Weekly Message from the Superintendent

Dear Staff and Families,

I hope everyone had a great first week of school!  It was so nice watching students return to class after summer break and to see our Kindergarteners, 6th and 9th graders transition into their new learning environments. 

A huge thank you to our families, teachers, administrators, and staff for helping to make these first few days a positive experience for our students.

Reducing the Risk of School Violence

As part of our professional development for teachers and staff, Stamford Public Schools (SPS) partnered with Mayor Simmons and the Stamford Police Department (SPD) to present the session “Reducing the Risk of School Violence” last week at SPD headquarters. Thank you to SPD Lieutenant Brendan Philips and SPS Director of Security Joseph Kennedy for developing this program for our school staff.

A parent session on this topic is planned for this fall.  Look for more information soon.

All-School Musical Auditions Next Week

Student auditions for the 2023 Stamford All-School Musical’s production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical" are Thursday, September 7 and Friday, September 8 at Rippowam High School. There also is an audition workshop on Tuesday, September 5 at Rippowam.

This is an incredible opportunity for students to participate in a professional-level production right here in Stamford.  In addition to the cast, students can participate as members of the stage crew and pit orchestra.

To learn more, register for the audition workshop, and to schedule an audition, visit www.stamfordallschoolmusical.org

Mill River Park

My Architecture Workshops Inc. invites our community to a magical installation at Mill River Park, “The River of Dreams' Unveiled.”  Over 9,000 Pinwheels, created by the students of Stamford Public Schools in their school colors, will be installed at Mill River Park on Saturday, September 16, and Sunday, September 17.  Positioned around the Mill River Carousel, this display will serve as a celebration of wind energy as well as a reflection of the innovative spirit of Stamford students, who will unite their collective energy towards a sustainable and electrifying future.

Magnet School Lottery

The 2024-25 magnet school lottery application for K-5 and K-8 will be available online beginning Friday, September 15. 

Dr. Lori Rhodes, Associate Superintendent for Access and Opportunity, will host informational sessions for families interested in learning more about the SPS Magnet School Lottery Program. Families are encouraged to participate in one of two sessions as follows:

●         Thursday, September 14 at 8:00 a.m. via zoom

●         Thursday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m. via zoom

More information about the magnet school program - including dates and times of the in-person information sessions at each magnet school - is available on our website.

Labor Day – No School

All Stamford Public Schools will be closed on Monday, September 4 in honor of Labor Day. Please also make note of these other important dates in September:

●         September 19 – Middle School Open House

●         September 21 – High School Open House

●         September 25 – Yom Kippur - NO SCHOOL

●         September 27 – Early Release

●         September 28 – Elementary School Open House

Please refer to our district calendar to stay informed about all upcoming events.

Café con la Super

We’re excited to resume our monthly Spanish language Community Conversations – Café con la Super – on Monday, September 18 in the Government Center Cafeteria (4th Floor).  The September meeting will feature a brief presentation on district and community mental health resources followed by a Q&A. 

Café con la Super sessions are at 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.  The meeting is conducted in Spanish with English translation provided. 

SPS Quarterly

Finally, the Fall 2023 edition of the SPS Quarterly is now available.  Please share it with your congregations, constituents, peers, and friends.

Remember, you can also encourage others to sign up to receive this weekly e-newsletter published on Fridays during the school year.

Thank you for reading and for supporting Stamford Public Schools!

Stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent

Espanol

Creole