Shout Outs

Westhill’s JROTC Participates in the Army JROTC National Fitness Challenge!

The Westhill JROTC fitness team recently showcased their strength, endurance, and teamwork at the prestigious Army JROTC National Fitness Challenge in Daytona Beach, Florida. This highly competitive event brought together 78 elite teams from a pool of 1,700 JROTC programs nationwide, highlighting the best of the best in physical fitness and discipline.

 

Westhill entered the competition with two teams, representing both the male and female divisions. Each team faced rigorous challenges designed to test their agility, strength, and overall fitness. The competition featured a variety of demanding events, including obstacle courses, team runs, pull-ups, and other physically grueling tasks that required exceptional coordination and determination.

 

Despite the intense competition, Westhill’s teams proved to be formidable contenders, demonstrating remarkable athleticism and resilience throughout the event. Their performance reflected the dedication and hard work of the cadets, as well as the strong leadership and training provided by their instructors.

 

Westhill’s cadets left Daytona Beach with valuable experience and a sense of accomplishment, proving that they are among the nation’s top JROTC fitness teams. Their dedication and competitive spirit continue to inspire their peers and set a high standard for future competitions.

Submitted by Michael Rinaldi

 

A First Grade Celebration Full of Love!

A big shout out to our amazing first grade teachers and students for hosting a beautiful and heartfelt celebration for mothers and female caregivers on Friday, May 9. Families were welcomed into the classrooms and treated to delicious snacks, sweet songs, and thoughtful student-made gifts including flower pots, placemats, and bookmarks. The performance of “Mom” by Meghan Trainor was a definite highlight, bringing smiles (and a few happy tears!) to the room. Some students even read books to their moms, making the event feel extra special. Thank you to our first grade team for creating such a warm and memorable experience that families will cherish!

 

Celebrating a Young Author’s Success!

Congratulations to Priya Powell, fourth grade student from Roxbury, for her outstanding achievement in the 40th Annual Stamford Literary Competition! We are thrilled to share that Priya won 2nd place in the Fourth Grade Poetry category for her poem Summer and 3rd place in the Fourth Grade Fiction category for her story The Library Dog.

 

What an incredible accomplishment! Priya’s creativity and talent shine brightly, and we are so proud of her success. Way to go, Priya! Keep writing and inspiring others with your words!

Submitted by Sandra Ehlers

 

Author’s Visit

Rob Buyea, an American children’s fiction author best known for his Mr. Terupt series of novels, visited our school and engaged our students in a series of writing workshops and meaningful dialogue about the writing process and reading engagement. A big shout out to Abby Curry for organizing the event to enable our students an authentic learning experience. 

 

 

Fifth Grade Student Leadership 

During the month of May, our fifth grade students showed amazing leadership skills in different ways. They welcomed Assistant Principals and other leaders from the district with big smiles and friendly attitudes. Additionally, they took on the job of presenting to the fourth graders about their exciting trips. They shared stories and information, helping their younger friends understand what they could look forward to in the next grade. This experience allowed the fifth graders to practice speaking in front of others and to support their classmates. Overall, May was a great month for our students to shine as leaders, showing that they can inspire and guide those around them. 

 

Student Celebrations

This week, students had a great time enjoying some of the fun prizes they won during the Stark Sprint Fundraising event, organized by the PFO in partnership with local community organizations. One of the most exciting highlights was when the police and fire departments escorted students to school, accompanied by the cheers and applause from both students and staff. Everyone came together to celebrate our school community, making it a memorable week filled with joy and support from all around us.

 

Literacy Night  

Stark Literacy Night was a big success! Students and families came together for a fun evening filled with exciting literacy activities. Many families enjoyed reading books together. There were also fun word search games that challenged everyone to find hidden words. Parents appreciated the chance to bond with their kids over reading and literacy activities. Thank you to our dedicated staff that organized and coordinated this event, Sarah Santasiero, Courtney Simon, Sue Connor, Maritza Nunez, Michael Macchio, and our security guard William Smith. 

