Media

Stamford's Cloonan Middle School finds new principal in Manhattan administrator

June 30, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — An assistant principal of a Manhattan school was recently named the new principal of Stamford's Cloonan Middle School. ... "I am filled with excitement and gratitude ...

Connecticut schools struggling to reach pre-pandemic achievement levels

June 30, 2024 | Natasha Sokoloff

Hartford Public Schools has also placed a specific emphasis on engaging school communities in working towards attendance recovery, Torres-Rodriguez said, including the use of home visits to understand root ...

Stamford schools director retires after 38 years; Westhill dean tapped as family engagement leader

June 29, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — A dean of students at Westhill High School has been tapped to lead the district's office of family engagement. Juan Pazmino, who began his Stamford Public Schools ...

Stamford schools shuffle central office staff, name principals for Stark, Stillmeadow

June 28, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — The restructuring of Stamford Public School's central office continued this week, beginning with two of the three existing associate superintendents, who had their ...

Turn of River parents blast Stamford schools for out-of-control students: 'Our teachers are afraid'

June 27, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Stamford school district officials presented plans Tuesday night to improve conditions at Turn of River Middle School after a school year in which teachers reported ...

Stamford 2024 Teacher of the Year calls her kindergarten job a 'dream come true'

June 6, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Stillmeadow Elementary School educator Carolyn Tschinkel has been named Stamford Teacher of the Year. Tschinkel, a kindergarten teacher, is a 33-year veteran who ...

See what Stamford's new Westhill High School could look like: 'Very very in progress first shots'

June 2, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

What new Westhill High School could look like Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — It's still unclear what the new $301 million Westhill High School will ultimately look like, but members of the Board of ...

Two Stamford schools get $6.8M from state for HVAC grants to help pay for heating, A/C upgrades

May 31, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

The Stamford projects are being completed during this school year and next. ... “A cornerstone of our long-term facilities plan is ensuring that all buildings have the necessary systems and infrastructure to ...

Stamford Spanish-speaking parents say English Learners director cut 'a mistake;' officials push back

May 25, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Stamford Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Amy Beldotti speaks at the Cafe con la Super discussion of the Multilingual Learner Program at the Government Center in Stamford, Conn. ... Stamford Public Schools ...

Stamford High student killed in motorcycle crash identified: 'He made friends everywhere he went'

May 20, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Wilcox attended Stamford High School and his mother works as a technology integration support specialist at Strawberry Hill School.  ... Stamford Public Schools Superintendent Tamu Lucero wrote in an emailed ...

CT to award $122 million in air quality grants to 48 school districts.

May 20, 2024 | Alex Putterman

Norwalk received the most funding of any district — more than $21.5 million to be spent across six schools — followed by Montville ($15.5 million), Waterbury ($9.3 million), Thompson ($8.8 million) and ...

Stamford schools swap around staff as principals, assistant principals moved to different sites

May 19, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

“As a large district offering 25 school programs encompassing pre-K to Adult Education, Stamford Public Schools offers its building leaders opportunities to learn, grow, and enhance their skills without ...

Stamford English Learner teachers rally against plan to restructure department

May 14, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

"Please rest assured that (Stamford Public Schools) will continue to provide Multilingual Learners with all current programs and services, and that these programs and services will meet all state and federal ...

Stamford's internship-based alternative high school delayed due to funding

May 12, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Since presenting initial plans for the academy to the Board of Education earlier this year as part of the Stamford public schools district, officials have pivoted to a different strategy: making Big Picture ...

Stamford school board reinstates Columbus and Veterans days as days off for students

May 1, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — School will not be in session for both Columbus Day and Veterans Day in Stamford for the next two school years. ... They held a rally outside of Government Center and ...

Stamford finance committee wants less money in school construction fund for 2024-25 budget

April 28, 2024 | Brianna Gurciullo

Brianna Gurciullo, Staff writer STAMFORD — The Board of Representatives committee in charge of reviewing the budgets for the city and public schools has recommended that the full board approve them without any ...

Stamford officials may reverse decision to have students in school for Columbus and Veterans days

April 29, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — A controversial move to hold school on both Columbus and Veterans Day in Stamford is likely to be reversed because it will cost the district money. ... They held a ...

 Stamford schools, city budget chopped by Board of Finance although some members wanted more cuts

April 18, 2024 | Brianna Gurciullo

Brianna Gurciullo, Staff Writer STAMFORD — The combined operating budget for the city and Stamford schools is more than $5 million smaller as it heads to the Board of Representatives for potentially more cuts. ...

Stamford parents shaken in wake of sexual assault allegations against Strawberry Hill School teacher

April 13, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Parents shaken in wake of sexual assault allegations against teacher Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — For many parents at Strawberry Hill School, the first time they learned of the arrest of a ...

Stamford teacher charged with sexual assault is 'no longer working' for district, officials say

April 12, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer Correction: This story has been updated to correct that Andrew Park is no longer working for Stamford Public Schools. STAMFORD — A Stamford fifth grade teacher who was charged ...

 

John Breunig (opinion): As schools look to cut music programs, a 3-D printer making violins hints at untapped solutions

April 12, 2024 | John Breunig

It is helping fill gaps far beyond its Stamford base. ... On Thursday, Orchestra Lumas leadership, headed by Music Director Michael Stern, wrote in an open letter that “it has become all too easy to push aside ...

Stamford school board member says she misspoke when claiming a 'cover up' about graduation rates

April 12, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — A Stamford Board of Education member had claimed that the school district conducted a "cover up" in both an online op-ed and in a public meeting, but now she says she ...

 

 

Stamford school board urges Zoning Board to reject 2 cannabis dispensaries near youth centers

March 31, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Many have spoken out against new proposals to bring two more cannabis dispensaries to Stamford, and now the city's Board of Education has weighed in. ... The language ...

 

Opinion: That old, familiar song about cutting Stamford’s schools budget

March 30, 2024 | Paul Riccio By Paul Riccio

There are times — more like every time — Stamford has a tug of war when it comes to funding public education. ... They are proposing to cut $10 million from Stamford’s schools and it is going to happen ...

 

From Congress to Stamford: $2M for school sidewalks, $4.5M for Mill River Park

March 26, 2024 | Brianna Gurciullo

One of the packages, which President Joe Biden signed into law over the weekend, includes earmarks of $750,000 for the expansion of Stamford Health’s inpatient adult psychiatric unit, $200,000 for the Stamford ...

Jackie Heftman (letter): Schools budget reflects realities of Stamford district

March 25, 2024 | Jackie Heftman

Stamford is by no means overspending on education. ... You can also sign up to speak to city board members during the joint BOF/BOR Public Budget Hearing on Wednesday, April 3 at 7 pm. This year’s proposed ...

Stamford music teachers and parents band together to save instrumental program from budget cuts

March 25, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Chuhta and other music teachers in Stamford held an informal after-school meeting this week to discuss strategies for advocating for the preservation  of the elementary school instrumental music program, one of ...

