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Welcome!
Welcome!
This is the second of three issues of the Noah Wallace IDEA+ Community Newsletter for the 2025–26 school year! The IDEA+ Club is committed to celebrating and uplifting every member of our vibrant school community, and we’re excited to share reflections that highlight our collective diversity and creativity.
This newsletter will feature contributions from YOU—our Noah Wallace families—across three seasonal issues: Fall, Winter, and Spring. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed to this issue. If you couldn’t participate this time, we’d love to include your family’s seasonal celebrations, recipes, traditions, or other reflections in future issues. Whether it’s a personal story, a favorite recipe, a cherished photograph, or a book recommendation, we welcome it all—no idea is too small! Submissions will be featured in upcoming newsletters and on our website.
By sharing glimpses into each other’s worlds, we hope to strengthen and celebrate the dynamic, diverse community that makes Noah Wallace so special.
Thank you for being a part of this journey!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Sights, Tastes, and Sounds of Noah Wallace
Sights, Tastes, and Sounds of Noah Wallace
Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 3pm-5pm
Join us for Noah Wallace’s signature community celebration — a joyful event that brings our school together to share the cultures, traditions, and stories that make our community unique.
Families are invited to explore cultural displays, enjoy live music and performances, create arts and crafts, and experience our new Global Village Parade. You can also take a culinary trip around the world by sampling small bites prepared and shared by Noah Wallace families.
Have you signed up to participate yet?? Don't miss out in being a part of this special event!
Recent Events
Recent Events
Literacy Night: Virtual Evening with Valerie Bolling
Literacy Night: Virtual Evening with Valerie Bolling
A Black History Month Spotlight
Featuring A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change
Thursday, February 5th at 5:45pm
Noah Wallace students joined peers from across Farmington—and even other towns—during a special virtual literacy event in collaboration with CREC. Connecticut author Valerie Bolling shared a reading and discussion of her new book, A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change.
Students received copies of the book and were able to read along with the author, followed by an engaging Q&A session. During the discussion, Valerie Bolling explained the inspiration behind the book’s memorable title. Just as fleas can be pesky and impossible to ignore, she shared that sometimes sparking change requires individuals to “make others scratch”—to bring attention to injustice and inspire action.
Throughout the reading, students were invited to reflect on the illustrations, quotes, and themes that accompany the story of civil rights advocate Marian Wright Edelman. The book closes with a powerful question for readers to consider: “What will you do to make someone scratch?”
Thank you to Kristen Wilder and Natalie Simpson for helping coordinate this special event and for including the Noah Wallace community in such a meaningful learning opportunity.
From the Classroom
From the Classroom
Who We Are Inside: 4th Graders Explore Identity Through Art
Who We Are Inside: 4th Graders Explore Identity Through Art
Submitted by Art Teacher Mrs. Fernandes
In our 4th-grade art class, we recently went on a special journey to discover what makes each of us unique. The project was all about artistic expression and identity, but we didn’t just paint what we see in the mirror. Instead, we used a simple idea to help us think deeper: the layers of an apple.
We talked about how everyone has three layers. First, there is the "Skin," which is what we look like on the outside. This is usually the first layer the world sees. The “skin’ is our outward appearance, our style. Then, there is the "Flesh," which represents our actions, the things we like to do: our hobbies/sports or favorite books/shows/games/movies. Finally, there is the "Core." This is the most important part—it’s where our feelings/thoughts/opinions, our values, family traditions, our kindness, and our cultures live.
The art room became a busy workshop of ideas. While on the first day students created a traditional portrait sketch that focused on facial proportions, for the actual project I told my students they could use any materials they wanted and they could represent themselves in any way shape or form of their choosing. I gave them more than 30 different artists as inspiration. The results were amazing! Some students used cardboard and glue to build 3D shapes that showed their strengths. Others used bright paints and markers to draw symbols of their families and their favorite traditions. Some even used words like "brave" or "creative" to decorate their work.
Watching the students work was the best part. They didn't just make "pretty" pictures; they worked hard to show who they really are inside. Sometimes a drawing didn't turn out right the first time, but they didn't give up. They tried new things and found new ways to tell their stories, and most importantly, they experimented!!!
I am so incredibly proud of my students for being so brave during this project. It can be a little scary to show other people your "Core" or to try an art material you’ve never used before but our 4th graders stepped up and created something that was beautiful, fantastic and as unique as they are.
Student Peacemakers Lead the Way in Building a Caring School Community
Student Peacemakers Lead the Way in Building a Caring School Community
Submitted by Principal Dr. Huber
Our school community recently gathered for a special assembly led entirely by our student Peacemakers, who taught classmates about the important role they play in helping everyone feel safe, heard, and respected at school.
The presentation began with Peacemakers explaining that their role is to help classmates talk through problems in calm and respectful ways. By listening carefully to both sides of a disagreement, they help students share their feelings and work together to find fair solutions. Students shared that conflicts can happen anywhere; during recess, in the classroom, or among friends. When problems go unsolved, small disagreements can grow into bigger conflicts. Peacemakers help prevent this by supporting classmates in solving problems early so everyone can return to learning and enjoying their day.
During the assembly, Peacemakers introduced several strategies they use to guide conversations. One tool is the Peace Warrior, which reminds students to stay calm and respectful. They also use Feelings and Needs Cards to help classmates identify and express their emotions and what they need to move forward.
