June 2019 Newsletter
CO-PRESIDENTS' LETTER
Dear Saxe Families,

As we near the end of the school year, we would like to congratulate Dave Gusitsch on a fantastic first year as principal. With his infectious smile and affable personality, Dave has created an inclusive environment that has resonated outward to all four corners of the building. Many times, Dave is the first person our kids see as they enter the building and the last one they see as they head home. He has spent countless hours observing classroom lessons, attending band concerts and school plays and meeting with faculty on curriculum enhancements. His commitment to education is clear and his welcoming overtures give all who enter the building the feeling that they truly belong.

It is this sense of community that we hope our current 8th graders take with them as they leave Saxe. Over the next two weeks, the PTC will sponsor a number of promotion celebrations for our “graduating” class, which will commemorate the students’ time together at Saxe and provide them with lasting memories of their middle school years. Congratulations to the Saxe School Class of 2019. We will miss you!

We will also miss the Executive Board Members who are stepping down from their respective PTC roles after two years. Our heartfelt thanks to Susan Gelvin , Emily Hanlon , Kristin Reed , Marjorie Furman , Amy Fields , Jen Hladick and Ann McMahon for their commitment and dedication. You have immeasurably enriched the education and well-being of our students, both inside and outside the classroom, and we are forever grateful for your efforts.

We would also like to thank the numerous PTC volunteers who have donated countless hours to our various events this past year as well as to the parents who donated so generously to our Celebrate SAXE campaign. Together we have built a community we’re proud to be a part of. Enjoy the summer with your family and friends!

Gratefully yours,
Susan Gelvin and Geri Mohr
Saxe PTC Co-Presidents
PRINCIPAL'S LETTER
Dear Saxe Parents,

This submission to the PTC Newsletter marks one full school year at Saxe Middle School. Amazing… Saxe Middle School is an incredible school in a wonderful community where we are fortunate to be able to provide a world-class education and interact with some of the best and the brightest from our youngest students to our most seasoned staff. The sky is literally the limit. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank you for your support. Providing the best for our students is a true team effort and one that is evident on literally a daily basis. I look forward to continuing our partnership and looking ahead to the great things that are yet to come at Saxe... 

Wishing you all the best on a restful, relaxing, rejuvenating summer!

Dave Gusitsch
Principal, Saxe Middle School
IMPORTANT DATES
Choral Concerts
June 4— 7/8th Grade
June 11—5/6th Grade
6th Grade Fun Day —June 12
5th Grade Field Day —June 13

Last Day of School
June 19
*half day

UPCOMING EVENTS
Volunteers Needed for 6th Grade Fun Day
Wednesday, June 12th, 1:15-2:45 PM
It's an afternoon of fun for the 6th graders to celebrate the end of the school year together. Activities include bouncy houses, games, sports, a DJ and dancing. Parent volunteers are necessary so we hope that you'll sign up to ensure a successful event for the kids. Click HERE to sign up. (The rain date is June 14th.)
8th Grade Events & Activities
June 6 Lake Compounce
June 12 Bagel Breakfast/Window Decorating/Yearbook Distribution (during 1st period)
June 13 Dinner/Dance at 6:30 PM
June 17 Promotion Practice/Picnic/Pep Rally (picnic rain date is 6/18 after practice)
June 18 Promotion Practice at NCHS
June 19 Promotion Ceremony at 9:45 AM, NCHS Main Gym

The countdown to Promotion Day is underway! Click HERE to purchase tickets for Lake Compounce and the Dinner Dance. We are also accepting cash donations to use toward prizes, water (for picnic and promotion ceremony), decorations for the dance and other fun items. Please click HERE to help us make these wonderful events a success. If you would like to get involved in helping out at these events, please email Michele Salmini , Anita Bausman , or Marnie Zaffino .

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank You Saxe PTC Volunteers and Donors!
Thank you to a ll the parents who volunteered time and/or money to help support the PTC this year. Your support is appreciated throughout the Saxe community. As STEM teacher Vivian Birdsall said at last month's PTC Volunteer Coffee, "The kids are the reason I do what I do, but you are the reason that I am able to do it."

A special thanks to Liz McClave , Jess Connelly and Sara Sharma for organizing, planning and creating another successful 4th to 5th Transition Night!
Last Call on Lost & Found!
With the end of the school year fast approaching, please encourage your children to check the Lost & Found for any items belonging to them. The last day to claim items will be Friday, June 14. Volunteers will clean and donate any items left behind.

COMMUNITY CLICKS
Joanne Rocco Scholarship
In honor of South School principle Joanne Rocco's retirement, the New Canaan Scholarship Foundation has organized a scholarship in her honor with a goal of $22,500. This scholarship is a great way for South School parents past and present to say thank you to Ms. Rocco for her incredible dedication and positive leadership.  Click HERE if you would like to contribute to this scholarship.
The Ben Young All-Sports Camp
June 24-28/July 8-12/July 15-19, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
This camp is designed to get children (entering grades K-8) active in a positive environment where they can take part in fun sports and games. There are three separate one-week sessions with incredible high school and college counselors. Ben Young is a teacher at Saxe Middle School and coach of the Boys Varsity Tennis Team at NCHS. Please email Ben Young with any questions.
“Art in the Windows” Exhibit
Downtown New Canaan, through June 14
The Carriage Barn Arts Center invites you to stroll through downtown New Canaan and enjoy its annual “Art in the Windows” exhibit. Various works will be displayed in the  store windows throughout the town. The theme for this year's event is "True Colors."  Click HERE  for more information.
Become a Fresh Air Fund Family!
Give the gift of a summer vacation fo a city child this summer! We are seeking volunteer host families who would be willing to open their hearts and homes to give NYC children from low-income communities an experience they'll never forget. Children ages 6-12 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 contact Lisa Hill (203-594-9472) , New Canaan Fresh Air Fund Chairperson, or click HERE for information about the program.
New Canaan Youth Field Hockey
Registration for the 2019 season is now open for girls in grades 5-8. Complete your early bird registration online by June 15 and save $100! Registration deadline is June 30 (anyone registering after that date will be put on a waitlist). We look forward to seeing your daughter on the field this fall! Click HERE for more information and to register.
New Tennis Programs from New Canaan Parks & Rec
New Canaan Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that Shane O'Reilly and Dan Scheuler will be running Spring and Summer Tennis at Mead Park. Lots of new programs for kids and adults! Click HERE for more information on youth programs and HERE for more information on adult programs.
St. Luke's Sports Camp
June 17 through August 15
St. Luke's Sports Camp offers seven weeks of multisport camp for ages 4-14. Sports offered include, but are not limited to, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, basketball, and tennis. Sessions begin in June and run through August. Full and half-day camps available. Campers will take advantage of St. Luke's state-of-the-art athletic facilities in a fun and safe environment Click HERE for more information and to register or contact camp director Dan Clarke .
Collecting Gently Used Computers
Computers for Kids is collecting gently used computers to fix up and give to families in need. If you have an unused computer to donate, please bring it to the Saxe Lower Division Security Desk labeled with your name and address. If you know a child or family in need of a computer, please email  Patty Potts .