GPS District Digest (v6, i20)
Stories, news, and updates from Greenwich Public Schools
Only 71 days until the first day of school! Are you excited?
Nah, we are just messing with ya' again. By now, all loyal GPS District Digest readers know we like to kid. The 2024-2025 school year just ended and the first official day of summer is tomorrow. Now is the time to sit back, relax, and reflect on all that was accomplished.
But wait! You still have the final Digest of the school year to read. And when we tell you it is loaded, we mean it is loaded. The good news is bursting at the seams.
Start here: Remember back in issue 19 when we shared with you the amazing news about GPS' communications department receiving two Bonnie B. Carney Awards of Excellence for Educational Communications? What you did not know back then was that Greenwich Public Schools actually picked up a third. Eastern Middle School's Anthony Duncan gets to hang a plaque in his office for his social media project, "Eastern Middle School's Gator Walk Takes Over Social Media." It was quite exceptional. He is an influencer extraordinaire.
Now, move on to all good things GPS. It is what we do. It is what you love.
Enjoy Issue No. 20 and thank you for your support.
GPS District Digest
Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones recently announced that 63 GPS employees have been named GPS’s “Difference Maker” award recipients for the month of June as staff members who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of our schools.
“For the past nine months, there has been an outpouring of gratitude towards the staff of Greenwich Public Schools from the community that has been inspiring,” Dr. Jones said. “We received more than 650 Difference Maker nominations for 512 individuals in the district. We are an organization of heroes that truly make a difference in the lives of children and adults, alike.”
The Greenwich Public Schools “Difference Maker” award was 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 held its individual celebrations to honor winners with certificate presentations and other recognitions.
Estelle Robertson, a thoughtful and compassionate third-grade student at North Street School, recently designed and coordinated a special kindness project aimed at brightening the lives of senior citizens at Nathaniel Witherell.
“I like helping people and making them happy,” Estelle told the GPS District Digest. “It is nice to help people in need with love.”
As part of the project, she created handmade bracelets, bookmarks, and artwork, which was gifted to the residents as a gesture of appreciation and connection. Through this initiative, she hopes to show kindness, respect, and gratitude to the older members of our community, reminding them that they are valued and remembered.
Her creativity and empathy are at the heart of this meaningful project, which encourages generosity and brings joy across generations.
Estelle also created an amazing landscape painting on canvas that she presented to Volunteer & Resident Services Ms. Mary Tate. This masterpiece will be hung in a resident's room.
It is often said that The Nathaniel Witherell is “a Greenwich gem.” Owned and operated by the Town of Greenwich since 1903, the Witherell, a not-for-profit healthcare facility, is dedicated to providing the highest level of skilled nursing care and quality of life for our seniors.
This initiative was made possible with a generous grant from the Greenwich Alliance of Education.
Dr. Toni Jones announced recently that Greenwich High School’s Ms. Bethany Fuscaldo is GPS’ selection for Connecticut State Department of Education’s 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program.
“Bethany Fuscaldo has such an encouraging and uplifting approach with her students. She is a master conductor and teacher,” Dr. Jones said. “When I observed her in action, it was obvious that her students respect her immensely and that they love being part of her class. It was pure joy listening to her students perform and watching her teach.”
“I accept this recognition on behalf of all the incredible educators at Greenwich Public Schools,” Ms. Fuscaldo said. “This distinction reflects the spirit of our dedicated and passionate teachers and the support of this community that believes in the power of music to shape lives. It is an honor to represent Greenwich Public Schools at the state level.”
According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence. It does not attempt to select the “best” teacher; rather, to identify, from among many outstanding teachers of the year, one teacher to serve as a visible and vocal representative of what is best in the profession. The program celebrates excellence in teaching by recognizing teachers who have inspired a love for learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.
"Bethany Fuscaldo is an exceptional music teacher who inspires enthusiasm for all students,” Greenwich High School Principal Ralph Mayo said. “Students choose to enroll in Ms. Fuscaldo’s program to continue their musical journey with someone who inspires them to enhance their skills both in and out of the classroom. She is both a great communicator and musician who cares deeply about her students and our school district.”
Ms. Fuscaldo has been with Greenwich Public Schools since 2007, as a strings teacher at four elementary schools, the director of orchestras at Central Middle School, and currently the director of orchestras at Greenwich High School. A cellist with the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra since 2018, Ms. Fuscaldo was appointed a GHS music department learning facilitator to serve as a peer leader for teaching staff and support the achievement of school and district goals to improve student learning. She also assists in planning and implementation of curriculum projects, and in planning, delivering, and assessing instructional programs.
Eighth grade students at Western Middle School recently completed two days of capstone presentations in front of an audience of sixth and seventh graders, parents, grandparents, and other family members.
