June 6, 2025
Dear Saxe MS Family,
As temps soared close to the 90s this week, it is clear that summer weather is upon us. However, we are not quite to summer, yet! Not only do we have a lot more to look forward to in our last week and a half of the 2024-25 school year, we have a lot of excitement to share from this week. Each edition of the Saxe Weekly is an opportunity to share some snapshots of the amazing learning and experiences that take place within our school community over the course of each week. We appreciate you taking a moment to check it out and hope you enjoy seeing just some of what makes Saxe Middle School so special!
This week in the Saxe Weekly, we take a look at honoring D-Day, the latest Saxe Hawks podcast, Science, Student Leadership, field trip reminders, end-of-year events overview, some Citizenship Awards, the Spring Choral Concert, Knitting Club, some serious Saxe Spirit, a Digital Wellness update, a Lost & Found reminder, community events, the Law Enforcement and Special Olympics Torch Run, a meeting in the NCHS Dome, outdoor learning, recess, a reminder to return library books (please!), a collaborative art project, scenes around Saxe, Dogs of Saxe, and much more. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!
Be Well,
Dave Gusitsch
Principal, Saxe Middle School
Upcoming Noteworthy Dates:
6/9 6:00 pm – Incoming 9th Grade Meet the Coaches Night @ NCHS
6/11 Camp Kiwi (Grade 7) and Brownstone (Grade 8) Field Trips
6/12 NCHS Grad Walk
6/12 5:30 – 7:00 pm – 8th Grade Farewell Bash
6/13 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Grade 8 Yearbook Distribution
*Quotes that resonated with us this week:
“Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.” -Irving Berlin
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci
“Positive anything is better than negative nothing.”-Elbert Hubbard
“Nature has given us all the pieces required to achieve exceptional wellness and health, but has left it to us to put these pieces together.” —Diane McLaren
Saxe Jokes:
Why did the man take his clock to the vet? Because it had ticks.
What state does the most laundry? WASHington!
I only seem to get sick on weekdays. I must have a weekend immune system.
How do you weigh a millennial? In Instagrams!
What vegetable is kind to everyone? The sweet potato!”
Honoring D-Day
We were contacted by a couple of history-minded students who asked that we include an announcement honoring the anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944. Most likely inspired by the curricular connection in the WWII and War Diplomacy & Imperialism Units in their Social Studies classes, we were happy to oblige! It is always important to recognize the events that helped shape our country, and the world. Below is the announcement, with a little bit of trivia around the top-secret nature of the mission…
Did you know that 81 years ago today, over 150,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France? This huge event, called D-Day, was one of the most important moments of World War II. It was such a big secret that even the weather forecast was kept classified! Soldiers from many countries worked together in this massive operation to help bring the war to an end. Today, we remember their bravery, teamwork, and the way their actions helped change the course of history.
Saxe Hawks Podcast
Last week, we shared that we debuted yet another medium in which to get a snapshot of all that goes on at Saxe MS each week. With some AI assistance through Notebook LM, each edition of the Saxe Weekly is able to be converted into a podcast format that is brief (approximately 12 minutes), informative, and fun and easy to listen to! Interested in checking it out? Click here!
Science
Students on 8 Red have been busy making Project Biodiversity come to life over the past few weeks during Workshop. Since presenting their project to Mr. Gusitsch and getting approval, they have laser cut/engraved additional plaques, drilled holes, waterproofed the plaques, and have begun hanging them on trees around the Saxe campus. Currently, there are 5 plaques in place. Can you find them all?
Thank you to all of our students and staff who have been involved in this true gift to our Saxe school community and campus – nice work!
Student Leadership
The 7th grade Leadership Team celebrated all of their hard work this year! Here are a few pictures during their last meeting today. They’ve done such a great job helping to coordinate many community-building initiatives throughout the year here at Saxe, and we are appreciative of their commitment to our school. A huge thanks goes out to our Saxe staff advisors, Ms. Perretti, Ms. Nettleton, Ms. Ryan, and Ms. Grainsky for their contributions over the course of the year!
Field Trip Reminders: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Camp Kiwi Field Trip – Grade 7
We are getting increasingly excited for our class trip next Wednesday, June 11th to Camp Kiwi, and in preparation, wanted to send out a few reminders. We will leave school at approximately 8:15a.m., so students should take their typical mode of transportation to school (i.e. no need to arrive early!) Once attendance has been taken, and return to school by 3:00 p.m. Because this is after bus dismissal, students will be required to find a ride home. Throughout the day students may choose from different activities such as zip lines, paddle boating, ropes course, mini golf, jumping pillow, team sports, or just spending time with their friends. Not only will this trip provide many opportunities to enjoy these activities, these experiences also complement their work this year in Project Adventure and Physical Education (more information about the camp can be found on their website (www.kiwicountrydaycamp.com).
Students should prepare for a day outside and bring or wear the following: comfortable athletic clothing, sneakers, towels, sunscreen, etc. Students should bring a bag lunch and water bottle, as food is not available for purchase. The creamery will open for students to enjoy ice cream, which is included in the cost of the trip. 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. Chaperones will have phones 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.