Opinion: Stamford BOE poised to repeat mistake of 34 years ago

March 13, 2024 | Frank Merendino

The heavy cost of cutting music in schools By Frank Merendino It will be 34 years ago this coming June that I sat one evening in a Stamford Board of Education meeting in which budget decisions were being made, ...

Stamford schools to launch new program that aims to help ‘every student’ land an internship

February 26, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stamford schools superintendent began thinking of ways to provide alternatives for students who may not thrive in the ...

 

Stamford BOE members (opinion): Ensuring students are educated about Columbus and Veterans days in meaningful manner

February 20, 2024 | Submitted by Jackie Heftman

Educating students about holidays By Submitted by Jackie Heftman Last month, the Stamford Board of Education approved the Stamford Public Schools calendars for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. ... As school ...

Stamford school staff plead with city over possible budget cuts.

February 7, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Parent facilitators at each of Stamford's public schools are more than just translators for the district's large non-English-speaking population, advocates said. ...

Stamford teachers, parents protest possible budget cuts that may harm kids: 'Trim the fat elsewhere'

January 31, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Music teachers, security workers, kindergarten para-educators and assistant principals are just some of the positions that could be cut if the Stamford Public Schools ...

Stamford schools special education, English-learning populations are spiking.

January 30, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Stamford's school budget is growing, in part because of increased enrollment in special education and English language learners. ... The average cost to Stamford ...

Columbus and Veterans Day no longer days off for Stamford students after Board of Education vote

January 25, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Both days, which are currently days off from school in Stamford, had been proposed as in-school days last year as well. ... A movement to take down the Stamford monument of Columbus gained steam in 2020 as ...

Stamford schools' proposed $333.7M budget would be a 6.4% increase — and that's with staff cuts

January 15, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Stamford schools propose $333.7M budget Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — A drastic cut to the Stamford schools budget in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic is the main driver behind a 6.4 percent ...

Opinion: Stamford deserves more from its superintendent

January 12, 2024 | John Corcoran

Taking away important time spent connecting with students is a huge disservice to Stamford’s school community. ... Stamford’s example illustrates why. ... Teachers and school faculty hold signs at the "Six ...

Some Stamford teachers cut extra services to protest added class; Lucero says it violates labor laws

January 6, 2024 | Ignacio Laguarda

Teachers and school faculty hold signs at the "Six Is Not the Fix" walk-in at Westhill High School in Stamford, Conn. ... Teachers at all three Stamford public high schools protested the district's plan to ...

Learning a New Language through Music

December 27, 2023 | NBC New York

“Music is a universal language for students and how exciting it is to support English language learners who are new to the United States who have been here for a year to be involved with this program,” said Michael Pisseri, Principal at Davenport Ridge Elementary School. 

How long CT teachers teach high schoolers can differ from district to district by more than an hour

December 31, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

However, teachers are unlikely to hit that number of students, said Kathleen Steinberg, spokesperson for Stamford Public Schools. ... Hanaa Saleh and other teachers and school faculty hold signs at the "Six Is ...

Stamford schools must grapple with teacher schedule changes and the loss of COVID funds in 2024

December 27, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

What Stamford schools must grapple with in 2024 Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — As Stamford schools head into 2024, the district will be grappling with a looming fiscal cliff and numerous building ...

Stamford high school teachers protest plan to add 6th class to their schedule: 'Six is not the fix.'

December 19, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Teachers at all three Stamford public high schools protested the district's plan to increase the number of classes high school teachers teach from five to six. ... Teachers at all three Stamford public high ...

Stamford teachers learn Spanish to better connect with families; 'Why didn't I do this sooner?'

December 13, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

When she got an email earlier this year from the Stamford school district announcing a new after-school Spanish class for teachers, Healy jumped at the chance to join.  ... The students are comprised mostly of ...

Stamford schools security union offered 4-year contract with $41K as starting pay.

November 20, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

There are 53 security workers at Stamford schools, and that includes 15 positions that were added last year in order to ensure that every school building had at least one security worker.  Chris Soules, human ...

1 in 3 Stamford kindergartners didn't go to preschool.

November 18, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Beldotti noted that as students make their way through Stamford elementary schools, their performance tends to improve. ... Beldotti also presented a slide that showed that third grade students who have been in ...

Stamford schools want to start English-Spanish dual language program in 2024

November 13, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — An English-Spanish dual language program is close to becoming a reality in Stamford, a school system where more than 50 percent of its enrollment students are ...

Why doesn't outside perception of Stamford schools match the reality, ask Board of Education candidates

October 28, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Perception of schools 'does not match the reality' Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Though those outside the city often have a negative perception of Stamford schools, almost all six candidates ...

Stamford's Westover school could add middle school grades starting in 2024, 9 years ahead of schedule

October 26, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

The original plan was to transform the school into a K-8 facility by 2033, but Lori Rhodes, the associate superintendent for access and opportunity for Stamford Public Schools, came up with an idea to start ...

Becky Hamman (opinion): Gold Standard in the Stamford Public Schools

October 20, 2023 | Becky Hamman

Gold Standard in the Stamford Public Schools By Becky Hamman The term “gold standard” seems to be used a lot lately in the Stamford Public Schools. ... • Families continue to leave Stamford. ... Becky ...

Turf wars: In more and more CT towns, residents divided over grass vs. synthetic fields

October 8, 2023 | Alex Putterman

In Stamford, a local high school athletic director successfully lobbied for a new turf baseball field, opposed by those concerned about potential negative health effects. ... She typically replies with ...

Stamford schools outsource more positions to fill special education vacancies, this time paraeducators

October 6, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Stamford schools have struggled to fill special education vacancies, which is why the district has resorted to contracting out certain positions to private ...

A Stamford teacher wants more girls on debate teams.

September 20, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — A Stamford teacher wants to encourage more girls to participate in debate and stick to it. ... And debate has been a strength of Stamford schools, which often place ...

Stamford teachers union withdraws unfair labor practice complaint sparked by use of private educators

September 28, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — An unfair labor practice complaint filed by Stamford's teachers union against the school district late last month was recently withdrawn, but not before an agreement ...

See which Stamford schools don't have air conditioning: City aims to install A/C units in all by fall

September 16, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Many city schools lack A/C Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Stamford schools closed early three days last week because of excessive heat and more than 300 rooms without air conditioning, a problem ...

Stamford opts for early release days amid hot temperatures causing 'oppressive' heat in some schools

September 6, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

'Oppressive' heat sends students home early Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Stamford schools will release students early again on Thursday due to high temperatures in classrooms.  ... In her ...

Stamford schools' chronic absentee rate drops for first time in 6 years but still higher than CT average

September 1, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — For the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stamford schools saw a decrease in the percent of students who were chronically absent last school ...

