Weekly Message from the Superintendent

Dear Staff and Families,

Please mark your calendars for Bus Driver and Passenger Services Appreciation Day on Wednesday, February 22, which is the day students return from Winter Break.  Please join me in celebrating our wonderful drivers who wake up extra early each school day to make sure our students arrive at school on time and return them safely home in the afternoon.  Bus Drivers, please know we are grateful for all you do!

Program of Studies

February also marks the annual release of the Stamford Public Schools Program of Studies, which details the academic opportunities available to our more than 4,000 students at Stamford High School and Westhill High School.  Students can complete a traditional high school diploma program or pursue specialized academic programs such as Agriscience Technology, the Academy of Finance, Early College Studies, JROTC, or the International Baccalaureate Diploma program.

For the 2023-24 school year, we are further expanding our offerings to include the High School of Business at Stamford High School, the Manufacturing Pathway, and the Public Safety Pathway.  The Public Safety pathway was developed in collaboration with the Stamford Police Department, Stamford Fire Department, and Stamford EMS.  Click here for the link to our program of studies.

Black History Month 

As we all know, February is also Black History month.  The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is honoring Black History and Heritage with a PD playlist, a collection of existing and new resources for educators and their students.  The PD Playlist is located in the Educator Learning Hub and provides alignment to the CSDE African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies.

Upcoming Family Workshop 

The Office of Family and Community Engagement, in partnership with PowerMyLearning, is excited to announce an upcoming Family Workshop on Thursday, February 23, titled Family Wisdom: What Schools Can Learn from You.  Families will reflect on their strengths and explore opportunities to share their knowledge and experiences with their school community.  This is also a great opportunity for families and students to build on their experience with climate and sense of belonging and community at the schools.  The following is a link to content being covered.  Families will register using the flyer links (English and Spanish).

Back to School for City Board members

This week marked the beginning of our “Back to School” program for City Board members. This program, which is sponsored by Stamford Public Schools and the Stamford Education Association, is an opportunity for members of the Board of Finance and Board of Representatives to experience what a typical school day is like for students, teachers, and staff. City Board members visited 13 schools this week and will visit 5 additional schools after Winter Break.  Thank you to our Building Administrators and SEA Representatives for providing our elected representatives with this opportunity.  

Is Your Child’s Birthday this Month? Schedule their Annual Physical 

A quick reminder, The Stamford Department of Health encourages parents to schedule their child’s annual physical around their birthday (Elementary flyer / Secondary flyer) rather than waiting until a physical is needed for the start of school. 

Yearly physicals, also known as well-child visits, are important for your child’s health and well-being.  All children entering kindergarten, 6th and 9th grades in the Fall of 2023 will be required to complete a physical for school.

If a student does not have a pediatrician, we encourage families to consider utilizing the Family Centers free, full-service student health centers at Westhill, Stamford High, Cloonan, Dolan/Toquam and Rippowam/AITE.  Please note that families must register their children to use the health centers.  For more information click here or view this flyer.

Enjoy your February Break.

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent

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