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John Paterson Elementary School

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The Paw Print

Posted Date: 01/23/26 (04:00 PM)


The Paw Print

Issue #10

January 23, 2026
Paterson Logo
 

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Hello JP Families,
I wanted to remind parents and guardians about our annual Health and Wellness Program. Please review the letter below, which includes important information. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher.

Just a reminder that if your child has to be dropped off for any program, before school, they must be dropped off at 8:00 AM and not before. The office does not open until 8:00 AM, so there will be no access to staff prior to that time. 

Thank you for your partnership! 
Stay warm! 


Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Newington Public Schools Health and Wellness Program supports students in developing lifelong wellness through a comprehensive health and physical education curriculum. The curriculum is written to align with the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Healthy and Balanced Living Curriculum Framework as well as the Guidelines of Comprehensive Health Education.

The state framework includes a developmentally appropriate focus on safe and healthy boundaries. At the elementary level, students learn about appropriate displays of affection, including safe and unsafe touches. They are empowered to set boundaries, feel safe, and talk to a trusted adult when needed. They also learn to respect the boundaries of others. 

The primary goal of the health program is to teach students how to communicate and advocate for their individual needs, stay healthy, and make healthy decisions. Newington Schools believes that these topics are critical for the well-being of our students. They also lay the foundation for prevention of sexual abuse and assault. Per Connecticut General Statute 17a-101q, if you do not want your child to participate in the component of the health curriculum outlined in this letter for this school year, please provide a written request to your child’s teacher by Friday, January 23, 2026. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me to discuss further. 

Sincerely,

Arleen
 

PTO CORNER

Get ready to kick off the Winter Olympics in style! We're hosting an Ice Age movie night for students in grades PK-4, and we can't wait to share the excitement with you. Registration is required, and concessions will be available for purchase. Please note that outside food and drinks are not allowed. A parent or guardian must accompany each student throughout the night.

There will be Olympic themed stations set up for students to complete some challenges. Students who complete the challenges can earn prizes!
There will also be an awesome raffle (cash only!) filled with donations from your JP teachers! Buy some tickets to support the PTO!

Registration here- 


Raffles Include: 
  • Gold Medalist Seating Spring Concert from Mrs. Stern.
  • Gold Medalist Seating Recorder Concert from Mrs. Stern
  • Olympic Relay Races with Mr. Bennett
  • Olympic Makerspace with Mrs. Dalton.
  • Olympic Crafts with Preschoolers.
  • Basketball Shoot Out with Miss Marino.
  • Official Olympics News Anchor with Mrs. Torres-Ruiz.
Poster for 'Ice Age Olympics Movie Night' on Friday, February 6th at 6 PM in the John Paterson Gym, featuring Olympic rings, a mammoth, popcorn, and movie tickets.
FAQ for Paterson Family Movie Night featuring 'Ice Age Olympics' with event details.

The World-Famous Harlem Wizards together with your John Paterson PTO, JWMS PAC & Ruth Chaffee PTA want to invite you and the whole family to join them for a night of tricks, hoops, and alley-oops!

MUST choose John Paterson at checkout for a portion of ticket sales to go back to John Paterson students

The Harlem Wizards basketball team poses for a promotional image, wearing purple and red uniforms with the team logo.

Save the Date -
Poster for the 'Light the Night Glow Dance' presented by John Paterson PTO, featuring neon text and graffiti-style graphics.
 

Early Childhood Screening

 

DATES TO REMEMBER


February 3rd - PL Day - Early Dismissal at 1:40pm

February 12 - 16 - February Break - No School

February 16 - President's Day - No School

February 17 - PL Day - Early Dismissal at 1:40 pm
 
Advertisement for Newington Public Schools seeking bus drivers, with yellow school buses in the background.
 

Updated District Calendar

Please click the button below and make sure you have the most up-to-date school calendar.
A school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, with monthly grids and key dates.
 
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