CO-PRESIDENTS' LETTER
Dear Saxe parents -
After the past several months of lamenting all that we’ve lost, it seems more important than ever that in November we turn to everything for which we are thankful. And we are so thankful for our amazing community at Saxe. We didn’t know what to expect with this year’s Celebrate Saxe campaign but were once again blown away by the support of Saxe families. We were able to raise nearly $100,000 all while taking the time to help our kids celebrate their amazing school community.
In addition to funding the Saxe PTC operating budget, your donations will also be used to support the Saxe faculty and staff adhere to state regulations that enable us to keep our kids learning, no matter what Covid throws at us next. Already, we have purchased additional water bottle filling stations, new bike racks, and other items to improve the physical space at Saxe. Over the next weeks and months, we will be working closely with the Saxe teachers to identify other needs. We will keep you posted on how your donations will be put to use.
We are also incredibly thankful for our amazing group of PTC volunteers for their time and flexibility in keeping our programs going in these unusual times:
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Laura Prior and Julie Passios—our rockstar VPs of Ways & Means. Thank you for your amazing creativity in pivoting this year’s campaign away from the hoopla of in-school events and contests and into one that celebrated the community that makes Saxe so special. The results speak for themselves.
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Laura Vellente and Stacey Harmon for their daily crunching of the numbers and Julie O’Brien Deasy for keeping the constant communications flowing.
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Emily Cannon, Jenn Fittipaldi, Katie Holmstead and Andrea Wilderman—our Saxe Spiritwear team. Thank you for keeping our kids looking cool while showing their Saxe pride as well as setting up pick up stations on their front porches.
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Leah Kittredge and Neely Leslie —our hospitality mavens. Thank you for treating our staff and teachers to delicious food and refreshments during the open houses.
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Jayne Benton and Nancy Burges, thank you for supporting the photographers with much needed caffeine and treats during an unusual and seemingly endless series of Picture Days!
The positive impact that our parent community has on the overall enrichment of our kids middle school experience can not be overstated. We are so thankful for each of you.
Jenny Volanakis and Patty Zoccolillo
Saxe PTC Co-Presidents
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PRINCIPAL'S LETTER
Dear Saxe Parents,
Thank you to everyone who participated in the hugely successful Celebrate Saxe campaign. The “life” that we are living right now is anything but normal, but the result of Celebrate Saxe was once again consistent with amazing support and participation. Celebrate Saxe allows our staff to dream big and bring opportunities to fruition that may not be possible otherwise. Ultimately, our students are on the positive receiving end and we are beyond grateful for this commitment to our learning community.
As we enter the season of “thanks”, I appreciate the gift of time to be with family and friends. Even though this year will look different with less travel, masks, social distancing, and virtual visits, I hope to maintain perspective on all that we truly have to be thankful for. Whether we are operating at full-capacity, in a hybrid model, or remotely, we will continue to offer the best experience possible for our entire Saxe community. I appreciate everything that everyone has done to allow us to be where we are today and I wish you the best in this season of thanks!
Sincerely,
Dave Gusitsch
Principal, Saxe Middle School
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No School — Election Day
Nov 3
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Thanksgiving Break
Nov 26-29
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Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Nov 4
During the professional learning afternoon on November 4, the Saxe PTC will 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 turkey apple brie wrap, butternut squash chicken, veggies and hummus, 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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Rescheduled Student Photo Day!
Nov 6
The picture day originally slated for Oct 30 has been postponed. All 6th and 8th grade students who have not had their pictures taken before will be rescheduled for November 6th. Photos may be ordered online or through the paper order form that will be sent home with students. Send completed forms in with students on their assigned Photo Day.
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5th/6th Grade Musical—Willy Wonka Jr.
Now through early November
Production is underway on this year's 5/6th grade musical Willy Wonka Jr. Click HERE for rehearsal schedule and updated information.
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Have You Thanked a Nurse Today?
A huge shout out to Joelle Graham and Sara Paine, our amazing Saxe nurses. They have been working tirelessly with the administration and the New Canaan Department of Health on contact tracing, balancing the need to keep our kids healthy and safe with the need to keep them learning.
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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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Teen Decision Making: A Community Conversation
Nov 4 at 7:00 PM, Virtual Program
Join New Canaan CARES for an exciting discussion on how to coach your kids on important topics related to their teenage years. Get recommendations on what issues parents should discuss. Learn the value of positive parent/teen communication. Hear how parents can support teens to make healthy decisions now and in the future. Recommended for families with children ages 13 and above. Presented in partnership with RAM Council. Moderated by Joyce Sixsmith, MA, LADC, President Ram Council Foundation Inc. Attorney Matthew Maddox, Maddox Law Firm. Click HERE for more information and to register.
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The Covid Holiday Guide
Nov 11 at 9:30 AM, Virtual Program
The holidays will look different this year. What is your family plan this holiday season? Chelsea McGee, LCSW Julianne Green, LMSW Chelsea and Julianne will provide ideas on what to include in your plan to stay connected and celebrate the gifts in the moment.Click HERE for more information and to register.
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Register for New Canaan Squash
Programs are available for boys and girls K-12. No experience is necessary! New players are welcome to try a free clinic. Squash has famously been called “the world’s healthiest sport” thanks to the high intensity workouts that improve strength, balance and agility, all while being fun and social! Is your field hockey or lacrosse player looking for speed and agility conditioning? Is your football player looking for winter conditioning? Does your soccer player want to improve their footwork? Does your tennis player want winter court time? Squash is the perfect complement to almost any other sport and so many of our players are multi-sport athletes. Click HERE for more information. If you have any questions or to register for a new player clinic, please contact Liz Schmidt for 5th/6th grade and Allison Zinczenko for 7th/8th grade.
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Need More Information? Have Questions? Click HERE for our newly improved Saxe PTC website.
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