The mission of the Newtown Public Schools, a partnership of students, families, educators, and community, is to inspire each student to excel in attaining and applying the knowledge, skills, and attributes that lead to personal success while becoming a contributing member of a dynamic global community. We accomplish this by creating an unparalleled learning environment characterized by:
- High expectations
- Quality instruction
- Continuous Improvement
- Civic Responsibility
We Believe that:
- Each individual is unique and has a value.
- Everyone can and will learn.
- It takes effort and persistence to achieve one’s full potential.
- High expectations inspire higher levels of performance.
- Honesty, integrity, respect, and open communication build trust.
- Quality educations expands the opportunities for individuals and is vital to the success of the entire community.
- Educating children is a shared responsibility of the entire community.
- Family is a critical influence in each individual’s development.
- Understanding all forms of diversity is essential in a global society.
- All individuals are responsible for their behavior and choices.
- Educated and involved citizens are essential for sustaining a democratic society.
- Everyone has the responsibility to contribute to the greater good of the community.
- Continuous Improvement requires the courage to change.
Character Task Force Members:
Judy Beers, Middle Gate Lead Teacher
Judy Blanchard, District Health Coordinator
Chris Breyan, Hawley Lead Teacher
Barbara Gasparine, Head O’Meadow Principal
Linda Gejda, Assistant Superintendent
Jennifer Hoag, High School Psychologist
Tony Salvatore, Reed Intermediate Assistant Principal
Jenn Sinal,Sandy Hook Assistant Principal
Suzanne Tyler, High School Social Worker
Alan Clavette, Newtown Rotary
Angela Fedak, Newtown Senior Center
Bill Millard, Parent
Mary Joe Rossi, Student
Robert Ryder, Parent/Business Owner
In 2008, the Newtown Public Schools embarked on the process of developing a high level strategic plan that will lead our school system to excellence in the next five years.
This process began with an intensive 3-day planning session, which included thirty diverse participants engaged in small and large brainstorming groups. As a result, district beliefs, a mission statement, objectives, and strategies were identified for the Newtown Public School District.
In 2009, five “actions teams” were formed to develop a comprehensive outline to guide the 5-year planning process in each of the following areas: Capital Improvement, Communication, Achievement, Personal Success, and Character Development.
In 2010, the Character Development Task Force, through research and collaboration identified and defined Newtown’s six core character attributes.
Our next step is to raise awareness and build commitment in Newtown. We welcome your support and look forward to cultivating a stronger community.
Perseverance: Perseverance is working hard to set and achieve personal goals, learning from failure, and following through with any undertaking to the end. People who persevere demonstrate commitment, pride and a positive attitude in completing tasks.
Citizenship: Citizenship is accepting the responsibility to contribute to the greater good of the community. Good citizens cooperate, respect authority, and obey rules and laws. Good citizens stay informed, vote, and are responsible, caring participants in school and local, state, and global communities.
Caring: Caring is being interested, concerned, and empathetic about someone or something. Caring people express gratitude, kindness, compassion and forgiveness. Caring people help people in need.
Trustworthiness: Trustworthiness is being reliable, keeping promises, and following through on your word. Trust-worthy people are honest and have the courage to do the right thing.
Respect: Respect is recognizing other people’s feelings, opinions, or possessions. It is an attitude that you display every day. When you treat other with respect, you accept differences, use good manners, and deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements. Respectful people show high regard for authority, other people, self, and country.
Responsibility: Responsibility is taking control of your actions and your obligations. It also means taking ownership for something that is your fault rather than pointing the finger at someone else. It means having a sense of duty to fulfill tasks with reliability, dependability, and commitment. It includes self-discipline and work ethic demonstrating commitment, pride and positive attitudes in completing tasks. When you are responsible, you always do your best. Responsible people are self-disciplined, think before they act, and consider the consequences.