 

In photos: Stamford Public Schools start classes for 2023-2024

August 30, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff writer STAMFORD — All Stamford public schools welcomed students back for the start of the 2023-2024 school year on Wednesday. ... All Stamford public schools welcomed students back for 

Stamford test scores made strides but remain below state averages: "still in recovery from COVID'

August 28, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Stamford schools posted lower state assessment scores in English, but made gains in math and science compared with the previous school year, as the district still ...

Stamford schools set to reopen with new curriculum, open high school campuses, return of remote learning

August 27, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

The increased number of students won't be the only change to Stamford Public Schools this year. ... Teachers from Cloonan Middle School cheer during the Stamford Public Schools new teacher orientation at the ...

Stamford school board OKs outsourcing special education classes in move teacher union calls an insult

August 25, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

"It is bargaining unit work and it should be serviced by Stamford Public School employees," Corcoran said. ... "Stamford Public Schools is committed to acting in the best interests of its students, which in ...

Westhill 2023 football preview: Veteran skill players return for new coach Sandoval

August 25, 2023 | Pete Paguaga

Pete Paguaga Master list: CT high school football season previews 2023 Westhill football captains Erick Andrade, Jordan Reyes and Konstantinos Servos at practice August 19, 2023. ... Walter Kennedy Stadium, ...

Stamford high school kids are leaving campus without a formal OK.

August 22, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Officials are hoping to implement a formal policy that will clearly define the schools — Stamford High School, Westhill High School and the Academy of Information Technology & Engineering — as open campuses. ...

Owen Sandoval hoping to bring winning culture back to Westhill in first practice of season

August 19, 2023 | Scott Ericson

Unlike his predecessors, Sandoval has been wearing the purple and gold since his high school days and the players said having a coach that went to the school and understands what that entails has been exciting. ...

Stamford schools have struggled to hire special education teachers.

August 18, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Facing multiple special education teacher vacancies heading into this school year, the Stamford schools associate superintendent for student support asked members of ...

Stamford schools began hiring early, in January.

August 12, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Stamford schools started filling vacancies early, but 43 remain Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — The city's school district has been faced with the daunting challenge of filling 47 open vacancies ...

Stamford schools promotes principal to associate superintendent, names 4 other new administrators

July 31, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Fisco joined Stamford Public Schools in 2005 as a special education teacher at Stillmeadow. ... Also last week, Stamford Public Schools announced three other administrative appointments that were effective Aug. ...

Joshua Esses (opinion): Stamford Republicans should support Lucero’s education agenda 

July 30, 2023 | Staff reports

Do you know why we haven’t heard about our school infrastructure crisis and the proposed public private partnership in the last few years? ... This will save Stamford taxpayers untold amounts of money moving ...

Why a Stamford school administrator is teaching a first grade class this summer

July 29, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Stamford Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Amy Beldotti teaches a summer school class at Strawberry Hill School in Stamford, Conn. ... Stamford Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Amy Beldotti chats during ...

Superintendent Lucero Shares her Vision in Stamford Plus Magazine

Summer 2023 | Stamfordplus

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Stamford explores building bus depot to cut rising contract costs: The numbers 'will stop your heart'

July 17, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

'The numbers ... will stop your heart' Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Not having a city-owned property to park school buses has hamstrung the Stamford school system for years when it comes to finding companies ...

How can CT reduce inequality in youth sports? Here are 6 possible solutions

July 17, 2023 | Alex Putterman

Chris Passamano, athletic director at Stamford High, notes that when high school football was cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, wealthy town subsidized poorer ones in the creation of independent leagues, ...

 

Greenwich, Stamford parents disagree on new kindergarten cutoff: Kids 'do not all develop the same'

July 9, 2023 | Jessica Simms

Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools Toni Jones said many states do not have a cutoff past Sept. 30.  ... In Stamford, Stephanie Zelazny, former Northeast Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association ...

Stamford school board supports magnet school teachers' kids jumping waitlist as 'professional courtesy'

June 30, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — The efforts of magnet school teachers in Stamford to preserve the ability to have their children attend the same school where they teach paid off, as they convinced ...

Stamford schools superintendent Tamu Lucero to get $319K salary in last year of new 3-year contract

June 28, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

The district conducted an audit that found that four out of every five required courses of Stamford Public Schools had no written curriculum, an issue that predates Lucero's time with the district. ... "The ...

See which Stamford students earned scholarships totaling more than $100,000

June 25, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Randi Weiner, Staff writer STAMFORD — Eleven graduating Stamford high school students have been awarded scholarships to help start their college careers. ... To be eligible for the Stamford ...

Millions unspent: CT criticized for denying dozens of grants to improve air quality in schools

June 16, 2023 | Jacqueline Rabe Thomas

And in Brownwin Lakowski’s third grade classroom at Newfield Elementary School in Stamford, the HVAC system regularly breaks, leaving students and staff, particularly those with asthma, to suffer. ... said ...

Stamford schools shuffle around staff: Principals, assistant principals moved to different sites

June 15, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — K.T. ... Corrente has worked in Stamford Public Schools for 16 years and has served as a curriculum associate in literacy.  "She has supported building administrators ...

In Photos: Stamford's AITE hands out about 140 diplomas during graduation ceremony

June 14, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — A class of about 140 students at the Academy of Information Technology & Engineering in Stamford graduated from the school on Tuesday afternoon. Graduate Laurel Fuda, the student ...

In Photos: Stamford High School celebrates 158th graduation with Class of 2023

June 13, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford High School celebrated its 158th graduation Tuesday at Boyle Stadium. ... Photos from the Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony at Stamford High School in Stamford, Conn. 

In Photos: Stamford's Westhill High School graduation celebrates the Class of 2023

June 13, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Freshman year was a tumultuous one for the Westhill High School class of 2023. ... Gloria Sinaguglia, who had a 40-year career as a music educator in Stamford Public Schools, ...

Are Stamford's magnet school wait-list students losing out to teacher's kids?

June 13, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

The Stamford school district allows certified teachers and administrators to have their children attend the same school where they work even if they live out of the normal attendance zone. ... In Stamford, the ...

Stamford High School honors student achievement in athletics, academics.

June 13, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Stamford High School holds "A Knight of Excellence" awards show at the school in Stamford, Conn., on Thursday June 8, 2023. ... Stamford High School holds "A Knight of Excellence" awards show at the school in ...

Stamford parents got no info when police responded to a stopped bus.

June 11, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Schools change communication policy after parent outcry Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Stamford school officials have updated the district's communication protocol after an April bus incident left ...

Stamford high school students release fish into Rippowam River

June 7, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Westhill High School science teacher Sean Otterspoor examines the landscape of the Rippowam River with biology students at Mill River Park in Stamford, Conn. ... Westhill High School freshmen Blake Cortell, ...

COVID 'gutted' Stamford schools' music program.

June 6, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Band director Mathew Gurecki leads a rehearsal with the Stamford High School concert band, in Stamford, Conn. ... Band director Mathew Gurecki leads a rehearsal with the Stamford High School concert band, in ...

