GPS District Digest (v6, i4)
Stories, news, and updates from Greenwich Public Schools
The calendar in the newsroom of the GPS District Digest says late October, but it sure does not feel that way. At press time, the windows are wide open and the cool breeze off the Sound sweeps through.
It is a great time for Greenwich Public Schools. We can feel it in the air and the Digest is here to keep the good vibes going.
Sometimes we like to tell you how packed the current issue is. Sometimes we say it is loaded with all good things GPS. This time, we really mean it. Achievements, recognitions, performances, and a large object made of dust and ice that orbits the Sun. You could ask us for more, but you will have to wait until next issue.
Enjoy Issue No. 4 and thank you for your support.
GPS District Digest
On your mark, get set, go!
Registration is now open for the Greenwich Alliance for Education’s 14th Turkey Trot 5K Race/1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, November 30. The annual fundraiser is the largest community event of the Thanksgiving weekend with nearly 2,000 runners, walkers, and spectators expected to participate.
Registrants can choose from either a 5K race or a non-competitive 1 mile run/walk. Both races begin and end at the Arch Street Teen Center at 100 Arch Street, and pace through the beautiful flat roads of Bruce Park. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk starts at 9:30 AM, followed by the 5K Race at 10:00 AM. Warm-up and stretching for all participants will be offered at 9:00 AM.
“The Turkey Trot gets bigger and better every year with the help of community partners and generous corporate sponsors,” GAE Executive Director Julie Faryniarz said. "This November, we expect a record number of participants to help us raise funds for our programs for Greenwich Public School students, teachers, and alumni.”
Registration, which is available online, costs $15 for children (13 and under) and $30 for adults. Adult pricing increases to $40 on October 29, and to $50 on race day.
Sources within Greenwich High School recently told the GPS District Digest that social studies teacher, Mr. Ryan Jones, received the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.
By definition, an "Outstanding Educator" shapes young minds in meaningful ways—thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom. Each year, newly admitted UChicago students have the opportunity to reflect on their time in school and nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, made a positive impact in their lives, and whose influence has brought them to where they are today.
Mr. Jones has been with Greenwich Public Schools for more than 12 years, first at Western Middle School before heading to GHS. In 2022, he was recognized as a Distinguished Teacher Award winner by Greenwich's DTA Committee.
All UChicago Outstanding Educator Award winners receive a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details from the student they were nominated by. For more information regarding the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator, head to its website.
Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? The good folks at Western Middle School do.
Earlier this month, WMS held its fifth annual "Pink Week," selling pink gear and accessories to meet its fundraising goal of $1,000. Also, retired principal, Mr. Gordon Beinstein, made a special appearance as the guest hurler for "Pink Pie A Principal."
Watch the video to see who had pie for dessert!
Greenwich High School's girls cross country team delivered an impressive performance at the recent FCIAC Championships held at Waveny Park in New Canaan. As a team, the girls won the FCIAC Championship, defending the championship they won last year.
Individually, sophomore Sophie Passalacqua led the Cardinals with a stellar second-place finish, clocking in at 18:33 across the 5,000 meter course. Junior Margaret McCooe also had a strong showing, securing seventh place with a time of 19:06.
The Cardinals demonstrated their depth with several other top finishers. Junior Gemma Hardwick (and friend of the GPS District Digest) crossed the line in 18th place (19:59), followed by junior Ava Passamano in 22nd (20:24) and senior Ellie Englund in 25th (20:29). Junior Orla Muir and sophomore Eleanor Kim rounded out Greenwich's top performers, finishing 31st (20:41) and 36th (21:01) respectively.
Greenwich's consistent performance throughout the race showcased their strength and depth as a team. With multiple runners placing in the top 40, the Cardinals have once again proven themselves to be a formidable force in the FCIAC and state cross country scene.
To help bring their current social studies unit to life, second graders from Glenville School visited Town Hall recently to meet with First Selectman Fred Camillo and Executive Assistant to the First Selectman Ken Borsuk.
Students learned about the roles and responsibilities of local officials in the Town of Greenwich, toured the historic building, and had an engaging question and answer session with Mr. Camillo.
The trip was both fun and educational and a good time was had by all.
Have you caught William Shakespeare's romantic comedy, "Twelfth Night," at Greenwich High School's Blackbox Theater yet? The reviews are in: Two thumbs up; it is a must-see; it will make you laugh, it will make you cry.
