"Chips and Salsa" at Julian Curtiss
Students in the Julian Curtiss School band bring rhythm and energy to the stage with their performance of "Chips and Salsa" showcasing how the arts help young learners grow in confidence, collaboration, creativity, and expression, enriching both their academic journey and personal development.
Sorting Shapes Through Collaboration
Ms. Daur at Glenville School is working with a small group of students to explore how to sort 2-dimensional shapes into categories of their choosing. During this session, students participated in a pair-share activity, where they discussed their ideas with a partner before sharing with the whole group. Pair-share is an effective teaching strategy because it ensures every student has an opportunity to voice their thoughts in a low-pressure setting, helping to build confidence and deepen understanding. Students discovered that shapes can be sorted in a variety of ways, such as by the number of sides or whether the shape is open or closed. Ms. Daur’s presence in the classroom allows for co-teaching, as she and the classroom teacher divide the class into smaller groups to provide more individualized, focused instruction. This small group setting enhances student engagement and provides more opportunities for hands-on learning and targeted support.
Welcome to CMS!
Fifth grade students from Cos Cob, Julian Curtiss, North Street, and Parkway Schools visited Central Middle School on Friday, May 16. Students had an opportunity to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and enjoyed student-led tours through the building. We are excited for the incoming sixth grade class of 2025-2026!
Study Habits in Development
In Ms. Barocas' seventh grade academic lab at Eastern Middle School, students have been actively applying student strategies to prepare for their upcoming social studies quiz. Techniques such as graphic organizers, and peer questioning are helping build confidence and deepen understanding.
Oh the "Probabilities"
Ms. Kane and Ms. Woodward’s seventh grade co-taught math class at Central Middle School is diving into probability. Students are learning to identify possible outcomes in various situations, explain the differences between experimental and theoretical probability, and make predictions using their understanding of probabilities. They also apply these skills to solve real-world problems. Collaborative work is a key part of the class, as students use models together to solve probability challenges.
Extended School Year Information
I am happy to share that Ms. Aimee Farnum will be our supervisor for the 2005 ESY program. She will be the main point of contact for all things ESY. If you have any questions, please reach out to her at aimee_farnum@greenwich.k12.ct.us
ESY 2025 - Block Your Calendars Now!
The 2025 Summer School Program will focus solely on literacy and numeracy skills for our PK- 5 invited students, focused tutoring in ELA and math for elementary and middle school, and advancement courses and credit recovery courses for our secondary level students who require it.
Invitations have been emailed to families of K-5 students recommended for Extended School Year (ESY). The summer program will run from June 30 through August 7, Monday-Thursday.
- Time: 8:00-11:00 AM
- Location: PreK-4th @ New Lebanon School; 5th-12th @ Western Middle School; Community Connections @ Western Middle School
- For more information, including registration, head to the district’s web page dedicated to summer school.
Inclusion Corner
with Rachel Rubin
Earlier this month, our partners at PINE, Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education, hosted their annual virtual summit. One session, titled, "Connecting the Dots Between Home, School, and Recreational Programs," explored how caregivers, schools, and community programs can better support neurodivergent children together. Viewers heard from advocate and author Tiffany Hammond and social worker Jessica Minguswill on how to build bridges across home, school, and recreational settings to reduce isolation and foster belonging.
Watching this conversation helped me reflect on how vital it is to build consistent, inclusive support across all areas of a child’s life, not just in school. The speakers offered powerful insights that really stayed with me, including:
How to recognize and reduce caregiver burnout through community and boundaries.
The idea that inclusion does not mean just being invited; true inclusion means being able to fully participate and feel welcome.
The importance of aligning supports across home, school, and community spaces, like using visual schedules, sensory-friendly areas, and shared language around neurodiversity.
How allies, whether they are other families, teachers, or community leaders, can step up in meaningful, consistent ways.
These are just a few of the many thoughtful ideas shared. If you are looking to feel more connected and supported as a caregiver and/or ally, I highly recommend watching the full session.
Reading lab
With Jocelyn Bruchman
Have you ever heard of the "summer slide" that students experience during the months of July and August? Summer slide is a term coined to describe the natural loss of recently acquired skills due to lack of use during the warm months of summer break. Perhaps you recall your own dreaded required reading packets or mandated books that schools use to mitigate the slump. On the contrary, keeping those skills fresh can be an enjoyable and bonding experience for both you and your learner. Below are five ways to encourage meaningful practice that will support your scholar’s reading at the same time!
1. The old reliable, local library: Visiting the library gives you a way to borrow multiple texts at a time, all summer, without breaking the bank. To enhance this experience, select a book that you, the guardian, will rent and urge your student to help you locate it. Not only does this provide them with some background on the genres and the Dewey decimal system, but it also exercises their executive functioning skills, as well as demonstrating a practice you want them to follow: reading. Additionally, the three public libraries in Greenwich host a lively rotation of events your kiddo (or you) may enjoy.
2. Find a comfortable place to read together: Whether you dedicate a space in your home dubbed as the “reading nook,” are seated in the Adirondack chairs on the porch, or lay out a picnic blanket at Bruce Park, reading aloud or silently in separate books carves out time for something you find valuable: reading. Remember that there are many learning benefits to listening to a grown-up read (comprehension, vocabulary, modeled intonation, etc.). If reading side by side, discuss what you have read.
3. Vary the content and format of your reading: If you are traveling this summer, share a listening experience with your child. Press play on an audiobook about the culture of your destination.
On that note, build background knowledge and vocabulary in your student (these are the bedrock of reading comprehension):
- Talk About Everything: Discuss current events (in an age-appropriate way), history, science facts, different cultures, and interesting things you encounter.
- Reward Questions: Create a safe space for your child to ask questions and then explore the answers together through books, the internet, or discussions.
- "Question of the Day": Start a daily routine where you pose an interesting question to discuss as a family.
- Share Your Own Knowledge and Experiences: Tell stories about your life, your work, and things you've learned.
4. Encourage writing: Reading and writing are closely linked, so writing enforces your child’s reading ability. Ask your child to write your grocery list. Dictate a recipe to your learner while you’re cooking.
5. Give them a book of sticky notes and instruct them to label everything in the room. It is important to remember that this is more of a content-based task than a spelling one. Either provide the spelling for the student or praise their ability to hear as many sounds as possible.
Special Education & Student Supports Information and Resource Website
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
The Office of Special Education and Student Supports
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