GPS District Digest (v6, i15)

April has arrived and no one is more excited than us in the newsroom of the GPS District Digest. The clink of the bats, the fresh air, the green grass. We are all in.

Spring Recess? Here we come.

But first, sit back and enjoy the 15th issue of the Digest. You will love this one. We have student achievement, staff recognitions, and eight of the best boop-nose-dogs you ever did see.

Enjoy Issue No. 15 and thank you for your support.

GPS District Digest

Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones recently announced that 59 GPS employees have been named GPS’s “Difference Maker” honorees for the month of March as staff members who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of our schools.

“It is an incredible honor to lead a school district that has a staff dedicated to their positions in our community like Greenwich Public Schools,” Dr. Jones said. “For the sixth straight month, our families and staff continue to recognize those that have made a significant difference in the lives of our children and shared their passion with coworkers.”

The Greenwich Public Schools “Difference Maker” award is presented monthly to full or part-time employees who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the GPS community through one life-changing event, extraordinary long-lasting efforts, or making a difference in the lives of others every single day. Each building holds its individual celebrations to honor winners with certificate presentations and other recognitions.

GPS families, students, co-workers, or community members can nominate their difference maker online and is open to all employees of Greenwich Public Schools, full or part time, in good standing. It excludes contractors or employees of other town agencies.

The Odyssey of the Mind team from Hamilton Avenue School competed at State Finals recently, and after its second place finish, they have been invited to attend the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Lansing, Michigan in late May. This is the fifth time that a team from Hamilton Avenue has attended the World Finals. These students have worked hard all year and are excited to be representing Connecticut as they compete against passionate and creative students from around the world.

The team was also this year’s recipient of the OMER award. The OMER, named for the Odyssey of the Mind mascot, is given to the team that exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship, exemplary behavior, or exceptional talent. The Hamilton Avenue team received the award in recognition of their teamwork and creativity in overcoming a set malfunction during their performance. Team members include: Luka Jai Puac, Dhanvi Madishetti, Victor Molleturo, Bodhi Puac, Jackson Rossitter, Devin Clermont, and Noah Blake. The team was coached by teacher, Mrs. Cathy Byrne.

The team would like to thank their principal, Mrs. Diane Chiappetta-Fox, and assistant principal, Mrs. Annamaria Simonelli, for their support of this program They would also like to thank teacher, Mrs. Darlene Angotto, and her daughter, Catie Angotto, a Hamilton Avenue alumna, for serving as a judges at the competition. The team members and coaches are especially grateful to the families for their support throughout the year.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Odyssey of the Mind is a learning experience which has helped students develop skills that will last a lifetime. Students learn to cooperate and respect the ideas of others, and to evaluate ideas and make decisions on their own. They have gained greater self-confidence and increased self-esteem through their hard work. In addition, they work within a budget, so they learn to manage money. Students also see that there is often more than one way to solve a problem, and that sometimes the process is more important than the end result.

In order to attend, the team needs to raise funds to pay for food, housing, and transportation to Michigan. The cost for each student to attend is about $1,500. The school community and their parents all very much want these seven hard working students to be able to attend World Finals and have the experience they have worked so hard to earn. They need your help to meet their goal.

To support our team, please use the link to make contributions to their GoFundMe.

Way to go Greenwich HS junior Madeline Wilber!

Her essay about her elementary school visits to the Bush-Holley House on 39 Strickland Road in Cos Cob won the GHS Social Studies 2025 Black History Month Essay Contest.

The task was to write an essay of 500 words describing a pivotal event in black history that they feel had been left out of or underutilized in the GHS curriculum.

For her amazing work, she received received 50 Cardinal bucks to spend at the school store. Read it for yourself!

My name is Madeline Wilber and I'm currently a junior attending Greenwich High School. When reflecting on my twelve-year journey in Greenwich Public Schools (GPS), I realized that some of my most cherished memories were our elementary school visits to the Bush-Holley House. Education in regional history strengthened my understanding of not only how these events impacted my surroundings but also fostered a personal connection to them. As a child, historical events can often feel distant; instead of under your feet, the American Revolution seems like it occurred in some faraway land, and the Civil Rights Movement thousands of miles away rather than just nearby in Simsbury, Connecticut.

