Dear Natchaug Families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year at Natchaug School! As we begin 2025–2026, we do so with a shared commitment to fostering a strong home–school partnership, knowing that when families and educators work together, our students thrive. Your involvement, whether through attending school events, supporting learning at home, or maintaining open communication, plays a vital role in our success.

This year, we are proud to share some exciting news: Natchaug Elementary has been nationally recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for 2025 by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation!  We earned this honor in two areas that are at the heart of our mission- Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning and Increasing Family & Community Engagement. This recognition reflects the way our entire community works together to nurture the whole child.

This national recognition comes in addition to other recent honors:

• Connecticut Association of Schools Elementary School of the Year (2024)

• Connecticut School of Distinction (2024) for exceptional growth on state assessments

• Red, White and Blue School (2024 & 2025) for our commitment to civic education

These awards represent the dedication of our staff, students, and families to building a school where academic excellence, character development, cultural understanding, and community pride go hand in hand.

At Natchaug, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We are proud to be a dual language school, embracing and celebrating the many cultures, languages, and backgrounds that make up our community. We are committed to culturally responsive teaching, ensuring that every student’s identity is affirmed and reflected in our classrooms while developing the skills to engage with the wider world.

Central to our approach is the Responsive Classroom philosophy, which creates a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging. This approach supports social and emotional learning, fosters respect for diverse perspectives, and lays the foundation for strong academic growth.

Attendance will continue to be a key focus this year. Every day in school matters, and consistent attendance builds the skills, knowledge, and confidence students need to succeed. By working together, we can ensure our students are present, engaged, and ready to learn.

I look forward to another year of learning, growing, and celebrating achievements together. Thank you for your partnership in making Natchaug School a place where every student can shine.

Here’s to a fantastic 2025–2026 school year!

Best,

Jeannine Enamait

Principal