"The projects and presentations throughout the two days were very impressive," Principal Suzanne Coyne said. "We learned so much about current issues through documentaries, podcasts, TEDtalks, infographics, murals, service projects, and virtual reality software/video games. There was so much creativity and valuable information shared for anyone who was able to attend."
The Digest learned that one student, Sam Otten, emailed Board of Education member, Ms. Jen Behette, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones, to invite them to his presentation. Both attended to watch his documentary and it was reportedly the highlight of his entire school year.
It was recently announced that North Street School’s Chris Bortot has been named the district’s Paraeducator of the Year and will now move forward to represent GPS for the Connecticut State Department of Education 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award. Mr. Bortot was chosen from 15 paraeducator candidates, each representing one of the 15 schools in the district.
“Chris Bortot, much like the dozens of paraeducators at Greenwich Public Schools, is an essential and integral member of the North Street School community,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones said. “Our appreciation for paraeducators cannot be simply expressed in any award or public acknowledgement. They are the true unsung heroes of public education.”
In honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a paraeducator who lost her life at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, the Paraeducator of the Year Award acknowledges the service and commitment of all Connecticut paraeducators, and honors one paraeducator, who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their job. The honoree has thereby earned the respect and admiration of other paraeducators, students, teachers, administrators, co-workers, and parents.
“Mr. Bortot’s adaptability allows him to seamlessly support students across all grade levels, from kindergarten through fifth grade,” North Street School Principal Jill Flood said. “He diligently enforces accommodations, follows behavior plans with fidelity, and has a remarkable ability to motivate students to put forth their best effort. Through the trusting relationships he builds, students not only become more engaged but also more willing to challenge themselves academically and behaviorally.”
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.
“During my 17+ years as a paraeducator, one of my greatest accomplishments has been developing a strong ability to work effectively with a wide variety of students,” Mr. Bortot said. “I have witnessed firsthand the powerful and lasting impact I have been able to make in their lives, something I hold with deep gratitude and pride.”
The International School at Dundee's fifth grade class recently completed their fifth grade IB Exhibition, an exciting series of presentations, culminating and showcasing their six-year journey through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. These unique exhibitions celebrate the essential IB skills and character traits: inquirer, knowledgeable, thinker, communicator, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taker, balanced and reflective - throughout the exhibition process.
"The Fifth Grade Exhibition at ISD is unique to the IB PYP coursework and study," Principal Dana Firmender said. "It is an incredible opportunity for students to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning, and to utilize their many IB skills to intensely research a topic, present a key idea, and motivate others to take action to improve their communities. I am so proud of our fifth graders, and commend their hard work and diligence to this important project.”
These student-led projects are a required component of the IB PYP and focus on each student’s individual areas of interest, their own student profile, and any special talents that the student wishes to explore and showcase. The topics and presentation formats are created entirely by the students in small groups. Each student has their own individual Line of Inquiry within the exhibition group.
Congratulations to Greenwich HS juniors Gabriel Elezaj, Abigail Meyers, and Lila Mootabar for Honorable Mention recognitions in the 2025 Connecticut Foundation for Open Government’s Forrest Palmer High School Essay Contest. Their works were selected from among a record 143 entries from students attending 25 high schools across the state.
Students were asked to write essays addressing one of three timely First Amendment issues: The Stanford student’s arrest, political messages on clothing worn by students in public schools, and whether a former police officer’s aggressive letter to school officials was protected free speech. For each of the three topics, students from around the state submitted persuasive essays arguing opposite sides of the issue, reflecting the complexity and perpetual debate over First Amendment protections.
The essay contest is named in honor of the late Forrest Palmer, former editor and publisher of the News-Times in Danbury, who began the contest in 2000 when he was president of CFOG’s board of directors. Honorable mention prizes of $50 were awarded.
The good folks with the GHS Counseling Program offer a College Essay Workshop to rising seniors annually each August. This workshop serves as a fundraiser for the Greenwich Alliance for Education. This year, the sessions will be held in person in the GHS Media Center, Monday to Thursday from 3:30-5:30 PM from August 18-21 and again from August 25-28.
The workshop will focus on the personal statement of the Common Application and, if time allows for each student, supplemental essays. An AVID trained English teacher has prepared lessons for each day of the workshop.
The fee for the eight sessions is $450. This fee is reduced for students who have a free/reduced lunch approval, or for students in the GHS AVID program. Registration is on a first come first served basis. Registration will close when we reach our maximum capacity of 50 students.
For more information, head to the webpage dedicated to this workshop.
Challenge accepted!
The Greenwich High School team at the 2025 Euro Challenge placed second on the topic: "Boosting Growth, Competitiveness, and Prosperity in Germany." Our students presented their work to the German embassy and then met with officials at the European delegation to the United States, US Treasury, International Monetary Fund, and the Estonian embassy.
