Tuesday, August 14, 2018

New Irving principal: "Proud to be a part of the Derby family"

Aimee Misset is new principal of Irving School in Derby. At left is Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway; at right is Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Board of Education appointed Aimee Misset principal of Irving School. 
The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway.

Misset comes to Irving School from her position as Supervising Vice-Principal at Driggs Elementary School in Waterbury. 
She began her career in 2005 in Waterbury. Prior to entering administration, she served as a classroom teacher, Title 1 Reading Teacher, and a Literacy Facilitator. 
Her strong background in literacy, instruction, and data driven decision making have allowed her to effectively evaluate staff and make decisions to positively impact student achievement. 
Her training in school climate and restorative practices helped her build rapport necessary to provide a safe, trusting environment where all stakeholders can flourish.
Misset is also a strong proponent of parent and community engagement and collaboration. She plans to continue holding many community events and finding new and innovative ways to provide opportunities to enrich the lives of students and families.
Misset believes strong relationships are the cornerstone of a successful school and, when staff and students feel recognized and respected, they are more willing to take the risks that lead to true learning. 
She said,“On my first visit to Irving, I could feel the positive energy. The building buzzed with student-focused energy and excitement and I left with a huge smile on my face. My core values align so well with the work Irving is already doing. I am proud to be a part of the Derby family and am very passionate about helping Irving continue to grow.”

Conway said, “Aimee joins our Derby family with all the knowledge, skills, and drive to continue the great work at Irving. She has already hit the ground running, working with teachers, staff, parents, our state level partners and community partners to ensure a fantastic start of the school year.”

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Aimee comes to us highly recommended from all of the relevant stakeholders in her last community. Whether it was parents, staff, students or community members, one message that came across loud and clear was that Aimee was able to easily connect with all groups and has made an indelible mark on the school system. Irving School is a special school and we are lucky to have Aimee at the helm.”

Two school events have already been planned to give families an opportunity to meet Misset and kick off the school year as a community.
A Meet and Greet the Principal Read Aloud has been planned in conjunction with Derby Public Library for Aug. 21 from 6-7 p.m. in the main meeting room of the library. 
Families and community members will have the opportunity to meet Misset. She will introduce herself and share some books that have special meaning to her. 
Light refreshments will be served and children will be able to enter a raffle for some new books.
The Irving Back to School Bash will occur Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot/playground area. All Irving families are invited. 
The Ice Cream Emergency truck will be there with sweet treats and music. Games will be set up for family fun. 
Community partners have also been invited to join and let families know about resources and activities available to them.


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Art exhibit in Madison features folks connecting over tea

How many significant conversations throughout the world have occurred over a cup of tea? 
Whether with friends and family, or work colleagues, or even among nations through statecraft, talking over tea has been one of the few cultural expressions that unite us as a human family. 


An exhibition at Mercy by the Sea’s Mary C. Daly RSM Art Gallery, 167 Neck Road, Madison shares the works of 44 artists who expressed their interpretations of the human experience of connecting over tea. 

The gallery show runs Aug.18-Oct. 14, and the opening is from 2-4 p.m. Sunday.

Both the premiere of the video TEA, Connecting Cultures and a piece of performance art by Thomas J. Foran will enrich the opening. 
The collaboration is organized by artist and architect Ann E. Grasso.

The gallery is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.



This information is taken from a press release from artist Ann Grasso.


Quaker Farms Fire Company to hold annual carnival in Oxford


OXFORD - Quaker Farms Fire Company will hold its annual carnival this week from Wednesday through Saturday at Quaker Farms School on Great Oak Road. 
Hours are 6-11 p.m. each day. 
There will be fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. 
For $25 you can ride all night with wrist bands. Credit cards will be accepted at food tent.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby baseball team in '50s

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" is for all you fans out there of the Derby Shamrock Baseball Team. 
This photo was taken circa 1952, and the Derby Public Library staff is trying to identify the boys in this photo. 
Front row (l to r) - ?, ?, ?, ?, Phil Martino, Tony Scarpa. Back row (l to r) - ?, Pat Jennetti, Pete Montini, Coach ?, Joey Benanto, ?, ?. 
Thanks in advance for your help.

*Update from Derby Public Library Facebook page:
Dorothy Ahearn Gleason Lary Ahearn bottom row on left, My brother; Pete Montini 2nd tie 3rd one from left and Coach is my dad Charles ‘Red’ Ahearn.

Thanks as always to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.