In Photos: Stamford families celebrate graduation as adults earn GEDs, other certificates

June 2, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Close to 30 Stamford adults received their high school diplomas Thursday night at Rippowam Middle School in Stamford.  ... Stamford Public Schools holds its Adult and Continuing ...

Stamford girls, boys lacrosse teams make history with CIAC tournament wins

June 1, 2023 | Scott Ericson

The girls team qualified for the FCIAC playoffs for the first time, then two weeks later won the school’s first girls CIAC state lacrosse game. ... For a long time, Stamford girls lacrosse was not on the radar ...

CT Halo Awards set to honor theater students, programs across the state

May 31, 2023 | Amy Coval

Stamford All-School Musical, an afterschool musical theater program sponsored by the Stamford Public Schools, holds a dress rehearsal for the upcoming production of the hit Broadway musical, "Something Rotten!" ...

Stamford students win first place at national science symposium and other news in the region

May 29, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda Stamford High students win first place at national event Four Stamford High School students recently won first place at a national symposium for their research on nanotechnology. ... Seven ...

Opinion: Education key to our climate future

May 29, 2023 | Leigh Shemitz

The insights from Cara Addison — a 2018 Stamford High School graduate now studying for her master’s in marine science — focused on the impact of hands-on field science. ... Stamford Schools Superintendent ...

Stamford schools offered remote learning during COVID.

May 20, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff writer STAMFORD — Remote learning will return to Stamford high schools this fall. ... During the beginning of the pandemic, Stamford schools had to quickly transition to a fully remote ...

Why Stamford’s superintendent is personally taking Realtors on tours of city schools

May 20, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

He said he also noticed that many Realtors he knew didn't live in Stamford, and even if they did, many didn't have children in the school system or had children enrolled in Stamford schools many years ago. ... "...

SEEN: Westhill High School prom 2023

May 19, 2023 | Mike MacLauchlan for Hearst Connecticut Media Group

SEEN: Westhill High School prom 2023 Westhill High School held its prom at the Loading Dock in Stamford on Friday, May 19, 2023. ... SEEN: Westhill High School prom 2023 Westhill High School held its prom at the ...

Stamford's proposed south side school split across two campuses to cost city $65.8M

May 19, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff writer STAMFORD — A pair of new schools that will form a K-8 campus in the Cove neighborhood will cost the city roughly $65.8 million, according to early estimates. ... The work is part ...

Hannah Chuckas wins Allyson Rioux Memorial Award presented annually in Stamford

May 18, 2023 | Scott Ericson

After breaking multiple school diving records in her career, she is the first diver and gymnast to be selected to receive the Allyson Rioux Memorial Award. ... To keep her memory alive, a $5,000 award was ...

Letter: There’s no debate we should celebrate this Stamford teacher

May 17, 2023

They wake up every day and put on their superhero uniform, whether it be a T-shirt with their school’s logo or something more formal. ... Another former Stamford High debater, Sam Aldershof (Stamford High ...

Google surprises 'shocked' Stamford 13-year-old, CT winner for national doodle contest

May 16, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Seventh-grader Rhea Sadhu is celebrated for winning the Google Doodle contest for the state of Connecticut at Strawberry Hill School in Stamford, Conn. ... Seventh-grader Rhea Sadhu speaks about her ...

Stamford schools need a curriculum overhaul.

May 16, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — As the Stamford school district embarks on a massive overhaul of its curricula, officials hope to add a new position dedicated to implementing it.  ... The figure for ...

Stamford cut $5M from a school reserve fund.

May 14, 2023 | Brianna Gurciullo

Brianna Gurciullo, Staff writer STAMFORD — The Board of Representatives reduced the money raised through taxes in the coming fiscal year for a school construction reserve. ... Both boards agreed to raise $20 ...

Stamford Teacher of the Year goes to 'superhero' Turn of River educator Elba Sims

May 12, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Staff Writer STAMFORD — Turn of River Middle School educator Elba Sims was recently named Stamford Teacher of the Year. ... Last year's winner was Stamford High School English and journalism ...

Stamford OKs higher city and school budget but cuts $5M from school construction reserve

May 11, 2023 | Brianna Gurciullo

Brianna Gurciullo, Staff writer STAMFORD — With few cuts, the Board of Representatives has approved the city and school operating budget for the new fiscal year. ... Members targeted that number so ...

CT baseball player from Dominican Republic wins appeal to play at Westhill High

May 6, 2023 | Scott Ericson

The CIAC and our schools need to get on the same page. One can’t consider a student a high school junior while one decides the student's high school experience is over. ... Westhill students Geuris Arias ...

Stamford schools superintendent earned highest salary in city in 2022.

May 5, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

A sizeable chunk of that amount came from payments from 2021, said Stamford schools spokesperson Kathleen Steinberg. ... Westhill High School principal Michael Rinaldi took home $198,467, while Stamford High ...

Stamford students were kept on a stopped school bus for an hour; parents waited 11 days for any answers

May 4, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

The driver pulled over on Newfield Avenue around 3:15 p.m. to call the dispatch service for bus company First Student, which operates school buses for Stamford Public Schools. ... Stamford Police Capt. ...

Opinion: Stamford school district is majority Latino.

May 3, 2023 | Michael Hernández By Michael Hernández

For years, demographic trends have pointed to changes in Stamford’s public schools, yet the local political parties have not translated these changes into elected offices. ... As a graduate of Stamford Public ...

In Photos: Shop local, support Stamford was the aim behind Davenport Ridge School's Vendor Fair

April 30, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

In Photos: Shop local, support Stamford was goal of school's fair Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD – Small businesses from across Stamford turned out for Davenport Ridge Elementary School's Second Annual Vendor ...

Budget cuts gutted most Stamford school librarians. 3 years on, parent volunteers are doing the work.

April 29, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

At that meeting, Alice Knapp, CEO of the Ferguson Library, said she recently visited Hartford Public Library with Stamford Superintendent Tamu Lucero. In three different Hartford schools, the media center also ...

Davenport Ridge Elementary School students to sing national anthem at New York Mets game Monday

April 29, 2023 | Jailene Cuevas

Before the game, students from Stamford’s Davenport Ridge Elementary School’s fourth- and fifth-grade chorus will perform the national anthem for an expected audience of 41,800 people.  ... Stamford’s ...

A new Westhill High School will cost $301M. Stamford's finance board worries the city can't pay for it.

April 28, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda, Brianna Gurciullo, Staff writer STAMFORD — Members of the city's Board of Finance said they were worried about how to pay for a new Westhill High School even with substantial help from the ...

In photos: Stamford's Hart Magnet School hosts art show about 'How We Celebrate'

April 28, 2023 | Christian Abraham

Hart Magnet Elementary School art educators Mark Matini and Caitlin Lafferty pose during the school's spring art exhibition in Stamford, Conn., on Wednesday April 26, 2023. ... Hart Magnet Elementary School ...

