Newfound schools launch elementary school logo contest

BRISTOL — The Newfound Area School District is starting a logo contest as it renames its elementary schools.

The Newfound Area School Board approved the name change for Bristol Elementary School and New Hampton Community School during its May 26 meeting. With plans to close Danbury Elementary School at the end of this academic year, the district will be operating only the two elementary schools next year.

“One of the subjects that came up was, we’re 'Newfound Memorial Middle School,' we’re 'Newfound Regional High School'; as we’re paring down the number of elementary schools, should we be looking at ... 'Newfound Elementary School,' to be inclusive of all the towns?” Superintendent Paul Hoiriis said. 

Board Chair Melissa Suckling read a letter from the Danbury Elementary leadership team, addressing the matter.

“We’re writing in support of changing the names of our elementary schools to Newfound Elementary School at Bristol and Newfound Elementary School at New Hampton,” they wrote. “With the closing of Danbury Elementary School and the merging of the Danbury and Bristol school communities, the name change represents an important first step for building unity across our district’s elementary schools. If our long-term vision is greater consolidation and alignment within the district, establishing a shared elementary identity is a meaningful step in the right direction. A unified name would help create a stronger sense of connection and belonging among students, families, and staff.

“Including New Hampton in this transition is equally important. Doing so demonstrates the district’s commitment to providing an equitable and cohesive educational experience for all K-4 students across our schools. A shared identity reinforces the idea that all elementary schools in the district are part of one greater community with common goals and opportunities.”

The letter also acknowledges, “While the name alone does not create culture, it can serve as the springboard for building a shared vision, strengthening collaboration, and fostering pride in our elementary schools as one connected community.”

The school board unanimously approved the name changes.

That change would be temporary if the school district moves forward with further consolidation. Consultants are looking into the feasibility of closing the two remaining elementary schools and converting the middle school into a pre-K through sixth grade school, and moving seventh and eighth graders to the high school. It would likely take at least five years for that change to take place, should voters approve of the consolidation.

Meanwhile, next fall, Newfound Elementary School at Bristol will serve about 230 students in kindergarten through fourth grade, and Newfound Elementary School at New Hampton will serve about 100 students in preschool through fourth grade. Fifth grade students will attend Newfound Memorial Middle School starting in the fall.

The logo contest is accepting submissions from students, staff members and community residents. Once selected, there will be an unveiling ceremony, after which the logo will appear on signs, school materials, and digital platforms.

For more information about the logo contest, contact Curriculum Administrator Ariel Maloney at 603-744-5555 or amaloney@sau4.org.