School Information
Interim Principal Message
Dear Middle Gate Families,
I am so excited to be joining Middle Gate as the interim principal. It is truly a privilege to be part of this dedicated community of students, staff, and families.
As you may know, I have been an educator in Newtown for 13 years. I began my journey in Newtown at Hawley School as the Math/Science Specialist before transitioning to Lead Teacher. In 2021, I joined Reed Intermediate School as Assistant Principal. As both a community member and an NPS parent, I am deeply committed to this district and the education of our youth. My goal is to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to grow - both emotionally and academically - each day.
I look forward to partnering with you and staff to create the best possible experience for our students. In the coming weeks, I hope to connect with many of you and learn more about what makes Middle Gate such a special place. Please don’t hesitate to reach out - I welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback.
Warmly,
Jenna Connors
Interim Principal, Middle Gate Elementary
Lead Teacher
This is my nineteenth year teaching at Middle Gate School. In 1995, I graduated from Fairfield University. Then I completed both my Masters and 6th year Degree at Southern Connecticut State University. When I am away from school I enjoy watching and being involved in most sports. Please feel free to contact me by email. I will try to get back to you as quickly as possible.
John Sullivan, Lead Teacher
e: sullivanj@newtown.k12.ct.us
Middle Gate History
The Middle Gate District and its one room schoolhouse developed when Newtown adopted a district management system and created a central Board of School Visitors. The original district had been called Bear Hills and it was formed around 1798. Shortly after 1803, when the Bridgeport-Newtown Turnpike was opened to traffic along what is today Route #25, the name was changed to Middle Gate, reflecting the presence of the Middle tollgate located on the nearby Monroe-Newtown border.
It is uncertain where the original schoolhouse for this new Middle Gate district was located. On the 1854 School District map and the 1867 Beers Atlas map it can be located on the north slope of Route #25’s Tollgate Hill as it begins its rise toward the Monroe border. It was on the east side of the road, almost directly across from the Botsford Post Office.
In 1966, Gould Realty Company gifted the schoolhouse to the Newtown Historical Society and it was relocated to the front lawn of the new Middle Gate Elementary School, which was in the process of being built on Cold Spring Road.
Taken from The Old Middle Gate One Room School House by Daniel Cruson
