Back to school season kicked off in a big way last week at Newtown Middle School (NMS).

NMS PTA members treated staff to a special luncheon on August 21. The school’s administrators and staff also celebrated incoming seventh graders with a student walk-through later that same day.

Early Thursday morning was a busy time for NMS PTA President Heymi Colon and fellow PTA members. The group set out food, drinks, and goodies in the cafeteria to honor staff for their hard work and dedication to the students.

Off to one side of the room was a hydration station, where NMS staff could get their own complimentary glass cup that came with a wooden lid and straw. Wrapped around the lid of each cup was a string tied into a bow, with a tag that read, “Wishing you an amazing school year! Love your NMS PTA.”

Colon said they set it up so everybody could get their cup, grab some ice, and pick whatever drink they wanted. Staff members could choose between water, lemonade, and seltzer, or make their own drink with special flavorings.

The PTA also had a sign encouraging people to try two specialty drink recipes. One was The Sweet Sue, a mango seltzer named after NMS Executive Administrative Assistant Sue Zimmerman, who Colon said “runs the school and is amazing.” The other was called The Ross, a raspberry mint lemonade drink named after NMS Principal Jim Ross.

In the center of the cafeteria was a long table featuring a wide variety of food. Staff members could treat themselves to a taco bar with pork carnitas, beef barbacoa, and chicken barbacoa, with gluten-free corn tortillas as a base. They could top their tacos with salsa verde, salsa rojo, and salsa de guacamole sauces, and then pair with sides such as Mexican-style rice, Mexican-style beans, and chips and guacamole.

Guests could also fill their plates with their choices of mixed green salad, Greek salad, sautéed veggies, gluten-free sandwiches, brownies, and cookies.

NMS teachers, aides, nurses and custodians were all invited to the luncheon.

Everyone was called to the cafeteria after PTA members finished setting up. As the school’s staff poured into the room, a smile lit up their faces when they saw everything laid out for them.

NMS PTA Co-Vice President Denise Webb called supporting them a “give and take.” With grants the PTA acquired last year, Webb said they fulfilled student and staff requests such as digital cameras for the yearbook club, reading materials for RISE students, and a NewVission Interactive Board for the band/music room.

Volunteers and funds also provided for several student events such as pep rallies, picture day, and Pi Day.

“It’s because of everyone’s help that we were able to support the teachers and staff like this,” Webb said.

NMS PTA members also ran a booth during the luncheon, encouraging staff to join the PTA.

After a brief introduction from Ross, Colon addressed NMS staff and thanked them for their hard work.

“We really hope you enjoy everything,” Colon said. “We do this for you guys because we want you to have the best year ever. We appreciate you so much.”

NMS PTA members extended their gratitude to Pancho’s Tacos Mexican Restaurant in Danbury for providing the tacos, and Rocco’s Deli in Bethel for donating the two salads, sautéed veggies, and two large cookie trays.

Student Walk-Through

Later it was time for incoming seventh grade students to check out their new school for the first time.

The annual student walk-through is an opportunity for students to visit their homeroom and meet their cluster teachers before the first day of school.

NMS administrators greeted parents and children as they walked through the front door before guiding them to where they need to go.

As people explored the building, teachers waited outside or inside their classrooms, excited to meet their new students.

To celebrate the occasion, NMS PTA members served everyone italian ices in the cafeteria. This way, after students familiarized themselves with the building and their cluster teachers, they could end the day with a sweet treat.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.