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All elementary and middle schools show an increase in percentage of students meeting reading and math benchmarks at mid-year

Stamford Public Schools is pleased to share that its implementation of the Blast Intervention Program from Really Great Reading is increasing the percentage of academically at-risk students already meeting end-of-year (EOY) literacy standards and accelerating typical and stretch growth in literacy among these students. 

Introduced district-wide in October 2024, Blast Intervention is currently being provided to 350 second and third grade students across the district. Nearly 80 percent of the students receiving Blast Intervention are high needs students, defined by the State of Connecticut as students who either qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, are multilingual learners, or are students with disabilities, Research shows that non-school factors including socio-economic status, home language, and disability can impact student learning and academic achievement. 

School-based literacy specialists provide daily, structured, research-based instruction to Blast Intervention students to help them improve core literacy skills. At mid-year, seven percent of these students have already met end-of-year literacy standards, while the percentage of students likely to meet end-of-year standards has risen from 14 percent at the beginning of the year to 40 percent at mid-year. In addition, more than one-third of these students have already achieved their typical end of year growth goal, while eight percent have achieved their end of year stretch goal.

Blast Intervention data were shared by Chief Academic Officer Amy Beldotti during the March 11 Teaching, Learning and Community Committee Meeting of the Stamford Board of Education.

“The initial success of the Blast Intervention initiative is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our literacy specialists, classroom teachers, and MTSS specialists,” said Beldotti. “The significant performance improvements made by students in Blast Intervention demonstrates that all students can succeed academically with the right combination of resources and support.”

In addition to the Blast Intervention data, Beldotti also shared that the percentage of students performing at or above grade level on the DIBELS (Grades K-3 literacy) and iReady (Grades 1-8 literacy and math) benchmark assessments had increased from the beginning of year. All 13 elementary and K-8 schools demonstrated high growth in literacy at mid-year as measured by iReady, while 11 of 13 schools demonstrated high growth in mathematics based on mid-year iReady scores. 

Data from the DIBELS and iReady benchmark assessments are used to understand how students are performing against grade level standards, identify skills that need review or intervention, provide a baseline for progress monitoring, and to help teachers differentiate instruction based on student needs.  

The full presentation to the BOE may be viewed here. 

 

PT Council of Stamford is sponsoring SPS Day at Yankee Stadium

The organization invites all SPS students and their families to purchase tickets and enjoy a day at the ballpark in support of our  school PTO/PFOs.

Game Date: April 26^th Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 pm

Each ticket will come with a $15 meal voucher and a Yankees baseball hat

Click the below link to purchase tickets:

https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Stamfordparent2

A portion of each ticket will be donated to the PTO/PFO of each school that purchases tickets. The event is a great opportunity for students to go to the game with friends from different schools or team mates from their baseball league.

Please contact your individual school's PTO/PFO representative with any questions.

 

Newfield Celebrates Pi Night!

The Newfield Math Committee and PFO hosted their annual Pi(e) Night on Thursday, March 13. Over 110 students participated in this engaging night of learning. Students rotated through math stations, playing rigorous and engaging math games. Families were encouraged to take home activities so they could reinforce math concepts at home. Students also won chances to pie staff members....it was a “smashing” good time! A huge thank you to Mrs. Leale and the 37 staff volunteers who made this night such a success. This event was a true testament to the community and positive school culture we foster at Newfield Elementary School! 

Submitted by Randy Bilik

 

Congratulating the SPS OFCE Welcome Center Team for their outstanding work!

We are thrilled to give a huge SPS shout-out to the incredible team at the SPS Welcome Center! On Saturday, March 8, they hosted the first-ever kindergarten registration event since the Welcome Center’s grand opening in January 2025. It was a resounding success!

 

This event was a true testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of our SPS school community. The OFCE Welcome Center staff, along with registrars, parent facilitators, notaries, nurses, student volunteers, language assessment professionals, and community resource providers, came together to create a welcoming and efficient experience for over 60 prospective kindergarteners and their families.

