Dear NCHS Family,

We've reached the midpoint of the school year and are now entering the second semester! Exams are complete, and fresh courses are kicking off. February, a brief month, always zooms by, marking the start of winter break on Friday, February 16. Despite its brevity, this month remains a busy time of learning.

This program for sophomore parents focuses on creating an appropriate testing plan for junior year. Our school counselors will be joined by testing expert Whitney Longworth from Summit Educational Group who will review the formats of the SAT and ACT and the new formats being introduced this year. The hope is that this program will give parents a good understanding of the options for testing to help their children decide what makes the most sense as they plan for next year. This will be a virtual event and will be recorded. Look for the Zoom link prior to the event.  

EVENT LOCATION: Zoom

Join NCHS school psychologists for an insightful session on assisting your 9th grader in achieving balance while being a student at NCHS. Our presentation will cover a spectrum of topics, encompassing academic decisions, social considerations, and effective communication tools for discussing these pivotal choices with your child. Don't miss out on valuable insights that can contribute to your child's overall well-being and success.

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

We see it in the news. Simone Biles has the Twisties, Michael Phelps has ADHD, and Henry Winkler has Dyslexia. These brave people have shared something they struggled with. Why? One reason may be to help others who are struggling seek help.  Please join a discussion on how to connect with your child about their mental health without an eye-roll, learn some helpful conversation starters, and how to encourage your teen to help themselves or their friend. In addition, understand what services and organizations are available to the students and how they can feel empowered to seek help.

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

Dramafest is a our student-produced one-act festival. Our theme this year is "CAMP!!" It's a one-night-only affair on Friday, February 2 at 7:00 PM in the NCHS auditorium. The evening usually consists of three to five hilarious one-act plays written, directed, designed, and performed by our students. It's free admission so that everyone can attend. Seating is first come, first serve. Doors will open around 6:40 PM. See you there!

We are thrilled to share that this year's Senior Internship Program has 298 participating seniors! As we continue to shape this valuable experience for our students, we are reaching out to seek your support in providing additional internship opportunities. Key Program Information:

• The program runs from May 21 to June 7
• Students commit to 25 hours per week, typically spread across five days per week for five hours per day (hours to be discussed directly with your intern). 
• We value in-person internships, but remote options are also considered, on the condition that students engage in daily Zoom sessions with their supervisors.
• Internships are required to be within a 30-mile radius of the school.
• Students are paired with a school mentor who oversees weekly journals, conducts site visits, and offers additional support. -        Students are matched with the most suitable internship based on their preferences and committee interviews.  You will receive notice of your intern in March. 
• Each week you will verify the student's hours.

 If you or someone you know is interested in hosting one or more of our amazingly talented students, please reach out to Kelly DelMazio. A simple registration process is required, and we kindly request that you complete it at your earliest convenience. The deadline for students to select internship sites is February 5. We are grateful for your support in guiding our students and enhancing their hands-on learning experience. Your investment in our future is truly invaluable.

Since 1967, the New Canaan High School Scholarship Foundation has awarded needs-based scholarships to deserving NCHS graduates who are pursuing higher education. On March 23rd, a helicopter will release 2,000 golf balls over a target at Waveny. Each ball will be numbered individually and the participants whose balls land closest to the target will be the winners!  The ball that lands closeset (or in) the hole will win the 2024 Chevy Truck. All participants will receive their assigned numbers prior to the drop. The winning golf ball will be announced immediately following the contest. One-hundred percent of proceeds will be donated to need-based college scholarships for NCHS graduates.

EVENT LOCATION: Waveny Park

Help Fight Childhood Hunger by donating soup cans. It's a match-up between the most needed items: 10-12 oz. cans of tomato soup vs. 10-12 oz. cans of chicken noodle soup. Who will win the battle? 

Scan the QR Code to donate or drop off at the warehouse at 346 Main Avenue, Norwalk; Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Click HERE for more information.

Part of the 2024 Winter Hiking Challenge. Cross Colhoun off your Winter Hiking Challenge checklist with this Last Saturday on the Trail event! Enjoy coffee, donuts, and hot chocolate on the trail.

EVENT LOCATION: Still Pond Preserve, Fowler Entrance

We challenge you to visit seven New Canaan Land Trust preserves (plus Bristow Bird Sanctuary in Mead Park) and complete eight hikes this winter! Our preserves have much to offer year-round. Enjoy the fresh air, spot local wildlife, get your steps in, and ring in the New Year with eight fantastic hikes. All participants are eligible for the following prizes. You do not need to be a member to be eligible for the following: 

• Visit four properties and receive a New Canaan Land Trust swag 
• Visit all eight properties and receive swag, certificate of completion, and be entered into a raffle to win a $250 gift card to Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton

EVENT LOCATION: Still Pond Preserve, Fowler Entrance

Registration is open for the New Canaan CARES High School Leadership Program. The program will be held at New Canaan High School on Mondays, from February 26 through April 8, from 2:45-4:00 PM in Room 225, with a graduation ceremony on April 9 at 7:00 PM. Click HERE for more information. 

EVENT LOCATION: NCHS, Room 225

Calling kids and teens between the ages of 5-18! Celebrate the art of storytelling and the many voices that bring stories to life in New Canaan and beyond with a month-long Winter Reading Challenge. Log your reading and complete activity challenges with New Canaan Library to earn buttons and a special prize. Join your librarians throughout the month for writing, crafting, and STEM programs to unlock your creativity. "Many Stories, One New Canaan" will culminate in a special author panel on Saturday, March 2 at 3:00 PM, featuring Newbery Medal winner Jerry Craft, Newbery Honor winner Veera Hiranandani, and acclaimed authors Debbi Michiko Florence and Ryan Maloney. Click HERE to learn more and register.