Salvation Army Greater Valley seeks Food Fight for Good participants

 

Ansonia Memorial Day Parade organizers seeking participants

"Reaching out to any schools, marching bands, clubs, etc. Join Ansonia for their Annual Memorial Day Parade to Honor those who served this country and paid the ultimate sacrifice."

This is shared from the Ansonia Cultural Commission Facebook page.

Derby Police Department hiring school crossing guards

From the Derby Police Department's Facebook page:

"We are hiring School Crossing Guards @ $20 per hour. Normally the duties of the crossing guard will include 180 days of employment per school year. This schedule will change periodically due to weather and other unforeseen occurrences. You will be classified as a non-union, part-time, seasonal at will employee, scheduled to work 7.5 hours per week.

Hours: Monday through Friday
Bradley School Morning (7:30am - 8:15am)
Afternoon (2:00pm - 2:45pm)

Irving School Morning (8:15am - 9:00am)
Afternoon (3:00pm - 3:45pm)
Applications are available for pickup at Derby PD located at 125 Water St."

Derby food service offers summer meals at schools through Sept. 3

 

Derby Town Clerk posts schedule for city buildings, schools, trash pickup

Sharing message today from Derby Town/City Clerk Marc J. Garofalo:

Due to the snowstorm and following the lead of the State of CT:

 

On Tuesday February 2, 2021, this is the schedule:

 

Derby Public Schools – Remote Learning Day – No In Person learning

 

 

Derby City Hall – Opens at 10:00 am

 

 

Derby Senior Center – Opens at 10:00 am

 

 

Derby Public Library – Opens at 10:00 am

 

 

Derby Veterans Community Center – Opens at 10:00 am

 

 

Trash and recycling will be not be picked up on Tuesday February 2, 2021.

The trash and recycling pickup schedule will be as follows:

Monday's route will be picked up on Wednesday February 3, 2021

 

Tuesday's route will be picked up on Thursday February 4, 2021

 

Wednesday's route will be picked up on Friday February 5, 2021

 

Thursday's route will be picked up on Saturday February 6, 2021

 

Friday's route will be picked up on Saturday February 6, 2021

Stay safe.

 

Klarides-Ditria: State releases 6 steps used to keep schools open safely

The Connecticut State Department of Education recently released the following six steps it is using to keep schools across our state open safely.

Priority Access to COVID Testing — The State has contracted with testing partners to provide priority access testing for all staff in schools and childcare settings. Priority access is intended for staff who need to get tested quickly, in order to ensure their work day is not interrupted. 

Among the state-contracted partners who support this effort are CHC, Inc., Sema4, and CIC Health. More info can be found at ct.gov/priorityworkforcetest.

BinaxNOWTM COVID Testing — BinaxNOWTM COVID tests are available to all school districts throughout the state to be used for their symptomatic students and staff.

For more information on BinaxNOWTM tests, email: Christopher.lyddy@ct.gov.

Vaccines — In Connecticut, DPH has started the roll-out of Phase 1b which will ultimately include access for all of our school staff. CSDE supported, and Governor Lamont accepted, the recommendation from the Vaccine Allocation Subcommittee to include all school staff in this Phase as frontline essential workers. 

At this time, access to vaccine appointments is only for individuals who are 75 years of age or older because of the high mortality rate for those individuals. CSDE and DPH plan to ensure, when it is appropriate, school staff have fast access to vaccine appointments. Connecticut also continues to implement Phase 1a, which includes school nurses.

Contact Tracing Support — The CSDE has partnered with the Connecticut Association of Schools to match districts with contracted support staff who will increase capacity to assist with contact tracing efforts. School districts interested in getting matched with this support can do so at https://casci.ac/6338.
CSDE/DPH COVID-19 Health and Safety Tuesdays — This is a weekly opportunity for superintendents, health officials, policymakers and other educational partners to engage in dialogue with CT’s Department of Public Health and the CSDE for guidance and strategies for a successful, healthy and safe school year. To date there are over 900 regularly registered participants.
Up-To-Date Guidance and Assistance — The CSDE, in close collaboration with the DPH and other partners in public health and education, continue to issue relevant guidance and provide school districts with technical assistance. This includes, but is not limited to, FAQs, Reopening Plan Addenda, Webinar Training Series, and Data Visualization Tools.

Sincerely,

Sheba Chapter No. 1, James H. Wilkins Lodge No. 9 in Ansonia donate supplies

Supplies James H. Wilkins Lodge members delivered to Bradley Elementary School in Derby./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Members of the Sheba Chapter and James H. Wilkins Lodge recently delivered school supplies to Derby and Ansonia middle and elementary schools.

"We celebrated 15 years doing this," Lodge member Gregory Gatison said in an email. "Because of COVID-19 this year was a little challenging. However, we received community support."

This is a release from Gregory Gatison.

2 churches to hold prayer night at schools Friday in Derby

 

Dates available for class trips to Humphreys House in Ansonia

A Day in 1762 - Celebrating 39 Years



Only NINE available dates left for April and May of 2020

The Derby Historical Society is currently booking class field trips for our 39th season of "A Day in 1762". Are you a teacher looking for the most fun and culturally enriching field trip in Connecticut? Look no further - we would
like to book your date for a field trip to the General David Humphreys House located at 37 Elm St. in Ansonia.

