GPS District Digest

On Tuesday, October 11, 2019 the Greenwich High School community hosted a Ribbon Cutting to announce the official opening of the Education & Wellness Center. The Center offers numerous resources and support staff for all students. At the Ribbon Cutting, students shared their experiences working with staff in The Center and expressed excitement for the new and streamlined resources available to all.

Dean of Student Life, Lorraine Termini, detailed the GHS staff and community support that was needed to bring this space to fruition. Donations of resources and funds came from countless community organizations, including: Kids in Crisis, YWCA/YNET, Laurel House, Triangle Community Center, Rowan Center, BRS/Level Up, Liberation Programs, Family Centers/RITE Program, the Department of Human Services, and a $25,000 grant from the Greenwich Alliance for Education.

The International School at Dundee (ISD) hosted their annual Greenwich Color Challenge, a day filled with fun activities and bright colors. Approximately 400 pounds of color were used to “dust” the 600 participants who came out for the action-packed, community-wide event.

All proceeds from the Greenwich Color Challenge will directly benefit ISD PTA-sponsored educational enrichment programs. This year’s Challenge included a new 1.1-mile course with 10-plus obstacles and six color stations—where kids and adults got sprinkled with safe, non-toxic, washable powder. “The new and improved foam pit was especially popular and had everyone swimming through piles of foam!” says Michelle O’Donnell, ISD PTA Co-Vice President of Fundraising. Over 100 volunteers, including members of the ISD community and Greenwich High School students, helped man the color stations and obstacles. Families from more than 20 area schools came out to take part in the event and participants ranged in age from infants to 74 years-old.

All photos were taken by Greenwich High School's Grace Usowski.

Today, Thursday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day. This day recognizes the importance of taking care of your own mental health, expressing empathy towards others, and spreading empowerment to the global community to take positive action and create lasting change.

During this morning's Advisor Base at Central Middle School, with the help of their student council members, CMS created an activity to bring awareness to common mental health issues some middle school students may face. Students learned facts on mental health issues, shared how they individually take care of their mental health through art, and learned about the mental health resources in their building and community. By bringing awareness to this day it helps reduce the stigma around seeking support for mental health issues.

The Greenwich Public Schools value a strong partnership between families and schools in contributing to the academic, personal and interpersonal growth of every student.

To that end, a "Parent Resources" page was created on the District website to provide information and links to resources to keep families informed and engaged in their child/ren's learning experience. In many instances, the information is already readily available on the website, however the "Parent Resources" page will help navigate to these resources.

One such requested area of information for parents was in regards to District Curriculum. Chief Academic Officer, Irene Parisi, has made available curriculum information for several subjects for grades K-5, with additional information for other subjects and grade levels still to come.

The District has also heard concerns from parents about issues tracking screen time and sensitive topics including appropriate cell phone/technology use and many other topics. There are resources available for each of these topics, and the District will continue to share information and resources on other topics on this webpage throughout the school year.

Board of Education Retreat Recap:

The Board of Education held a Retreat on Sunday, October 6 at Greenwich Library. Agenda items included: achievement data, updates on the Strategic Plan and more. The Board of Education posted the full agenda and meeting documents.

Candidate Forum:

Greenwich PTAC and the Greenwich League of Women Voters are co-hosting a Board of Education Candidate Forum on Tuesday October 15 at Central Middle School from 7:00 - 9:00pm. The forum will be moderated by Jara Burnett of the Greenwich League and a non-partisan PTA Council panel will be asking questions. Come learn about the candidates: Christina Downey (D), Gaetane Francis (D), Karen Hirsh (D), Joe Kelly (R) and Karen Kowalski (R).

New Lebanon School Building Update

The most recent New Lebanon School Building Community Update is now available in English and Spanish. Information in this report included:

Phase 2 is nearing completion.

• Playgrounds will be inspected and operational mid-October
• Landscaping and privacy fencing is complete as per the approved plan.
• Plantings will continue through the fall due to the respective planting seasons

Phase 3 Ballfield Reconstruction is ongoing.

• Sod in ballfield will be placed late October.
• Perimeter fence will remain until Spring for proper establishment per Dept. of Parks and Recreation.

Homecoming Parade & Homecoming Football Game (vs. Westhill High School)

Sat., Oct. 12 • 3:00PM (Game)

*Parade leaves from Julian Curtiss School, Homecoming Game at Cardinal Stadium

Board of Education Candidate Forum

Tues., Oct. 15 • 7:00 - 9:00PM

Central Middle School

Board of Education Business Meeting

Thurs. Oct. 17 • 7:00pm

Eastern Middle School

YouTube

District Website