Middlebrook
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January is Muslim Heritage Month
Trumbull First Selectman, Vicki A. Tesoro Proclaims January 2025 as Muslim Heritage Month
WHEREAS, Muslim Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the rich history, diverse traditions, and significant contributions of the Muslim community to our society, recognizing their role in shaping our cultural, social, and economic landscape; and
WHEREAS, the Muslim community in Trumbull, Connecticut reflects a tapestry of cultures, languages, and experiences, enriching our collective understanding and appreciation of the values of faith, family, education, and service to others; and
WHEREAS, Muslim Heritage Month highlights the achievements and contributions of Muslim Americans in various fields, including science, medicine, education, arts, business, philanthropy, public service, and more, acknowledging their impact on building a stronger and more inclusive society; and
WHEREAS, this month provides an opportunity to educate the broader community about the history and contributions of Muslims, combat misinformation and stereotypes, and promote mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration among people of all faiths and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Muslim Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, diversity, and inclusion, values that strengthen our communities and reflect our shared commitment to equality, justice, and freedom; and
WHEREAS, during this month, we honor the resilience and perseverance of the Muslim community in overcoming challenges and discrimination, and we stand together to affirm our commitment to combating hate, bigotry, and prejudice in all its forms;
NOW THEREFORE I, Vicki A. Tesoro, by virtue of the authority vested in me as First Selectman of the Town of Trumbull, Connecticut do hereby proclaim January, 2025 as, Muslim Heritage Month.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Trumbull to be affixed on the 1st day of January, 2025.
This is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the rich cultural and historical impact of the Muslim community in various fields. We have included some notable figures, along with some resources below to help you explore this important topic and engage in meaningful conversations at home.
Sports
- Shaquille O'Neal – Four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, known for his dominant presence on the court and philanthropic efforts.
- Belal Muhammad – Current UFC welterweight champion, born and raised in Chicago.
- Muhammad Ali – Legendary boxer and social justice advocate, born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – NBA icon and activist for civil rights.
- Aqib Talib – Former NFL cornerback and Super Bowl champion.
- Ibtihaj Muhammad – Olympic fencer, the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing for the U.S.
Science
- Sal Khan – Founder of Khan Academy, revolutionizing education through free, accessible resources.
- Ahmed Zewail – Nobel Prize-winning chemist for his work in femtochemistry.
- Anousheh Ansari – First female private space explorer and advocate for STEM.
- Fazlur Khan – Pioneering structural engineer, known for designing the Sears Tower (Willis Tower).
- Ayub Ommaya – Inventor of the Ommaya reservoir, a device used to treat brain tumors.
Politics
- Maryam Khan –Connecticut’s first Muslim woman elected to the State Legislature, representing the 5th District, which includes Hartford, South Windsor, and Windsor, and she continues to serve in this capacity.
- Saud Anwar- State Senator Saud Anwar was first elected to the Senate in February 2019 to represent the residents of the 3rd State Senate District towns of East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington and South Windsor. He is also a physician specializing in lung diseases and Critical Care Medicine. His town threw him a parade for saving countless lives during COVID-19 when he contributed in solve the shortage of ventilators by using one ventilator to treat not one, but 7 patients.
- Ilhan Omar – U.S. Representative from Minnesota, advocating for justice and equity.
- Keith Ellison – First Muslim elected to Congress, now Attorney General of Minnesota.
- Rashida Tlaib – U.S. Representative from Michigan, the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, known for advocating for social justice and equity.
Art & Media
- Dave Chappelle - Comedian and actor celebrated for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on social issues.
- Hasan Minhaj – Comedian and political commentator known for his show "Patriot Act."
- Mahershala Ali – Academy Award-winning actor and advocate for diversity in film.
- Hamdi Ulukaya – CEO of Chobani, known for his commitment to hiring refugees.
- Ramy Youssef – Golden Globe-winning actor and comedian.
website
Attendance
As we approach the near half-way mark of the school year, we continue to stress the importance of daily attendance for our students. According to our records, we currently have over 4 percent of our students who are considered chronically absent. The state guideline is to be below 5 percent. We need to work together to improve our daily attendance at school. Of course, if children are not feeling, they should stay home. As you know, when children do not attend school regularly, it disrupts their learning. Please make every effort to have your child present in school when he/she is feeling well.
Hello Middlebrook Elementary Families!
My name is LeAnn Creutzmann, and I am excited to join the Middlebrook Elementary community as your new school nurse. As a mom of three who lives right here in Trumbull, I understand the importance of creating a safe, caring, and supportive environment for our children to learn and thrive.
I look forward to working closely with students, families, and staff to ensure the health and well-being of everyone here at Middlebrook. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to say hello. I’m here to support you and your children in any way I can.
Here’s to a healthy and wonderful 2025!
Warm regards,
LeAnn Creutzmann, RN
School Nurse
Grade 4
Meet the fourth grade team! (From left to right: Miss Ferguson, Mrs. Rydelek, Mrs. Angelovic, and Ms. Schaefer). Before starting their careers in education, they had some unique jobs. Miss Ferguson worked at a beach concession stand in Rhode Island. Mrs. Rydelek was an assistant manager at Video World in Trumbull (which is now Trumbull Café and Grill). Mrs. Angelovic was a baker at Dunkin’ Donuts in East Granby, CT. And finally, Ms. Schaefer was a public relations and marketing manager in New York City and in Atlanta, GA. Here’s a fun fact: they are the only grade level team with each teacher’s age in a different decade!
For those families that have purchased hockey tickets for tomorrow night, the game starts at 5:00pm! See you there.
Ryan Mones & Max Palmer
Co-Presidents, Middlebrook Fathers Club
**If you have any questions about the club, please email your Co-Presidents** at middlebrookfathersclub@gmail.com
Kindergarten registration has begun for the 2025-2026 school year, please click here for all the information you need.
Registration link
https://www.trumbullps.org/general/student-registration
