September 2019
Please join the PFA and be a part of our parent community. Basic membership begins at $50 and includes a NCHS directory.
We are also asking each family to consider donating an additional $100 to our THE FUTURE BEGINS HERE fundraising campaign to further enhance your student's experience at NCHS. Join and donate on the PFA home page.
Consider volunteering at NCHS this year. There is something for everyone! Click here to find out how!
Dear NCHS Family,

I’m excited to welcome you back for another terrific school year! I hope you all had a wonderful summer!

The start of school brings an excitement and enthusiasm that is unmatched in almost any walk of life. One of the great thrills for me is to watch students and teachers arriving with bright smiles on their faces and rejuvenated for the new school year. Everyone wants to be the best version of themselves and is eager for the challenging learning experiences ahead. It is honestly one of the most special times of the year. 

I hope you had the opportunity to browse our new school website. It is chockful of information with links to Announcements, Calendars, Daily Schedule, PFA news, PowerSchool, Staff Directory and so much more. The website is always updated with new information.

Please take a moment to review our attendance policy which can be found on page 16 in the student handbook on our school website. You can email [email protected] or call 203-594-4672 to report an absence or if you have any questions.  

Seniors and juniors that will be driving to school must purchase a parking pass through the  School Cash system, (please bring in the payment receipt with a parent signature), fill out the NCHS Parking Registration Form and the NCHS Off-Campus Policy Form online. Here is the parking letter that was shared earlier in August. Parking passes can be picked up in the attendance office. 

Open House will be held on Thursday, September 12th, beginning with Freshman Parent Orientation at 6:15pm in the auditorium, followed by all other classes at 7:00pm. This is a great opportunity to become familiar with the school building and meet our wonderful staff.

Our Club Fair is scheduled for Friday, October 4th in the cafeteria. I encourage students to visit the fair and sign up for a club they are interested in. Want to start a new Club? Stop by or email Mr. Rothman and share your idea!

Finally, we will continue to communicate regularly and effectively with our NCHS school community. We look forward to a very positive and productive year together. We extend a special invitation to our families to join us at school activities and events whenever possible. We are fortunate and thankful to have such a strong partnership with our New Canaan High School parents.

I look forward to meeting you at our PFA Networking Meetings and many of our school events. 

Have a great year! 

Sincerely, 

Mr. William D. Egan 
Principal
2019 PFA Kick-Off Meeting
Welcome Back Coffee
The Plan for 2019-2020
Wednesday, September 11th
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room
Grab a cup of joe and join us in the Wagner Room as Principal Bill Egan unveils his plan for the 2019-2020 school year.
NCHS Open House
Thursday, September 12th
7:00pm for Grades 10-12
6:15pm for Grade 9
NCHS Auditorium
Open House is a wonderful time to meet your children's teachers and to hear what will be happening in the classrooms at NCHS. Join the PFA (button to the left) and you can pick up your directory in the lobby before you head to your child's classes!

Donations Needed for Open House
Please Click Here to Donate!
Open House is a great night to meet our children's teachers and reconnect with parents. Many parents come straight from work, so in order to make this evening a success, we need your donations toward food and drinks. Food and drinks will be for all in the hallway near the Counseling Dept. Please consider a donation
New to NCHS Parent Coffee
Wednesday, September 25th
9:30am, 811 Weed Street
All parents who are new to the New Canaan Public School District (either new to town or switched from private school to NCHS) are invited to a coffee at the home of Ann Whittaker, 811 Weed Street (park at Irwin Park parking lot and walk over) on Tuesday, September 25th from 9:30-11:00am. Come and meet some new friends and hear about your new NCHS community!

RSVP to Shazeen Mirza or Susan Cushman by September 19th.
PFA 2019-2020 Planning Calendar
Click Here to See the Amazing Topics & Speakers at our Networking & Counselor Meetings
Grade Level Parent Meetings & Information
9th Grade, Freshmen
PFA Networking: Welcome to High School
Thursday, September 5th
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room

Speakers: Kristi Carriero-Assistant Principal 9th Grade, Cynthia Rivera-School Counseling Dept. Chair
Everything you need to know to kick off a successful first year at NCHS. Come meet 9th grade Principal Kristi Carriero and Guidance Chair Cynthia Rivera who will help make the transition to NCHS seamless and provide important information on how NCHS works. They will answer questions ranging from campus policies, homework, the school cafeteria, progress reports and much more! Come and see your friends and get all your questions answered!