Students also taught the school community how to use an “I” message, such as:
“I feel upset when this happens, and I need help solving it.” Using “I” messages helps students communicate their feelings without blaming others. During CREW students chose scenario cards and generated “I” messages in order to practice.
Another important part of being a Peacemaker is acting as an upstander or ally. Sometimes something as simple as saying hello can help someone feel included, safe, and like they belong. The Peacemakers also demonstrated the Peace Path, a step-by-step process for resolving conflicts. Students first take a breath to calm their bodies, then share their feelings and needs, listen respectfully to one another, and finally agree on a fair solution that helps repair the situation.
To close the presentation, students revisited the story The Empty Balloon, which reminds us that everyone carries an invisible balloon filled with feelings throughout the day. If we don’t release those feelings in healthy ways, they can spill out as frustration or hurtful behavior. Peacemakers help classmates “empty their balloons” through positive strategies such as talking, breathing, using “I” messages, or asking for help.
Thank you again to Diane Hacker and Elizabeth Courtney who are our adult leaders for our student Peacemakers. Our school continues to grow as a place where students learn not only academics, but also the skills needed to care for one another and build a peaceful community.
Upcoming Community Events
Upcoming Community Events
The Art of Shearing
The Art of Shearing
Hill-Stead Museum | 35 Mountain Road, Farmington, CT
Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 10am-4pm
An Interactive Celebration and Demonstration of All Things Fiber!
While our sheep are being shorn, Hill-Stead Museum will welcome fiber artists and vendors demonstrating skirting, carding, spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting, felting, and more. There will be free hayrides to and from the barns, food vendors, and craft activities. Learn what it takes to create something “from sheep to shawl.”
Children's Author Reading and Q+A: Janice Hechter
Children's Author Reading and Q+A: Janice Hechter
Farmington Library
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 2pm-3pm
Free (Registration Required)
Join Children's Author and Illustrator Janice Hechter for a reading of her newest book The Power of Her Paintbrush! After the reading, there will be time for Q & A and there will be an opportunity to purchase copies from Riverbend Books that Janice can sign!
Summary of The Power of Her Paintbrush from Publisher: "Theresa Bernstein discovered her love for art at age seven when she drew her first portrait. As a teenager, her photographic memory and sketching skills earned her recognition in art school. After moving to New York, Theresa faced sexism in the art world but persevered. Using the name "T. Bernstein" to hide her gender, she gained attention for her work. Challenging societal norms, she painted real-life women at a time when female artists were largely ignored. Despite discrimination due to her gender and Jewish faith, Theresa secured solo exhibitions and sold her works. She continued creating art into her 100s, leaving a lasting mark on the art world."
Access for All Community Day
Access for All Community Day
New Britain Museum of American Art
Polish Heritage Celebration
Saturday, March 28 from 11am - 2pm
Free - registration required
In collaboration with the Polish Language School in New Britain and other local organizations and artists, the Museum celebrates the rich cultural heritage, history, and achievements of the community through the arts. Belvedere Café will takeover the Museum Café for the day.
¡Viva Puerto Rico!
Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free - registration required
Join us in kicking off the Museum’s multi-year initiative to address the intersections, past and present, between the art of Puerto Rico and the U.S. This program is related to The Museum of the Old Colony, which is the inaugural exhibition of Puerto Rico In Focus, a multiyear initiative at the New Britain Museum of American Art that centers Puerto Rican art and histories within the context of an American art museum.
Family Program: Take a Bow
Family Program: Take a Bow
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
One Elizabeth Street | Hartford CT, 06105
Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 11pm-2pm
FREE Drop in event - no registration needed.
Get ready to see your name in lights! In this program all about Connecticut theaters and shows, you will get to explore historic objects, see performances by local artists, and create many theater-inspired crafts! Learn to make unique shadow puppets with the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry and then put on your very own puppet show!
11:15am – 12:00pm: Layavinyasa Company
Experience the rich sounds of Indian music with Layavinyasa, featuring live performances, interactive singing, rhythm demonstrations with mridangam (South Indian drum), and hands-on drumming.
12:15 – 1:00pm: Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry
1:15 0 2:00pm: Playhouse on Park
Kids Week 2026
Kids Week 2026
Pequot Museum
110 Pequot Trail | Mashantucket, CT
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - Friday, April 17, 2026 | 10am - 4pm
Bring your family and friends to the Pequot Museum for a lively week of Native crafts, engaging activities, and immersive edu‑tainment designed for kids of all ages. Experience Indigenous traditions, spark curiosity, and enjoy unforgettable moments.
French Canadian Jam
French Canadian Jam
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
One Elizabeth Street | Hartford CT, 06105
Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 2:30pm – 3:30pm
FREE
Get acquainted with French Canadian traditional tunes at this monthly jam session, happening Saturday afternoons on First Free Weekends! New players and new listeners are always welcome! If you would like to join in, please get in touch with jam organizer, Joe Lavariere, at joesondra@juno.com.
Open Call to Families
Open Call to Families
Your contributions are what make this newsletter rich and engaging! Thank you to everyone who helped create this newsletter, especially our student writers! IDEA+ encourages every member of the community to consider sharing so that it keeps growing strong. Going forward, we hope to have even more student voices represented and would love any pictures, stories, recipes your child may want to submit.
If you’re interested in attending the IDEA+ Committee meetings, we encourage you to come to our next virtual meeting on Monday, March 16th at 7pm
Thank you again!
NWS IDEA+ Committee
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