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Originally delivered on 9/1/2024 8:03 pm

SUBJECT: Ram-O-Gram, September 2024

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SEPTEMBER 2024
The First Ram-O-Gram of the Year

For those of you who are new to NCHS, the Ram-O-Gram (also known as the ROG) is sent out by the PFA on the first Sunday evening of each month. It is an indepth look at news and events of interest to the NCHS community. The appropraitely named Weekly Ram follows the ROG on the remaining Sundays and contains updates and reminders. They are chockful of important information and we highly recommend you take the time to read them each week!

A NOTE FROM PRINCIPAL EGAN
Principal Bill Egan NCHS
Welcome back, NCHS!

Dear NCHS families,

High school is a journey through transformative years. It takes all of us to guide students through the process. As we begin the school year, I want to offer some advice to help make the most of our NCHS student’s high school experience. Each point is a key to unlocking their potential and empowering them through the challenges and opportunities of high school.

Participate
High school is more than just academics—it's a time to explore your interests, discover new passions, and connect with others. Join clubs, sports teams, or volunteer groups. Getting involved will help you build friendships, develop skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Focus
High school only happens once, so try to be fully present. Engage in your classes, listen to your teachers, and be there for your friends. You’ll find more meaning and satisfaction in everything you do when you're present. Even during free periods, be present with your friends and put your phone away. 

No Drama
Drama is inevitable, but how you respond to it is within your control. Choose to stay above it. Focus on what’s important—your education, well-being, and relationships with people who genuinely care about you. Saying no to drama allows you to keep peace and focus on what matters.

Opportunity Awaits
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—go after them. Whether asking for help, starting a new project, or leading a group, taking the initiative shows you’re proactive and ready to make things happen. This quality will serve you well in high school and beyond.

Be Curious
Every day is a chance to learn something new, whether in the classroom or outside. Be curious and open to new ideas. Knowledge is power, and the more you learn, the more equipped you’ll be to handle whatever comes your way.

Challenges Will Happen
Like life, high school is full of ups and downs. Some days will be great, and others might be tough. Prepare yourself for both. When things are going well, enjoy the moment. When they’re not, remember that it’s temporary. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient.

Kindness and Understanding
In your interactions with others, try to assume the best. People are often going through things you may not be aware of. Giving others the benefit of the doubt can lead to better relationships and a more positive environment. Kindness and understanding can go a long way.

Take a Risk
High school can be intimidating, but don’t let fear hold you back. Be brave, Whether standing up for what’s right, speaking in front of a class, or trying something new. Courage isn’t about not being afraid—it’s about taking action despite your fears.

Well Being Matters
Your health, both physical and mental, is the foundation of everything else. Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and finding time to relax and recharge. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Taking care of yourself ensures you can be your best self in everything you do.

Your Inner Compass
Your values are your compass. They guide your decisions and actions. Know what’s important to you and live accordingly, even when it’s complicated. Staying true to your values will help you build a proud life and a reputation that earns respect.

Embrace Differences
Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of any community. Embrace the differences in others—whether in culture, perspective, or personality. You’ll learn so much from people who aren’t like you, and they’ll help you see the world in new and exciting ways.

Celebrate Success
Celebrate others' successes as well as your own. Whether it’s a friend, a teammate, or a classmate, choose to cheer them on. Positivity is contagious, and when you lift others up, you create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Help Others
High school can be lonely for some, but you have the power to make a difference. Reach out to those who seem isolated or left out. A simple gesture of kindness can mean the world to someone who feels alone. You’ll not only make a new friend, but you’ll also create a more inclusive and caring school community.

Your Circle Matters
The people you spend time with have a significant influence on your life. Surround yourself with friends who encourage you, challenge you to grow, and bring out the best in you. Good friends will support you through the tough times and celebrate with you during the good ones.

Your Support Network
The adults in your life—whether parents, teachers, or mentors—are there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask them for advice, support, or just a listening ear. They’ve been through what you’re going through and can offer valuable guidance as you navigate high school and beyond.