Networking Chairs:  Caryn Kelly & Claire Tiscornia
Counselor Program for Freshman Parents
Thursday, September 12th
6:15pm, NCHS Auditorium

There will be a special program for freshman parents on the night of Open House on Thursday, September 12th. Starting at 6:15pm you will gather in the auditorium to meet and hear from the administration. You will then break into groups and have the opportunity to meet your child's counselor prior to the start of the full program for the evening. More information to follow.
10th Grade, Sophomores 
PFA Networking: Teen Driving: A Roadmap to Safe Driving
Thursday, October 3rd
7:00pm, NCHS Wagner Room

Save the date! Bring your teenager too, as there will be a lot of important information they need to know in order to be successful on the test and on the road! More details in October's ROG.

Networking Chairs: Stefania Bopp & Kate Licata
11th Grade, Juniors
PFA Networking: The College Road Trip
Tuesday, October 1st
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room

Please join us to hear Sue Carroll, College and Career Center Coordinator, and one of the guidance counselors talk about how to make the most of your upcoming college trips with your junior, including tips for making them productive, fun, and (relatively) stress-free.

Networking Chairs: Taylor Benevento & Clare Caione
12th Grade, Seniors
Counseling: Senior Year Overview
Tuesday, September 10th
8:00am, NCHS Wagner Room

Please join the School Counselors on Tuesday morning, September 10th at 8:00am in the Wagner Room to receive an overview of the exciting year ahead in helping your student make their post high school plans. 
PFA Networking: The College Process Follow-Up & Sr. Year Essentials
Tuesday, September 17th
9:30am, NCHS Wagner Room

Guidance: Cynthia Rivera, Lisa Granite, Susan Carroll
Yearbook: Jim Zambarano
Post Prom Chairs: Jen Richardson and Malia Frame

Senior Year - Yes it's Actually Happening! Come hear from our panel of experts and parent volunteers about the College Process/Timeline, Senior Yearbook Pages and The Post Prom. You will not want to miss this meeting!  This event will be heavily attended. Please plan enough time to find parking, we all know how hard it can be to find parking in the NCHS parking lot.

Networking Chair:  Michaela Nelson
Counseling News
Mark Your Calendars Now!
Fall Testing Dates
September 14th - ACT*
October 5th - SAT & SUBJECT TESTS*
October 19th - PSAT*
October 26th - ACT
November 2nd - SAT & SUBJECT TESTS*
December 7th - SAT & SUBJECT TESTS
December 14th - ACT*
*Denotes NCHS as testing location

SAT/Subject Tests may be registered for at www.collegeboard.org
ACT may be registered for at www.actstudent.org

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 website. Visits begin mid-September. 

Financial Aid Night
The School Counselors invite you to join them at Financial Aid Night on October 10th at 7:00pm in the NCHS Wagner Multi-Purpose Room. All are welcome to attend, especially if your child is a member of the Class of 2020. For more information, please contact school counselor Lori Keen.

Attention Class of 2021:
The PSAT will be offered at New Canaan High School on Saturday, October 19th. Students will register for the test online by visiting https://user.totalregistration.net/PSAT/070465 from September 4th-14th. The fee is $30.00. Any student registering after September 14th will be charged an additional $10. late penalty bringing the amount to $40.00. No registration will be accepted after September 21st .
 
School Counselors recommend that all members of the JUNIOR class take the PSAT as preparation for the SAT that is usually taken the following spring.
This is also the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program for juniors.

The test is 2 hours 45 minutes long and will begin at 8:00am. Students will check in at 7:30am and should remember to bring their sharpened pencils and calculators with them as well as a picture ID. Phones should be left at home or POWERED OFF.
 
This is the only date that the PSAT is offered.

Sophomores may also take the PSAT but please note that the PSAT is designed for juniors and may include some topics that sophomores have not yet covered (e.g. Geometry). Please follow the registration as described. If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor. 
School News & Notices
New Canaan High School Theatre Auditions
 Freshman-Sophomore Musical:
AUDITIONS for Shrek The Musical Jr.
September 10th & 11th, 2:30pm-6:00pm
Be prepared with a musical-type song (bring sheet music).
Bring clothes to dance.
Callbacks: September 12th, 2:30pm-6:00pm


Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. ... Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. 
(Performances November 1st at 7pm and November 2nd at 2pm and 7pm) 
Upperclassmen Play:
AUDITIONS for Clue
September 9th, 2:30pm-6:00pm
Be prepared with a comedic monologue.
Callbacks: September 13th, 2:30pm-6:00pm


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.
(Performances November 21st, 22nd, 23rd at 7pm)

All auditions and callbacks are held in the NCHS auditorium.

