Weekly Message from the Superintendent

Dear Staff and Families,

Last week we had the opportunity to welcome the Amistad schooner to Stamford.  Through the Discovering Amistad program, all eighth grade students in Stamford will have the opportunity to visit the Amistad schooner as part of their social studies curriculum. The Amistad schooner is docked in Harbor Point through Friday, June 2.  If you have time, please take a family field trip to tour the Amistad and experience a part of history.

On Monday night, I participated in two wonderful panels.  SoundWaters hosted a panel discussion on Climate Science Education, moderated by NPR’s Ira Flatow.  The focus of the discussion was Connecticut’s new state law requiring climate science to be taught in all public schools beginning in 2023-24.

The Avon Theatre Film Center, in conjunction with Synergy1Holdings and other community groups, hosted a panel discussion after a screening of The Right To Read documentary.  The film and panel discussion reminded attendees that reading requires a community effort and we all play an important role. 

During the April meeting of the BOE Teaching and Learning committee, we shared information about the Science of Reading program that SPS will implement beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA).  The implementation of the new reading program will begin this fall in kindergarten classes districtwide.  Students in grades 1-5 will have unit-based exposure to the program throughout the year.  Full implementation of the new literacy curriculum for grades 1 & 2 will be in the Fall of 2024 and for grades 3-5 in the Fall of 2025.  If you missed the meeting, please click here for the presentation and PowerPoint presentation.

On Wednesday, families gathered to hear information about gifted and talented opportunities in SPS.  We also shared the plan to include enrichment strategies to support teachers and students as we develop a new curriculum.  During the webinar, we shared that the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) offers resources for parents.  Click here for more information.

Mill River Park

Mill River Park hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the North Greenway project.  The new path serves as a way for families and students to have a safe walking path from Hart and Cloonan to Mill River Park.  This is another wonderful family activity; please take advantage of this wonderful experience. 

Also, Mill River Park will be the site of two family-friendly events.

Sunday, May 21 is Stamford Day at Mill River Park.  Stamford Day is a celebration of our diverse community through art, music, and dance.  There will be family-friendly activities including a history scavenger hunt, a quilt and passport project for children & teens, and more.

The Early Childhood Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Families will have a chance to learn more about early childhood opportunities in Stamford and participate in arts & crafts, face painting, story time, games, and a bubble station. 

2023 High School Art Exhibition

If you are interested in a short road trip, the Sacred Heart University High School Art Exhibition opens this weekend at their Art and Design Gallery.  This exhibition features artwork by several SPS high school students.  Congratulations to our amazing students whose work is featured in this exhibition as well as to our wonderful art teachers who prepared our students for this experience. 

This weekly message serves as a reminder of the vast number of events available to members of the Stamford community.  I hope that staff and families will consider taking advantage of these and others as we enter the summer season.

Please note that the community conversation for mental health that had been scheduled for Wednesday, May 24 has been postponed.

Stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent

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