High school is a unique and important chapter in your life. We encourage our students to embrace it, learn from it, and make it their own. 

All the best,

Bill Egan

A LOOK AHEAD
Mark Your Calendars!
Wednesday, September 4
9:00a PFA Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 10
9:30a Senior Year Overview
Wednesday, September 11
9:30a PFA General Meeting: Welcome Back Coffee
10:30a PFA General Meeting: New to New Canaan Parent Coffee
Thursday, September 12
6:30p Open House: 9th Grade Freshman Parent Meeting
7:00p Open House: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Friday, September 13
9:00a Applying to UK Schools - TBD
See Full Calendar
PFA NEWS + EVENTS
The 2024-2025 PFA Annual Fundraiser Starts Now!
Help the PFA raise $75,000 to fund projects and events
Donate Now
Welcome Back PFA Meeting with Principal Bill Egan
Wednesday, Sept 11 | 9:30 AM

Please join us for the first NCHS PFA meeting of the 2024-2025 school year. This meeting is the first of four general meetings that we host in conjunction with the administration and faculty. Don't miss this opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new friends and visit with NCHS Principal Bill Egan and NCPS Superintendant Dr. Bryan Luizzi! Coffee and refreshments will be served.

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

New to New Canaan Parent Coffee
Wednesday, Sept 11 | 10:30 AM

It was a pleasure meeting so many new families at our New to New Canaan Orientation. We hope you can stay after the Welcome Back Coffee (see above) to ask any questions you might have after the first week of school, as well as to meet some fellow new parents. Special thanks to Elana Wood and Juliana Wheeler for organizing our New to New Canaan Orientation and Coffee. 

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

NCHS Open House
Thursday, Sept 12 | 6:30 PM

Parents, come experience your student's schedule and meet their teachers! Freshmen parents will meet with administration beginning at 6:30 PM in the auditorium. All grade levels will begin class meetings at 7:00 PM.  


12th Grade Parent Education: The College Process Follow-Up and Senior Year Essentials
Tuesday, Sept 24 | 9:30 AM

Susan Carroll, coordinator of the NCHS College and Career Center, and Erica Schaedler from the NCHS Counseling Department, will be answering any last minute questions you may have regarding your child’s post-high school plans—whether they be about applications, paying for college, gap years or non-college options. Kelly DelMazio will also be in attendance to introduce the Senior Internship Program. Please contact the 12th grade parent education chairs, Meaghan Kupchak and Meg Saunders, with any questions.  

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

11th Grade Parent Education: The College Road Trip
Tuesday, Oct 1 | 9:30 AM

Please join our College and Career Center coordinator Susan Carroll and guidance counselors Lindsay Reihl and Ann Vernon, as they speak about the various ways to research colleges and plan your upcoming road trips. They will also discuss what is new in the college admissions landscape and the college admissions timeline. Q&A will be addressed at the end. Please contact 11th grade parent education chair Maya Rao with any questions.

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

Welcoming Our Freshmen to NCHS

The PFA continued a long-standing tradition of welcoming incoming freshmen to NCHS with a small gift on the first day of school. This year, freshmen received an NCHS Rams lanyard. Special thanks to the Welcome Gift chairs Janet Lee and Julie Passios for creating and organizing this spirited gift. If your freshman did not receive a lanyard, please have them stop by the front office and let Mrs. Pescatello know. 

NCHS Library Volunteers Needed

Calling all book lovers! The NCHS Library is looking for volunteers to help with shelving, signing out materials to students, organizing displays, and other creative projects. The shifts are 90 minutes long every other week. Past experience is not necessary. Please contact Liz Orelup if you are interested in volunteering in the library. Click HERE to sign up. 

Missing Tablecloths

Parents, if anyone borrowed tablecloths from the front office and hasn't had a chance to return them, please do so by next week. We are VERY low and need a full supply for all of our NCPS, PFA and athletic events this 2024-25 school year. Thank you!