Submitted by Iuliana Roata

 

AITE Arbor Students Hold Another Successful Succulent Sale

Students in AITE’s Arbor program raised over $400 for Project Pisces by selling succulents during their 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Succulent Sale. What they did not sell at AITE, they were able to at Just a Peace Gift Shop over the weekend. Through this event, the students learned about good business practices, including teamwork, customer relations, and value pricing. 

Submitted by Tina Rivera

Toquam Spelling Bee Had Our Scholars “Buzzing!” 

Toquam’s second Annual Spelling Bee was a fantastic opportunity for our scholars in second through fifth grade to practice their spelling and public speaking skills, and gain confidence! Our 3 winners showed great sportsmanship and incredible spelling skills! We are proud of all our spelling bee finalists! Way to go! 

Submitted by Jenna Cinelli

 

From Prickly to Powerful!

“Trying new things can be uncomfortable and ‘prickly’ but there is a certain beauty in pushing through that discomfort.”

 

Students at Springdale Elementary School took part in the “Let Grow” program, a program that empowers schools and families to foster independence in children by encouraging age-appropriate freedom, responsibility, and problem-solving through unstructured play and real-world experiences. 

 

Students were challenged to try something new on their own (anything from trying to ride their bike without training wheels to making a meal or dessert for their family) and reflect on the impact that this experience had on them. Parents were encouraged to share how it made them feel to watch their children becoming more independent right before their eyes. One parent shared, “Watching him “Let Grow” made me anxious but also proud of him and excited for him.” The entire Springdale community shares in this sentiment and celebrates the JOY of independence that this program has brought to our students.

 

Celebrating JOY

At Springdale School, JOY is more than just a word...it’s our guiding principle, and we seize every opportunity to celebrate it! Thanks to our incredible PTO, students were treated to a “JOYful Monday,” a day dedicated to honoring our community, our connections, and most importantly, the JOY of being together.

 

Our blacktop was transformed into a vibrant carnival midway, where students could play to their hearts’ content...knocking down clowns, kicking bullseyes on a towering 15-foot soccer target, shooting baskets, and even aiming rings at a unicorn’s horn! The laughter, energy, and smiles were infectious.

 

To top off this unforgettable day, students also enjoyed special time with their book buddies, enjoyed a sweet ice cream treat, and were introduced to our brand new school mascot (who the students will get to name in the next few weeks). It was a true celebration of everything that brings us joy at Springdale!  Special thanks to the PTO for providing this opportunity and to all of the teachers who helped to make sure that the students not only had fun, but were safe throughout the day.

Submitted by Becky Chuhta

 

Planting Flowers at the Firehouse

Students from Stamford Transition Services did a community trip to the firehouse to help plant flowers! The students did a great job working with the firefighters to help spread spring cheer to the community! Thank you to Laura Marino for getting this community experience organized and thank you to Mr. Jon Panzer for stopping by to help! 

Submitted by Steven Angelo

Westover Finds A Golden Ticket to Wonka’s Chocolate Factory

Westover families packed the auditorium on Thursday, May 15 for the Fifth Grade’s rendition of “Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.” The show tells the story of five golden ticket winners who earn a tour of Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and endless candy. Charlie, who finds the last golden ticket, embarks on an adventure inside the wondrous factory, filled with fantastical treats and singing Oompa Loompas. While the other winners face comical consequences for their greed, Charlie’s genuine kindness shines through earning him an even sweeter reward.

 

Westover students enjoyed watching the dress rehearsal performances this week. The students worked for months with their respective Arts & Problem Solving (APS) teachers putting together the show: art backdrops/props (Cathy McElroy), theater technology (Sean Hutchinson), dancers and gymnasts (Amy Neer), singers (Jennifer Macklin), and actors (Cienna Johnson). A huge thank you to Jennifer Macklin and Cienna Johnson, the Directors, for all of their time perfecting the showcase. Special shout out to the fifth grade teachers (Adriana DeCarlo, Stephanie Borgella, Jacqueline Sanchez, Gabrielle Rago, Heather Stramandinoli, and Amanda Bogdanowicz) and paraeducators (Anu Sharma, Rebeka Shohon, and Kayla Burgos) who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. We appreciate the time our costume parent volunteers put in to make the production possible.

