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Happy Thanksgiving!

Mother Goose - Guiding Through a Magical World of Nursery Rhymes

Stillmeadow School is proud to congratulate Carolyn Tschinkel, Teacher of the Year, and her twelve students for the excellent job they did Sunday in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mother Goose and her nursery rhyme representatives rode their float throughout the parade waving and welcoming all the visitors to the parade. They even had the opportunity for a photo with the man himself – Santa Claus! 

Submitted by Lisa Mackey

 

 

Turkey Basket Drive

The Special Ed Dept, along with the Stamford Police Association and help from BOE employees at 888, collected donations and delivered 16 Turkey Baskets to SPS Students.

Submitted by Laura Marino

 

Grade 1 Thanksgiving Performance 

Students in first grade and our ASD class led by Music Teachers Mr. Barbour and Mr. Stec showcased their musical talent through song, instrumental accompaniment, and dance movements to celebrate Thanksgiving. Students spelled out “Thanksgiving Dinner,” with the many different foods we eat on Thanksgiving. Students also shared what they are thankful for with the support of the first grade teachers Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Hunt, Ms. Kanel, Mrs. Karayiannis, and Ms. Weidenbacher. The story of Bear Says Thanks culminated the thankful theme for this first grade performance. 

Submitted by Angela Plateroti

 

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Balloon Parade

We read Balloons Over Broadway and discussed the history of the Macy’s Balloon Parade. We made connections to the Stamford spectacular. Students made their own balloons and paraded around the school.

Submitted by Theresa Ferro

 

Westover Gives Thanks!

Gratitude and compassion are embedded into Westover’s Choose Love Program. Students and staff demonstrated gratitude throughout the month of November by holding a Thanksgiving Food Drive for a local food bank. Together, the school community collected canned and nonperishable goods. Thank you Nikki Forbes and the sixth grade team for organizing this event. Staff also shared what they are grateful for on feathers, which Liz Rodriguez (Parent Facilitator) and Nikki Forbes (6th Grade Teacher) used to create our very own turkey. 

 

We held a school-wide assembly focused on gratitude on Wednesday, November 27. Christina Burgess’ first grade class performed “Sing, Sing” under the direction of music teacher Jennifer Macklin. Students in grades K-3 listened to a read aloud of the book The Gratitude Jar by Katrina Liu. Additionally, students in grades 4-6 watched a Kindness 101 segment on gratitude, which featured an orphan from Sierra Leone who shows gratitude for simple things in his life, like a birthday cake. In both assemblies student’s heard from peers and staff members about the many, varied, and unusual things they are thankful for this holiday season, including socks, evolution, family, boats, and Westover!

Submitted by Larissa Weir

 

Reading Adventures at Stark 

Rick Arruzza transforms the reading experience by bringing engaging and adventurous stories to life. His unique approach captivated our second grade students and made them eager to explore new worlds through books. The stories about Dexter sparked their imagination and encouraged a love for reading. Overall Arruzza’s passion for storytelling makes reading a thrilling adventure for all, staff and students at Stark Elementary. 

 

After School Enrichment Programs in Action 

Great job to our fantastic staff for creating opportunities for creativity during the enrichment after-school programs! It is truly inspiring to see our dedicated team working hard to provide students with a variety of activities that spark their imagination and encourage them to explore new ideas.

 

Kudos to Maritza Nunez and Kathy Joyce - teaching Crafting Kindness; Ashley Murphy - Games Club; Karina Brea and Theresa Horn - Musical Theater; and Scott Jones and Abby Curry - Stem Math. A big thank you to the Afterschool program Coordinator, Michael Macchio. 

Submitted by Iuliana Roata

 

Honoring Heroes: A Veterans Day Tribute

To honor Veterans Day, Mrs. Mullins’ third graders learned that veterans are individuals who have served in the military to protect and defend our country. They discussed why we celebrate Veterans Day, emphasizing the importance of honoring and thanking these individuals for their service and sacrifices. After their lesson, they made thank you cards for veterans and mailed them to the “A Million Thanks” organization.

