following People for All of Their Hard Work!
The PFA's sincerest gratitude goes to:
|
|
A huge thank you goes to
Michele Salmini and
Allison Barker for chairing the Homecoming Dance. Thank you for generating so much enthusiasm around this event and planning a great night for our kids.
Heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Homecoming Committee who worked so hard to make the night a huge success!
Anita Bausman, Leslie Bisesi, Dina Connelly, Wendy Cunney, Malia Frame, Leigh Murray, Holly Slattery, Joni Schaefer, Liz Squilante, and
Marnie Zaffino.
|
|
November SLOBs Meeting
Saturday, November 2nd
2:30pm, NCHS Cafeteria
Join SLOBs for their November meeting. There are lots of great upcoming volunteer opportunities including rebuilding a stone wall for the
New Canaan Land Trust, assisting special needs children through
Sports Buddies, helping the
Exchange Club with their Christmas Tree sale, and more! There are lots of ways to get involved. It isn't too late to become a member or renew! Just
click here!
|
|
November Programming for NC Cares:
ļ»æ
Click here
for more information on Cares Events.
- Understanding the Teenage Brain: Rescheduled to November 6th at 7:00pm, Wagner Room
- The Art of Healing Through Arts: November 10th at 3:30pm, Silvermine Arts Center
- Downtown Dash: Event to benefit NC CARES November 12th from 10:00am-2:00pm, Downtown
- Vaping 101: A Community Conversation for 6th - 12th graders November 20th at 7:00pm, Wagner Room
- A Positive Approach to Navigating Social Media and Technology: November 21st at 8:30am, NC Country School
|
|
Climate Change:
Is There Still Hope For Humanity
Monday, November 11th
7:30pm, Saxe Auditorium
An Evening with Bill McKibben. Groundbreaking author, environmentalist, and activist offers a powerful call-to-arms to save our planet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ā 
ā