The talented students of the GHS Theater Arts Department have been working endlessly since late May, and it shows with amazing performances by the entire cast. Four performances still remain and tickets are still available.
Showtimes are:
Thursday, October 31 at 4:00 PM
Friday, November 1 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 2 at 5:00 pm & 8:00 PM
Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased online or at the GHS Blackbox Theater door.
Run, don’t walk!
Every fall, International School at Dundee hosts a workshop for parents as an introduction to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.
Recently, parents came to the school and learned about student agency, international mindedness, the Learner Profile, and more. Parents engaged in hands-on activities that mirror their child's experience in the classroom.
The administration team plans to host more workshops this year to partner with its parents and share in what makes their school so special: the IB Framework.
We cannot get enough Justin. Just in case you did not see issue No. 3, the Digest wrote about Greenwich HS senior Justin Bernstein, complete with a video and photo spread. We have more news!
Just in time, sources embedded at GHS recently revealed that Justin has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, moving to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship.
A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. Just like that, with the addition of the 2025 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 7,050 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $87 million in scholarships over the course of 37 years.
“We believe that identifying these young leaders throughout the country and encouraging their passion for serving others not only empowers the students, but also lifts up those around them.” President of the Foundation, Jane Hale Hopkins, was just saying. “The Coca-Cola system is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is proud to be a part of that commitment.”
Semifinalists are now asked to complete Phase 2 applications, which just includes essays, a recommendation, and a transcript.
GHS teachers, Ms. Margarita David and Ms. Avigail Bialyik, recently took students from the Ancient Civilizations classes to the Morgan Library & Museum in New York. The curriculum examines critical turning points in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome that shaped early humans.
"The Ancient Civilizations classes participated in a program entitled, 'Myth & Symbol,' where we took a close look at the collection of cylinder seals and cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia," Ms. David said. "We had the chance to roll out a replica of a cylinder seal on clay to see the imprint of this action scene with a god-like figure, animal, and the moon. Our group was excited to tour the museum and library, and especially to get to walk around the office of the financier JP Morgan himself."
A museum and independent research library located in the heart of New York City, the Morgan began as the personal library of financier, collector, and cultural benefactor Pierpont Morgan. As early as 1890, Morgan had begun to assemble a collection of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints.
GPS' community partner, Waste Free Greenwich, will host its third annual Great Pumpkin Rescue on Saturday, November 16 from 1:00-4:00 PM at Living Hope Community Church in Old Greenwich. Sponsored by Curbside Compost, the event aims to collect pumpkins for composting and to raise awareness about food waste in our community. Last year, the Great Pumpkin Rescue diverted over 4,000 lbs. of pumpkins from the waste stream.
Bring your pumpkins to be composted and stay for the fun. This free, family-friendly event will feature a pumpkin toss and lawn games, including pumpkin bowling, spooky ring toss, pumpkin bean bag toss and gourd tic tac toe. Earn raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes to green your home. The Waste Free Greenwich team will also conduct a compost demonstration to share tips about backyard composting and other ways to cut food waste.
Waste Free Greenwich is an amazing facilitator of the Zero Waste Schools Program that empowers students and staff to adopt sustainable behaviors by preventing and diverting material, which would otherwise be disposed, to the highest and most valuable use. Through the program, the district will not only lead the community in waste reduction and diversion efforts but will also contribute to state and local goals.
Our partners at the Astronomical Society of Greenwich have invited the community to the Bowman Observatory, located on the campus of Julian Curtiss School, free of charge twice a month, and for special celestial events.
Recently, they shared an amazing photo with the GPS District Digest of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) that was taken up the road in Lakeville. They want you all to know that Saturn is now well positioned for viewing, and next month, Jupiter will be great for viewing at the Bowman Observatory.
For more information about the observatory and group visits, head to ASG's website or email them at GreenwichStars@gmail.com.
Social media, when done responsibly, can be a great tool to share information. Here at GPS, we use social media to give you a behind the scenes look at what is happening in our buildings, celebrate staff and student achievement, and to break news.
Are you one of our 2,217 followers on X (formerly known as Twitter)? If not, why aren't you? We know the world can be a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. But here, it's all sunshine and rainbows.