Submitted by Larissa Weir

 

What is an SPS Shout Out?

An SPS Shout Out is a special recognition that acknowledges school communities, staff members or students who have inspired us with a unique project, an outstanding job or a special effort that had a positive impact on our students or community.  Each week we will celebrate a few by sharing with all SPS staff and posting on the district website. Please share any or all of these with your friends and families.   

SPS Administrators can submit Shout Outs for consideration through the link available in the Administrator Weekly. Please note the deadline, word limit, and photo limit. We look forward to seeing your submissions!

 

Roxbury Students Enjoy Final ECHO of the Year

On Friday, May 2, Roxbury celebrated the final ECHO of the school year—and what a fantastic way to wrap up this enriching experience for our students! From Roxbury Restorations, RoxTV, Kindness Kids and beyond, our students were engaged in meaningful, hands-on learning driven by their curiosity and passions. A huge thank you to all of the staff who made this possible. Their creativity, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond provided our students with unique opportunities to explore, create, and collaborate. The success of ECHO is a direct result of their commitment, and we are so grateful for the impact they have made!

Muffins with Mom – A Heartwarming Kindergarten Celebration!

A big shout out to our incredible Kindergarten team for organizing a truly lovely Muffins with Mom event! The room was filled with smiles, laughter, and a few happy tears as students shared muffins with their special guests and proudly gifted framed pictures of themselves. The highlight of the morning was a touching video featuring each student sharing why they love their mom—an unforgettable tribute that warmed every heart in the room. Thank you for creating such a meaningful and memorable experience for our students and their families!

Honoring the Earth Through Song

Our second graders truly shined during their Earth Day Concert! Their performance was both entertaining and educational, as they shared important messages about taking care of our planet through music and song. Their energy, enthusiasm, and hard work were evident in every moment on stage!

A huge thank you to our incredible music department, Paul Riccio and Sara Defilippo, for preparing our students so beautifully, and to our amazing second grade team — Jen Bruno, Kristyn O’Brien, Christina Parra, Consuelo Nieves, Julie Rizzi, and Kris Bastias — for their support and collaboration.

We also want to give a special shoutout to Dania Corsello for the beautiful artwork that helped transform our auditorium into a true celebration of Earth Day. We are so proud of our students and grateful to everyone who made this event such a success!

“Hands-On Learning in Full Bloom!”

As part of Roxbury’s commitment to the Higher Order Thinking Schools, each teacher is in charge of a monthly “Echo” program. Roxbury teacher Morgan Walton partnered with Emily Picard at the 4-H Extension at UConn to give the students in the “Spice of Life Echos” program hand-on activities. This week they studied pollinators and made seed balls to take home.

Submitted by Sandra Ehlers

Planting the Future: A Blooming Thanks to Our PTO Volunteers!

Thanks to the helping hands and generous hearts of our amazing PTO volunteers, Davenport Ridge Elementary students rolled up their sleeves and planted tulip and daffodil bulbs around the school grounds. These vibrant blooms will return each spring—reminding us all of the beauty that grows when our community comes together. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our campus a little brighter, year after year!

Pitch Perfect at the Ballpark!

Davenport Ridge Chorus Hits a Home Run at Citi Field!

On May 1, our talented fourth and fifth grade chorus took the big stage—well, the big field—at Citi Field, proudly singing the National Anthem before the New York Mets game! With voices strong and spirits high, they represented Davenport Ridge with pride, filling the stadium with patriotism and joy. What an unforgettable experience for our young stars—way to go, chorus! Thank you to Mr. Frank Merendino and Mr. Brandon Oberkrieser for your musical direction.