New to 2020, is a video experience titled “Lt. Colonel Humphreys… In His Words.” 

This new and exciting DVD will be offered to all of the visiting schools as supplemental curriculum at no additional cost! The video is a fast forward to 20-years later in 1782 detailing events that led to Humphreys becoming aide-de-camp to General Washington. 

A free DVD will be given for teachers to share with their class after visiting "A Day in 1762".

Available dates are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Classes are filling up quickly, and we don't want your students to miss out on this wonderful learning experience!

Thank you for your support!

 

 

Shelton Dems to hold Community Conversation at Plumb Memorial Library

SHELTON - Shelton Democrats are continuing their Community Conversation Series as part of their commitment to educate and engage the community on issues that matter most to residents on a local, state, and national level.

The next Community Conversation will be 'Preparing Our Schools for Success in the 21st Century.' 
The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St.

David Gioiello, Chair of the Shelton Democrats said, "This conversation takes an important look at the rising cost of education and the changing needs of students."

The conversation will feature a panel of speakers including Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel at CABE; David Erwin, superintendent with more than 25 years of Connecticut experience; Andrea Leonardi, experienced Special Education Director; Chris Clouet, Superintendent of Shelton Public Schools.

Jimmy Tickey, Vice Chair of the Shelton Democrats said, "Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in this free event, and we look forward to continuing our Community Conversation series."  

This is a press release from the Shelton Democrats. 

Community forum to focus on diversity in Ansonia schools

ANSONIA - Superintendent of Schools Carol Merlone and the Board of Education will host a forum, An Honest Conversation about Diversity in our Schools, from 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club, 28 Howard Ave.

Dinner will be served.

Read the story in the New Haven Register by my friend and correspondent extraordinaire Jean Falbo-Sosnovich. 

Logan: Bill to prohibit 'Asian Registry' wins support at hearing in Hartford

State senator urges constituents to write in favor of legislation

Supporters gather at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford Thursday. /Submitted photo

George Logan, R-Ansonia, said in an email today:

A bill to prohibit Connecticut public schools from compiling a so-called "Asian Registry" received strong support during a March 8 public hearing at the Legislative Office Building.
Hundreds of taxpayers joined my fellow legislators and me to speak in favor of Bill 359.

Our message:

Connecticut government should not mandate that Asian-Pacific American students register their ancestral nation of origin or ethnic background.
Such a mandate would be an invasion of privacy. 
I thank Lin Yang of Woodbridge for organizing the terrific turnout.
I urge you to join us in speaking out.

1. Send a brief email to EDTestimony@cga.ct.gov saying "YES" to Bill 359.
2. Reference Bill 359 in the subject line
3. Copy me at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov / include your name and town
4. Share this information with friends.

The bill can be read here:  www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/s/pdf/2018SB-00359-R00-SB.pdf

Thank you!  

Seymour to hold forum on school safety

7 Ansonia aldermen support bi-partisan state budget

Sharing letter received today:

We write to urge the Governor to sign the bi-partisan budget, which was passed with bi-partisan support in the Senate and House on Sept. 15-16, 2017.  

Under this bi-partisan budget, in FY2018 the City of Ansonia will receive the same funding in education funding as it did in 2017, which was already anticipated by the City.  

However, in FY 2019, Ansonia would receive an additional $2,258,339.00 over 2017 funding.  Ansonia is one of the 30 alliance/priority districts, and yet has been massively underfunded for more than a decade through the current ECS formula, which was found unconstitutional in 2016.  

Under the bi-partisan budget in FY2018, Ansonia will receive approximately an additional $7,488 in municipal aid funding over 2017.  However, in FY2019 Ansonia will receive an additional $2,143,171 over FY2017.  This increased funding to Ansonia is necessary for our community to continue to ensure and support the health, safety, education, and well-being of our community, and our children.  

We wholeheartedly support the steps taken in this bi-partisan budget to restore equity and balance to a broken education funding system.  

No budget is perfect but we are encouraged that this bi-partisan budget is a starting point for the renewal of the financial health of the State of Connecticut and a path to sustainable and consistent funding to municipalities such as Ansonia.  

This bi-partisan budget is good for our community, good for our schools, and good for Ansonia.  

We are asking all the residents of Ansonia to join with us in supporting this budget, and urging our Governor and our elected officials in Hartford to support this budget.  

Together we can continue to recharge Ansonia and keep our city moving in the right direction.  

Respectfully,

Lorie Vaccaro, 2nd Ward Alderman

Martin Dempsey, 4tth Ward Alderman

Joseph A. Jaumann, 5th Ward Alderman

Patrick Henri, 6th Ward Alderman

Joshua Shuart, 6th Ward Alderman

Frank Delibero, 7th Ward Alderman 

David Blackwell, 7th Ward Alderman    

Ansonia appoints new assistant school superintendent

ANSONIA - Dr. Joseph DiBacco has been appointed as the new Assistant Superintendent of Schools. 
Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, made the announcement jointly with the Ansonia Board of Education.

