CO-PRESIDENTS' LETTER
Dear Saxe Families,
February may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s no shortage of amazing things happening at Saxe! The second academic quarter has just wrapped up and the Daytime Open Houses for grades 6-8 are nearly complete. The Saxe PTC remains busy working on a variety of grant requests. Over the last month, we were able to, among other things, fund the purchase of virtual reality equipment for our Grade 7 Social Studies students, additional board games for use in math support classes, a “virtual” field trip to Jamestown for our Grade 5 students and new Pickleball sets for our Physical Education department.
There are additional grants still working their way through the approval process and we will share the results of those in the weeks to come. We are also considering some longer term projects designed to enhance your child’s educational experience at Saxe. Winter Break begins on Friday, February 12th and whether you are planning a staycation or heading somewhere warm- we hope that you will enjoy the time off with family!
Jenny Volanakis and Patty Zoccolillo
Saxe PTC Co-Presidents
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PRINCIPAL'S LETTER
Dear Saxe Parents,
All things considered, I hope your 2021 is off to a fine start. We have recently concluded our 2nd quarter for grades 6-8 and will be approaching the close of the second trimester for our 5th graders in March. As we proceed, please continue to keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teachers, school counselor, grade-level administrator, and/or any support staff. We are here to support your children, and you as a family, as we are committed to partnering in working towards our student’s goals in all facets of their learning experience.
In a couple of weeks, we will break for the winter recess and hopefully enjoy some quality time with family and/or close friends. We continue to be grateful for the ability to operate our school community through in-person instruction while being able to keep our remote learners engaged and connected as well. A special thank you to you all, “our parents,” for your continued support throughout this less-than-normal school year!
Sincerely,
Dave Gusitsch
Principal, Saxe Middle School
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Virtual Open Houses
Grade 6-8
Jan 25-Feb 5
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No School
Feb 12—Professional Learning Day
Feb 15-19—Winter Break
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Spirit Day
Feb 11
"Classy Day"
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Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Feb 10
During the professional learning afternoon on February 10, the Saxe PTC will again host a faculty and staff appreciation luncheon to celebrate everyone who makes Saxe such an amazing school. In past years, we have asked for volunteers to bring in salads, desserts, beverages, etc. to help show our appreciation. Due to Covid concerns, this year we will be treating the staff to boxed lunches filled with such choices as butternut squash wrap, Caprese pesto turkey wrap, classic Italian combo wedge, salads, fruits, and dessert, all from Simply Delicious. If you would like to make a donation to the faculty and staff luncheon, please click HERE.
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"Classy Day"—Saxe Spirit Day
Feb 11
The Saxe Spirit Club invites all students to wear their favorite PPE and dress formally for the “Classy Day” Spirit Day. Additional details to follow from the Saxe administration.
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Parent Program: "The Art of Raising Children Today"
Feb 25, 7:00 PM
The Saxe PTC is pleased to partner with New Canaan CARES to bring you the parent program: “The Art of of Raising Children Today.” It’s not boy versus girl. It’s boy and girl! What is the same and what is different? When should we differentiate? Join best selling authors and CBS Good Morning guests Dr. Lisa Damour and Dr. Michael Reichert for an evening filled with lessons, myth busting and more. Click HERE to register for this program.
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February Food Drive for Filling in the Blanks
Filling in the Blanks fights childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends. Saxe will be holding a Food Drive to support this mission. We will be collection the following food items:
- Grade 5: 15 oz. canned corn
- Grade 6: 10-19 oz. canned soup
- Grade 7: 4 oz. individual fruit cups
- Grade 8: 6-7.25 oz. boxed mac & cheese
There are three ways to donate food items.
- Students can bring in items to school—Collection bins will be placed in the front and back of the school.
- Parents can drop off items at the school door—Please call (203) 594-4500 to let staff know you are dropping off goods between the hours of 7:15 AM and 3:00 PM. Leave items at the door and a campus monitor will put them in the collection bins inside the building.