Submitted by Sandra Carlton

Fifth Grader Represents Region at National Kendo Championship 

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Toquam fifth grader, Luan Rrustemi, who recently participated in the 2025 All U.S. Kendo Federation Junior Open National Championships held in Seattle, WA!

Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art rooted in traditional swordsmanship, and demands discipline, focus, and spirit. Luan has been training with unwavering intensity, honing his skills with the bamboo sword (shinai) and protective armor (bōgu)—a dedication that earned him the honor of representing the All Eastern U.S. Kendo Federation at the national championships.

Even in the face of fierce competition, Luan walked away not only with rewarding experience but with the wisdom that there is always more to learn and more to strive for—not just as a “kenshi,” but as a driven and resilient individual. 

We are so proud of Luan for showing us what it means to believe in yourself and to never let anything stand in the way of achieving your goals. Keep pushing, Luan—the best is yet to come! Believe-Achieve-Succeed!

Submitted by Jenna Cinelli

Scofield Student Places Second at Scrabble Championship

On April 26-27, Scofield eighth grader Theodore Diamond and his teammate Tobey Lieberman of Ridgefield competed in the 34th Annual North American School Scrabble Championship (NASSC) at Planet Word Museum in Washington D.C. NASSC has nearly 100 students from across the USA & Canada. Theo and Tobey made it to finals with a 7-1 record, finishing second in the Elementary/Middle School Division. Congratulations, Theo!

Scofield Magnet Middle School Hosts Multicultural Day

Last week, our sixth grade Turquoise Team students and their families hosted a “Multicultural Day” event in the school cafeteria with their team teachers Mr. Forde, Mr. Fallon, Mrs. Schlosser, Mrs. Jones, and Mrs. Gordon. Students made presentation boards about their heritage and culture and shared over 100 authentic foods from these countries. There were many countries represented including Italy, Ireland, Greece, Peru, Ukraine, Guatemala, India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Albania, the Dominican Republic, and more! Excellent job, Turquoise Team!

Submitted by Julie Moyer

“Luck Mom” and “In A HeartBeat” CPR Training

 We would like to thank Melissa Faye (Lucky Mom) and Mike Papale (In A HeartBeat) for providing CPR training to the Northeast Staff. They also organized a family/community evening event which allowed adults and students to receive CPR training. This CPR training for school staff, families, and students was crucial for enhancing school safety and empowered staff and families to respond effectively to emergencies, especially cardiac arrest.

Second Grade Plant Show

Mrs. Yantorno, Ms. Inzitari, Mrs. Sargent and Mrs. Kopec’s second grade classes learned about Cycles in Nature in their CKLA Unit. Students were introduced to natural cycles that make life on Earth possible, such as seasonal cycles, life cycles, and the water cycle. Students under the musical direction of Mr. Stec and Mr. Barbour showcased their learning with a Plant Show Performance dedicated to Earth Day.

Submitted by Angela Plateroti

Newfield Students Honored at Literary Competition 

We are excited to celebrate two of our students who were honored on Sunday afternoon at the 40th Annual Literary Competition sponsored by the Friends of the Ferguson Library. Third grader, Charlotte Paone, placed 1st in the Fiction category. Fourth grader, Reilly Turano, placed 2nd in the Fiction category. They participated in the awards ceremony held at the Ferguson Library where they received recognition for their incredible work. We are so proud of these two students and their accomplishments!

Submitted by Mandi Leale

Westover Holds Choose Love Poster Contest and Celebrates SPS Teacher of the Year

Westover held its second annual Choose Love Poster contest to showcase the impact the SEL program has had on our school community this year. Students were given the opportunity to participate in the contest in class and also encouraged to work on it at home with their families during Spring Break. This year’s prompt was: What is your favorite Choose Love pillar and why? Submissions included drawings, posters, Google Slide Presentations, and even videos. Winners from each grade level were announced at the final Choose Love Assembly of the year on Wednesday, April 30. The winners loved being able to share their project with the school and take a special picture with mascot, Lizzy Love. 