While widely unknown today, the small, 288-acre tobacco farm that lies in Simsbury still remains a pivotal location in American history. It was here that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spent the summers of 1944 and 1945 working, it was here that King first smelled the air of freedom from “overt segregation” in the South, it was here that King found his way as a religious leader, and it was here that King first “felt an inescapable urge to serve society,” (“Dr. King’s Dream Had Roots in Connecticut"; Martin). His first time away from segregation, King was introduced to a new way of life, sharing lunch with “white girls from separate work groups…” and eating in fine restaurants (Students from Simsbury High School; “Dr. King’s Dream Had Roots in Connecticut"). While in Connecticut, King discovered his desire to be a pastor, attending integrated churches for the first time and “[leading] weekly religious gatherings,” (Students from Simsbury High School; Carson). On his train ride to Atlanta, King remarked that “after that summer in Connecticut, it was a bitter feeling going back to segregation” when switching to a Jim Crow cart in D.C., exemplifying the cultural divide between the North and the South with the institution of racial segregation and discrimination (Martin). King's time spent in Connecticut was integral to his dedication to the Civil Rights Movement and religion, the breath of freedom inspiring him to do more.

Despite its significance, his time spent here has largely gone overlooked. In 1984, firefighters were performing a training exercise when they burned the building where he likely led his religious services and worked, and in 2010, the unused farmland and remaining buildings were meant to be demolished in the construction of 300 homes (Martin). To prevent the demolition, the Simsbury Free Library partnered with a group of Simsbury High School students who made an award-winning documentary on the farm. Their work to preserve local history demonstrates that it is overlooked and that adolescents can initiate change in their communities. By learning about King's time in Simsbury and the efforts of the high schoolers there, GPS students can gain a greater understanding of Connecticut's role in history and how young people can make a significant impact in their communities.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Madeline Wilber

Junior, Greenwich High School

Dr. Cheryl Iozzo. We see you!

It was so exciting to see Dr. Iozzo and former GHS art teacher, Dr. Sheyda Ardalan's contribution to the latest issue of SchoolArts magazine on art and technology. We get to learn all about how "technology provides its own uniqueness and value, which should be considered as one of many tools in a student's repertoire of art-making."

For more than 100 years, art teachers have turned to SchoolArts magazine for inspiration. They say SchoolArts is created by innovative, passionate experts whose lesson plans and teaching strategies are classroom-tested.

Who remembers when Ethan Shi made his debut in the GPS District Digest? We all do in the newsroom, that's for sure.

Back in volume 4, issue 15, we told you about the Eastern Middle School sixth grader's impressive scores on the American Invitational Mathematical Exam (AIME). Now in the eighth grade, Mr. Shi's math skills are back on full display.

Last month, Ethan participated in the two-day USA Mathematical Junior Olympiad, sitting a total of nine hours for the long-form, proof-based exam. This national Olympiad is a next crucial stage in qualifying for the summer Mathematical Olympiad Program and the US International Olympiad team.

We know who we are rooting for!

Do you follow Greenwich High School's newspaper for the students by the students, GHS Beak, on social media? We certainly do in the newsroom of the GPS District Digest.

We were so excited to see their amazing post with photos of GHS' service dogs. Eight pooches patrolling the pathways.

"We love seeing our four legged friends at school, but now you will know what makes them so special," the post read, to go along with a background of each canine cutie.

Maybe one day, they will make their way over to the newsroom for some emotional support when we are on deadline.

Sources deep inside Greenwich Public Schools tipped off the GPS District Digest recently about the Native American Day celebration at Parkway School.

We hear that third graders enjoyed a fun-filled day of authentic, curriculum-based learning experiences with friends from Indian Journeys, an organization that brings an authentic Native American experience to children and adults alike, where ancient teachings meet the modern world.

