Weekly Message from the Superintendent

August 14, 2026

Dear SPS Community: 

This week, I had the opportunity to address the SPS District Leadership Team (DLT) during their annual August retreat. The DLT is made up of the certified administrators who are responsible for the successful operation of our school district, including principals, assistant principals, and central office staff.  

During the DLT retreat, I shared a bit more about my professional experiences and also took time to acknowledge some of the district’s achievements in 2025-26. Among the achievements we celebrated were significant increases in the percentage of ninth-grade students across all subgroups who finished the year on-track to graduate in four years, as well as a district-wide decrease in student chronic absenteeism. 

The majority of my time with DLT focused on the future, including my expectations for our school leaders and a preview of the important work that lies ahead.

In terms of expectations, I emphasized the need for our school leaders to prioritize: 

• Instructional leadership 
• Data discussions
• Accountability 
• Positive learning environments

As for the work ahead, we discussed several important priorities for 2026-27, including:  

• Creating the SPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Developing the 2027-2032 SPS Strategic Plan
• Creation of Administrative Advisory Groups
• Renewed instructional focus 

The August DLT retreat is an opportunity for our school leaders to discuss important topics prior to the school year. During the two-day retreat, DLT members participated in discussions and workshops on topics including curriculum updates, student performance data, social-emotional learning, vaping prevention, and more. I want to thank the members of the DLT for their participation, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to the retreat.   

On Monday, we will welcome new teachers to Stamford Public Schools for a 2-day orientation program, while all certified educators will return to school on Wednesday, August 19.    

As a reminder, elementary classroom assignments and secondary school schedules will be available in PowerSchool by 12 pm on Thursday, August 20. Bus assignments will be posted in PowerSchool by 5 pm on Friday, August 21. 

Please scroll down for additional news and updates that will be helpful as you prepare for the upcoming school year. 

Thank you for reading, and thank you for being an important part of the Stamford Public Schools community. 

Sincerely, 

Adrian B. Talley, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Welcome Reception for Dr. Talley: August 19 at the Ferguson Library

The Ferguson Library will host a welcome reception for Dr. Talley on Wednesday, August 19 from 6 to 7 pm at the Main Library Branch. All parents, guardians, and other adult community members are invited to stop by to meet the new Superintendent of Schools. The event will take place in the First Floor Materials Room. Thank you to the Friends of the Ferguson Library for sponsoring this event. 

Activate Your ParentSquare Account ASAP

ParentSquare is how teachers and school administrators will communicate with parents and families. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to activate your ParentSquare account.

Important: You must activate your ParentSquare account using the email address or phone number on file in PowerSchool. 

Activating your account will enable you to: 

• Direct message your child's teacher(s), 
• Receive posts and alerts via the ParentSquare app
• Receive secure documents 
• Complete permission slips for field trips
• RSVP to events  

For the best ParentSquare experience, set your language and notification preferences:

• Click the down arrow next to your name in the top right corner
• Click "Manage Account"
• In the left column, click "Language Settings"
• Choose your preferred language from the dropdown menu and click "Save"
• In the left column, click "Notification Settings"
• Select how and when you want to receive Posts, and Direct Messages. Digest setting is recommended for Posts.  

Calling All Runners: Signup for the Filling in the Blanks 5K

Join SPS Community Partner Filling in the Blanks (FITB) on Sunday, August 23 for the Eighth Annual Unite to Fight 5K. The race will take place at Mill River Park. Founded in 2013, Filling in the Blanks helps fight food insecurity by providing students in need with weekly food bags filled with healthy, easy-to-prepare food for the weekends. FITB continuously serves 10,000+ kids at over 200 sites throughout Fairfield, Westchester, and Putnam counties, including all Stamford Public Schools. 

Click here for more information, to register for the 5K or Kids Fun Run, or to make a donation to this worthwhile organization. 

Stamford Public Schools has ended the COVID-era program in which all students received school meals at no charge. Beginning this school year, families will need to submit an application to find out if their children qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. 

Families may qualify for their children to receive free or reduced-price lunch based on the USDA income guidelines, through participation in certain assistance programs, or through direct certification. 

Please click the button below to apply online. The online application is available in English or Spanish.