May 16, 2025
Dear Saxe MS Family,
There is something about the sun coming out on a Friday afternoon after a week that felt like it was mostly cloudy and raining. While it took most of the week for the weather to cooperate, the learning, activities, and experiences that our students had were ever-present, every day! This week in the Saxe Weekly, we take a look at the latest Saxe News, Automation & Robotics, Science, Math, Model UN, a wildlife presentation, AAPI Heritage Month, an internet safety reminder, grade 8 end of year events overview, a lost & found reminder, positive messaging, Art, recess, Social Studies, Library, some classy & competitive gentlemen, Dogs of Saxe, and much more. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!
Be Well,
Dave Gusitsch
Principal, Saxe Middle School
Upcoming Noteworthy Dates:
5/20 NCHS Internships begin @ Saxe
5/21 Saxe Orchestra Concert (7:00 pm)
*Quotes that resonated with us this week:
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated.” —R. Collier
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”— Vince Lombardi
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try”-Unknown
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”-Maya Angelou
“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.”-George A. Sheehan
Saxe Jokes:
How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together!
What are two things you can’t have for breakfast? Lunch and dinner.
Why can’t you trust tacos? Because they always spill the beans!
How does a flower ride a bike? With its petals
Which is the cutest of all the seasons? Awww-tumn.
Saxe News
Check out the latest episode of Saxe News! Thank you to Mr. Petrakopoulos, the Saxe News crew, and everyone who participated in another terrific episode!
Automation and Robotics
This week in Robotics and Automation, our students had an exciting visit from the high school robotics team! They shared valuable insights about the robotics opportunities available at the high school level, inspiring our students to get involved. The highlight was when students got hands-on experience driving the competition robot, sparking their curiosity and enthusiasm. It was a fantastic chance for them to see real-world applications of what they’re learning. We’re grateful to the high school team for taking the time to encourage our young engineers.
Science
This week in science class, 8th graders explored the Earth’s day/night and seasonal patterns using a variety of hands-on and digital platforms.
Model UN
The Saxe Middle School Model UN club has been invited to participate in the NCHS/Saxe MS scrimmage. The event will take place on Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 – 1:00. This scrimmage is open to any member of the Saxe Middle School Model UN Club. NCHS high schoolers will be participating as well as chairing the room. Saxe has been assigned to the Paris Peace Conference room. During the scrimmage our students will be asked to analyze issues without previous bias and emulate the foreign policy of the country assigned to them. They will then present their ideas to a committee of students, and then work together to share ideas and come up with real-world solutions. By participating in this scrimmage, our student delegates will have the opportunity to view the world through a wider lens, and embark on the path to becoming more global citizens. We will be preparing for the scrimmage in our weekly club meetings.
Wildlife Presentation
Ms. Jarosik was honored to be asked to present her wildlife photography to Mrs. Pennoyer’s and Ms. Sinski’s photography and Photoshop classes at NCHS on Tuesday. Mr. Whitlock was able to project her presentation on the DOME which made it even more fun for all involved!
Fun fact: Not only is Ms. Jarosik a wildlife photographer, she dives with sharks, both in the wild and at the Maritime Center in Norwalk!
Math
Finding Central Tendencies in M7! Who says learning isn’t fun! 🙂
AAPI Heritage Month
This month, we honor the contributions of fellow Americans with Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. This week, we celebrate the lives and work of Jane Luu, Tyrus Wong, Yo-Yo Ma, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Ah Bing – our lives, and society in general, would not be the same without their contributions!
Saxe Community Update
Based on recent conversations, we felt it was good timing for a reminder on internet safety and the importance of “online awareness”. Our students learn about these important topics throughout the year, but just like anything else, “refreshers” help keep our learning fresh. Below is the message that went out to students:
Dear Students,
As we head into the final month of school, and then summer, we want to remind you of what you have learned through your digital citizenship lessons this year.
- Only interact digitally with people you know in real life—never respond to messages from strangers.
- Never share personal information online, including your full name, address, school, phone number, or photos.
- Remember: anything you post, send, or share can be saved, copied, or shared—even if you think it disappears.
- Don’t respond to pressure from anyone asking you to do or share something that makes you uncomfortable. You can always say no.
- If something feels off, trust your instincts—and talk to an adult you trust right away.
- Don’t keep secrets that make you feel uneasy—you are never alone, and it’s always okay to ask for help.