Submitted by Tressa Kinahan

 

Digital Citizens

Students in third, fourth, and fifth grades at Newfield School are being recognized with Digital Citizenship Awards for completing the Common Sense Digital Citizenship curriculum. In today’s 21st-century world, where technology is an integral part of daily life, it’s more important than ever for young learners to understand how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Through the curriculum, these students have learned vital skills in areas like online safety, privacy, digital communication, and ethical behavior. 

 

By developing critical thinking, empathy, and respect for others online, Newfield’s students are preparing to be thoughtful, responsible digital citizens. These skills are essential as they engage in a world where technology shapes their learning, relationships, and future opportunities. The Digital Citizenship Awards honor their commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and positive online environment in an increasingly connected world.

Submitted by Mandi Leale

 

 

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 Families and Staff,

Congratulations to the Northstar Playmakers cast and crew for their riveting production of 12 Angry Jurors. My husband, John, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Saturday evening performance. Thank you to Westhill High School faculty advisor Nicole Kittleman for her commitment to the Northstar Playmakers and for her work directing this production. 

 

After seeing Macbeth at Stamford High and 12 Angry Jurors at Westhill, we are chomping at the bit to see the Stamford All-School Musical‘s production of Anything Goes, which opens on Saturday, December 7 at Rippowam. Anything Goes is a delightful romantic comedy featuring the music of legendary composer Cole Porter. This year’s cast and crew features 58 SPS students from AITE, Cloonan, Dolan, Rippowam, Rogers, Scofield, Stamford High School, Strawberry Hill, and Westhill High School.
 

Tickets are on sale now or may be purchased at the school box office one hour prior to curtain.  Performances are as follows: 

  

Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 pm

Friday, December 13 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 15 at 3:00 pm

Thanksgiving Football Game

Cross-town rivals Stamford High and Westhill face off tomorrow morning (Thursday, November 28) at 10 am in the annual Thanksgiving Day football game. This year’s game is at Westhill. Tickets are $8 each and may be purchased here.  Whether you cheer for the Black Knights or Vikings, this long-time Stamford tradition is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday. We hope to see you there! 

Stamford High Christmas Tree Sale begins November 29 

The Friends of Stamford High (FOSH) annual Christmas Tree sale begins this Friday, November 29 at 9 am. This is one of Stamford High’s biggest fundraisers. Please stop by to select from a wide variety of evergreen wreaths and fresh-cut trees for sale. The tree lot will be open this Friday-Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Sales will continue on weeknights from 5 to 8 pm and weekends from 9 am to 6 pm until everything is sold out.

Stamford High Holiday Shopping Fair is November 30

Stamford High's Annual Holiday Shopping Fair is this Saturday, November 30 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm in the school gymnasium. This festive event will feature more than 70 local vendors, offering a wide variety of unique gifts perfect for everyone on your holiday list. Enjoy live holiday music, free kids' crafts, face painting, raffles, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. The fair will also include a food court, gift wrapping stations, and special visits from beloved holiday characters.

Best of all, admission is free, and parking is available behind the school off Hillandale Avenue. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled day of shopping and seasonal cheer—we can’t wait to see you there!

Holidays in Harmony at the Stamford Mall

The Stamford Town Center Holidays in Harmony music series features student performances from local schools and performing arts organizations throughout December.  Please consider stopping by The Stamford Town Center to enjoy the following performances by our talented SPS musicians: 

Wednesday, December 4: 

• Stamford High Choir and Orchestra at 6 pm 

Monday, December 9: 

• Springdale Fifth Grade Choir at 6 pm 

Tuesday, December 10: 

• Stark Fifth Grade Choir at 5:30
• Westhill Jazz Band and Jazz Combo at 6 pm 
• Westhill Choral Program at 7 pm 

Wednesday, December 11: 

• Stillmeadow Chorus at 5:30
• Westhill Jazz Band and Orchestra at 6 pm 
• Westhill Choral Program at 7 pm 

Monday, December 16: 

• Westover Chorus at 5:30 pm 

Wednesday, December 18: 

• Roxbury Fourth Grade Choir at 6 pm 

Special Education Teacher Appreciation Day

Special Education Teacher Appreciation Day is Monday, December 2. Our dedicated special education teachers and paraeducators work hard every day to meet the unique and specific needs of students with disabilities. We are fortunate to have so many caring and compassionate special education teachers and staff working for Stamford Public Schools. Please join me in thanking them today and every day!

