Danbury Digest District News & Highlights October 2017

Morris Street School earns recognition as ‘National Blue Ribbon’ school

Every morning and afternoon, the some celebrate with the honorees at an awards Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing 370 students who attend Morris Street ceremony in Washington, D.C. Schools are among their state’s highest School walk to and from school together, “Morris Street School began a very serious performing schools in closing achieve- flanked by family members and friends. transformation initiative 18 years ago ment gaps between a school’s subgroups The neighborhood school offers family with an implementation of a distributive and all students over the past five years. `events from reading nights to picnics leadership model,” said Morris Street’s “The care given to its students by the and garden activities to make the school principal William Santarsiero. “This faculty, staff and administrators at Morris a place where children want to be. Yet approach empowers all staff and parents Street is at the foundation of the tremen- despite the challenges that come with to focus on two common goals being in- dous academic growth that which the Blue being in low-income area with many fami- creasing achievement for all students and Ribbon is based,” said Superintendent Dr. lies struggling to make ends meet, Morris building a school climate that is conducive Sal Pascarella. “Mr. Santarsiero, the vet- Street faculty and staff have worked to to learning and teaching. These twin goals eran principal, has high expectations for make sure that students have the encour- have paid great dividends, and we are ex- himself and his staff and they serve as a agement and environment in which to cited to have achieved our transformation model for the student body. The Board of succeed. expectations.” Education and the entire school commu- On Sept. 28, Morris Street School was According to the U.S. Department of Edu- nity are proud of this recognition given to named by the United States Department cation website, The National Blue Ribbon Morris Street, and we all know its success of Education as a “National Blue Ribbon Schools Program accept nominations of will continue.” School,” a distinction bestowed on more both public and non-public schools in “Congratulations to the dedicated stu- than 8,500 schools over the past 35 years. existence for five years that meet one of dents, parents, teachers, and the admin- The 342 schools recognized this year were two criteria: Exemplary High Performing istrators of Morris Street School,” said announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Schools are among their state’s highest Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. “Being Betsy DeVos. On Nov. 6 and 7, the secre- performing schools as measured by state named a National Blue Ribbon school is tary and the Department of Education will assessments or nationally normed tests, or a prestigious achievement and this award (cont. on page 3) Danbury Digest -2- October 2017 Superintendent’s Message

Dear Staff, Families and Community Supporters,

This year, one of our elementary schools, Morris Street School, earned the prestigious status of a National Blue Ribbon. This was the result of many years of hard work, and we congratulate Principal William Santarsiero for his leadership, his staff and all of the families who have supported Morris Street over the years.

As you likely know, we are still faced with fiscal challenges, and it is a testament to the great people who work in and support our schools that we can report such tremendous success. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) was in our schools recently award- ing a Broadview student for her essay on Martin Luther King, Jr. Our band has been winning regional competitions week after week. Our music programs in several elementary schools was recently awarded $180,000 in musical instruments and instruction. This year our schools are also initiating anti-bullying programs inspired by Say Something.

As we continue to combine resources, please rest assured that the Danbury students are never shortchanged when it comes to opportunity. We work very hard to make sure that every student has what he or she needs to succeed.

Despite our hard work and our dedicated staff, we could not do what we do without support from parents, families and community members. In the Danbury School District, the Board of Education encourages community members to be a part of local education every day. Take a look inside our work and accomplishments; become a student mentor through our DSABC program to make a meaningful and long-lasting impact on a student’s life; attend a performance, PTO activity or athletic event; or visit a School Governance Council meeting. We need your participation to help us continue our success.

I eagerly anticipate working with staff, families and community members on behalf of Danbury children, to have another successful and rewarding school year. I look forward to seeing you in our wonderful schools.

Dr. Sal V. Pascarella Superintendent of Schools

Morris Street School receives ‘Blue Ribbon’ (cont’d from p. 1) couldn’t be more deserved. Morris Street hatch baby chicks in her classroom. Also, School continues to exceed expectations 24 fifth-grade students experienced fine and has become a true model for the dining with chicken cordon bleu and ga- rest of the state. On behalf of the entire teau with chocolate mousse while learn- city, thank you for your hard work and ing about manners and how to converse for being a shining example of our great during a meal. The event was sponsored school system.” by district food service provider Sodexo. Morris Street was named a “School of Board of Education chair Ralph Pietrafe- Distinction” for 2015-16 year by the sa said the Blue Ribbon award was the state Department of Education along result of a lot of hard work and progress, with five other Danbury schools - Ells- and that Morris Street has a long history worth, Hayestown, Mill Ridge Primary, of blending school, community and Park Avenue and South Street. Danbury family to make sure that students get the had the highest number of 116 recog- resources they need to achieve. nized schools, along with Greenwich “Congratulations to the students and and Ridgefield, which also had six. In staff at Morris Street for this great ac- addition to garden activities and read- complishment,” Pietrafesa said. ing programs, the school has worked A reception honoring Morris Street staff tirelessly to bring numerous programs to was held at the Oct. 11 BOE meeting at students. Last year, kindergarten teacher the administra- Tracey Scalzo was awarded a grant from tive building on Beaver Brook Road. the Danbury Education Foundation to Danbury Digest -3- October 2017