Opinion: BOE president appreciates finance board’s partnership

April 26, 2023 | Jackie Heftman

BOE president appreciates finance board’s partnership By Jackie Heftman Last week, the Board of Finance voted on the Stamford Public Schools (SPS) budget for the 2023-2024 school year. I want to recognize the ...

CT high school baseball players ruled ineligible after transferring from Dominican receive support from opponents

April 25, 2023 | Scott Ericson

Opposing teams show support for Westhill players ruled ineligible to play Scott Ericson, Staff writer Rallying around two high school players from the Dominican Republic who are ineligible to play baseball due ...

Stamford High could get a state-funded synthetic field, but whether it's safe is becoming a turf war

April 24, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Passamano said the upgrade would help bring Stamford up to the level of other schools in the state and among the schools in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference, or FCIAC, where Stamford ...

In Photos: Stamford teens get a taste of 'the industry' at Norwalk's Factory Underground Studio

April 21, 2023 | Tyler Sizemore

Tyler Sizemore, Staff writer STAMFORD — Strawberry Hill School seventh-grade band students visited Factory Underground Studios in Norwalk to learn about the music industry, recording, sound engineering, and ...

CT student who transferred from Dominican Republic denied hardship exemption to play baseball

April 21, 2023 | Scott Ericson

The CIAC is the state's governing body for high school athletics. Santana, 18, who transferred into Westhill High School in Stamford in November, is one of two players trying to become eligible to play baseball ...

In Photos: Stamford's Westhill High Bee Club introduces Hart Magnet School kids to the mysterious bee

April 16, 2023 | Christian Abraham

Westhill High School Bee Club's Lulu Robotti, wearing bee suit, helps give a presentation to students at Hart Magnet Elementary School in Stamford, Conn., on Wednesday April 12, 2023. ... Westhill High School ...

COVID staffing shortages decimated Stamford's substitute teacher ranks. 3 years later, it's worse.

April 15, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

And this school year, it’s plummeted to 30 percent. ... "I think the challenge that we’re facing as a school district is no different than challenges happening around the country," said Christopher Soules, ...

In Photos: Third-graders at Stamford's Hart Magnet School dig into paleontology

April 14, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Gilbert at Hart Magnet Elementary School in Stamford, Conn., on Wednesday April 12, 2023. ... Gilbert at Hart Magnet Elementary School in Stamford, Conn., on Wednesday April 12, 2023. ... Gilbert at Hart Magnet ...

Stamford high students win big in art contests, nonprofits named 'trusted messengers' and other news

April 14, 2023 | Randi Weiner

Stamford art students win at Silvermine The artwork of students from all three Stamford high schools was recently showcased in the TEEN VISIONS 2023 exhibition held at the Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan. ..

All 3 Stamford high schools will hold graduation June 13.

April 14, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford's three high schools will all conduct graduation ceremonies on the same Tuesday, June 13. ... The last school day is planned for June 14, except at Turn of River Middle ...

Stamford schools audit found 80% of courses had no written curriculum.

April 13, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford school officials expect to have written curriculum for 65 percent of courses by the start of the next school year. ... A recent year-long audit found that four out of every ...

Here's why Stamford teachers are traveling to Kyoto, Florence and Houston for their students' sake

April 12, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

In all, eight Stamford Public Schools teachers received fellowships through the Fund for Teachers this year. ... Stamford schools Superintendent Tamu Lucero described the Stamford teachers as "an inspiration for ...

In Photos: Stamford students dive into science at Soundwaters program

April 9, 2023 | Tyler Sizemore

Tyler Sizemore STAMFORD — Stamford elementary students dove into science during the Soundwaters Science Stars program. The weeklong camp offers Stamford students in grades two through five an introduction to ...

How a pact between Stamford's Westhill High and a NY college could mean more teachers, cheaper tuition

April 9, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — A new partnership between Westhill High School and a Westchester County college aims to improve student achievement, and also comes with perks for staff, students and even parents. ...

Lamont announces release of $56 million to fund HVAC improvements at 50 CT schools

April 6, 2023 | John Moritz

“Modernized ventilation systems provide an important public health function that filtrate the air and reduce airborne contaminants, including particles containing viruses.” ... Seven other school districts ...

From novice shooter to Junior Olympics: Stamford teenager took to the rifle 'like a fish to water'

April 4, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Westhill High School senior Meghan McLaughlin competes in a rifle competition. ... Westhill High School senior Meghan McLaughlin competes in a rifle competition. ... Westhill High School senior Meghan McLaughlin competes in a rifle competition.

 

Stamford schools explain how a $54K overpayment to a substitute teacher initially went unnoticed

March 25, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

'Errors sometimes occur' Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD —  Stamford schools were transitioning to a new payroll system last fall, around the time a substitute teacher was overpaid by $54,000 and allegedly refused ..

In Photos: Stamford High School puts on a fashion show

March 22, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford High School presented its 35th annual fashion show on March 16. Seniors modeled formal wear from local businesses and juniors modeled spirit wear. The event also included dancing from all four classes.

Stamford students improve test scores, but 3 in 4 middle schoolers still 'below proficient' in math

March 17, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The vast majority of Stamford elementary and middle school students are less than proficient in mathematics, while about half are behind in reading, according to data recently ...

No room for south Stamford K-8 building: District decides to split new school into 2 campuses

March 15, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — School and city officials failed to find a spot in south Stamford for a new K-8 school, so they settled on splitting it into two locations.  On Monday night, Superintendent Tamu ...

Stamford schools upgrades will cost $51M of mayor's proposed $91M budget for building, capital projects

March 12, 2023 | Brianna Gurciullo

Simmons said the school projects within the fiscal 2023-24 capital budget include a roof replacement at Stamford High School, new flooring at Julia A. ... In addition to school buildings, Simmons said her ...

Mistaken for 'suspicious person,' school resource officer triggers lockdown at Stamford High, officials say

March 10, 2023 | Christine Dempsey

Christine Dempsey STAMFORD — Officials say Stamford High was briefly locked down Friday morning after a school resource officer was mistaken for a "suspicious person." Stamford public safety officials tweeted ...

Stamford substitute teacher charged after she was overpaid by $54K; allegedly refused to return it

March 8, 2023 | Pat Tomlinson

Pat Tomlinson STAMFORD — A substitute teacher was overpaid by more than $50,000 by Stamford Public Schools, then refused to pay the district back, according to an arrest warrant. Shalyn Coley, 24, of Stamford, ...

Disney’s ‘Chang Can Dunk’ Stamford screening celebrates CT students, teachers who were extras

March 6, 2023 | Abby Weiss

One of the filming locations was Westhill High School in Stamford. Principal Michael Rinaldi attended the Thursday evening event and redecorated the school’s gymnasium, hallways and banners last year to look ...

