Julian Curtiss Newsletter #13

On Thursday, November 21st, JC hosted a heartwarming Thanksgiving gathering that brought families together in a celebration of community and gratitude. The school's cafeteria was elegantly transformed, adorned with green and white tablecloths and creative centerpieces that set a warm and inviting atmosphere. Families were treated to a traditional American Thanksgiving feast featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, and mac and cheese, followed by delightful desserts of pumpkin bites and apple pie.

The event was more than just a meal; it was a beautiful display of unity and cultural connection. Students not only enjoyed the delicious food but also engaged in creative activities at the craft table, making turkey-themed art projects. Despite potential language barriers, families from diverse backgrounds found common ground through their shared sense of gratitude—for their school, their families, and each other.

Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Kovac, Ms. Miltner, Ms. Barnett, and Ms. Gryak for their dedicated work in supporting the school's ESL families and making this memorable evening possible.

Thank you,

Eduardo Calderon and Claribel Michilena

In a 2nd-grade classroom during Fundations, students demonstrated remarkable leadership and confidence by courageously guiding their peers through various lesson components. By stepping up to lead different parts of the lesson, these young learners not only showcased their academic abilities but also actively developed their leadership skills. Through these opportunities, students were building their "leadership muscles," gaining confidence, and learning to support and guide their classmates in a collaborative and empowering learning environment.

Special recognition to Assistant Principal Ms. Michilena who was covering the class at the time.

In a vibrant celebration of writing achievement, 3rd-grade students showcased their informational writing skills, demonstrating their ability to structure information logically and analyze topics with precision. Through their carefully crafted pieces, students highlighted their mastery of essential writing techniques, including the inclusion of relevant evidence, strategic use of text features to enhance topic exploration, and skillful incorporation of linking words.

Family members gathered to honor these young authors, who radiated pride and confidence as they shared their work, transforming the classroom into a gallery of academic accomplishment

and creative expression.

Special recognition to Mr. Hohl, Ms. Grandinetti and Ms. Re

for the support they give to our young authors!

During a professional learning session on Tuesday, November 19th, special education providers worked closely with Jen Bulson to deepen their understanding of the Bridges Intervention program, a transformative approach to mathematics education. The program is rooted in the powerful belief that all students can comprehend mathematics, recognizing that some learners simply require additional time, opportunities, and support. Bridges Intervention offers a strengths-based methodology that begins with hands-on manipulatives, progressively advancing to two-dimensional representations and mental imagery, with a core emphasis on problem-solving, utilizing visual models, and developing mathematical fluency. By focusing on individual student abilities and providing targeted instruction and assessment for essential K-5 mathematical skills and concepts, the educators aim to create more inclusive and effective learning experiences for their students.

Special recognition to Ms. Gillam, Mr. Oddo, Ms. Verdugo and Ms. Zilich.

Do you have a love for teaching and learning? Want to be part of an amazing school community? JC is the place for you! We are seeking enthusiastic, flexible individuals to join our dynamic team - help shape young minds and make a meaningful impact, one day at a time!

If interested, please contact Mr. Calderon at (203) 869-1896 and click on this link https://www.applitrack.com/greenwich/onlineapp to apply.

Feel free to pass this message along.

Friendly Reminder:

For the safety and comfort of all our students, we kindly ask that families refrain from bringing dogs onto school grounds (including our blacktop/playground area). We love our furry friends, but keeping our grounds pet-free helps ensure a safe environment for everyone. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation!

Our 2nd graders will be taking the NWEA MAP assessment. The test is a computer-adaptive standardized test that measures a student’s reading, language usage, and math skills. It’s designed to measure a student’s progress and growth over time. The test helps educators understand where your child’s academic strengths and areas of growth are, so they can tailor instructions to meet your child’s unique learning needs. It also helps track your child’s academic growth over time. MAP scores, also known as RIT scores, are used to measure your child’s academic growth. There’s no passing or failing. Instead, the scores provide a snapshot of where your child is academically compared to their peers, and show how much they’ve grown over time.

In November, we’re excited to celebrate several meaningful themes with our students and school community. This month, we’re embracing gratitude, honoring Native American Heritage Month, celebrating Diwali—the Festival of Lights—and highlighting the diversity and unity that make our school such a special place. To enrich our exploration of these themes, we are reading Luli and the Language of Tea written by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Hyewon Yum, an award-winning book that highlights the power of kindness and connection across languages and cultures.

The story emphasizes that when we seek to connect with others, we often look for a common bond. The word for “tea” sounds similar in many languages, and tea becomes the unifying metaphor that brings a diverse group of children together. In Native American culture, for instance, certain herbal infusions—often called “teas”—hold deep meaning. Plants such as mint, sage, three-leaf sumac, and cedar are used for their healing properties and for fostering community bonds, symbolizing respect and gratitude for nature’s gifts.

The book also includes fascinating material at the back that delves into the rich and ancient history of tea across cultures, featuring maps, statistics, and details that engage our readers and deepen their appreciation for shared traditions around the world. We’re excited to share these stories and experiences with our students as we learn and grow together.

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