• Purchase Tickets
• Get Season Info
• Advertise in our Programs 
• Get Audition Details
Library Volunteers Needed!
Please consider volunteering in the HS Library (Media Center) this year! Job entails sitting at the circulation desk checking out textbooks to students during their free periods. Shifts are 90 minutes every two weeks. It’s a great way to interact with the students and get a feel for what’s going on at NCHS! Please contact Lori Koschnitzke if you are interested.
New Canaan Rams All Sports Booster Club
Support NCHS Athletics and Join Today!
Join the New Canaan Rams All Sports Booster Club and support NCHS Athletics. The Booster Club helps provide an additional coach for every (participating FCIAC) team at New Canaan High School. This year, you will have access to every home game for football, basketball, hockey and lacrosse. All members receive NC Rams All Sports Booster Club lawn signs and depending on your level of support, you may receive additional benefits including VIP parking at NCHS Dunning Stadium!
 
Click here and if you join by midnight on Tuesday, September 3rd, your packet/membership cards will be available for quick pickup at NC Rams All Sports Booster Club Day on Friday, September 6th from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the corner of Dunning Stadium main entrance (you’ll be greeted at the curb). You can also preview and purchase the new RAM merchandise!
NCHS Athletic Department
A Letter from our Athletic Director
Welcome back! Team practices have begun and we are ready for an exciting Fall season.

Tickets:
We are no longer using electronic passes for our students or Booster Club members. Students can use their student ID’s for entry and Booster members will receive membership cards. Tickets are still available at the gate or can be purchased online by going to  ncrams.com .

Watch Online:
You can watch all games on Dunning and in the Main Gym by signing up for Pixellot, our live streaming software. Go to ncrams.com and click on Live Streaming.

We look forward to another great season of sporting events for New Canaan High School students. 

Please call the athletic office at 203-594-4639 if you have any questions.

Go Rams!

Jay Egan
Athletic Director
Board Of Education
News
The BOE held meetings in July and August
For July minutes, click here . For August minutes, click here .

Next BOE meeting:
September 3rd and 16th
7:00pm, NCHS Wagner Room
Thanks to the Following People for All of Their Hard Work!
The PFA's sincerest gratitude goes to:
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Samantha Connell, Lauren Corbett and Patti Severance for their tireless coordination (and rain day flexibility!) of decorations and refreshments for the 2019 Graduation Ceremony!
Caroline LaMorte for putting together our Planning Calendar for 2019-20 which maps out all of the PFA events for the year on one page! 
Kara Homan for her graphic talent in creating our The Future Begins Here logo. It looks amazing!
Jane Beiles and her intern for snapping some great photos of PFA funded activities and Mike Mottolese for his graphic skills in laying it out in a great format for all!
Lynn Turiano for her hard work (during the last week of summer no less!) preparing the student directory for the printers. 
Shazeen Mirza and Susan Cushman for organizing a warm welcome to all the new students and their parents to NCHS.
Anne Cascione for organizing the Freshman Walk-Through which helps our youngest class feel at home at NCHS. 
Elizabeth Cosco for managing the Freshman T-Shirt distribution on the first day of school. What a great way to welcome the Class of 2023!
Community Event
Service League of Boys (S.L.O.B.S.)
It's Great to be a SLOB!
Membership is open for the 2019-20 school year.*

The Service League of Boys (SLOBs) is one of New Canaan High School’s most popular clubs. A parent-son community service organization, SLOBs serves over 30 philanthropic organizations with more than 70 different events throughout the school year. Through educational and charitable activities, SLOBs fosters community responsibility and leadership while strengthening the parent-son relationship. Find out more at our website.

If you are interested in becoming a SLOB, please attend the following meetings together with a parent:

New Member Meeting:
Wednesday, September 18th
7:00pm, NCHS Cafeteria

First General Meeting:
Saturday, September 21st
2:30pm, NCHS Cafeteria

All current members should attend the General Meeting on September 21st.

*Membership is open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.
3rd Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil
September 5th
7:00pm, Downtown New Canaan

Helping Each Other to Heal
Visit ncparentsupportgroup.org for more information
Women & Alcohol: A Community Conversation
Wednesday, September 18th
7:00pm-8:30pm, New Canaan YMCA

You think about what you eat. Do you think about what you drink? In honor of National Recovery Month, join local experts as they discuss alcohol and women's social drinking, role modeling, and the rise of alcohol use among women.
For more information contact [email protected]
Acing Your School Year
Thursday, September 26th
7:00pm, NCHS Wagner Room

Come for tips and concrete strategies that will help get your school year off to a good start.
Joyce Sixsmith, RAM Council President, and Ellen Brezovsky, Executive Director of New Canaan CARES, invite parents and their High School teens to learn:
  • Organizational and Time Management Skills
  • Effective Study Skills
  • Stress Management Techniques
Please pre-register at newcanaanCARES.org
Visit our Website