PORTSMOUTH — Green flags will be flown over all Portsmouth schools during the first full week of school in January. Superintendent Lynn Krizic made that announcement at the December 18 school committee meeting, saying that it will be done in memory of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The flags were donated by parent Christina Craft, a former Newtown resident, and represent support for both victims and survivors alike. In a related matter, recommendations on further safety enhancements to Portsmouth schools will be discussed at a January school committee meeting, the meeting minutes indicate. • In other action, the committee appointed Suzanne H. Madden to the position of Hathaway School principal, effective January 2, 2013. She is the principal of Hayden-McFadden School in New Bedford. The committee also recognized outgoing Hathaway Principal Robert Ettinger for his years of service at Elmhurst and Hathaway schools. Students at Hathaway also gave him a sendoff on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 20. • The committee voted to hire the Providence law firm of Brennan, Recupero, Cascione, Scungio, and McAllister as legal counsel for the school department and school committee. • The committee voted to appeal the negative findings rendered by the Labor Board in a case that involves requiring teachers to pay for additional certification beyond what is required. • The PHS Science Department announced that it is seeking judges for the annual Science Fair to be held January 3. Anyone  interested should contact Kathleen Beebe at beebek@portsmouthschoolsri.org or 683-2124, extension 2200. • The committee approved a joint resolution with Little Compton opposing Sakonnet River Bridge tolls. • The PMS Girls’ Soccer Team was recognized for being the 2012 RIPCOA Eastern Division state champions.