 

The smooth and supportive atmosphere facilitated by the team allowed families to easily navigate the registration process and gain a deeper understanding of the wonderful SPS school and surrounding community. Their efforts ensured these young learners and their families felt welcomed, informed, and excited to begin their educational journey with us.

 

Thank you to everyone involved for your time, hard work, dedication, and commitment to positively impacting our students and families. Your efforts are truly appreciated and exemplify the best of SPS! Please join us in congratulating the SPS OFCE Welcome Center team for their outstanding work!

 

Submitted by Rebecca Wilson

 

Literacy Week at Stillmeadow!

A HUGE thank you to literacy support specialists Jennifer Grant and Lauren Vavoulidis for organizing Literacy Week, from March 3 through the 7! Students and staff engaged in fun-filled reading activities including “Drop Everything and Read,” Mystery Readers, daily book raffles, daily clothing themes, and a school-wide Read-a-Thon. Author Rick Arruzza and his dog, Dexter, provided lively presentations to students in kindergarten and first grade. The students in second through fifth grade had a virtual visit with Dan Gutman, internationally acclaimed author of over 150 childrens’ books including the My Weird School series. The whole school read a total of 131,078 minutes so our principal, Mrs. Kelley, dressed up as a gorilla and danced through the hallways, just like the principal in the Dan Gutman book, Miss Daisy is Crazy! Way to go Stillmeadow!

Submitted by Liz Golove

 

Confidence is Northeast’s Super Power

Northeast students had an incredible time participating in Read Across America Week with a fun and meaningful focus on confidence. The themed activities consisted of “being comfortable with themselves” and wearing pajamas to school, “learning that mistakes make us stronger” and coming to school with crazy hair or mismatched clothing. Students also showed that “confidence is their super power” and dressed as their favorite superhero. Literacy Night was a hit, with the combination of word bingo and mask-making, making literacy both fun and creative. It was wonderful to see the entire school getting involved with the Drop Everything And Read event to wrap up the week. We want to thank all of our staff members and our literacy support specialists that helped make this week amazing!

Submitted by Angela Plateroti

 

Rippowam New Arrivals Students Celebrate Black History Month!

Rippowam’s New Arrivals Class, led by Elba Sims, hosted a Black History Month Celebration on Tuesday, March 11! Students researched and created presentations on influential African American figures, ranging from Martin Luther King Jr. to Kobe Bryant. They shared insights into their subjects’ early lives, educational journeys, and both personal and professional achievements. The students deserve commendation for the language skills required to complete this project, including research comprehension, paraphrasing, content writing, organizing a presentation, and delivering it in front of their peers, families, teachers, and staff. Students were also encouraged to engage with one another by asking questions and providing feedback.

 

A big thank you to the New Arrivals team for offering our students the chance to showcase their knowledge and language abilities! We’re incredibly proud of our students. Congratulations on a job well done!

Submitted by Lauren Bachner

 

Me on the Map

Randi Katz and Emily Freidberg from the Stamford Historical Society are working with first graders to help them learn about geography. They engage the children in conversations about the location of Stamford on a map. By showing them where Stamford is the children can better understand their own community. Additionally Randi and Emily discuss different ways people can travel around the world such as by car, train or plane. This interactive approach makes learning fun and helps the young students grasp important ideas about distance and travel.

 

Why Are Street Trees Important?

In support of the City of Stamford “Branching Out Tree Initiative,” Stamford High School seniors visited our school to engage students in a discussion about the significance of planting trees in their communities. 

 

Kindergarten Royal Ball & Tea Party

The Stark community participated in a grand celebration to recognize the kindergarten students’ learning achievements during the CKLA Literacy unit focused on Kings and Queens. We extend sincere gratitude to the kindergarten teachers, paraeducators, and support staff who prepared this amazing celebration. 

Submitted by Iuliana Roata

  

Toquam Students Enjoyed A Musical History Journey With Blues And Beyond!

