Weekly Message from the Superintendent

Dear Staff and Families,

May is a month to recognize and thank people who give or have given so much for others. This starts next week when we celebrate the amazing contributions of our outstanding staff during Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week.  From May 8-12, events honoring our staff will take place across the district to express our gratitude for the work they do every day to make learning exciting, engaging and rewarding for our students.

I would be remiss if I didn’t include a shout-out to our school principals!  National Principal’s Day was Monday, May 1 and we are all grateful for their continued support of our students, staff and families.

Thank you to all for the patience, compassion and kindness with which you approach your jobs and for being excellent role models for our students.  We value your service and are grateful you chose to bring your talent, enthusiasm, and creativity to Stamford Public Schools.

The school PTOs have plans to celebrate staff at our schools.  For parents who want to say a special thank you to your child(ren)’s teachers, we encourage you, and your child, to send a thank you note.  Please don’t forget our specialists, the paraprofessionals, parent facilitators, health and wellness staff (National Nurses Day is May 10), office staff, security staff, cafeteria staff, and school custodians!

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. All children, and adults, face problems from time to time.  For our students and families, Stamford Public Schools offers resources and support through our highly qualified school social workers, psychologists, and other support staff.  These professionals have the expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and adolescents succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

For our staff, SPS offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a confidential voluntary resource available to all SPS full time employees seeking assistance in navigating life’s challenges. The program includes access to counseling, assessments and referrals. 

Exciting News

On Monday, May 1, Davenport Ridge Elementary School’s fourth and fifth grade chorus sang the national anthem before the start of the Mets-Braves game at Citi Field.  The thrill of performing live before thousands of fans was just one facet of the day.  Students also participated in an "interactive weather lesson" which reinforced classroom learning. 

Diversity in Education workshop

Thank you to Sandra Peterkin, Roxbury teacher and SEA executive board member, for the invitation to serve on the leadership panel at last weekend’s Diversity in Education workshop hosted by CEA.  I appreciate the opportunity to support CEA’s efforts to host professional development dedicated to uplifting future leaders in Connecticut.

Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors

The Avon Theater’s annual essay contest for college scholarship awards is underway.  The winner will receive $8,500 to put towards college costs.  The deadline for entering is Friday, May 19.  Click here to learn more.

Community Conversations

Mark your calendars for our next community conversations:

●        Gifted and Talented Program:  Virtual – Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

●        Mental Health: Virtual – Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

It is hard to believe that the end of the school year is fast approaching! The excitement this time of year brings is palpable in our schools. There are many events on the horizon, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks.

Stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent

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