Led by social studies teacher, Mr. Ian Tiedemann, the team included Jin Cha, Raghav Ramji, Kaitlyn Qin, Diana Davidson and Youhan Liang.
Launched in this country in 2006, this competition offers a unique opportunity to explore and present on the European Union and economic topics. Students take on the challenge to expand their horizons, develop critical thinking, and network with professionals in economics and international relations.
Dr. Toni Jones recently announced the appointment of Mrs. Claribel Michilena as assistant principal at Julian Curtiss School, effective July 1. She was named interim assistant principal on September 11, 2024.
“In a short time, Mrs. Claribel Michilena has proven to be a committed administrator at Julian Curtiss School,” Dr. Jones said. “The interview committee, consisting of GPS senior administrators, teachers, and parents, were impressed with her passion for the Julian Curtiss community, her ability to connect with staff and families, and her dedication to the development and achievement of school goals and objectives, while advocating on behalf of all students.”
For 18 years, Mrs. Michilena has been an educator in the region. Prior to her time in Greenwich, she held the position of district education administrator for the New York City Department of Education’s District 9 in the Bronx where she oversaw instructional programs, developed curriculum, and advocated for student needs, especially for English Language Learners, for grades PreK-8 across 49 schools. Prior to this role, Mrs. Michilena was a classroom teacher in the third and fifth grades and a literacy coach at P.S. 28, the Mount Hope Centennial School.
"Since joining the Julian Curtiss community at the beginning of the school year, Mrs. Michilena has proven to be an exceptional addition to our leadership team and a perfect match for our scholars and families,” Principal Eduardo Calderón said. “Her collaborative spirit and personable approach have quickly earned the trust and respect of our entire school community through the meaningful relationships she has cultivated with staff, families, and scholars. Our continued partnership will strengthen our work in service of the Julian Curtiss community, ensuring every scholar receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
“After a transformative year as interim assistant principal, Julian Curtiss truly feels like home,” Mrs. Michilena said. “My commitment remains focused on supporting exceptional teaching and learning for every student. Working alongside Principal Eduardo Calderón and our school community, we will continue to leverage effective systems that create a supportive learning environment, educate the whole child, and develop tomorrow's leaders.”
Did you hear about Greenwich HS junior Luca Suarez?
The GPS District Digest has learned that he and the Critical Thinking Club, in collaboration with the Greenwich Lions Club, recently collected 123 pairs of super-great condition reusable eye wear glasses during a recent collection drive.
The Critical Thinking Club is "committed to promoting community service and global awareness," and we are told they greatly admire the Lions Club’s efforts to provide vision care to those in need. They set up a central collection point on campus and promoted the drive among students and staff to encourage participation.
"What I am the most amazed about is the way he managed it, presented it and completed it in the most organized and skilled way," Greenwich Lions Club President Nora Yanet Parry said. "The Greenwich Lions Club is extremely thankful and could not be more proud of Luca for including our club in this 'A+mazing' project and learning experience."
Mr. Hull! He did it again!
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation announced recently that Greenwich High School social studies teacher, Mr. Aaron Hull, has been one of just 43 educators awarded a James Madison Fellowship.
The James Madison Fellowship is one of the United States’ most prestigious awards in constitutional history and government for secondary school civics teachers. It recognizes outstanding graduate and undergraduate students committed to a career teaching about the development and history of the United States Constitution. The fellowship recognizes promising and distinguished teachers and it aims to strengthen their knowledge of the origins and development of American constitutional government, and thus to expose the nation’s secondary school students to accurate knowledge of the nation’s Constitutional heritage.
For more information, head to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation website.
All loyal readers of the GPS District Digest know our love for feedback, transparency, and honesty.
For one last time this school year, here we go: We love news from science teacher extraordinaire, Mr. Andrew Bramante. His emails are filled with student achievement and the details are...let's call them...extensive. No one in the Digest newsroom has a science degree. Sometimes, we feel like we need one.
But, to sum it up for you, our loyal readers, here is a quick thought: His students did great at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, OH
- GHS sophomore Lula Wang's project was, “Lipid-Based Codelivery of Doxorubicin and siRNA PD-L1, as a Multi-function Chemo-immunotherapy, Selective to PDAC via its MUC1 Overexpression.”
- GHS junior Keen-Yin Woo's project was, “Novel Multi-Modal Deep Learning Approach with Attention Mechanisms for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease.”
- GHS junior Marley Wies was selected to present her research on cotton/spandex recycling, at the International Symposium on Green Chemistry.
Mr. Bramante's final thoughts were to remind us these students "strive to affect positive change for many of the difficult problems that we as a society face."
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 2,179 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!