- It is always great to disconnect and practice “tech-free” time to enjoy “life beyond the screen”!
Please reach out to a parent or another trusted adult if you ever feel uncomfortable about any online interactions. Remember, you are never alone, and support is always available. If you have any concerns about yourself or a friend, or have any questions about this topic, please reach out to your family, school counselor, administrator, or use the resources below. We are all committed to working together to keep you safe and supported.
Sincerely,
The Saxe MS Counseling Team
Mrs. Beltran (Sarah.Beltran@ncps-k12.org)
Mr. Lepisto (Brad.Lepisto@ncps-k12.org)
Mrs. Nettleton (Tammy.Nettleton@ncps-k12.org)
Resources
- Saxe Middle School Counselors: (203) 594-4538
- Sandy Hook Promise Anonymous Reporting System 1-844-5-SayNow or text “TIP” to 79775
- Saxe SRO, Officer Blank, 203-594-4583, or the New Canaan Police Department: (203) 594-3500
Grade 8 End of Year Events Overview
Earlier this week, we shared the exciting lineup for the end-of-year events for our 8th-graders, along with a little information about each. Below is the message that went out to our students:
The below message includes information on many of the end-of-year events that are part of the tradition of celebrating your final weeks at Saxe Middle School. It is a terrific line-up and each is special and fun in its own way! As we approach our final month of school, I would like to commend you as a class for being leaders and setting the bar high as it relates to following rules and expectations to help keep our school community safe, and be the best we can be. Thank you! I would also like to remind you that it is important to finish strongly and continue to “lead the way” by setting a good example of what it means to keep the standard high by following those same rules and expectations throughout our closing weeks.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your counselor, teacher, trusted adult, or me. Thanks again for all that each of you do to make Saxe MS the special place that it is!
8th Grade Class Trip – Wednesday, June 11th:
This year, for our 8th-grade trip, we will be returning to Brownstone Adventure Sports Park in Portland, CT. The 8th grade class will be able to enjoy a fun-filled day of swimming, ziplining, rock climbing, and a variety of other activities at one of Connecticut’s best water parks! Students should prepare for a day outside and bring or wear the following: bathing suits, towels, sunscreen, water shoes, etc. Given the nature of the activities, students should feel comfortable wearing a t-shirt/swim shirt and/or shorts over their swimsuits (note: life preservers are required to be worn at all times, and are provided by the venue). If they are planning to do rock climbing, sneakers or climbing shoes are required. Students may bring a bag lunch or purchase one at the snack bar. Based on previous experiences, the lines to purchase lunch can be quite long, so packing a bag lunch is suggested. Bag lunches should not have glass bottles or any peanut products. To avoid loss, theft, or damage, we strongly encourage students to leave their cell phones at home. If students choose to bring them, they should be powered down and stored in their bags, and/or secured in the on-site lockers that are available to rent. Chaperones will have a phone in the event of an emergency, and communication will be sent to parents when we leave the park and as we get closer to Saxe. In the unlikely event that you would need to contact your child, you may call the school, and they will contact the on-site administrator. Students should arrive at school at the regular time and report to their designated room. Buses will return to Saxe at approximately *3:15 pm. The cost of the trip is $99. Tickets may be purchased, and permission slips completed, using the following links below.
* Students will be returning after the regular school day. Please coordinate transportation home accordingly.
- Brownstone Payment
- Permission Form *Brownstone permission form must be filled out in order to enter the park. Or you can scan for the permission slip here:
**If your child(ren) cannot attend the field trip, please contact Ms. Benware at Lin.Benware@ncps-k12.org for attendance purposes.
NCHS Grad Walk – Thursday, June 12th:
We are looking forward to continuing this special tradition with the utmost spirit possible… We encourage all of our students and staff to wear their best NC colors/outfits and be ready to respectfully join in celebrating the NCHS Class of 2025 as they walk the halls of Saxe MS one last time!
Class of 2025 Farewell Bash – Thursday, June 12th:
Planning is in full swing for a final farewell to an amazing class. Yes, there will be music and dancing, but also a wide variety of other games and activities for everyone to enjoy. There is no specific theme, so we encourage our students to dress comfortably to enjoy a fun send-off with their friends. The cost of the ticket is $40 and may be purchased online through the Saxe PTC website using the following link: Bash Tickets. The event is scheduled for 5:30 – 7:30 pm on the Saxe Field, rain or shine.