More than 1 in 3 Stamford teachers oppose renewing Superintendent Lucero's contract, survey finds

March 5, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — More than a third of Stamford teachers are against extending the contract of Superintendent Tamu Lucero, according to executive board members of the school district's teachers ...

Interim principals in Stamford to take on jobs full-time at Dolan, Rippowam middle schools

March 5, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Interim principals at two of the three biggest middle schools in Stamford were named full-time principals at a virtual meeting of the Stamford Board of Education Tuesday night. ...

Stamford Public Schools celebrate Read Across America with book giveaways
Mar 03, 2023, 5:39pm
By: News 12 Staff

Children across Stamford went home from school with a new gift from the community Friday.

State investigator finds Stamford schools discriminated against Westhill teacher during pandemic

March 3, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — A state investigator has determined that a Westhill High School teacher was discriminated against by the school district when she was required to return to school during the ...

Longtime Stamford coach Doug Robinson honored at FCIAC tournament

March 2, 2023 | Michael Fornabaio

Westhill and Stamford won a CIAC Division III championship in 2016, the first year of their co-op and the first year that Santagata and Robinson, who had been in charge of those school’s programs, were ...

Opening Students' Doors to the Future

Students in Stamford, CT are participating in an art contest that encourages them to continue their education. Lynda Baquero reports.

Stamford changed the high school internship program and participation rates dropped from 320 to 8

March 2, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Westhill High School seniors Lilly Lapine and Jackie Brzoska expected the last month of this school year to be a reward, and they may still get it. ... An email from the school ...

In photos: Stamford's Roxbury School students get free books that focus on Black and Latino experiences

February 27, 2023 | Christian Abraham

Stamford Public Schools provided every K-3 school in Stamford with the books with funding coming from the Connecticut General Assembly. ... Stamford Public Schools provided every K-3 school in Stamford with the ...

Stamford elementary schools highlight Black and Latin American cultures through children's books

Feb 24, 2023, News 12
By: Lauren Fabrizi
Elementary schools in Stamford are highlighting Black and Latin American cultures through children's books.

Stamford parent starts grassroots campaign for dual language program to develop bilingual students

February 20, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD —  Some local officials, school staff and community members want to take advantage of the prevalence of Spanish-speaking students in Stamford Public Schools to bring a new dual ...

In photos: Stamford High has door decoration challenge in honor of Black History Month

February 19, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

A design for Virginia Union University is depicted on a classroom door at Stamford High School in Stamford, Conn. ... A design for Winston Salem State University is depicted on a classroom door at Stamford High ...

In some CT suburbs, students aren’t interested in mandated Black & Latino course

February 19, 2023 | Sandra Diamond Fox

It's also running at Greenwich High School, Trumbull High School, Westhill High School in Stamford and the Academy of Information Technology & Engineering in Stamford.  ... Elaina Rampolla teaches the ...

Growing Latino Population Brings Changing Demographics to Stamford Schools

Stamford the newest district bucking enrollment trends thanks to a growing Hispanic population. Lynda Baquero reports.

Some Stamford classes can reach 90 degrees and need air conditioners.

February 17, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

McCarthy said the schools that would get new units would be those three, plus Northeast, Roxbury, Newfield and Springdale elementary schools, Turn of River Middle School and Stamford and Westhill high schools. ...

Two Yale students, Stamford high alumna to compete in 'Jeopardy!' high school reunion tournament

February 14, 2023 | Amy Coval

Amy Coval Two Yale University students and a Stamford native are among those competing in the “Jeopardy!” ... In addition to two Yale students, a Stamford native will be among the competitors. ... She was a ...

New nonprofit business-focused program to debut at Stamford High this fall, a first for CT

February 12, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford High School is getting down to business this fall. ... A press release from Stamford Public Schools described the High School of Business as a college-level business ...

Stamford Board of Education weighs budget options: 2 new associate superintendents?

February 11, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford Board of Education members won't propose cuts or additions to the school operating budget until later in the month, but Tuesday served as a preview of what's to come. ...

Stamford's proposed teaching budget up $1.2M, in part to fix a lack of a written curriculum

February 3, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The proposed teaching and learning budget for all content areas in Stamford schools is up 17 percent for the upcoming school year, in large part due to the district's efforts to fix ...

 

CT LIVE!: Filling in the Blanks Put Food on Tables Roxbury Elementary School principal, Mark Bonasera, is featured in this profile piece about Filling in the Blanks. Thousands of students rely on Filling in the Blanks’ Weekend Meal Program. Even $25 can feed a local child for a month! www.nbcconnecticut.com



Stamford schools need more teachers for a growing special ed population, worry 2023-24 will be 'nightmare'

February 1, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The number of special education students in Stamford is on the rise, but school officials are concerned the ongoing teacher shortage will prevent the district from adequately ...

Stamford's Hannah Chuckas, diving champ, finds joy in music, songwriting

January 31, 2023 | Dave Stewart

Hannah Chuckas performs one her songs on TikTok. The cover image for Hannah Chuckas's song "You're The Only One For Me" on Spotify. Westhill-Stamford diver Hannah Chuckas added the State Open title to her resume.

Stamford schools add only one holiday — Eid al-Fitr — to calendar after months of debate

January 26, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

The Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr, celebrated on April 10 next year, will be a day off of school for the 2023-24 school year. The holiday had never been  included in Stamford's school calendar in the past. ...

Stamford schools agree to new administrators contract after union cuts its raise demands to 9.5%

January 26, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — School officials have reached an agreement with the union representing principals and assistant principals on a new three-year contract after two city boards voted against the ...

Stamford school administrator contract heads to state arbitration: Everything 'back on the table'

January 17, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

High school principals in the city make an average of $204,716 a year, while elementary and middle school principals take home a yearly salary of about $184,387. ... Matt Forker, co-president of the SAU and ...

Stamford schools' proposed $313M budget cuts teachers, special ed para-educators amid rising energy costs

January 14, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

The Stamford school budget has increased an average of 2.46 percent every year for the past eight years. ... Stamford Public Schools is still recovering from a massive cut of $12.5 million in 2020 just as ...

 

Stamford school board committee OKs new holidays, returns Columbus Day to calendar after public outcry

January 12, 2023 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Catholic, Muslim and Indian holidays were added to the Stamford Public Schools calendar for the upcoming school year, which was approved Tuesday night by a school board ...

New Stamford school administrator contract costs $1.49M but denying it could cost more, lawyer says

December 29, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Denying a new contract for Stamford school administrators may not save the city any money at all, and might even cost taxpayers more, according to a school board attorney. ...

A Stamford Fulbright teacher has 6 months to find out.

December 28, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — This New Year's Day will be a drastic departure for Ruth-Terry Walden. ... Walden said at a meeting of the Stamford Board of Education's Labor Committee in September. ... So to ...

1 in 2 Stamford students are Hispanic and overall enrollment is on the rise, report shows

December 22, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Hispanic and Latino students are now the majority of the Stamford public school population according to enrollment data just released by the district. ... The Ecuadorian-born mother ...

