Next Wednesday, November 27, Newton Public Schools (NPS) will host its inaugural Alumni Breakfast at 9AM-11AM at the Education Center (100 Walnut Street). All alumni of the Newton Public Schools are welcome. This event is intended to be a relaxed gathering between old high school friends to catch up, learn about the new system of alumni gatherings, and give some feedback about what can be implemented in the future for the alumni community at NPS. Alumni may RSVP here.
Fig City News reached out to NPS Superintendent Dr. Anna Nolin with some questions about the event.
FCN: What are the main goals of this event, and what do you hope that alumni can take away from it?
Dr. Nolin: This event is the first step establishing a formal connecting point between the district and alumni. The goal is to establish a stronger bond with our vibrant alumni community as a gateway to engagement with previous classes across generations and develop a pathway to supporting current Newton student success. We want to get feedback on how we prepared students for their next steps (after Newton) based on their class and generation.
FCN: What role do you see alumni members playing in supporting or shaping the future of the Newton district?
Dr. Nolin: Since this work is still so new for the district, there are limitless opportunities. Initial parts include: events, spirit activities and development campaign activities. We hope the alumni join in helping us design what partnership could look like in the future.
FCN: What are some of the activities or discussions that participants can expect?
Dr. Nolin: As the first event of this type with the district, we’re hoping to have discussions with alumni about their experience as Newton students and learn about how well they feel the schools made them future ready.
FCN: How do you envision this gathering contributing to the school community, both for alumni members and current students?
Dr. Nolin: Everyone benefits from multigenerational learning and networking. Alumni will have an opportunity to engage with each other and give back to the rising generations of Newton alumni. Current students have an opportunity to learn from people across various industries, and make meaningful connections. A strong alumni base supports ongoing efforts to grow the district, and most especially supports our emerging work around the Portrait of a Learner.
FCN: What would you say to those who are considering whether or not to come to this event to encourage them to reconnect?
Dr. Nolin: We hope alumni will join us for a small bite to eat and to hear a bit about how the district is changing and improving to support student success and outcomes. Since we’re trying to continuously learn and grow the system, we need to have a first-hand reflections of the student experience to help us benchmark and improve. This event marks the start of ongoing engagement with alumni and we’re excited to meet everyone next week!
Jasper He is a Fig City News student reporter and a junior at Newton South High School.
