Weekly Message from the Superintendent

January 6, 2023

Dear Staff and Families,

I hope you all had a restful break with family and friends.  I want to start the year with a thank you to Matthew Gurecki, SHS Band Director, and the members of the SHS band for the invitation to their December concert dress rehearsal.  I was provided with the unique opportunity to hear the amazing coaching, support and efforts that went into preparing that performance.  I left the room feeling proud and thankful for our music programs district wide. 

Lottery Applications Due

AITE Lottery Applications for incoming 9th and 10th graders are due no later than Tuesday, January 17 at 4:00 p.m.  Please use this link to apply.

Kwanzaa Celebration 

Last Saturday my husband, John, and I joined members of the Stamford community for the Kwanzaa Celebration at the South End Library. The daily principle was Kuumba, which focuses on creativity. South End Branch supervisor, Mrs. Josephine Fulcher-Anderson, encouraged all of us to use our creativity to find ways to leave our community better than how we found it.  The formal lighting of the Kwanzaa Kinara was followed by a community meal and hands-on projects for families. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful community celebration.

Budget Session Community Conversation 

Please join us next Thursday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. via zoom for a community conversation about the Stamford Public Schools 2023-24 proposed operating budget.  During the meeting, we will provide an overview of the proposed budget, including funding priorities and potential cost savings.  Thank you to our partners at PT Council for hosting this discussion during their regularly scheduled January meeting.  Click here to register and receive a zoom link.

Calendar Discussion

We will discuss the 2023-24 and 2024-25 district calendars with the Board of Education during the Labor Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 10. I want to thank everyone who shared feedback and ideas about the district calendar. The goal remains the same – to ensure continuity of education while also recognizing and celebrating Stamford’s notable diversity.   

A quick reminder to staff that we will hold final feedback sessions on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.  We will also include the topic at our student voice session on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.  Meeting details will be sent to staff and student participants directly. 

Educational, Safety, Mental Health and Food Insecurity Resources

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) have developed a comprehensive set of resource documents with information about educational, safety, mental health, and food security resources and programs for students and their families. Please bookmark this document and make use of the resources as necessary.

Reminder – Annual Physicals

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

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. 

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

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent

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