Students listened to several traditional stories and studied deer skin paintings with symbols that summarized the major story elements. They played a variety of traditional games as well.

Students toured an Eastern Woodlands Museum and observed genuine furs, baskets, rattles, clothing, tools and more. The items helped to guide the question: “How did Eastern Woodlands Indian people meet their basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter?”

Students continued their studies the following day, participating in a clay workshop where they created Lenape pendants of Mesingw, the protector of children and wild game animals. The students also made make clay pots.

Join Greenwich Green and Clean for their annual beach cleanup day, Live Like Luke, on Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.

Named after Greenwich HS environmental activist who lost his battle with cancer in 2019, Luke Meyers, all non-biodegradable debris collected that will be tallied and reported to Save the Sound for submission to the Ocean Conservancy, which coordinates results from organizations throughout the world to analyze types and levels of the pollution in the earth’s waters. Community service certificates will be available.

Luke is unforgettable. A dedicated volunteer on Greenwich Green & Clean projects, he actively participated in cleanups, including the Spring Town-Wide Cleanup. His mother, Kerry Meyers, noted that Luke was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his immeasurable kindness, his remarkable creativity, his passion for learning, and his determination to make positive changes in the world. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has honored Luke by installing a climate change education exhibit at the Bruce Museum Seaside Center.

For more information on how to register, head to the webpage dedicated to this event.

To celebrate national Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, Greenwich Public Schools announced the professional assistants who have been named honorees of the 2025 Paraeducators of the Year, for those that have exhibited an extraordinary commitment to their position at their respective schools, making a significant impact on both academic and personal development of students. Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of April. From these 15 distinguished professional assistants, one will be chosen to represent the district as GPS’ nomination for Connecticut’s 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award.

“Paraeducators are integral and beloved members of our school community that inspire students to reach their full potential,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones said. “Each year, we will give a special thank you to all of those that provide exceptional support to our students with their professionalism and adaptability.”

The Connecticut State Department of Education defines a paraeducator as an employee who assists teachers and/or other certified professionals or therapists in the delivery of instructional and related services to students. The paraeducator works under the direct supervision of the teacher and/or other certified or licensed professionals. The ultimate responsibility for the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs, including assessment of student progress, is a collaborative effort between certified and licensed staff.

Each building will hold its individual celebrations to honor winners with certificate presentations and other recognitions. An announcement regarding GPS’ nomination for Connecticut’s 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award will be made in the coming weeks.

Hamilton Avenue School recently held a "Math Night," featuring a lively bingo session and so many other wonderful games, sponsored by the Greenwich Alliance for Education.

Who thought math could be so fun?

Shark Tank fans, stand up!

Are you a fan of the television show that gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to secure business deals that could make them millionaires? Earlier this month, the Sharks heard from Charlie Greene, CEO of Remento, a company that makes it easy to turn cherished family memories into beautiful keepsake books. It sure looked interesting, especially to Shark Mark Cuban who agreed to partner with Charlie.

Did you know Charlie is a GPS alumni, Greenwich High School class of 2009?

"Walking into the tank, there was no entrepreneur that I would be more excited to work with than Mark Cuban," Greene told News12 Connecticut. "He is an entrepreneur that I have idolized for many years and his involvement with this business going forward, I think it has the opportunity to unlock tremendous potential for Remento."

While going to school on Hillside Road, Charlie was in the National Honors Society, captain of the boys ski team, a member of the Names Team, and voted "Best To Take Home To Mom and Dad" by his classmates.

Go Big Red!

You have no idea what kind of excitement fills the Digest’s newsroom when an email from Mr. Andrew Bramante hits our inbox. We buckle up for tremendous student achievement - we know it is coming at us at 100 mph.

Today, we will share with you his news, projects, and results from the Junior Innovators at this year’s Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair.