Stamford's Westhill and Roxbury school replacements will cost $387M.

December 21, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Two schools only a few yards away from each other in Stamford are slated to be torn down and rebuilt for about $387 million — and the state has agreed to put down roughly $292 ...

This teacher encouraged kids in Stamford and Norwalk to find a purpose.

December 20, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

The late Roberson — a former Norwalk Public School teacher, academic director at education nonprofit Horizons and volunteer at Stamford's Cradle to Career — often spoke about finding one's purpose in life. ...

Columbus and Veterans days back on Stamford school calendar as days off; Diwali added too

December 19, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

After release of the first draft 2022-23 school calendar, a group of Stamford Italian-Americans showed up at the Board of Education meeting to protest the idea of no longer making Columbus Day a day off for ...

How Westhill High School's agriscience program gave two Stamford grads the courage to open a fish store

December 16, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

At 21, he's now one of the owners of Sound Aquatics, a fish store in nearby Thornwood, N.Y., in Westchester County. ... This summer, however, they reconnected and during one conversation, Bakshi, who is a ...

Stamford students created holiday greeting cards the mayor and superintendent will use this year

December 14, 2022 | Christian Abraham

Christian Abraham STAMFORD – Stamford Public Schools students in grade K-5 worked with their art teachers to create seasonal designs in any medium, which were then submitted for consideration in the city's ...

Stamford students recognized by DAR, Stamford EMS earn perfect reaccreditation score and other news

December 13, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Two other students, Melissa Silva and Dinyar Unvala, were given the Outstanding Conservation Award for their volunteer work with Stamford organization SoundWaters. Four other Stamford residents received ..

In Photos: Stamford middle schoolers combine coding and performing

December 11, 2022

Sixth grader Noah Gjelevic programs his Unruly Splats before performing a choreographed demonstration at Scofield Magnet Middle School in Stamford, Conn. ... Sixth graders Rebeca Jimenez, left, and Giada ...

Stamford Italian-Americans protest change to school calendar: 'Columbus Day is being canceled.'

December 8, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The fight to preserve the legacy of 15th century explorer Christopher Columbus in Stamford has moved from the city square to the school board. ... But, since Stamford schools have ...

Stamford's schools are getting new sidewalks.

December 4, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD —Springdale Elementary School will be getting new sidewalks soon. ... Also at that time, Quinones said that the objective was to develop a “comprehensive sidewalk restoration ...

Stamford's All-School Musical debuts Dec. 2 with a cast and crew of 40 and a comedy of epic size

December 2, 2022 | Christian Abraham

Stamford All-School Musical is an afterschool musical theater program sponsored by the Stamford Public Schools. ... Stamford All-School Musical is an afterschool musical theater program sponsored by the Stamford ...

Stamford schools debate adding Eid al-Fitr to days off, put Columbus Day and Veterans Day back in class

December 2, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Columbus Day and Veterans Day — traditionally celebrated by Stamford schools with a day off — may be class days if a proposed calendar is accepted. ... The statute that governs ...

A first Thanksgiving for Stamford's newest immigrant students includes turkey and gratitude

November 23, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Olivia Hagopian serves food during the Thanksgiving lunch for newly immigrated students at Turn of River Middle School in Stamford, Conn. ... Jose Quinones is served a plate during the Thanksgiving lunch for ...

Stamford schools has spent $20M on ventilation work since 2020.

November 22, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford schools may be eligible for as much as $12 million from the state in reimbursements for numerous heating and ventilation projects. Ryan Fealey, director of finance for ...

Stamford schools has 200 Ukrainian students; many are refugees.

November 19, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

The bulk of refugees from the country that settled in Connecticut seem to have ended up in Stamford, resulting in an influx of Ukrainian students in Stamford Public Schools. ... The bulk of refugees from the ...

Stamford schools says administrators deserve 10.5% pay raise. Finance board says other districts pay less.

November 14, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

"This proposed contract acknowledges the hard work of our SAU members during the pandemic," said Jackie Heftman, president of the Board of Education. ... Jon Panzer, co-president of the SAU, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rushing on Stamford High project means passing up $1.5M grant.

November 12, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The Stamford Board of Finance chair was flabbergasted to learn this week that a project to replace science labs at Stamford High School wouldn't use a state grants to help pay for ...

Stamford students, staff honor veterans: Wars are more than just 'a paragraph in a textbook'

November 10, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Toquam wasn't the only public school in Stamford to host a Veterans Day event this week. ... Principal Sibyl Brooks speaks during the Veterans Day Assembly at Toquam Magnet Elementary School in Stamford, Conn. ...

Stamford's older students feel lost in school, younger kids feel they belong, districtwide survey says

November 7, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford public middle and high school students reported a much lower sense of belonging and of safety and a worse school climate than their elementary school peers, according to a ...

How will Stamford fund its half of a $1.5B plan for school buildings?

November 6, 2022 | Brianna Gurciullo

Brianna Gurciullo STAMFORD — The Board of Finance is grappling with how the city will fund its share of a $1.5 billion school facilities plan. ... A previous estimate left out a project at Stamford High ...

Stamford Police, city, schools, promise better communication after problems during hoax threat response

November 2, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

"After the recent hoax call at Stamford High School, my team — along with the police department, superintendent, fire department and school district officials and other key public safety officials — met and ...

Stamford school board candidates divided on how to handle equity, budget and curriculum

November 2, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

He said Stamford Public Schools needs a more diverse staff to ensure that Hispanic families have more of a voice. ... Butler  — who has three children who have attended Stamford Public Schools, including a ...

A Stamford sophomore can't imagine life without music.

November 1, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

That's why the Westhill High School sophomore jumped at the chance to take part in a music production program in Stamford where she is learning to write, produce, edit and market her own album of original songs. ...

In Photos: Stamford students show off costumes at Stillmeadow School’s Halloween parade

October 31, 2022 | Tyler Sizemore

By Tyler Sizemore STAMFORD — Students dressed in costumes during the Halloween parade at Stillmeadow Elementary School on Monday. ... Parents watch the Halloween parade at Stillmeadow Elementary School in ...

Can Stamford schools' achievement gap be fixed? Here's what the school board candidates say.

October 30, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Both visuals, which illustrate the district's achievement gap, are not uncommon in school districts across the country; the same data has been trending in Stamford for years.  ... He called for more investment ...

Former Stamford high school teacher bequests $120K to AITE for scholarships

October 28, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Now, her name will also be the moniker for a new scholarship at the Academy of Information Technology & Engineering, one of three public high schools in Stamford. ... A search of Gray's name on a public records ...

Stamford schools agrees to invest another $4 million in school safety

October 27, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — An additional $4 million is going toward school security in Stamford as part of a capital budget passed by the city's Board of Education this week. ... A separate long-term capital ...