Toquam third, fourth, and fifth graders enjoyed an amazing performance from Blues and Beyond; our musical guests took them on a journey through the years! Our students had so much fun dancing and singing along and learning music history along the way! Many thanks to Toquam music teacher Josephine Vila for making this experience happen for our students!

Submitted by Jenna Cinelli

 

Students Create Works of Art Inspired by Mexican Culture

Students in Ms. Stevens’ art classes recently completed vibrant papier-mâché masks inspired by sugar skulls from the Day of the Dead. This project allowed students to explore both artistic expression and cultural significance, using bold colors, intricate patterns, and unique designs to bring their visions to life. Through the hands-on process of sculpting, painting, and decorating, they developed essential art skills in three-dimensional design and craftsmanship. Their creativity and dedication truly shine in these stunning works of art. Congrats on a job well done!

Submitted by Patricia Stevens & Mark Bonasera

 

Dolan Day at Riko’s Fundraiser Raises $521.57 for Seventh Grade Field Trips

Riko’s in Stamford generously offered to donate a percentage of sales from any orders where customers mentioned our school for Dolan Day. The response from students, families, staff, and community members was overwhelming. Thanks to everyone’s participation, we raised an impressive $521.57 for the seventh-grade class. This successful event not only highlights the strong partnership between our school and local businesses but also demonstrates the incredible support and dedication of our community. These funds will go toward enriching experiences and opportunities for our students, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everyone’s involvement.

Submitted by Jeffrey Takach

 

Look! I See a Dog!

Excitement filled the air as children and teachers alike welcomed Dexter the dog, the lovable co-star of author Rick Arruzza’s books! Mr. Arruzza, known for his heartwarming stories inspired by his rescue dogs, Sparky and Dexter, captivated students with tales from Sparky’s Big Race and Sparky’s Wonderful Life. As part of Springdale’s Read Across America celebration, students were treated to an unforgettable visit, where Mr. Arruzza and Dexter brought their adventures to life, inspiring a love of reading and storytelling in every young heart. A very special thank you to our MTSS Kim Cassette and our fabulous Literacy Team, Linda Karpowich and Marytheresa Massoud, for bringing this JOYful event to Springdale.

Submitted by Becky Chuhta

 

Body Systems Board Game Expo

As a culmination to the seventh grade Body Systems science unit, students in Mrs. Clinkenbeard’s class were asked to create a brochure, comic or board game explaining a human body system. Students chose from systems such as the respiratory system, nervous system, skeletal system, and more. Black Team students jumped into the project with enthusiasm and wrapped up the project by having a Board Game Expo where students were able to play each others’ games, testing their learning while having fun!

Submitted by Julie Moyer

 

Westover Holds Second Annual Choose Love Family Night

Families were invited to Westover’s second annual Choose Love Family Night on Wednesday, March 12. The fun filled evening began with a communal gathering in the cafeteria to enjoy pizza. Then families rotated between three stations to learn more about Westover’s Social Emotional Program, Choose Love. One station engaged attendees in mindfulness activities including brave breaths, positive affirmations, and yoga exercises. Next, families listened to a read-aloud and created a self love jar craft. Students also had fun engaging in team building challenges and activities while their parents attended an information session about how they can use strategies from Choose Love to support their children’s social emotional needs at home. 

 

Westover was thrilled that the founder of Choose Love herself, Scarlett Lewis, was able to attend the event and address our parents! The night was thoughtfully planned by the dedicated Choose Love Committee, which is led by fourth grade teacher Jessica Buckett. Thank you to the over 50 Westover staff members who volunteered their time, planning, setting and cleaning up, and running stations at the event to make it such a success. 

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!

 

Dear SPS Community: 

Last weekend, the Office of Family and Community Engagement hosted a 2025-26 Kindergarten Registration Event at the new SPS Welcome Center. My husband, John, and I stopped by the event to greet families and support the many OFCE staff, parent facilitators, school nurses, and student volunteers who staffed this event. Nearly 70 families attended, with 50 families successfully completing registration for the 2025-26 school year. Eight other families registered children for the current school year. 