“It was another fabulous demonstration of the incredible innovation that these kids have created here in the GHS research lab/classrooms,” Mr. Bramante said. “This year, an astounding 11 junior innovators submitted their work to CSEF, and nine of these were selected as fair finalists, which represents the top 20% of projects.”

Make sure you watch each of our Innovators video presentations - you will be glad you did.

Clara Cahill: Development of a Thyme Oil-in-Hydromed Wearable Anklet for the Natural, Effective Repellant of Ticks

• Alexion Biotechnology Awards: 1st Place Biotechnology 8th grade - $200 & trophy
• Connecticut Science Fair Association Life Science Awards with The Jackson Laboratory: 2nd Place- Life Sciences; 8th grade- $150 & trophy
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge: Nomination to compete in the Thermo Fisher Scientific JIC for selected top MS winners
• J.A. Augustine and H. Glista Awards: $100 for excellence in Life Sciences

Tian-Yi Chen: Neutralization of Ocean Acidification, and Promotion of Additional Atmospheric CO2 Sequestration, via a Melamine-PTFE-Mg(OH)2 Floatable Sponge

• Alexion Biotechnology Awards: 2nd Place Biotechnology 8th grade - $150 & trophy
• Connecticut Science Fair Association Physical Science Awards with CMS Dorothy Minervino: 5th Place- Physical Sciences 8th Grade Ind. - trophy
• Stanley Black & Decker Applied Technology Awards: Middle School Finalist - Medallion

William Chen: Investigating the Effects of Natural Remedies on Pine Pollen Antigen Levels to Combat Allergies

• Alexion Biotechnology Awards: 4th Place Biotechnology 8th grade- trophy

Rajsi Choudhary: Fabrication of a Biodegradable, Nutrient-Rich, Orange Peel-Loaded Hydrogel for Thermally-Programmed Release of Water to Maintain Soil Moisture

• Connecticut Science Fair Association Life Science Awards with The Jackson Laboratory: 1st Place- Life Sciences 8th grade- $200 & trophy
• Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions Environmental Sciences Awards: 1st Place MS - $200, Trophy
• Pepsico Engineering Awards: 2nd Place- Engineering MS- $150 & trophy
• Quinnipiac University Scholarships: $30,000, 4-year scholarship ($7500 per year) to Quinnipiac U. - MS Student in Engineering
• Connecticut Science Teachers Association's Marty Tafel Student Research Award: Life Sciences 8th Grade - $500 and invite to CSTA Award Banquet
• Alexion Biotechnology Awards: 3rd Place Biotechnology 8th grade - $100 & trophy
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge: Nomination to compete in the Thermo Fisher Scientific JIC for selected top MS winners

Leo Foell: Identification of the Optimal Wastewater Algae for Production of Degradable Bioplastics from PHB

• Ricoh Americas Corporation: Certificate, $25 gift card given by CSEF
• Connecticut Science Supervisors Association: $125 for a middle school project
• Aquarion Water Company: 1st. $200.00 Cash - Grade 7-8 For Excellence in Water Quality or Environmental Management

Michael Gitelman: Inhibition of Skin Acne Using a Topical, Lactiplantibaccilius plantarum Probiotic Treatment

Zain Haque: Evaluating the Toxicity of Eco-Friendly versus Conventional Laundry Detergent Water Runoff via Analysis of Eisenia Fetida Mortality Rates

• Connecticut Science Fair Association Physical Science Awards with CMS Dorothy Minervino: Finalist – Physical Sciences 8th Grade - CSF Medallion
• Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions Environmental Sciences Awards: MS Finalist - CSF Medallion

Ellie Mao: Field and Lawn Run-off Removal of Nitrates and Phosphates via an Iron & Calcium Fortified Biochar

• Connecticut Science Fair Association Physical Science Awards with CMS Dorothy Minervino: 1st Place- Physical Sciences 8th Grade Ind.- $200 & trophy
• Alexion Biotechnology Awards: 5th Place Biotechnology 8th grade- trophy
• Stanley Black & Decker Applied Technology Awards: Middle School Finalist - Medallion
• Connecticut Science Teachers Association's Marty Tafel Student Research Award: Physical Sciences 8th Grade - $500 and invite to CSTA Award Banquet
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge: Nomination to compete in the Thermo Fisher Scientific JIC for selected top MS winners