8th Grade Yearbook Distribution – Friday, June 13th:
8th-grade students are the first to see the 2024-25 yearbooks. They turned out great and we are excited for them to receive them to share memories from their final year at Saxe MS!
Bagel Breakfast – Monday, June 16th:
Students will enjoy a casual breakfast with their friends.
Promotion Practice – Monday, June 16th (@ Saxe) and Tuesday, June 17th (@ NCHS):
Students will report to school, per usual. During the day, they will run through their promotion practice to be set and ready to go for the big show on Wednesday, June 18th, as the Saxe Middle School Class of 2025!
Class Picnic – Tuesday, June 17th:
Get ready for a fantastic afternoon at the 8th Grade Class Picnic on June 17th! An afternoon filled with laughter, games, and delicious food. To ensure we have enough for everyone, we’re offering students three delicious sandwich options. Please let us know your student’s preference by Friday, May 16, 2025 (this is a 1-day grace period, as responses were due by 5/15). If a response is not received, Option #1 will be the default choice. Click HERE to make your selection.
Last Recess – Tuesday, June 17th:
During their last class period at Saxe MS, students and staff take one more opportunity to get outside to enjoy and appreciate their time together!
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony – Wednesday, June 18th:
We are so excited to celebrate our 8th graders! This event marks the final day of our 8th graders’ middle school careers and a celebration of all they have accomplished during their time at Saxe. While there is no specific color or type of attire required, this is a special occasion for our students, and we ask that they dress appropriately. The ceremony will take place in the NCHS Gymnasium from 9:45 am-11:00 am, but drop off is at Dunning Field at 9:15 am.
Should the costs associated with any events be prohibitive, please reach out to your child’s counselor. For general questions regarding any of our end-of-year celebrations, please reach out to our 8th-grade assistant, Ms. Benware, at (203) 594-4538 or Lin.Benware@ncps-k12.org. We look forward to celebrating our Saxe MS Class of 2025, together!
Lost & Found
Friendly reminder: as we approach the final month of school, please check the lost and found for any belongings that may have been left behind. There are tons of items and everything will be donated, but we would love to reconnect some of these belongings with their original owners! 🙂 A big thank you to our custodial staff who have taken such wonderful care of these items. Thank you for your help!
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Below are photos and phrases that were included on our Saxe Middle School page (@SaxeMS) this week. Enjoy!
The 8Red Bulletin Board has been refreshed & in true Saxe Hawks fashion, the theme is “Where will your wings take you?”… There are so many great messages that will serve our students well in life!
Clay creations are shaping up in Ms. Gianetta’s Art class! It’s always fun to see the individual “personalities” & creativity come to life!
We are still battling some “spring shower” weather in mid-May, but we try to get our kids out for some fresh air, activity, & socialization whenever possible during Saxe Recess… We had about 80 Saxe MS students “dodging raindrops”, but having fun on an otherwise dreary day!
Engaging discussion on the Cold War in Ms. Sikora’s Saxe SS class. It included several “point/counter-points,” & students made informed stances as they relate to strategy & national safety. Great to hear the different perspectives & the respectful manner in which they conversed!
Saxe MS students were busy researching unique traits in the animal kingdom this week. Dolphins, whales, sea turtles, platypuses, bats, & sharks were just a few I heard about… Full teams were using the Lower Level & Upper Mez of the Library and it was a great experience for all!
Echolocation, geomagnetic tracking, sonar, & olfactory senses were just a few of the “superpowers” being researched… Thanks to our Saxe Science teachers for creating this engaging learning opportunity!
Some of our Saxe MS 8th-graders were dressed to impress as a lead-up to their big rivalry game in lacrosse this evening! And, they didn’t let the “nice duds” hold them back from keeping the competitive spirit alive during Saxe Recess, either… Good luck tonight – Go NC!
Dogs Of Saxe
Cali, Chase, & Boomer were just a few of the Dogs Of Saxe that were out to see their humans off to school at Saxe MS this week!
Have a great week, see you next Friday!
Thank you to all of our Saxe Weekly contributors! Each weekly edition is an example of collaboration in action. A special thanks to Melissa DiMeglio for the continuous stream of positive, optimistic quotes!
Saxe Resources (live links)
Website: https://www.ncps-k12.org/saxe
Saxe Middle School
Celebrating Our Learning Community Through Caring, Communication, & Commitment