Stamford schools looking at $742M price tag to replace and renovate school buildings

October 25, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The plan to fix Stamford's school buildings will take 20 years and cost the city roughly $742 million. ... The plan calls for improvements to all other school buildings, with major ...

In Photos: SPEF MarcUS for Change 5K Walk & Run in Stamford

October 23, 2022

The race raises money for the Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF) while celebrating the memory of Marcus Dixon McInerney, a Stamford High School graduate who died in 2012. ... More than 300 people ...

Stamford police determined call about school threat was a hoax within 16 min., city officials say

October 21, 2022 | Pat Tomlinson

Pat Tomlinson, Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Police responded to a false report of an active shooter at Stamford High School on Friday morning. ... "We know these incidents are stressful for parents and ...

Stamford schools' test scores drop from pre-COVID years, gulf widens between white, non-white students

October 16, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Scores for the Smarter Balanced Assessment, SAT and Next Generation Science Standards tests discussed during a virtual presentation on state test results of Stamford Public Schools students showed lower scores ...

Roughly 80 percent of Stamford core classes have no written curriculum, audit finds

October 15, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Four out of every five required courses of Stamford Public Schools — English, math, science or social stories — have no written curriculum, according to the findings of a ...

Stamford hires Middletown High School principal as new secondary curriculum director

October 13, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The principal of Middletown High School was approved Tuesday night as the next director of curriculum  at the secondary level for Stamford Public Schools effective immediately. ...

Before COVID, Stamford schools worried it didn't feed all its hungry kids.

October 10, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Lunchtime in Stamford Public Schools finally looks like it did pre-pandemic, but with one notable difference: meals are all free. ... Students eat lunch at Newfield Elementary ...

Stamford's AITE high school taps former music teacher for assistant principal role

October 8, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — A former choir and piano teacher was recently named assistant principal of Stamford Public School's smallest high school. ... Prince was a music teacher for eight years, and had 14 ...

Should Stamford schools strive for ‘equal outcomes’ for all students?

October 2, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

"If you have students at the top of the class, if you make them even stronger, that makes Stamford Public Schools more inequitable," he said, adding that such a result would be "bad" according to the policy. ...

Is Stamford schools' new block schedule a hit or a miss?

October 1, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Previously, students at Stamford High and Westhill High School took seven classes a day, each lasting 48 minutes. ... Sophomore Michel Perez Vasquez works during her English class at Westhill High School in ..

Stamford school board not looking to buy out superintendent's contract, Board of Education president says

September 29, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The Stamford Board of Education is not seeking to buy out the superintendent's remaining contract, the board president said Wednesday. ... Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools ...

Stamford adds school-based onsite healthcare to three more elementary schools.

September 23, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Stamford Public Schools have added behavioral health services to three more elementary schools, bringing the percentage of primary schools to offer such in-house clinical support to ...

Stamford schools want more job applicants so they’ve upped their online game

September 16, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

By Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — The first thing visitors to the Stamford Public Schools website see is the phrase “We’re hiring!” ... Early returns have been promising, but Stamford is still experiencing ...

Stamford finance board sounds alarm on education budget ‘fiscal cliff’

September 9, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Ryan Fealey, finance director for Stamford Public Schools, responded that the district could not stockpile those funds, since they expire at the end of the next school year. ... The new framework will provide ...

Stamford schools see influx of Ukrainian students.

September 3, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

Mike Meyer, director of family and community engagement for Stamford Public Schools, said the district can’t confirm that the new students come directly from Ukraine or if they came from another region, ...

Stamford’s Westhill High School closed due to water main break; classes expected to resume Thursday

August 31, 2022 | Peter Yankowski

The first day of classes in Stamford for the 2022-23 school year was this past Monday. Students returning at Westhill High School in Stamford, Conn. ... Above, students return to a full-time in-person schedule ...

Some Stamford teachers complain hot classrooms are ‘roasting;’ officials say AC will be standard in new schools

August 30, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

That’s the reason some are calling for the district to move to early dismissal for the rest of the week, as Bridgeport Public Schools did this week. “We’re roasting in here,” said Ruth-Terry Walden, a ...

BACK TO SCHOOL AUG 29, 2022

Thousands of Students Go Back to School in Connecticut

Families inStamford, Bridgeport and Fairfield are hopeful for a more normal school year following the first day, Lynda Baquero reports.

  

In Photos: Stamford students head back to school

August 29, 2022 | Tyler Sizemore

All Stamford Public Schools students returned to start the new school year on Monday. ... All Stamford Public Schools students returned to start the new school year on Monday. ... All Stamford Public Schools ...

How to reduce the risk of school violence? Stamford police say parents are key

August 26, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

By Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — With school set to start Monday, Stamford police and school officials attempted to quell concerns about school safety. ... He said over 80 percent of security guards in Stamford ...

Stamford schools brace for ‘fiscal cliff’: 120 positions rely on COVID funds, but that money is running out

August 23, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

By Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — A total of 120 Stamford school positions, at a cost of roughly $8.8 million, are set to expire in the next two years, leaving school officials to grapple with an oncoming ...

Stamford schools’ state test scores plummet from pre-pandemic era

August 26, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

The performance index among New Haven public school students decreased by 6.5 points in English language arts and 8.7 points in math from the school year immediately preceding the COVID-19 pandemic to last year. ...

Stamford schools announce new interim principals at Rippowam, Dolan schools

August 21, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

By Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — Two Stamford middle schools will have interim principals starting this fall. ... In a press release from the school district, Stamford Public Schools Superintendent Tamu Lucero ...

Stamford schools choose new associate superintendent; new hire has been in district one year

August 10, 2022 | Ignacio Laguarda

By Ignacio Laguarda STAMFORD — A Stamford Public Schools administrator hired a year ago was selected Tuesday night for one of the district’s top spots. ... Her two children attend Stamford Public Schools. ...

 

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  AS SEEN ON MAY 24, 2022

  Stamford Schools Considering Banning Cell Phones

  The Stamford school district is considering banning cell phones at all school in a bid to try to get students off their phones in class. Lynda Baquero reports.

    

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  WEATHER KIDS MAY 6, 2022

  Stamford Kindergartners Learn About Weather

  Kindergartners from Julia A. Stark Elementary School in Stamford, CT, enjoyed a Weather Kids Visit from Storm Team 4 Meteorologist, Matt Brickman. The students asked all types of questions and learned all about weather science.

    

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  AS SEEN ON JUN 3, 2021

  CT Students Watch Their NASA Experiment Blast Into Space

  The Stamford High School students created an experiment that is headed to the International Space Station, after they beat out 16,000 other students. Astronauts will send back data for them to analyze for their research into cancer cells. NBC New York’s Lynda Baquero reports.

    

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  BLACK HISTORY DEC 15, 2020

  ‘Blues and Beyond': Stamford School Teaches Black History Through Music

  Stamford is the first school district in American to bring “The Blues and Beyond” to classrooms, teaching students about African American history through music. NBC New York’s Adam Kuperstein reports.