Parents And Teachers

Created A Positive Experience

To the Editor:

I would like to thank all of the parents that gave up their Friday to decorate the Newtown Middle School gym for the eighth grade dance. You worked your magic to turn a drab, lifeless gym into a magical nightscape that will never be forgotten. As a working parent, I was sorry I was not able to help, but I wanted to be sure to thank all of you for putting forth such a valiant effort. It was a hot, muggy, hot, humid, hot, sticky (did I mention hot) day, yet you pushed aside your comfort to assure the eighth graders had a night they will never forget. I am only aware of the names of a few parents that were there — Linnea Teetsel, Po Murray, Betsy Hoyt, Jen Peterson, Angela Thill, Jill Mossbarger, Pam Davis, Laura Buzzanca, Cindy Cowen, Laura Fuori — so I want to mention them by name. I wish I knew everyone so I could thank them personally. When picking up my daughter afterward, she and her friends could not stop talking about how beautiful it looked. You did an outstanding job. Despite the oppressive heat, every eighth grader I spoke with said they had a great time!

I would also like to personally thank all of the teachers at NMS for taking my young child as she entered seventh grade and transforming her into a mature, young lady, ready to enter high school with a positive attitude, a drive to do well, and all the skills a student needs to be successful. The teachers of 7 Orange (Unger, Catanese, Ventresca, and Mulligan) and 8 Blue (Sinal, Cruz, Kachevsky, and Poulter) will be forever in my debt; thank you for taking such good care of Ryanne. Ryanne’s younger sister Madison will be entering NMS in September and from what I have seen, she is sure to have an equally positive experience.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Duffy

4 Chestnut Knoll Drive, Sandy Hook                               June 6, 2010