Together We Can

As we wrap up the final days of the school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your continued support, encouragement, and involvement. Together, we’ve made this year one filled with growth, learning, and memorable moments.

I encourage you and your student to keep reading, stay active, and enjoy time with family and friends. For ideas and resources, check out our Seamless Summer Learning page.

Have a wonderful summer and we will see you next year!

Best

Stacey

Stacey Heiligenthaler, Ph.D.

Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports

stacey_heiligenthaler@greenwich.k12.ct.us

PreK students from Cos Cob School joyfully explored loose parts during free play, stacking foam circular objects with creativity and focus. This unstructured playtime encourages imagination, problem-solving, and collaboration among young learners. Engaging with open-ended materials like these supports fine motor development and spatial awareness. Free play is essential in early childhood, fostering independence and a love of learning through hands-on discovery.

The Fifth Grade Mindfulness Ambassadors at Cos Cob School proudly celebrate their remarkable achievement as inspiring leaders within their school community. Nearly every morning throughout the year, these dedicated students visited kindergarten and first grade classrooms to guide their younger peers in mindful breathing and preparation for a day of learning. Congratulations to the Cos Cob Mindfulness Ambassadors for their commitment and leadership!

K-2 students from Cos Cob School take part in the excitement of Field Day, showcasing energy, teamwork, and school spirit. Field Day provides an opportunity for students to engage in active, outdoor play while building important social skills like cooperation and good sportsmanship. Events like these promote physical fitness, boost confidence, and strengthen school community bonds through shared fun and celebration.

All Riverside School students participated in a Bullying Prevention Workshop and learned how to recognize bullying and stand up against mean behaviors.

At Hamilton Avenue School, the first graders in Ms. LeDonne's classroom participate in a Mindful Minute exercise led by two fourth grade Mindfulness Ambassadors.

Parkway School's kindergarten teachers, Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Catalano, warmly welcomed a group of incoming kindergarteners for the 2025–2026 school year, building early connections through play and exploration. This gives PreK students a chance to visit their future school, helps ease the transition into kindergarten by building familiarity with routines, and fosters early relationships with teachers and peers. This early exposure supports a confident, excited start to their elementary school journey.

Parkway School's third-grade students had the unique opportunity to hear from a family member of one of Parkway School's teachers, who is on the autism spectrum. He shared his personal experiences about what it is like to live with autism, how he adapts in different situations, and the many ways he actively participates in school and the community. His honesty and perspective helped students gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and empathy. This presentation was a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion and the value of every individual’s voice.

The unique learner classroom at North Street School utilizes the enCORE program as part of their lessons. enCORE provides adapted grade-aligned content, high-quality, differentiated literature and integrated technology for students.

There was a stunning concert at New Lebanon School. The orchestra delivered an incredible performance. Music plays a vital role in enriching our students’ education and promoting inclusion.

Students at the International School at Dundee enjoyed reading and drawing with Rue, a loveable (and fluffy) Bernese mountain dog. What better way to engage students in reading than with a furry friend!?

Elementary feeder schools for Western Middle School recently came for a visit, eating lunch and gearing up for team building activities. Incoming sixth grade students from five elementary schools got to know each other.

Western Middle School recently hosted the rising sixth grade orientation. This is a Q&A with some current sixth grade students answering the incoming students' questions. A few students from each feeder school sat on stage to represent their elementary schools.

Unified Sports wrapped up its season with two inclusive track meets, one at Cardinal Stadium and one at Fairfield-Ludlowe High School. The full-year season ended with a joyous banquet where more than 80 students, teachers, friends, and families celebrated the successful, meaningful, and unforgettable season for all involved. Thank you to all who supported Unified Sports this year!

May and June have been busy with high school seniors actively working at job sites through both the Community Connections program and GHS Senior Internships. GPS students have been working at sites all around the community, including Sally's Pizza in Stamford, the Hamilton Avenue School, the Millbrook Golf Course, and the Bruce Museum. Kudos to the students and the GPS staff on literally jobs well done!

We are excited to welcome students to our Extended School Year (ESY) program this summer. If your child is eligible for ESY and you have not completed the Summer Registration Form, please do so as soon as possible so we can finalize transportation and staffing.

Transportation Form: A transportation preference form will be sent out this week. Please keep an eye out and reply as soon as possible to help us finalize bus routes.

Already registered? You are all set!

Program Dates & Hours: June 30–August 7, Monday through Thursday, 8:00–11:00 AM

Program Locations:

• New Lebanon School: PreK through current Grade 4

• Western Middle School: Current Grades 5 through 12+

Questions? Email us at gps_summerschool@greenwich.k12.ct.us — we are happy to help!

Greenwich United Way launched the new Needs Assessment to the community. If you have not filled one out in the past, this survey is released to the greater Greenwich community every five years to learn about areas of need directly from those who live and/or work in town. This survey was developed alongside our partners at Fairfield University, and Greenwich United Way will take the information gathered to help guide our future work.

The survey takes about 7-8 minutes to complete. Anyone who lives or works in Greenwich is eligible to complete the survey. Respondents are also welcome to include their contact information at the end of the survey if they would like to be invited to participate in a focus group session or individual interview. Those who participate will be eligible for a $25 gift card for participation a focus group or interview.

Here is the survey link

Sensory Friendly Screenings are a great way to watch movies in an inclusive, low pressure environment for all. Audiences can freely walk, talk, and rock as they enjoy quality, first-run programming in a relaxed environment.

The Prospector Theater’s Sensory Friendly Screenings ensure that all of our guests have the opportunity to enjoy the movie in a safe and inclusive environment!

Head to the Prospector Theater's webpage for more information.

Please visit the new Special Education and Student Supports Department webpage on the Greenwich Public School Website. Information about Special Education supports and services as well as contact information is provided

Please share our newsletter with your friends and families. Anyone can easily subscribe by opening the newsletter through its link and hitting the "Follow" on the right.

Email: stacey_heiligenthaler@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/teaching-learning/special-education
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
Phone: (203) 625-7493