Weekly Message from the Superintendent

June 10, 2022

Dear Staff and Families,

This week we had another individual trespassing on one of our elementary campuses.  We want to praise both the staff and students at Rogers and Davenport schools for following our safety plan.  I was on the campus of Rogers as the events unfolded and was able to witness the swift work of the staff and the Stamford police department.

We want you to know that the safety of students and staff is at the forefront of our thinking and planning.  It is important to note that the Stamford Police Department and Joe Kennedy, our safety compliance manager, continue to assess these situations, our safety plans, and make recommendations.  Also, please know that as these events unfold we work with building principals to get out information to families as soon as possible.

As we continue this important work, please plan to join us on Tuesday, June 21 at our next BOE Operations Committee meeting where we will provide an update and make recommendations for next steps related to school safety and mental health.  Several members of our Safety and Mental Health panel will join us.

It should be noted that we have requested that Safety and Mental Health be a standing agenda item on the Operations committee.  We are also in the process of developing a committee similar to our COVID-19 CORE committee to discuss school safety and mental health.  Please stay tuned for more information.

Retirement Dinner

Last night we had the opportunity to acknowledge, thank, and enjoy retirees at our annual retirement dinner.  It was an amazing evening of laughter, fun, and celebration.

I want to take a moment to officially celebrate and recognize Diane Phanos who has served as our Stamford Education Association (SEA) president for the past 6 years.  I first met Diane when she was a teacher at Roxbury.  I want to thank her for her many years of service both in her SEA leadership role and as a teacher for over 50 years.  Diane, you will be missed.

We hope Diane and everyone that retired this year will consider returning, as you are able, as a substitute teacher, tutor, or volunteer.  Having all the retirees still be a part of our district would be wonderful and much appreciated.

Long-Term Facilities Update 

On Wednesday, the Long-term Facilities committee met and we updated the team on the Master Facilities Plan.  We provided an update on the next steps for moving forward with the plan.  If you missed the meeting, please click the following link.

Planning the Future of Our Schools

It is critically important to hear from you on the future of our schools and our strategic planning process is the way to do it.  Click here to learn more or come to an in-person session at the Government Center at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16.

Community Conversations

Our next community conversation, in collaboration with PT Council, will be on Thursday, June 16 at 10 a.m.  Please click here for a zoom link.  We will discuss our school safety processes, our move to an A/B schedule, and any topic you as community members wish to discuss.

Farmer’s Market

The SPS will host a table again this summer at the Farmer’s Market.  Please stop by Veteran’s Park tomorrow to see and chat with members of the Office of Family Engagement team.

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent of Schools