Weekly Message from the Superintendent

Dear Staff and Families,

Today is the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which honors the achievements, contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latin American people. 

One of the jewels of Stamford is its diversity. Approximately 50 percent of Stamford Public Schools students are Hispanic or Latin American, and nearly one-third of our families receive district communications in Spanish. Celebrating the diverse cultures and backgrounds in our city is an important part of learning about one another.  Please click here for resources to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month.

September 15 is also National Tradesperson Day.  Please join me in thanking our trades workers in the SPS Facilities Department for all their hard work and dedication to our district.

Café Con La Super 

Café Con La Super, our monthly Spanish language community meeting, is this Monday, September 18.  Join us at 7:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. to hear about mental health support programs for students and families.  Both sessions are in-person at the Stamford Government Center.

Kindergarten Start Age 2023-2024

Earlier this week, we hosted another information session about the new Kindergarten Age Requirements.  If you were unable to join this meeting, please click here to watch a recording of the meeting or see the Frequently Asked Questions on our website.

Air Conditioning for All Learning Spaces

Mayor Caroline Simmons and I announced this week that the final phase of the air conditioner installation program will take place no later than next summer.  The Mayor and I want to thank the members of the Board of Education, Board of Finance and the Board of Representatives in advance for their support in addressing this equity issue for our students and staff.  With their support, early dismissals due to extreme heat will become a distant memory.  Please click here to see the press release for more details.

Attend Open School Nights

Middle School Open House is next Tuesday, September 19, followed by High School Open House on Thursday, September 21.  Please take advantage of the opportunity to visit your child’s school, meet teachers and staff, and learn more about what your child will be learning this year.    

Please make sure you have these other important dates on your calendar:

●         September 25 – Yom Kippur – NO SCHOOL

●         September 27 – Early Release

●         September 28 – Elementary School Open House

Magnet School Lottery Open

The 2024-25 SPS Magnet School Lottery application is now available online. Families are encouraged to attend in-person information sessions at the magnet schools of interest to them. Refer to the magnet school section of the SPS website or the SPS district calendar for information session dates and times. The lottery application deadline for K-5 and K-8 magnet schools is 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.   Please visit our website for more information, including details about the Scofield Middle School and AITE magnet school lotteries.

Finally, thank you to the staff at Dolan, APPLES, Anchor and Rippowam who welcomed me during my visits this week.  Visiting schools at the beginning of each day offers me the opportunity to talk with the principal and staff and to experience some of the incredible work happening in our classrooms.  These visits are the highlight of my day.

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent

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