I’d like to thank Chief Staff and Family Resource Officer Michael Fernandes, OFCE Coordinator Juan Pazmino, and everyone who helped make this a successful event in support of our families. 

I encourage all families with children who turn 5 years old on or before September 1, 2025, to begin the kindergarten registration process as soon as possible. The entire process can be completed online, or you can contact OFCE (203-977-5312 or OFCE@stamfordps.org) to make an appointment at the SPS Welcome Center for assistance.  

Climate Survey is Open!

The annual Stamford Public Schools Climate Survey is open. This is an opportunity for staff, students, and families to share their feedback about our schools. Staff and students will complete the survey during the school day. The family survey is available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Ukrainian. You may complete the survey on any internet-connected device (phone, tablet, or computer). The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, March 28. Click here for more information. 

Mobile Food Pantry at Domus on Saturday 

The Filling in the Blanks Mobile Food Pantry will be at Domus tomorrow morning. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, please plan to attend between 8:30 and 10:30 am. 

Cafe con la Super 

Please join us at the SPS Welcome Center on Monday at 6:30 pm for Cafe con la Super, our monthly Spanish language community conversation. This month’s topic is the SPS Climate Survey. We will share information about the types of questions on the survey and how principals and other school administrators  use the survey to improve our schools. Meetings are presented in Spanish with simultaneous English translation. Please note our new location at the SPS Welcome Center, which is located at 11 W. North Street in Cloonan Middle School. Please click here to register for this meeting. 

SAT School Day at SHS and WHS is Tuesday, March 18 

All Stamford High and Westhill students in Grade 11 will take the SAT in school on Tuesday, March 18. SHS and WHS juniors should arrive at school on time to ensure a prompt start to testing. 

There will be a 4-hour delay for SHS and WHS students in grades 9, 10, and 12. Students in grades 9, 10, and 12 should not report to school until 11:25 am. SHS and WHS buses will make two runs on Tuesday morning to accommodate both start times.  

Please note, there may be residual delays in afternoon bus service for elementary and K-8 students next Tuesday. 

Parent Teacher Conferences are March 19-21

A quick reminder that parent-teacher conferences are next Wednesday-Friday. Please take advantage of this opportunity to review your child(ren)’s academic and social-emotional growth with their teacher(s) as we head into the final three months of the school year. Look for more information about conferences from the school principal or your child’s teacher(s). 

Westhill Percussion Named WGI Dartmouth Scholastic A Class Champions

Congratulations to the Westhill High School Percussion Team, which swept the Percussion Scholastic A Class competition at the Winter Guard International (WGI) Dartmouth (MA) Regional last weekend. Westhill Percussion is now ranked #2 in the country among Scholastic Class A programs!  Westhill Percussion team captains are seniors Richard Baer, James Palmer, and Jackeline Gallegos and junior Lewis Jean. Westhill Percussion is directed by Westhill Instrumental Music Teacher Blair Roberts, and the 10-person coaching team includes SPS alumni Jeffrey Martinez (2022) and Carmen Lopez (2021). 

In April, Westhill Percussion will travel to Dayton, OH to compete at the WGI World Championships. The students will have the opportunity to perform and compete in a large arena setting and interact with performance groups from around the country. 

 

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero
Superintendent of Schools

Espanol

Creole

Join us for the next Café con la Super, a Spanish language community conversation with Dr. Tamu Lucero, Stamford Public Schools Superintendent!

Monday, March 17th at 6:30 pm

LOCATION:  

SPS Welcome Center
11 W. North Street @ Cloonan Middle School
Free Parking on Powell Place & Behind Cloonan

Topic: Stamford Public Schools Climate Survey

During the March meeting, Dr. Lucero and members of the Office of Family & Community Engagement will explain the SPS Climate  Survey, including the types of questions asked and how principals use survey responses to make improvements to the schools. Attendees will have time to complete the SPS Climate Survey during the meeting.

This meeting is open to the entire SPS community. Translation in English available.

Please help us plan for refreshments by registering HERE.