Another highlight was the Westover Cheer Team who made their debut performance with a frogs chant and a special cheer about the Choose Love pillars. The assembly was the perfect time to honor SPS Teacher of the Year, George Rigakos, with a dance party. Mr. Rigakos (Westover SPED Teacher) lives out the Choose Love mission each day with his positive attitude and compassion for others. Westover is so lucky to have such an outstanding educator who builds genuine connections with students, staff, and families alike.

Westover PTO Rocks Staff Appreciation Week

Westover’s Staff were treated to a rocking week by Westover’s amazing PTO. Monday began with a concert concession stand lunch, which included nachos, popcorn, hot dogs, and brownie sundaes. A rockstar worthy lunch catered by Avellino Family Barbecue and Westover Pizza was held on Tuesday. On Wednesday, staff received swag gift bags. Staff listened for their name on Thursday as incredible raffle prizes were announced throughout the day. Prizes included gift cards and many donations from local Stamford businesses. And the week ended on a high note with a delicious jam session on Friday morning complete with bagels, donuts, and an assortment of jams. Westover appreciates the time, creativity, and dedication of the PTO and all of the parent volunteers who made this week so special for the staff.

Submitted by Larissa Weir

TOR Celebrates Achievement 

Last Friday, our community came together to celebrate students for academic achievement, improvement, and citizenship. Family members, guests, students, and staff cheered as students received honor roll, high honor roll, BUG (Bringing Up Grades), and Titan awards. We also gave special recognition to two eighth graders:

Julia Claps: TOR Yearbook Editor-in-Chief (with Ms. Olivia Hagopian, Grade 7 Teacher)

Rudrh Nair: Ferguson Library Literary Competition winner (First place, Grade 7-8 Fiction, with Julia Sciarretta, Grade 8 Teacher)

We also honored human rights activist Judith Altmann, who spoke at TOR about her experiences as a Holocaust survivor for over ten years. Ms. Altmann passed away last week at the age of 100.

Submitted by Mark Bonasera

Music Extravaganza at Stark Elementary 

The Stark Music Department, led by Gregory Herrmann, Graham Leftwich, and Brian Ditchella, along with their wonderful support staff, truly deserves a big round of applause for their hard work in preparing students in grades three through five for their Spring Concert and Sizzlin' Summer Sounds Performance. The teachers spend a lot of time helping the students learn new songs and play different instruments. During the performances, the audience could feel the joy and effort the students put into their music. The students not only learn about music, but they also learn how to work as a team and share their talents with others. The teachers spend a lot of time helping the students learn new songs and play different instruments.

Submitted by Iuliana Roata

A Buddy Bench is Coming to RIS!

A Buddy Bench is coming to Rogers! It will officially be unveiled at the Shellebration on May 15. This special project, a symbol of friendship and inclusivity, was brought to life through a collaboration between Ms. Lacerenza’s second grade students and Mr. Foley’s MakerSpace students. Ms. Lacerenza was inspired to bring a Buddy Bench to Rogers after reading The Buddy Bench by Patty Brozo. To support this endeavor, Principal Cummings generously provided The Buddy Bench for each grade level to help students understand the bench’s purpose. 

The Buddy Bench represents our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all at Rogers. Students can sit on the bench to signal they need a friend. This bench promotes kindness and empathy on the playground and helps students problem-solve in social situations. Everyone in our school community was able to contribute to the project and leave their mark on the Buddy Bench by adding their fingerprint to the turtle collage on the bench’s seat. We could not be more excited for the Buddy Bench to enhance our schoolyard as a symbol of IB action!

Submitted by Samantha Spielman

What is an SPS Shout Out?

An SPS Shout Out is a special recognition that acknowledges school communities, staff members or students who have inspired us with a unique project, an outstanding job or a special effort that had a positive impact on our students or community.  Each week we will celebrate a few by sharing with all SPS staff and posting on the district website. Please share any or all of these with your friends and families.   