COUNSELING EVENTS
Counseling News

The College and Career Center is up and running for the new school year! Please visit our School Counseling page and follow the College and Career Center on Instagram, Twitter (@nchscolcar) and Facebook (@NCHS College and Career Center) for the latest news on college admissions, financial aid and youth employment.

Seniors
Senior Parent Program
Tuesday, Sept 10 | 9:30 AM

Please join the Guidance Counselors to hear a review of the exciting year ahead and how you can help your student as they make their post high school plans. Learn about volunteer opportunities for Post Prom and more! 

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

Colleges Visiting NCHS

College visits begin on September 12. Seniors who wish to attend college visits and hear first-hand the latest news from colleges in which they may be interested must register for the visits on Naviance and ask for permission from the faculty to miss class. 

Students who are unable to meet with the reps should stop by the CCC before the visit time and fill out a form indicating their interest in the visiting school. Attendance is taken at these sessions which will be conducted in person or via  Zoom. 

The visit schedule may be viewed through Naviance and on the School Counseling page of the NCHS website. 

Juniors & Sophomores
Upcoming Test Dates
ACTSAT
Sept 14*
Oct 5*
Oct 26
Nov 2*
Dec 7*
Dec 7
Feb 8
March 8
April 5*
May 3*
June 14
June 7*
July 12

* NCHS is a test site

Click HERE to register for SAT. Click HERE to register for ACT.


PSAT for Sophmores and Juniors: October 11

Freshmen
Welcome to NCHS!

Our door is open! If you have any questions or concerns at the start of the school year, please stop by the counseling suite. See Mrs. Poccia, the Guidance receptionist, to sign in and she will direct you to your counselor’s office. Remember that during the lunch periods you can drop in without an appointment.

SCHOOL NEWS + NOTICES
Clubs
Service League of Boys (SLOBs) New Member Meeting

Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00 PM

Come and learn more about NCHS Service League of Boys (SLOBs)! What started as a small but mighty group of parents and high school boys more than 20 years ago has grown into the largest club at NCHS with over 35,000 hours of community service under our belt. 

We invite all NCHS boys and their parents to join us in this very special 20th year. You'll not only be helping our community through the many philanthropies we serve, but you'll also have great opportunities to develop leadership skills and to strengthen the parent-child relationship. 

Registration for the 2024-2025 year can be found HERE. Please reach out (slobsnewcanaan@gmail.com) with any questions.

EVENT LOCATION: Wagner Room

Athletics
NC Rams All Sports Booster Club

The NC Rams All Sports Booster Club supports all New Canaan High School athletic programs. We raise and distribute funds to provide necessary athletic program components which are above and beyond those provided by the NCHS athletic budget and assures equity of resources for all CIAC-recognized sports. Each year, the Club funds additional coaches for every team, raising the skillset and abilities of all athletes.

More than 70% of all NCHS students participate in school athletics in any given year. For these students, athletics are an integral part of the educational process. Through athletic participation, students learn teamwork, work ethic, time management and a responsibility to others.

Click HERE to join now.

COMMUNITY NEWS
New Canaan CARES
High School Leadership Program—Fall 2024

Do you have or know a High School teen in grades 10-12 who is interested in learning and developing their leadership skills? Throughout this free seven-week program, each student will focus on their own leadership journey. They will identify their values, ethics, and communication style while also fine-tuning their public speaking skills and more. Click HERE to learn more and apply.

*We only accept 15 students for the Fall Leadership Program, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Understanding Cannabis Products & Regulations

Thursday, September 5 at 7:00 PM

New Canaan CARES, in partnership with other Local Prevention Councils, presents an informational webinar with Kaitlyn Wilhelm drug control agent for Connecticut Consumer Protection, to discuss different cannabis products, review CT laws and regulations, and discuss what is being done to address sales of unlicensed products in our communities. CLICK HERE to register. 

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