SPS Spotlight

 Karen Murano, World Language Teacher & Learner, Gives Back 

Karen Murano CMS World Language teacher believes in professional learning and giving back. Recently, while working on her own studies she found two grants to help CMS and SPS increase educational diversity for language exposure and enrichment. Karen also believes in looking at life for its beauty. She often says how in the Italian culture they think that life is beautiful - “la vita è bella'', and she teaches children that the citizens of Italy recognize their nation as  “L’Italia…il bel paese” “Italy, the beautiful country”. She wants her middle school citizens to see the beauty related diversity when learning a second or third language. Karen teaches with the CMS CARES philosophy in mind. She is appropriate, respectful, empathetic and supportive each and every day and she looks to help her students demonstrate these ideals as well. 

“Ms. Murano demonstrates her love of languages, culture and humanity on a daily basis. In addition to sharing her love of Italian in the after-school program, she teaches Spanish to 7th and 8th graders during the regular school day”, explained Cloonan Principal, David Tate. “Karen consistently finds ways to help students broaden and deepen their knowledge of culture. For many of them, this develops a better understanding and appreciation of their own cultures.”

Karen recently was awarded an IACE grant. Italian American Council on Education (IACE), under the supervision of the Consulate General of Italy in New York, provides incentive grants for Italian language instruction. She also was awarded funding from the grant covering a salary stipend and Studio Arcobaleno educational materials, including textbooks to support the after-school Italian program at Cloonan.  

Thank you to Karen for going above and beyond to inspire SPS students to become global citizens. Cloonan’s after-school Italian program is an example of how SPS offers our students a learning experience rich in cultural diversity and reflective of the global society in which they will work and live.  

The SPS Spotlight is a new initiative to celebrate staff members, students or alumni who illustrate outstanding achievement, and exemplary community involvement and illustrates the mission of our school community. Each Spring, Stamford Public Schools recognizes outstanding teachers in the district through its Teacher of the Year and Spotlight Award Program. 

 

 

WHS Senior Tianna Williams for Using Art Therapy to Help Others 

Westhill Social Worker Leisha Prescod and School Counselor Tynequa Bell partner with Principal Rinaldi to host a weekly group designed to help Westhill's female students manage academics and life challenges, promote school connectedness, and navigate the future.  At a recent meeting,  senior Tianna Williams conducted an Art Therapy session with the group. Tianna has been exploring the arts as a potential career focus. She shared research about art therapy, discussed what drew her to the topic, and shared about her childhood love for drawing and painting. 

“It’s so important to promote and share how our students prepare themselves for life and career beyond high school.” explained outgoing Board of Education member Jennienne Burke. “The support of WHS social work staff and counselors was a key part of Tiana’s Art therapy implementation project.”

We recognize Tiana in the Spotlight this month as a student who is not just thinking about life after high school, but taking steps to build her future.  Congratulations to Tianna for taking actionable steps to explore a potential career path and then sharing her knowledge for the benefit of her fellow students. 

The SPS Spotlight is a new initiative to celebrate staff members, students or alumni who illustrate outstanding achievement, exemplary community involvement and illustrates the mission of our school community. Each Spring, Stamford Public Schools recognizes outstanding teachers in the district through its Teacher of the Year and Spotlight Award Program.

SPS Spotlight

Recognizing Cloonan Middle School’s Lisa Colonna-Faye 
Stamford Public Schools is thrilled to shine a spotlight on Cloonan Middle School’s Lisa Colonna-Faye, for inspiring us with her efforts to improve her school community.

Lisa has proven herself to be a valuable asset to the Cloonan Community. Her easy-going nature and adaptability has been appreciated as the Special Education staff continues to navigate CTSEDS. She is currently mentoring two of our new staff members, but has taken many others under her wing. According to Cloonan Middle School Assistant Principal Jillian Churchill, “Lisa has become the "go-to" person in the building for special education needs and advice. Her ability to co-teach is seamless, natural, and a joy to watch”. 

Beyond mentoring fellow staff members, Lisa is an inspirational teacher, life long learner, and a positive influence on her school community. Lisa continuously works to modify her lessons, build rapport and help students love math. SPS celebrates Lisa’s efforts to be consistently prepared and appreciates how she helps her students to navigate the difficulties of 8th grade. 

We are so grateful to have her as part of the SPS team!  If you find yourself at Cloonan Lisa will be there to lend a hand, answer any questions and be a team player. 

The SPS Spotlight is a new initiative to celebrate staff members, students or alumni who illustrate outstanding achievement, exemplary community involvement and illustrates the mission of our school community. Each Spring, Stamford Public Schools recognizes outstanding teachers in the district through its Teacher of the Year and Spotlight Award Program.