SPS Administrators can submit Shout Outs for consideration through the link available in the Administrator Weekly. Please note the deadline, word limit, and photo limit. We look forward to seeing your submissions!

Penny War Pandemonium: Small Bulldogs, Big Wins, and a Chilly Surprise!

The Eighth Grade Penny War Fundraiser was an epic showdown of loose change, strategic sabotage, and shameless bribery—all in the name of a good cause! Thanks to the fierce generosity (and competitive spirit) of our Cloonan community, we raised over $1,200 for our eighth graders!

 

In a shocking twist, sixth grade emerged victorious—proving that sometimes, it’s the smallest Bulldogs who make the biggest bank. As for your brave seventh and eighth grade administrators? Let’s just say they got a very chilly reward: the dreaded Cold Bucket of Pain. And yes, there are pictures.

 

From clever strategies to full-blown coin conspiracies, every cent contributed helped make this fundraiser a success. Enjoy some snapshots of the chaos and camaraderie below!

Submitted by Natalie Martinez

 

Toquam Shows Appreciation To Our Bus Drivers! 

Toquam staff celebrated Bus Driver Appreciation Day on April 22! Our amazing bus drivers were gifted a mug and hat, and received a complimentary breakfast on us! We are so grateful to our bus drivers and all that they do to get our students to and from school safely!

Submitted by Jenna Cinelli

 

Multicultural Day at Hart

Hart Magnet Elementary School students embarked in a vibrant celebration of global cultures with our school and local community for Multicultural Day on Friday, April 25. The event was organized by PTO members Maya Donald and Casey Hallen. We thank our PTO volunteers, teachers, staff, families, and community members who provided a variety of interactive stations offering hands-on activities, music, dancing, storytelling, painting, crafts, and traditional games. Families proudly shared their unique heritages, creating a rich tapestry of cultural exchange for students. This event showcased the many countries represented within our school. Stamford Public Schools prides itself on offering a learning experience rich in cultural diversity and reflective of the global society in which our students will work and live. Thank you to everyone for making this a successful event.

Submitted by Maria Guzda

 

Westover Celebrates Autism Acceptance

To show Compassion in Action during the month of April, Westover’s school community celebrated neurodiversity and inclusion by honoring Autism Acceptance on Friday, April 25. Students and staff showed up in red and raised over $479 for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Many teachers also taught lessons on how to be a good friend and the importance of acceptance. Thank you to all of the STAR Teachers for organizing this special day.

Submitted by Larissa Weir

 

APPLES Touch a Truck: A Wheel-y Great Success!

This week, on April 28 and 29, we had an amazing Touch a Truck event at APPLES!

Thank you to everyone who helped make our end-of-unit study on wheels a huge success! We had so many wonderful volunteers, and the children were able to have hands-on experience with a variety of trucks and vehicles.This event helped wrap up our unit of study in such a fun, meaningful way.

 

A huge thank you to our incredible custodians, the City of Stamford, the Melt Mobile, and our school bus company — we are so grateful for your time, energy, and support!

 

Inclusion Day at APPLES

Last week, on April 24 and 25, we celebrated Inclusion Day at APPLES in honor of Autism Awareness Month. Children and staff wore special shirts and participated in activities centered around the importance of inclusion. We read the inspiring books Be Who You Are by Todd Parr and Different: A Great Thing to Be by Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga. Celebrating our unique differences and similarities helped bring our APPLES community closer together! 

Submitted by Brooke Pelli

 

Schooner SoundWaters Learning Adventure

Our fifth graders had an exciting time learning about the ecology and biology of Long Island Sound while sailing on the Schooner SoundWaters. As they enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful views, they explored how different animals adapt to their environment. The students learned about water quality, discovering how clean water is important for all living things in the Sound. By the end of the trip, they not only had fun sailing but also gained a better understanding of nature and how to protect our waterways for future generations.