Siddharth Nimmagadda: Unraveling Weather-Pollen Interactions: Machine Learning for Allergy Forecasting

• Connecticut Science Fair Association Life Science Awards with The Jackson Laboratory: 3rd Place- Life Sciences 8th grade- $100 & trophy
• Infosys Foundation Computer Science Awards: 3rd Place Middle School- $100, Trophy

Alexandra Rothstein: Integration of Photoluminescent Manganese-doped ZnS Nanocrystals

• EnergizeCT Alternative & Renewable Energy Awards: 1st Place Middle School - $200 Cash and Trophy
• Stanley Black & Decker Applied Technology Awards: 2nd Place Middle School - $150 and Plaque, Medallion
• Connecticut Science Fair Association Physical Science Awards with CMS Dorothy Minervino: 3rd Place- Physical Sciences 8th Grade Ind, - $100 & trophy
• Alexion Biotechnology Awards: Finalist - Biotechnology 8th grade - CSF Medallion
• Kiev Family Awards: 2nd place - $150 - For Excellence in Engineering Middle School

Stay tuned next issue for our high school honorees!

Did your children "eat the rainbow" last month?

For coinciding Rainbow Week and International Week, our amazing food service workers served up dishes from around the world, giving students a chance to explore new flavors and culture, and highlighting a variety of fruits and vegetables, focusing on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

"This was a great opportunity for students to try something new while learning about different foods and their benefits," Food Service Director Ms. Martha Ramkellawan said. "We could not wait to share this experience with them."

The U.S. Air Force Academy Band will present “The Spirit of America,” a free concert held at Greenwich High School's Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:30 PM.

The concert will feature patriotic favorites and highlight the contributions of service members, both past and present, as well as perform favorites in the genres of jazz, pop, classical, country, and more. Two Connecticut natives are current members of the concert band and will be returning to their home state to perform on this concert: TSgt Mike Coletti (Fairfield) and TSgt Gabe Petkaitis (West Hartford).

This concert is free and open to the public. Tickets are suggested and can be acquired online, however patrons without tickets will be seated in any available seat 15 minutes before showtime.

If you have children in Greenwich, "there's nothing to do" is not acceptable. Especially when the Bruce Museum is right around the corner.

Our friends over on 1 Museum Drive reached out again, and they have an incredible lineup for you:

• Bruce Birthday Bash (April 5)
• Bruce Experiences: Tanka Poetry Reading and Translation (April 6)
• Fred Elser First Sunday Science: Introduction to Shellfishing (April 6)
• Bruce Beginnings: Shiny Sculptures (April 8-9)
• Bruce Beginnings Junior: Shiny Sculptures (April 9)
• Museum Movers: Yoga for Kids (April 12)
• Science Solvers: Rainbow Minerals (April 12-13)
• Bruce Experiences: French Film Series–Bergers (Sheppards) (April 13)
• ASL Tour Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist (April 15)
• Bruce Beginnings: Polar Bear, Polar Bear (April 15-16)
• Bruce Beginning Junior: Polar Bear, Polar Bear (April 16)
• Sensory Friendly Mornings at the Bruce Museum (April 18)

For more information, head to their website, where art meets science. See ya at the Bruce!

When school is out, the Y is in! Join them for Vacation Camp at the YMCA of Greenwich for Spring Recess, April 14-18.

The YMCA of Greenwich Vacation Camp program offers tons of creative, engaging, and fun activities including arts & crafts, gym games, pool time, fitness classes and so much more! Vacation camp is for children ages 3-10 years and runs from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, with options for early drop off and late stay. Financial assistance is available for this program. For more information, visit the YMCA of Greenwich’s Vacation Camp web page.

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 2,162 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.

Are you active on other social media platforms? Should the district join you? Let us know!

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