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Order online—Click HERE for Saxe’s Amazon Food Drive page. At checkout, make sure to select Filling in the Banks as the designated shopping address so all items are shipped directly to the Filling in the Blanks warehouse in Norwalk.
*Donation Deadline is February 28
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7/8th Grade Musical Announcement
We are happy to announce our 7th and 8th Grade Musical will be "Annie." Register to audition virtually before the February 5th deadline. For more information about the production and the audition process, click HERE to check out the 7th & 8th Grade Musical Website!
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Willy Wonka, Jr. DVD Orders Ready
For those of you who ordered a Willy Wonka Jr. DVD, they will be available for pickup in the front office on Thursday, February 4. These are only available for those that pre-ordered.
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NC Color Drop
March 31, Waveny Park
Live Streamed, time to be announced
In lieu of the annual NC Color Run, the New Canaan High School Scholarship Foundation has organized an exciting new fundraiser, the NC Color Drop! On Wednesday, March 31, a helicopter will release more than 1,000 golf balls over a target at Waveny. The golf balls will be numbered individually and the participant whose ball lands closest to the target will be the winner of the grand prize, a Peloton Tread. Other prizes include an amazing NC Gift Basket and Kidzone Electric Bumper Cars. 100% of proceeds will be donated to need-based college scholarships for NCHS graduates.
Click HERE for more information. Due to Covid, no spectators will be allowed. The event will be livestreamed for all residents to watch.
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Learn More About Ram Council for 8th Graders
Attention 8th Grade Parents! Ram Council is more than just an extracurricular activity, It’s a thriving community of like-minded teens committed to healthy decision-making and substance-free living. The council includes students in grades 8-12, with a separate group for 8th graders. Monthly meetings are currently held via Zoom
with topics including leadership, public speaking, self care, self esteem, resisting substance abuse peer pressure (drinking, etc.), goal setting, positive parent-teen connections, teen finances and more. Annual suggested dues: $25. Click HERE for more information or contact Joyce Sixsmith to register your 8th grader.
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Connecticut State Requirement for 6th Grade Students
Connecticut State Law requires ALL students to have a physical exam during sixth grade. The CT Health Assessment form needs to be on file in the nurse’s office by the last day of 6th grade. We accept physicals dated from June 1st 2020. Upon completion of the exam, please email the completed CT health assessment record to the lower division health office. You may contact your school nurse, Joelle Graham, with any questions. She can be reached at joelle.graham@ncps-k12.org or at (203) 594-4526
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Spring Softball Registration is Open
Join the fastest growing sport in town! Our successful, self-esteem building program teaches the game of softball and stresses the importance of being a team player. Our Little League rec program’s regular registration period is open to Kindergarten through 9th grade (ages 5-14) girls through March 10 (late fee after February 16th). Click HERE to register. Contact Rob Trudel at with any questions about the program.
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New Canaan CARES presents Winter Isolation Survival Tips for Kids (Ages 3-8)
Feb 3 at 9:30 AM, virtual
During the winter, our younger children may be gearing up for another round of isolation or an interruption in their social interactions. How do we as parents help them thrive in this environment? For families with children ages 3-8. Explore free play options to build confidence, resilience, and socialization skills to stay connected with others. Amanda Craig, PhD, LMFT will arm you with activities your child can enjoy with family or friends inside or outside. Learn how to support your child’s social and emotional development. Click HERE for more information and to register.
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New Canaan Cares presents The Social Skills Guide for Tweens
Feb 8 at 9:30 AM, virtual
Learn how to help your tween stay socially connected during taxing times and teach them to work through the myriad emotions they are experiencing. Find out how to support your tweens while they navigate friendships and allow them to build their independence and resilience. During the tween years, massive brain restructuring occurs that will change our little kids into legit middle schoolers. Amanda Craig, PhD, LMFT guides this presentation for families with children ages 9-12. Click HERE for more information and to register.
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Need More Information? Have Questions? Click HERE for our newly improved Saxe PTC website.
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