‘TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2017-18’ Westside’s Beth Manning

The daughter of a school teacher and Rogers Park, Manning made the move a pharmacist, Beth Manning started to the newly built Westside. She enjoys out as a pharmaceutical rep. But before that the district has embraced creativity long, she realized she was meant to in teaching the required curriculum, teach, a position that suits her love of and that all of the science teachers work science and her desire to share that pas- to decide how students learn best under sion with others. The Danbury educator the new state science standards adopted has long been known for her dedication last year (NGSS). Manning accom- in shaping the lives of her students, as plishes this by helping - not telling well as her colleagues. - students to find the answers through Now a science teacher at Westside science-based questions. Middle School Academy, Manning was “It’s a really big shift. It’s totally stu- chosen as the district’s Teacher of the dent-centered,” Manning said. “Kids Year 2017-18. figure science out rather than being told Ironically, it was the position as a phar- facts. For example, I might ask ‘Why is maceutical rep that fostered her desire it so foggy this morning?’ Students may to teach, as she was tasked with training make diagrams and apply learning ac- co-workers in technological changes: tivities that support the main concept. “I soon realized that was my favorite The kids do the heavy lifting, and the part of the job,” Manning said. “And be- teachers facilitate that. I never tell them cause my mom was a teacher, I always the answer. I let them figure it out. I thought I might want to be a teacher.” think that is a gift.” Manning earned a bachelor’s degree in Manning adds to her busy schedule by biology from Saint Michael’s College ‘My hope is that kids working to train other teachers in the and a master’s degree in education and state through the Science instructional technology from West- learn to think, rather Center using the new curriculum plat- ern Connecticut State University. A form. She also trains district educators. teacher since 2001, Manning started Manning says her greatest challenge is her educational career at Danbury High than learn to pass a trying to fit it all in, but says that the as a student teacher. Her first teaching district is very supportive – and the position was at Rogers Park Middle test.’ students’ excitement about learning School. science makes it all worthwhile. After teaching in the STEM program at DHS Marching Band keeps marching on to first place The 45-member marching band at took first place in its competition class in early September at the USBandsDHS competition marching held in Bethel.band DHStook was top recognized honor for at first weekly competition of season best music, best visual and best effect in its class. The band also cleaned up the following weekend and the weekend after that. “There are nine weekly competitions throughout the season,” said DHS band director Ted Adams. DHS hosted the competi- tion on Oct. 21 at Western Connecticut State University at the Westside campus stadium.

Danbury Digest5 -4- SepteSOOctober 2017

Rogers Park students ‘Spread Kindness’ on campus

At the start of school Friday morn- something to a trusted adult to get where students are encouraged ing, the entire student body at Rogers help. SHP is led by several family to all wear something orange to Park Middle School gathered outside members whose loved ones were school, and a mix-it-up lunch, to “Spread Kindness” by holding killed in a mass shooting at a New- where students’ lunch seats are hands and making a human chain. town elementary school in Decem- changed to encourage making Students then turned to their neigh- ber 2012. friends outside their normal social bors to say something kind. “Start with Hello” addresses social circle. On Tuesday, students will Friday’s “Spread Kindness” starts a isolation, a growing epidemic in arrive at school to find kind words week of “Say Something” activities at schools and across the country, and posted on all of the lockers. Student Rogers Park in support of the anti-vi- refers to the overwhelming feeling volunteers have written more than olence campaign, Sandy Hook Prom- of being left out, lonely and treated 925 Post-it notes. ise. Other schools in the district will as being invisible. Research supports Wednesday is “International Say also sponsor activities throughout that excessive feelings of isolation Something”; during lunch students the school year. can be associated with violent and can have their photo taken with a The “Say Something” and “Start with suicidal behavior. This program message of kindness, support and Hello” programs from SHP focus teaches students in grades two inclusion for students around the on preventing violence, suicide and through 12 skills necessary to reach world. “Black Out Bullying” day fear-inducing threats before they out and include those who may be and “Break the Silence” is Thursday. happen. “Say Something” instructs dealing with chronic isolation. It Students can wear black as a stand students in grades six through 12 empowers students to create a cul- against bullying. Eighth graders will how to look for warning signs, ture of inclusion and connectedness share message of support, hope and signals and threats, particularly in within their school. unity with sixth-grade students. social media, from an individual who Rogers Park will start Monday with Students will also create a MoSAYic may be threatening to hurt himself a “Say Something Kick-Off Presenta- wall with personal “Say Something” or herself, or others, and to say tion” together with a Unity Day, messages to be posted on class bul- letin boards. Danbury Digest -5- October 2017