Brownstone Adventure Park – Grade 8
8th Graders 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 so please make sure to coordinate transportation home.
End of Year Events
Beyond the field trips, here is a quick rundown of the exciting events that are scheduled for the remainder of the school year!
Citizenship Awards
Congratulations to two of our terrific Saxe MS students, Reagan and Luke, who were recognized this week for their “Outstanding leadership, involvement, & participation in activities benefitting citizens with disabilities”, specifically Peer Buddies. We have so many dedicated students and staff members who help make the Peer Buddies program a positive experience for everyone who participates, and we appreciate each of them. Congrats to all involved!
Spring Choral Concert
Congratulations to all staff and students involved in the 7th/8th grade choir concert! You all did an amazing job and should be very proud of yourselves – Bravo to all involved! Below are a few pictures and video links from the amazing performances. Do yourself a favor and check them out, you won’t be disappointed (especially the beginning of Africa)!
The first performance, The Star Spangled Banner, was a terrific way to kick off the Saxe MS Choral Spring Concert – nice work!
Congrats to the 7th-Graders on a wonderful set of songs for the Saxe MS Choral Spring Concert! And, kudos to the brave students who stepped up with solo performances – bravo (CLICK THE LINKS TO LISTEN)!
8th-graders crushing it with an amazing rendition of Toto’s Africa! And, what a fun, creative way to begin the song with snaps, claps, & jumps to sound like rain & thunder “on the plains”!
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”(Click the link to watch/listen!) rounds out the Saxe MS Choral Spring Concert. Congrats to Maddy C on the great solo to kick it off & congrats to the entire Chorus & teachers for a stunning concert!
Knitting Club
Ms. Pesce’s Knitting Club finished out the year strong! She hopes that they have learned a love for knitting that will last a lifetime!
Saxe Spirit
The Final Stretch! We’re not done yet — there’s still learning to do — but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun along the way! The 7th Grade Leadership Team is bringing you 9 days of themed spirit fun to celebrate the end of the year (and all the awesome work you’ve done). It all starts this Friday, June 6th with “S” for Sleepwear and Stuffed Animal Day — roll out of bed, keep those PJs on, and bring a small stuffed animal for some cozy classroom vibes. Open to all 7th and 8th graders— let’s finish strong and have some fun while we’re at it! Below is the rest of the SAXE HAWKS lineup for the remainder of the school year:
Congrats & thanks to our creative students for this amazing Hawk-themed visual display for the series of days!
Digital Wellness Update
Lost and Found
Attention Middle Schoolers! Did you lose your fifty-first hoodie this month? Or maybe your only pencil case? Don’t worry, it’s probably in the Lost & Found, hanging out with other items in need of a new owner, like that one shoe and twenty lunchboxes. If you are missing something, please take a look this week or next. Otherwise, everything will find a new home while you are on summer break!
Local Events
Interested in ballet? Come support Saxe students as they perform in the Dreamscape performance this weekend at NCHS. Best of luck to all involved!
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Below are photos and phrases that were included on our Saxe Middle School page (@SaxeMS) this week. Enjoy!
The Saxe MS crowd is ready to cheer on our New Canaan Police Department, current & former students, & the entire team for the annual Special Olympics(Click the link!) Law Enforcement Torch Run as they processed down South Ave today. What a wonderful experience for all involved!
If this doesn’t make you smile… Our New Canaan Police Department, current & former students, & the entire team for the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run ran by Saxe MS today. What a wonderful experience for all involved!
Here are just a few action shots as the New Canaan Police Department, current & former students, & the entire team for the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run ran by Saxe MS today. Look at those smiles – what a wonderful experience for all involved!
Proud to have had the opportunity to hold one of our last Saxe MS staff meetings in the NCHS Dome this week! Staff were able to have a collective, immersive experience to expand their thinking on how this amazing resource may help them & their students in the future!
And, we were able to celebrate staff members for their service & longevity on the “big screen”! Shout out to Saxe’s longest-serving teacher – Mr. Chard at 36 years!
Outdoor Learning centers were in full effect this week at Saxe MS! From podcasting to Art, & much more, our students benefit from this wonderful environment that our school campus has to offer. Thanks to the team for keeping them all in such great shape!
The fields were full with Saxe MS students enjoying some fresh air, activity, & social time during Saxe Recess this week. Love how many of our students take advantage of this opportunity each & every day!
Love this creative reminder for Saxe MS students to return their books to the Saxe Library! Students and parents, please remember to take a look around your house, locker, and bags to get those books back as early as possible – thank you!
This collaborative Art display in the Saxe MS main lobby impresses me more each day! The attention to detail, creativity, & teamwork that goes into making this look as good as it does is truly amazing & demonstrates just how important these experiences are to our students!
Thank you to Mr. O’Leary (lawns), & the entire team of Saxe Custodians, for the care & attention they give to our Saxe MS campus, inside & out – you are appreciated!
Dogs of Saxe:
Just a few of our Dogs Of Saxe who were out to see their humans off to school at Saxe MS morning drop off 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