Joseph DiBacco

DiBacco, a Meriden resident who has been principal of Shepherd Glen School in Hamden for seven years, will begin his new duties Aug. 21. 
He replaces Michael Wilson, who is now the Superintendent of Seymour Public Schools. The Ansonia Board of Education appointed DiBacco at a special meeting July 20, when they also met him and his family members.

Merlone said she is looking forward to the new, innovative approach that DiBacco will bring to Ansonia. She noted his background and credentials have well prepared him for his new position.
DiBacco is a graduate of Boston College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in special education. He obtained three additional degrees from Southern Connecticut State University, including a master’s degree in learning disabilities; his sixth year in educational leadership, and his doctorate in educational leadership in 2014. 
He has also earned his 093 Superintendent certification and his 085 School Business Administrator certification from the State of Connecticut.

“I feel Dr. Joseph DiBacco not only has the credentials to lead the district, he also has the ability to understand the many challenges that our district is presented with on a daily basis,” Merlone said. “What I like most about Dr. Joe is that he loves people, is approachable, and CARES about children and their families.” 

DiBacco returned to his high school alma mater – Orville H. Platt High School in Meriden – to begin his career as an educator. He was a special education teacher for seven years, followed by four years as an administrative intern. In July 2007, he was appointed as an assistant principal at Hamden High School, then assumed the principal’s position at Shepherd Glen, a K-6 elementary school. He also taught for one year at SCSU as an adjunct professor. 

Under his leadership, DiBacco reported that Shepherd Glen was the highest performing Title I school in the district for the last five years. He credits increased parent engagement, the restructuring of Title I support staff, and the use of web-based assessments and interventions as contributing factors to improved student learning.

DiBacco was the top candidate based on his credentials and experience. The district received seven applications for the assistant superintendent’s position. A committee comprised of school district staff, two board members, and a professor in the Educational Leadership department at SCSU interviewed four candidates in July.

“Dr. DiBacco is bursting with energy, glows with extraordinary insight and is willing to take this journey with me, supporting our students on a daily basis and being grounded in the belief that our students need to remain the focus of all that we do,” Merlone added. 

“I am honored and humbled to be appointed as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Ansonia,” DiBacco said. “I am excited to become part of the Ansonia family, and I can assure the community that I will give my time, attention, and dedication to the Ansonia Public Schools. I’m eager to work with the talented people in the community to help build Ansonia Public Schools into a model of innovation.”


This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools. 

Sharing info posted today on City of Ansonia Facebook page

May 24, 2016 - The following message was sent to Ansonia residents this morning: 
"Good morning residents of the City of Ansonia. This is Mayor David Cassetti on behalf of Police Chief Kevin Hale and Superintendent Carol Merlone.

We want to invite you to attend a brief community update at the onset of our special Board of Aldermen meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Ansonia High School. The update concerns the recent reported threatening incident that occurred yesterday afternoon. In an effort to keep you informed and our children safe, this update will provide you with the latest information available.

Please make every effort to attend this important update, and of course, the special meeting of the Board of Aldermen regarding the budget."

Ansonia, Derby schools to receive state funds for improvements

Included in 2014  'Smart Start' legislation
HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, announced Thursday the State Bond Commission has approved funding for various improvements to Ansonia and Derby public schools.

Funding the local school improvements was included in the bipartisan 2014 “Smart Start” bill that Crisco, Gentile, and other legislators voted for.

Ansonia public schools will receive $75,000 in state funding for outdoor playscape improvements, classroom equipment and furniture. 
Derby public schools will receive $150,000 in state funding for the installation of an indoor playground, improvements to windows and floors, and security upgrades.

“I knew when I voted for this program two years ago that it would pay benefits all across the state by increasing the number of preschool seats available to young children,” Crisco said. 
“I am especially pleased that some of this state funding is landing right here in the 17^th Senate District towns of Ansonia and Derby.”

“I welcome these funds because they benefit our children.  Ensuring the safety and security of students in our schools is money well spent,” Gentile said. “The equipment for playground and playscapes goes a long way in making sure kids engage in physical activity.  I want to thank Governor Malloy for making this happen.”

Passed by the General Assembly in 2014, Connecticut’s Smart Start is a competitive grant program to reimburse local and regional boards of education for capital and operating expenses related to establishing or expanding a preschool program.

Local and regional school boards are encouraged to submit applications for competitive grants up to $75,000 per classroom for costs related to the renovation of an existing public school to accommodate the establishment or expansion of a preschool program.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Seymour schools, VFW Post 12084 join to sponsor contest

Theme is Memorial Day reflections

Read the release here posted in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Info for Valley schools shared

From the Valley Independent Sentinel:


To recap the past hour:


Ansonia schools: closed Monday and Tuesday, as per City of Ansonia

Derby: early dismissal Monday

Oxford: anyone know?

Seymour: early dismissal Monday

Shelton: early dismissal Monday