 

I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving and an enjoyable holiday weekend. 

 

Stay Safe & Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero
Superintendent

Espanol

Creole

November 26, 2024

Dear SPS Community:  

We are pleased to announce that the Stamford Board of Education (BOE) and the Stamford Education Association (SEA) have reached an agreement on a new three-year contract for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. The SEA represents more than 1,500 certified educators including classroom teachers, teacher specialists, teachers on special assignment, multitiered system of support specialists, social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, and speech language pathologists. The success of our district depends on these educators, and we are grateful for their dedication and commitment to our students. 

Many aspects of the 2025-2028 agreement will remain the same as the current agreement. The following are notable changes for 2025-2028 as agreed upon by the BOE and SEA: 

1. Salaries will increase 13.99% over the course of the three-year contract. This increase is comparable to other districts that negotiated new teacher contracts this year, including New Canaan (13.97% increase) and Westport (13.97% increase). 
2. Health care premiums will only increase 0.5%, 0.25%, and 0.25% per year, respectively, over the course of the contract. To put this in perspective, the health policy organization KFF reports that health care premiums increased 6% (single premium) and 7% (family premium) in 2024.
3. SEA members will receive up to 10 days of paid leave immediately following the birth of a child. This is in addition to the 20 days provided to SEA members for personal illness (15 days), personal business (2 days), religious observance (1 days), and to care for a sick family member (2 days). SEA members may accrue up to 186 days of sick time to be used for long-term medical leave.
4. Step One of the salary scale will be eliminated, increasing the starting salary for new/first year teachers by at least $1,800. 
5. Stipends for taking on additional roles will increase 1.5% annually over the course of the contract. 
6. The summer school hourly rate will increase 7% over the course of the contract. The summer school head teacher stipend will increase from $2,500 to $3,000. 
7. The superintendent will have discretion to place new hires at any step on the salary scale. This will  improve the district’s ability to recruit and hire teachers for shortage areas including special education, STEM, and world language. 
8. Unassigned time for elementary school teachers will increase to 45 minutes per day. This time can be used for a variety of tasks, such as lesson planning and grading. In 2025-26, unassigned time will be 50 minutes per day for middle school teachers and 84 minutes per day for high school teachers. 
9. The flexible high school schedule will be implemented in 2025-26, with necessary changes to Article 16(F) regarding the number of assigned teaching periods and teacher self-directed time. The BOE reserves the right to change schedules in the future and the SEA reserves the right to negotiate over the impact of any such change. If you are interested in learning more about the flexible schedule, we encourage you to review this presentation and read the FAQ. 

SEA members voted 882 (yes) to 77 (no) to accept the terms of the agreement as outlined above. Similarly, the BOE labor committee approved the agreement by a vote of 4-0-0 at its meeting on November 19, and tonight the full BOE approved the agreement by a vote of 9-0-0. The agreement now goes before the Board of Representatives for approval.   

We would like to acknowledge and thank our fellow members of the BOE Negotiating Committee—Michael Hyman, Michael Larobina, and Versha Munshi-South—as well as the members of the SEA Negotiating Committee—John Corcoran (SEA President), Sean O'Connell (co-chair), Kate Tobin (co-chair), Sheila Bragg, Elaine Gencarelli, Nancy Mould, Caitlen Sheeran, Brittany Summa, and Steve Weintraub—for their hard work and collaboration in reaching this agreement. 

Respectfully,

Jackie Heftman, President

Andy George, Chair, Labor Committee

Asunto: Mensaje  Educación de Stamford (BOE) sobre el acuerdo con SEA

26 de noviembre de 2024

Estimada comunidad de las SPS:  

Nos complace anunciar que la Junta de Educación de Stamford (BOE) y la Asociación de Educación de Stamford (SEA) han llegado a un acuerdo sobre un nuevo contrato de tres años para el período del 1 de julio de 2025 al 30 de junio de 2028. La SEA representa a casi 1.600 educadores certificados, que incluyen profesores de aula, profesores especialistas, profesores con asignaciones especiales, especialistas en sistemas de apoyo de varios niveles, trabajadores sociales, consejeros escolares, psicólogos escolares y patólogos del habla y el lenguaje. El éxito de nuestro distrito depende de estos educadores, y estamos agradecidos por su dedicación y compromiso con nuestros estudiantes. 