 

The Importance of Choice PD 

The Professional Development committee members Katelyn Tavolacci, Stacey Wood, Judith Kinzler, Patrice Martin, Lou-Ann Finch, Greg Herrmann, Sarah Santasiero, and Brian Ditchella worked hard to create choice PD sessions for the Stark educators. The sessions included brainstorming activities where educators could think of new solutions to common challenges in their classrooms, such as managing flexible groupings and assessing progress. This collaborative environment allowed for creativity and teamwork, making the learning experience rich and enjoyable, such as sharing the successes of math centers. By focusing on engaging activities and open conversations about the Curriculum Dashboard, the PD committee aimed to provide Stark educators with useful tools and insights to improve their teaching. 

Submitted by Iuliana Roata

 

CSCA 2025 Administrator of the Year

Congratulations to Paola Ochoa, SHS School Counseling Department Head, on being named the Connecticut School Counselor Association’s 2025 Administrator of the Year! Your outstanding leadership and unwavering support for our school counseling program continues to make a lasting impact on our students and staff.

 

Stamford High School Completes its Third Year of Quarterly Career Days!

Our last Career Day of the school year was a success! Over 17 presenters came to speak to students about a wide variety of careers: Sound Engineer, Guitarist, FBI Special Agent, Firefighter, Veterinarian, Therapist, Physician Assistant and many others! We have now completed our third year of quarterly Career Day and have hosted dozens of speakers and introduced hundreds of students to careers they might never have considered. The Career Day series has grown into a school-wide and community effort to provide students with career-connected learning opportunities. Many speakers are graduates of Stamford Public Schools and have been grateful for the opportunity to give back to their community. Stamford High looks forward to continuing this series next year (and for many years to come). Thank you to Andrena Forlenzo and Adam Scianna for planning these events.

Submitted by Thomas Agosto & Claudia Berlage

 

Multicultural Night and Para of the Year!

Thank you Liz Cambria, Liz Guerrero, Christine Gomez, and Natalie Ericsson, our amazing ML Team, and Christie Mettelus, our Parent Facilitator, for organizing a rich and engaging Multicultural night for our families! Such a special event!

 

Congratulations to Ron Griggs, Stamford’s Para Educator of the Year! We are grateful to Ron for all he does for our students and staff, and are thrilled to honor and celebrate him! 

Submitted by Liz Golove

 

TOR Thanks Our Bus Drivers

On April 22, TOR staff and students thanked our dedicated drivers with kind words, cards, and gifts. Our PTO provided drivers with gift bags, and we let our drivers know how important they are to us!

 

TOR Dances into Spring!

On April 25, the TOR PTO hosted a fun and festive spring dance. Students arrived dressed for spring, moved to tunes from the 1960s to the present (like “YMCA”), and gathered around floral artwork adorning our gymnasium. Many thanks to our many PTO volunteers for organizing the dance, and to our students for their positive energy!

Submitted by Mark Bonasera

 

Exciting Paraprofessional Professional Development Workshops

Stamford received a grant to provide professional development for paraprofessionals this school year. Our dynamic duo Mary Enright (TOSA) and Elyse Pastore (Para President) successfully organized PD for Paras in the district on a variety of topics, including Crisis Intervention, ML Strategies, Restorative Practices, Executive Functioning and learning Spanish and Haitian Creole. They also directly delivered a session to paras on Building Educator Resilience. The CT State Education Grants Dept has recognized our successful implementation of Para PD this school year. Kudos to Elyse Pastore and Mary Enright for making this happen.

 

Submitted by Cheryl Poltrack

 

What is an SPS Shout Out?

An SPS Shout Out is a special recognition that acknowledges school communities, staff members or students who have inspired us with a unique project, an outstanding job or a special effort that had a positive impact on our students or community.  Each week we will celebrate a few by sharing with all SPS staff and posting on the district website. Please share any or all of these with your friends and families.   

SPS Administrators can submit Shout Outs for consideration through the link available in the Administrator Weekly. Please note the deadline, word limit, and photo limit. We look forward to seeing your submissions!