Students, families highlight arts, PE and school culture at Newfields Elementary

Students and families showcased Newfields Elementary School programs and community partnerships in a short video produced by the school.

A student (speaker 2) described Unified Arts at NES, saying, "We get to try new things and be creative and we learn stuff that helps us outside of school too." The student credited Mrs. Walsh for hands-on activities that make engineering and science enjoyable and said the library program with Mrs. Lieberman includes visits from a local bookstore.

Another student (speaker 3) highlighted monthly assemblies that let students host, share talents and practice public speaking. He noted Veterans Day as a special assembly when "Mr. Hobie Harmon talked to us about being a veteran" and students thanked veterans for their service.

In physical education, a student (speaker 4) said PE teacher Mrs. Yao connects exercise to real life, brings in Karate International and partners with Northeast Passage to teach inclusive athletics. The student also described field trips to Camp Lincoln and a Pickleball tournament where students pair with adults.

On the arts, a student credited Ms. Baskewell for lessons about artists such as Picasso and Frida Kahlo and noted that student work remains on campus, including a 'Snap Shack' mural outside the school.

A parent (speaker 5) said he is "the dad of two happy and thriving NES students" and praised the school's culture of responsibility, caring and continuous improvement, adding that any town funds given to NES "will be used in the same manner." The video ends with an invitation to the public hearing and deliberative session.

These testimonials were presented alongside the school's budget overview and meeting dates.