Muchos aspectos del acuerdo 2025-2028 seguirán siendo los mismos que los del acuerdo actual. A continuación, se indican los cambios notables para el periodo 2025-2028 acordados por la BOE y la SEA: 

1. Los salarios aumentarán un 13,99% a lo largo de los tres años del contrato. Este aumento es comparable a otros distritos que negociaron nuevos contratos de profesores este año, incluyendo a New Canaan (aumento del 13,97%) y Westport (aumento del 13,97%). 
2. Las primas de seguro médico solo aumentarán 0,5%, 0,25% y 0,25% al año, respectivamente, durante la vigencia del contrato. Para poner esto en perspectiva, la organización KFF de políticas de salud informa que las primas de seguro médico aumentaron un 6% (prima única) y un 7% (prima familiar) en 2024.
3. Los miembros de la SEA recibirán hasta 10 días de permiso remunerado inmediatamente después del nacimiento de un hijo. Esto se añade a los 20 días que se conceden a los miembros de la SEA con motivo de enfermedad personal (15 días), motivos personales (2 días), celebración religiosa (1 día) y para cuidar a un familiar enfermo (2 días). Los miembros de la SEA pueden acumular hasta 186 días de baja por enfermedad para utilizarlos en bajas médicas de larga duración.
4. Se eliminará el primer escalón de la escala salarial, lo que aumentará el salario inicial de los profesores nuevos/de primer año en al menos 1.800 dólares.
5. Los estipendios por asumir funciones adicionales aumentarán un 1,5% anual a lo largo del contrato. 
6. La remuneración por hora de la escuela de verano aumentará un 7% a lo largo del contrato. El estipendio del jefe de profesores de la escuela de verano aumentará de 2.500 a 3.000 dólares. 
7. La Superintendente tendrá la facultad discrecional de colocar a nuevos contratados en cualquier escalón de la escala salarial. Esto mejorará la capacidad del distrito para reclutar y contratar a profesores para las áreas de escasez, incluyendo la educación especial, STEM, y lenguas extranjeras. 
8. El tiempo no asignado a los profesores de primaria aumentará a 45 minutos diarios. Este tiempo puede utilizarse para diversas tareas, como la planificación de clases y trabajo de calificación. En 2025-26, el tiempo no asignado será de 50 minutos para los profesores de escuela intermedia y de 84 minutos para los profesores de escuela secundaria. 
9. El horario flexible de la escuela secundaria se implementará en 2025-26, con los cambios necesarios en el Artículo 16(F) en relación con el número de períodos de enseñanza asignados y el tiempo autónomo del profesor. La BOE se reserva el derecho de cambiar los horarios en el futuro y la SEA se reserva el derecho de negociar sobre el impacto de cualquier cambio. Si usted está interesado en conocer más sobre el horario flexible, le recomendamos revisar esta presentación y leer las preguntas frecuentes. 

Los miembros de la SEA votaron 882 (sí) contra 77 (no) para aceptar los términos del acuerdo tal y como se ha descrito anteriormente. Del mismo modo, el comité laboral de la BOE aprobó el acuerdo por un voto de 4-0-0 en su reunión del 19 de noviembre, y esta noche el pleno de la BOE aprobó el acuerdo por un voto de 9-0-0.  El acuerdo se someterá ahora a la aprobación de la Junta de Representantes. 

Nos gustaría expresar nuestro reconocimiento y agradecimiento a nuestros colegas del comité de negociación de la BOE -Michael Hyman, Michael Larobina y Versha Munshi-South-, así como a los miembros del comité de negociación de la SEA -John Corcoran (Presidente de la SEA), Sean O'Connell (copresidente), Kate Tobin (copresidenta), Sheila Bragg, Elaine Gencarelli, Nancy Mould, Caitlen Sheeran, Brittany Summa y Steve Weintraub- por su arduo trabajo y colaboración para alcanzar este acuerdo. 

