Weekly Message from the Superintendent

Superintendent's Weekly Message - September 5, 2025

Dear SPS Families and Staff:

On Tuesday night, I was honored to join Westover teacher George Rigakos, Stillmeadow paraeducator Ronald (Ronnie) Griggs, and Newfield teacher Mandi Leale as they received Sense of the Board Resolutions during a ceremony prior to the Stamford Board of Representatives regular monthly meeting. George, Ronnie, and Mandi were recognized by the BOR for being named 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, 2025-26 Paraeducator of the Year, and 2025 Stamford Public Education Foundation Educator of the Year, respectively.

The winners were joined at the BOR meeting by Interim Associate Superintendent Lisa Saba-Price, Interim Westover Principal Keriann Maxelix, Stillmeadow Principal Kathleen Kelley, Newfield Principal Sharon Longo, Director of Recruitment & Retention Charmaine Tourse, and numerous Westover, Stillmeadow, and Newfield teachers.

I’d like to thank the Board of Representatives for recognizing George, Ronnie, and Mandi for their outstanding contributions to Stamford Public Schools.

Cafe con la Super is Monday at 6:30 pm

Cafe Con La Super—the monthly Spanish Language Community Conversation—is Monday, September 8 at 6:30 pm at the SPS Welcome Center. Join us as we review the SPS Family Guide and learn about creating a Family Preparedness Plan. The SPS Welcome Center is located at 11 W. North Street at Cloonan Middle School. All families, staff, and community members are welcome. Simultaneous English interpretation is provided. Please register to let us know you will attend.

Meeting for Families of Students with Special Needs

The Stamford Coalition of Parents Expecting Success (SCOPES) is hosting its first meeting of the school year next Wednesday, September 10 at 6 pm at the SPS Welcome Center. SCOPES is a support network for parents of students with disabilities. Attendees at the September meeting will have an opportunity to meet the SPS Special Education & Related Services Team. The meeting will be presented with simultaneous Spanish interpretation. Please register to let us know you will attend.

Free Breakfast & Lunch for All Students

Remember that school breakfast and lunch is provided to all SPS students at no cost to families. Household income applications are not required to receive free meals. Students need to enter their student ID at cafeteria registers when picking up their meals to help SPS get an accurate count of meals served to meet state and federal program reporting requirements.

Qualifying for Free and Reduced-Fee Programs & Services

Meals are free for all students, but families are still encouraged to complete the Household Income Survey Application (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Ukrainian) to determine if they are eligible for other reduced-price or free programs and services, including after-school programs and camps, internet service, Advanced Placement, SAT, and ACT exam fees, and college application fees. The form may also be completed in PowerSchool. Information is kept confidential. After completing the application, qualifying families will receive a Fee Reduction Waiver Letter sent via U.S. Mail to the address listed in PowerSchool.

Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This Monday, September 8, is 988 Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is important for everyone to learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide as well as how to support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. SPS has certified social workers and psychologists in every school who can be a source of information and support for students and families navigating mental health issues. In addition, the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance has a guide (English / Spanish / Haitian-Creole / Ukrainian) to community mental health resources for families.

Adult & Continuing Education Enrichment Classes

Lifelong learning offers many benefits, from personal fulfillment, to better health, to career advancement. Stamford Adult & Continuing Education is offering a variety of enrichment classes this fall, including visual and performing arts, computer technology, personal finance, dance and fitness, world languages, and more. From acting to Zumba, there’s something for everyone!