School Information
Principal Message
Welcome to Newtown Middle School! I am proud to be part of a school community committed to helping every student grow, learn, and thrive. Our RISE UP identity reflects who we are as a school community. It is about challenging ourselves, supporting one another, embracing opportunities to grow, and believing in our ability to make a positive difference.
As one of the finest middle schools in the state, NMS is committed to providing challenging and rigorous learning experiences within a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Our work will continue to focus on two important priorities: Instructional Excellence and School Culture.
Through Instructional Excellence, we will create classrooms where students are actively engaged, thinking deeply, collaborating, and developing the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. We will continue to grow as educators and refine our practices so that every student has access to high quality learning experiences.
Through School Culture, we will ensure that every student feels known, valued, respected, and connected. Strong relationships, belonging, and high expectations create an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, persevering through challenges, and fully engaging in their learning.
Our RISE UP identity connects this work by reminding us to strive for excellence, support one another, learn from challenges, and continue growing. Together, we will create the conditions for every student to succeed.
Our responsibility is a powerful one as we prepare students not only for high school, but for their roles as future leaders, problem solvers, collaborators, and compassionate citizens. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure NMS continues to meet this responsibility, today and into the future.
Outside of school, I am fortunate to enjoy spending time with my loving family. My wife, Marissa, is a seventh grade ELA teacher at West Rocks Middle School in Norwalk. We have two daughters, Olivia and Julianna (Jules), who both attend Newtown Public Schools. We are grateful for the wonderful educators who support and inspire them each day.
I look forward to learning together, working together, and growing together as we continue to make Newtown Middle School an exceptional place for students. Please never hesitate to reach out. The partnership between home and school is essential to the success of our students.
Together, we will Rise Up!
Sincerely,
Jim Ross
Newtown Middle School Principal
Assistant Principal
Welcome to Newtown Middle School! I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at NMS and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our students, families, and staff. Middle school has always been a special place to me. Before joining the Newtown community, I spent many years teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies, and I continue to believe that these years are among the most important in a young person’s development. Students are discovering who they are, learning to navigate greater independence, and beginning to understand the kind of person they want to become. Having the opportunity to partner with them during these years is a privilege.
At the heart of my approach to education is a simple belief: every student has the ability to grow, contribute, and make a difference. I believe our responsibility as educators extends beyond helping students achieve academically. We must challenge them, support them, help them learn from setbacks, and create opportunities for them to discover their strengths and develop confidence in who they are becoming.
This belief connects deeply with our RISE UP identity. RISE UP is more than a motto at Newtown Middle School - it reflects who we are. It reminds us to approach challenges with courage, strive for excellence, support one another, and continue growing. To me, RISE UP represents a shared commitment to becoming better - not just as students and educators, but as people. When we rise together, we create a school community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
My approach to leadership is grounded in listening, relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I believe great schools are built by people working together, and I am proud to work alongside a dedicated staff, supportive families, and students who bring their own strengths and perspectives to our community. I strive to be a visible, supportive, and approachable leader who builds on the strengths of our school while looking for meaningful ways to improve, solve problems, celebrate successes, and create opportunities for every student to thrive.
Outside of school, I am fortunate to have a loving family that brings me tremendous joy. My wife, Julianne, is also a middle school educator, and together we have two children, Rory and Reagan. My family continually reminds me of the importance of relationships, perspective, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life.
I am grateful to be part of the Newtown community and to work with such dedicated students, families, educators, and staff. Supporting students is a shared responsibility, and I believe the strongest communities are those where people work together, trust one another, and believe in what is possible for every child. I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and work alongside our community in support of every student.
It takes a village, and I am proud to be part of yours. RISE UP!
Warmly,
Brian Walsh
Newtown Middle School Assistant Principal