On Sept. 11, students from Newbury Elementary School participated in a ceremony to honor and remember the people who lost their lives on Sept.…
9/11 Commemoration
On Sept. 11, students from Newbury Elementary School participated in a ceremony to honor and remember the people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
Students shared their thoughts on what it is to be a hero and thanked local law enforcement and firefighters for the hard work they do every day. The event focused on us putting aside our differences to come together and show the power of patriotism. Newbury Elementary believes that we must show each other kindness and love. We must have the courage to show integrity by always doing the right thing.
Vowel Sounds
Learning short vowel sounds is an important step to becoming a successful reader and first grade is the prime time to work on this skill. Knowing vowel letter-sound relationships is a crucial part of knowing the alphabetic system. Activities that teach short vowel sounds reinforce important skills.
First graders at Newbury Elementary School performed “vowel surgery” on words. It was a fun and engaging way to get students to practice CVC words. Teachers Stephanie May and Elissa Ebbert turned their classrooms in to a “hospital ” and performed “surgery” where vowels are missing and patients are sick.
A New Era of Newbury
They say change can be hard to adapt to. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart or weak minded. But at Newbury High School, it’s what has been long awaited and heavily anticipated. Change is what is beginning to spark the remaking of the Newbury Dynasty, one day at time.
Mr. Chaffee, the principal of the high school and Newbury’s newest addition to the roster, recognizes the hunger and drive of the community. The first thing he noticed about NHS?
“The people here are extremely friendly,” he says with a smile on his face, a man clearly eager to come to work everyday. “And the staff are extremely welcoming.”
What does he think of the students? “[They] are more engaged in class and in clubs and activities than most schools.”
What can we expect from the “New” Newbury? Well for starters, a technology upgrade will be in the works, including a major Google takeover. With the recent addition of Chromebooks and usage of Google Classroom, you could say the tech department will be getting a major facelift.
“We are finally becoming united with the rest of technology,” senior Carly Richards says. “Being able to keep in touch with our classmates and teachers at any time just by using our phones is a lot less stressful.”
The good news is the school is planning to continuously improve the technology, making the classroom experience more connected while being more flexible.
With the addition of Black Knight Time, block scheduling and online classes, students will be able to become more creative with opportunities that will diversify the classroom. The noticeable changes inside and out have had a positive response by students and staff, and hopefully, will gain approval from the community as we continue throughout the school year.
Grace Wright, a veteran student athlete, is thankful for the changes that have been occurring and says, “The school finally feels more school spirited and I love it.”
Newbury has seen administrators come and go, but what does Mr. Chaffee bring to the table? The brightest and most hopeful thing one can bring. A vision. He understands the uniqueness of a place like Newbury and he wants to capitalize on what the school can offer to the students.
Acting as Mrs. Mrakovich’s replacement, as she became superintendent, he notes, “We’re both on the same page, both student driven and have the same vision for the future.”
One noticeable characteristic about the new man in the office is that he is a leader based on commitment. After working over 30 years at Windham High School, being both a principal and coach, he looks to bring those same ethics here.
Although Newbury is going to go through growing pains during its transition period, the future is extremely bright. With a breath of fresh air after recently passing an 8-mil levy, life has been brought back to the little ole school on Auburn Road. With a rich history of academic and athletic success, the new generation of Newbury students is looking to accomplish what their parents achieved however many years ago. The hallways are bustling, the classrooms are engaging and the overall moral is booming. Things are looking good, but they aren’t finished just yet. Mr. Chaffee has a vision and a message he wants to spread across the community.
“Be proud of your uniqueness, and dream big of where Newbury can go,” he says.
Surely his expectations are high, but just talk with him for five minutes and you’ll know he’s got his heart and mind in the right place. (Submitted by Hannah Lewandoski)
