Dear NCHS Family,

Spring has sprung, and we look forward to the warm and sunny days ahead. As we kick off the fourth quarter on April 3rd, and the daylight stretches longer, thoughts inevitably turn to the end of the school year for many students and families.

NCHS Counselors will discuss what juniors and their parents should be considering for their college search this spring, how Naviance can best be used in this process, and how to plan for your student's summer to help smooth their transition into the senior year. Plus an introduction to the Senior Internship Program. Speakers include Susan Carroll (NCHS College and Career Center coordinator), Ann Vernon (guidance), Rose Marash (guidance), and Kelly DelMazio (Senior Internship Program coordinator). Please contact 11th Grade Networking chairs Meaghan Kupchak and Meg Saunders with any questions.  

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

The PFA and the New Canaan Police Department have arranged a week full of impactful, interactive activities to focus on safe driving:

• Daily: Announcements and inspirational giveaways during lunch periods
• Wednesday, April 10: NCPD officers will conduct field sobriety tests in the main lobby during the lunch block.
• Thursday, April 11 at 9:30 AM: Presentation with Brendan Faulkner, motivational speaker from EndDD.org.
• Friday, April 12: Mock car accident in front circle near the flagpole starting at 11:00 AM. The incident will include four role players from the drama department and will be recorded by students from NCTV.  The driver will be arrested for DWI by NCPD; the front-seat passenger will be extricated by NCFD and placed in an ambulance on a stretcher to simulate a realistic accident scene by NC EMS. 

Thank you to our community partners for their support and for helping us reinforce the importance of safe driving habits.

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

Martha Huitron, Teen Talk counselor at NCHS, will share advice on how to prepare our seniors for independent living as well as prepare parents for the upcoming transition. Gerard Gjertsen of Lampert, Toohey and Rucci will also discuss all the important legal documents parents should have their children sign as they turn 18—before entering college.  

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

We hope to see you at the last PFA General Meeting of the 2023-2024 school year! Our guest speaker will be Principal Bill Egan. The PFA will also present highlights of this year’s accomplishments, and we'll vote on the 2024-2025 PFA Executive Board slate.

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

In appreciation of our amazing NCHS faculty and staff, the PFA will be treating them to lunch Friday, May 3. We are grateful for the difference they make each and every day in the lives of their students.  Please help us thank them for all that they do! We are looking for volunteers for the following shifts:

-Thursday, May 2 from 7:00-8:30 PM for set up (3 people) 

- Friday, May 3 from 9:30-10:30 AM for setup (3 people)

- Friday, May 3 from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM for serving (5 people)

- Friday, May 3 from 12:30-2:30 PM for serving and clean up (5 people)

Click HERE to volunteer. 

More and more students are exploring universities outside the United States. There are many reasons for this: a sense of adventure, lower tuition costs, the ability to complete a bachelor’s degree in less time, and relative transparency in the admissions process. We are excited to have a panel of admissions professionals from Trinity College Dublin, McGill University, and Bocconi University (as well as Jackie Christopher from the UK Study Expert) to discuss differences in the application process, academic expectations, student life, and more. Recent Staples graduates who have pursued their undergraduate degree abroad will be on hand to discuss their experiences and at the end of the presentation there will be a Q&A session with panelists and students. Hosted by Staples HS. Click HERE to register.

EVENT LOCATION: Zoom

The second half of the  college essay workshop for juniors is on April 3 from 7:00-8:30 PM. The workshops will be held on Zoom and will be conducted by the expert team at the College Essay Guy through a grant from the NCHS PFA! The link will be available to all juniors before the workshop.

EVENT LOCATION: via Zoom

Interested in attending United States Service Academy? Students are welcome to attend Congressman Jim Himes’ Service Academy Day. There will be representatives presenting from each service academy and to answer student questions.

EVENT LOCATION: Norwalk Town Hall 125 East Ave, Norwalk, CT 

There will be a college interviewing workshop on April 11 during the lunch block. To reserve a space, email Mrs. Carroll and let her know what lunch you have that day.

With over 200 college admission counselors on hand, this is one of the largest college events in our area. The event is free and is open to all high school students and their families.

EVENT LOCATION: Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, Bridgeport CT (500 Broad Street)

SAT Dates

May 4*

June 8*

Click HERE to register for SAT

ACT Dates

April 13*

June 1 *

Click HERE to register for the ACT

*Offered at NCHS

Seniors, as you hear back from colleges and universities in response to your applications, please update your Naviance account with the results! If you have any questions, please speak to your school counselor.

Max Stossel from Social Awakening will illustrate some of the specific ways technology is designed to be addictive & distracting, highlight how that's impacting our kids’ minds, and give recommendations on how to address some of the challenges you and your family are facing. 

EVENT LOCATION: Saxe Middle School

We are seeking volunteer host families who would be willing to open their hearts and homes to give New York City children an experience they'll never forget. Children ages 8-14 stay for one week and are eager to experience the summer life our community has to offer—stargazing, running barefoot in the grass, playing at Mead Park, or enjoying a concert at Waveny. Please join us for an information session at the New Canaan Library  on April 2 any time between 11:00-12:30 or contact Lisa Hill, New Canaan Fresh Air Fund Chairperson, for information about the program.

EVENT LOCATION: Farmer's Grind, New Canaan Library 

Let’s run out childhood hunger! Sign up today for Filling in the Blanks’ Unite to Fight 5K. The Kids Fun Run begins at 8:15 AM and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:45 AM. To elevate your commitment to the cause, register as a fundraiser and spread community awareness of our mission. 

You can run, walk or, if you can't attend, please help to spread the word. Click HERE to register. 

EVENT LOCATION: Waveny Park

Fashion Forward, a student-run non profit in partnership with Open Door Shelter in Norwalk is collecting prom dresses for underprivileged teens in the surrounding area. We are asking for long, lightly used, and washed dresses! Click HERE to donate a dress and Fashion Forward will come pick it up and deliver it to Open Door Shelter.Thank you for donating to Fashion Forward!

Interested in becoming a host family for ABC New Canaan? Join us for the Host Family open house. Eligible families must have at least one child attending New Canaan High School when the ABC scholar begins his freshman year and must be committed for all four years. This is the perfect opportunity to give an ABC scholar and your family the gift of a lifetime. Interested in joining us or if you have questions, please email Nancy Shullman.

EVENT LOCATION: ABC House New Canaan, 64 Locust Avenue

Join TEENLIFE at a Summer Opportunities Virtual Fair on April 11, an open-invitation event crafted to introduce your students to a wide array of summer experiences: Click HERE to register.

EVENT LOCATION: Virtual

Join us for the 10th anniversary of Circle of Care's Care to Run/ Walk and help support children in treatment for cancer in our community. Register to walk or run today and support a great cause! Click HERE to register.

EVENT LOCATION: Merwin Meadows, Wilton