Respetuosamente,

Jackie Heftman, Presidenta

Andy George, Presidente del Comité Laboral

 

As a district, Stamford Public Schools has an obligation to meet the educational needs of all students from the high achievers to those struggling to meet basic grade level requirements. In support of the same, we are pleased to share details of the 8 Period Flexible Block Schedule. Flexible scheduling puts all students first and provides personalization and equitable opportunities for post-secondary success, whether students plan to attend college, enter the military, or go directly into the workforce after high school. 

For those with questions about the Flexible Schedule, we encourage you to visit the latest information in the Teaching and Learning section, which includes an overview presentation and a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Dear Families and Staff,

John and I had an amazing time last Friday night at the Strawberry Hill Players’ performance of Macbeth!  Also in the audience were SHS Principal Matt Forker and his wife and many other SPS staff. A huge thank you to Drama Club Director and Producer Tommy Desalvo and SHS Drama Club Faculty Advisor Annie Dunn for their dedication and commitment to the performing arts at Stamford High School. The student cast and crew did an amazing job and we can’t wait to see the spring musical!  

 

Speaking of theater, tonight is opening night for the Westhill High School Northstar Playmakers’ production of 12 Angry Jurors. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Additional performances are Saturday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. All performances are in the Westhill Main Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now. I’m looking forward to seeing this show as well and hope to see many of you there to support our talented students!

Thank You, Substitutes!

Today is National Substitute Educator Day. Our substitutes help keep students on track and learning in the absence of their teachers, and we would not be able to meet the needs of our students without them! 

Please join me in thanking all of our hardworking daily, long-term, and building substitutes. Thank you for all you do!

Springdale Named Connecticut School of Distinction

Springdale Elementary School has been named a Connecticut School of Distinction for its performance during the 2023-24 school year. Springdale earned this distinction for its growth in the Next Generation Accountability System, in which schools are evaluated on factors including academics, absenteeism, and access to the arts. Congratulations to Springdale Principal Gloria Manna, Assistant Principal Kenneth (Kip) Childs and the entire Springdale staff for achieving this honor. 

Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

The 31st Annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular is this Sunday at 12 pm. This year’s parade will feature marching bands from throughout the region including our own Westhill High School Vikings Marching Band, 15 giant character balloons, dance companies, and much, much more.

 

Stillmeadow’s Carolyn Tschinkel, the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year, will be riding on one of the parade’s four floats, entitled “Guiding Through A Magical World of Nursery Rhymes.” 

 

This is a wonderful event for the entire family. Please join us on Sunday in downtown Stamford!  

Stamford High Christmas Tree Sale begins November 29 

The Friends of Stamford High (FOSH) annual Christmas Tree sale begins Friday, November 29 at 9 am.  This is one of Stamford High’s biggest fundraisers and is run entirely by parent, student, and teacher/staff volunteers. Please stop by to select from a wide variety of evergreen wreaths and fresh-cut trees for sale.  The tree lot is open November 29 through December 1 from 9 am to 6 pm, from 5 to 8 pm on weekdays when school is in session, and from 9 am to 6 pm on weekends until everything is sold out! 

Stamford High School Holiday Shopping Fair is November 30

Stamford High School's Annual Holiday Shopping Fair is Saturday, November 30 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm in the school gymnasium. This festive event will feature more than 70 local vendors, offering a wide variety of unique gifts perfect for everyone on your holiday list. Enjoy live holiday music, free kids' crafts, face painting, raffles, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. The fair will also include a food court, gift wrapping stations, and special visits from beloved holiday characters.

Admission is free, and parking is available behind the school off Hillandale Avenue. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled day of shopping and seasonal cheer to support Stamford High School.  

Stamford Kindness Project 

The City of Stamford’s Kindness Project is back for 2024! This initiative - which began last year as a partnership with Congregation Agudath Sholom - aims to inspire and unite the community through kind and selfless acts. The campaign runs through December 31. Individual community members, local organizations, and Stamford businesses are invited to participate. Please click here for more information.

 

Stay Safe & Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero
Superintendent

Espanol

Creole