Newtown Middle School hosted its annual Celebration of the Arts event on Tuesday, April 26.

Doors opened for 6 pm for families to mingle and see student artwork on display, hear student musical performances, and get a glimpse at other areas of the school's curriculum.

For this year's Celebration of the Arts each student at the school, according to NMS art teacher Leigh Anne Coles, created handwritten postcards to announce the event. The postcards were sent home to family and friends.

"It's awesome," said Ms Coles in the middle of a hallway at the school as parents and students walked by, saying hello or looking at the artwork decorating the walls.

Ms Coles said she is "really proud" of her students for continuously "raising the bar."

"The kids did awesome," said NMS art teacher Kristen Ladue.

This year's Celebration of the Arts, Ms Ladue said, was everything she wanted it to be "and more."

"We have a huge turnout, which is amazing," said Ms Ladue.

NMS Principal Thomas Einhorn said he, too, is proud of the students.

"I'm just so proud of the kids and their commitment to the arts. It is just so amazing to see their talent," said Mr Einhorn, who stood near the main entrance to the school to greet attendees.

Mr Einhorn also said he appreciates the efforts staff and parents made to make the night come together.

One table was set up to announce the publication of the 2016 Opus Optima, the NMS's award-winning literary arts magazine.

Seventh grader Mackenzie Hughes, who was near the table, said she helped contribute to the magazine along with her fellow students. Mackenzie said this year's Opus Optima is "really nice, because all of the students contributed."

Copies of the 2016 Opus Optima can be purchased online at showtix4u.com by searching for "Opus Optima." Copies are $13.79. The deadline to order copies online is May 31, but the literary magazine will also be on sale at the school through the end of the school year.