Schools Readiness Program Receives New Accreditation

By encouraging positive rela- their children are well-prepared and social studies. tionships between children and for school,” Norfleet said. To improve, the program will Board of Education their teachers and providing The program has three class- focus more on professional de- an environment that encour- room with five teachers and velopment, hold science pre- Members ages and support learning with four teaching assistants who sentations for parents, include curriculum goals, the Dan- instruct 56 three- to five-year- more physical activities, and Eileen W. Alberts bury Public Schools Readiness olds between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. plant a community garden. Gladys Cooper Program has received a new, Family contributions are based “This is a step above licensing five-year term national accred- on a sliding scale. and requires that the staff Michael Ferguson itation. Norfleet said putting together document the work they do,” Richard Hawley* The National Association for the portfolio of 140 documen- Dr. Anne Mead, administrator Vice chair the Education of Young Chil- tations is an ongoing task and for Early Childhood Educa- Richard Jannelli dren bases the accreditation on the criteria must met with tion and Extending Learning Patrick Johnston the ability to meet 10 criteria surveys from parents, photos Programs said. “It’s the stamp outlined in the program. The and other information. of approval for programs.” Frederick Karrat DPS Readiness Program at 10 The criteria are: relationships, “The program helps students David Metrena Cottage Street is run by Direc- curriculum, teaching, assess- get more involved in the Kathleen Molinaro* tor Ingrid Norfleet. For the past ment of child progress, health, classroom,” Norfleet said. “The Secretary several years, the program has teachers, families, community school is a small community. Ralph Pietrafesa* operated as one program; prior relationships, physical environ- These criteria help us see to 2013 two programs were ment, and leadership and man- where the needs are. It’s a great Chairperson at Morris Street School and a agement. The program received process, and we make a big Farley Santos third at Mill Ridge Primary. a nearly perfect score in nine effort to get parents involved. “Parents hear that the center criteria; 81 was the lowest score You go above and beyond. You does so much for the teachers, for curriculum because the pro- want to show everyone you are the kids, the parents and that gram requires more science involved.” Danbury Digest -6- October 2017

VH1 Save The Music, SpreadMusicNow donate VH1 Save The Music, SpreadMusicNow donate $180,000 in music education support to Danbury schools

On Oct. 23, the VH1 Save The and raising awareness about the enables and commend Dan- Music Foundation and Spread- importance of music as part of bury Public Schools for their MusicNow presented donations each child’s complete education. leadership and commitment.” at Park Avenue School to support Over the last 20 years, the foun- There are 115 Danbury ele- music education in Danbury dation has donated $53 million mentary school students who Public Schools. worth of new instruments to will directly benefit from the With the support of a $50,000 more than 2,000 schools in 251 program, although the pro- gift from SpreadMusicNow, VH1 districts nationwide. SpreadMu- gram will result in a positive Save The Music donated new sicNow invests in music edu- impact on the entire district. instruments, equipment, profes- cation for under-served youth, “The majority of our students sional development and program helping to shape their futures and come from families that live support all valued at $180,000 to build lifelong success. Founded below the federal poverty this fall’s music programs at Mor- in 2014, SpreadMusicNow has level and so our partnership ris Street, Park Avenue and South made nearly $1 million in grants with VH1 Save The Music is Street schools. Music students to music education programs in truly a blessing for so many from all three schools along with Connecticut and beyond. underprivileged children,” their music teachers will present “SpreadMusicNow is proud to said Dr. Bill Glass, DPS deputy a lesson/performance at 9:30 a.m. partner with Danbury Public superintendent. “Without this followed by a presentation of Schools and VH1 Save The Music partnership the idea of playing SpreadMusicNow’s donation. Foundation in closing opportuni- a musical instrument would Founded in 1997, VH1 Save The ty gaps in music education,” said be an unattainable dream, Music Foundation is a nonprofit SpreadMusicNow co-founder but now it is a reality. Words organization dedicated to restor- Richard Wenning “We believe do not suffice to express how ing instrumental music educa- all children deserve the learning grateful we are.” tion programs in public schools experiences this partnership Danbury Digest -7- October 2017 Students head outside to learn about environment Along the banks of the Still River – a 22-mile waterway WCSU’s Dr. Dora that flows from New York across western Connecticut Pinou talks about before emptying into the Housatonic River in New Milford stream flow (left); volunteers from – more than 100 students from Pembroke and Morris Candlewood Lake Street elementary schools learned about the environment Authority answer through outdoor lessons and activities in early October. from questions From river’s to the organisms that live in its waters, the les- from students after talking about water sons were presented at five stations at the Still River Gre- pollution. enway, a one-mile wooded trail at the edge of Corporate Drive. Open to the public, the Greenway was established by the Still River Alliance Commission more than 10 years ago and is used as a nature’s classroom. “It’s a hidden jewel” said commission chair Ed Siergiej. One station was manned by the Candlewood Lake Author- ity and had an interactive display to show how pollution gets washed into water. At a second station, director of the Entrance to the Still River Gre- Danbury Museum & Historical Society Brigid Guertin talked about the history of the river that enway in Danbury on Corporate also flows from Lake Kenosia. Drive. The Housatonic Valley Association set up water samples for students at a third station while the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) explained about aquatic life and how it stocks area lakes and rivers. At station five, at in the afternoon session, students found biology professor Dr. Dora Pinou of Western Connecticut State University knee deep in the water explaining stream flow and water Upcoming Board of volume. Education Meetings Siergiej said the program for Danbury students was funded by Union Savings Bank and Pitney held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Bowes. Students were sent home with bags of equipment with which they can continue their conservation investigations, including magnifying glasses. “The students get to see different ways that they can help the environment. They can apply scientific concepts,” said Siergiej. “They are the stewards for the future of the environment.” Nov. 8 and 21 (Tuesday) SCHOOL CALENDAR Dec. 6 - Annual Meeting November 1-3 - early dismissal elementary/middle schools for Jan. 10 and 24, 2018 parent/teacher conferences 6 - early dismissal elementary/middle schools for parent/teacher conferences 7 - all schools closed - PD 10- all schools/offices closed - Veteran’s Day 14 - one hour release PD 21 - one hour release PD Danbury Board of Education 22 - early dismissal all schools, Thanksgiving 63 Beaver Brook Road 23-24 - all schools/offices closed, Thanksgiving Danbury, CT 06810 December 12 - one hour release PD 19 - one hour release PD We’re on the web! 25-29 - all schools closed, holiday recess Visit us at: 25 - offices closed, holiday www.danbury.k12.ct.us/ January 1 - schools and offices closed, holiday For coverage of school events or to submit school news, contact Robin Provey: [email protected] or the Board of Education at (203) 797-4701. Danbury Digest -8- October 2017

District’s school buses to run greener, cleaner New fleet fueled by propane A fleet of 80 new school buses – running clean and quiet – hit the streets on the first day of school. The buses replace the ones the district has used for the past 10 years. Beside a slightly different look, the new school buses run on propane rather than diesel; the benefits include that they run quieter and release less carbon dioxide than their predecessors. They also heat up faster and start with no issue in subzero temperatures. The buses are leased at $60,000 per bus from Student Transportation of America, which represents the entire cost of operating the bus including the driver. “We will save money on fuel,” said district finance director Joseph Martino. “We are projecting a fuel savings of $50,000 to 75,000 in the first year.” The buses will fuel up from a storage cell at the new bus depot on Triangle Street. In addition to a fresh new look and cleaner ride, the buses will each be equipped with four cameras.

Hayestown students get back-to- U.S. Senator visits Broadview school backpacks to shake hands with student contest winner

More than 200 students at Hayestown Avenue School In front of the entire seventh grade at Broadview received backpacks donated by United Way of Middle School on Oct. 11, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy Western Connecticut. The backpacks were filled with (D-Conn.) presented student Caroline D’Angelo with school supplies and a gift card; some had students’ a proclamation for winning last year’s Martin Luther names embroidered or had their favorite characters. King, Jr. essay contest sponsored by the senator. “This made our students feel extra special because the “I got interested in politics when I was about your backpacks were picked out especially for them,” said age,” Murphy told the students. “I like recognizing principal Stephanie Furman. “We would like to thank students who do great things.” the United Way, its amazing volunteers, Hayestown Murphy read the last paragraph of her essay aloud social worker, Rose Coladarci, and our psychologist, and said: “It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Sabrina Miele, for making this event perfect.” Senate.” The essay was chosen from thousands of entries.