Derby to hold inauguration of Joseph L. DiMartino as 32nd mayor

 

Derby Public Schools publishes Fall 2023 newsletter

Derby Public Schools has published its first  Community Newsletter - Fall 2023, Vol.1 

Here's the link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-VNJ00MmfsILsABAdv5tqfPQ_tz710gy/view

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Congratulations! Ansonia Board of Education recognizes police officer's good deed

Officer Joel Perez

Sharing from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page:

"Congratulations to Officer Joel Perez for being recognized by the Ansonia Board of Education as a Charger Champion for his actions in providing sneakers to a local child who was selling lemonade to purchase the shoes. 

"Thank you to the Ansonia Board of Education for recognizing Officer Perez's good deed."

Ansonia Board of Education recognizes students as Chargers Champions

ANSONIA - Students from Ansonia High School were honored Wednesday night at the Board of Education meeting during the first installment of the Chargers Champions Recognition Program. 

The program was developed to recognize students and/or staff who go above and beyond.

The students attended a two-week Engineering Academy sponsored by Gateway Community College's School of Engineering. 

Sara Crooks, Director of Social and Emotional Learning, presented certificates to these students who have shown their commitment to excellence through dedication, leadership, and innovation.

This is shared from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

City opens cooling station today at Ansonia High School

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti is working with Superintendent of Schools Joseph DiBacco, Ansonia Board Of Education, and Ansonia Public Schools to open a COOLING STATION at Ansonia High School, starting today [Monday] at noon.

Cooling station will be open at the high school, 20 Pulaski Highway, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily.

Need a ride? Call Valley Transit at 203-735-6408.

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Derby Board of Education recognizes 7 students

DERBY - At a recent meeting of the Committee of the Whole the Derby Board of Education  recognized seven students.

Isabelle Chevarella, a grade 12 student at Derby High School, has been selected to receive the SCASA Memorial Scholarship. 

This scholarship is given in honor of former Hamden Superintendent Dr. Alida Begina and former East Haven Superintendent Martin DeFelice, Jr. 

The scholarship is awarded to students who intend to major in education and work in K-12 public education, who have demonstrated involvement in the education field, e.g. tutoring, peer advising, or student teacher club, etc., who has demonstrated high academic achievement of a G.P.A. of at least 3.0 and is a student of high moral character. 

In Isabelle’s essay to the committee for consideration she references her father as her influencing factor in her decision to pursue education stating, “His passion for teaching and putting his students first has motivated me to follow in his footsteps.” 

Isabelle plans to major in history education.

The Board also recognized six of our students who received the SCASA Student Recognition Award. 

The award is presented to a female and male student at the highest level in each school who exhibit the following criteria: community service and service to others; academic prowess relative to ability; and leadership to the school community. 

The Board recognized Brianne Fernandez, Grade 5, Bradley School; Eduar Barillas, Grade 5, Irving School; Gianna Akter, Grade 8, Derby Middle School; Joseph Izquierdo, Grade 8, Derby Middle School; Destiny Lewis, Grade 12, Derby High School; and Bryce Cotter, Grade 12, Derby High School.

Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr, Superintendent of Schools and President of SCASA aid, “It is always exciting to call out and recognize the incredible attributes of our students and share with the world the great things they are doing every day to be impactful both in school and our community. The scholarship award is especially meaningful because of what it represents; honoring the past contributions of both Dr. Begina and Martin DeFelice, Jr. while supporting future leaders as they embark on the rewarding journey.”

Jim Gildea, Board of Education Chairman said, “The Derby school system is fortunate to have such an amazing group of students. Their accomplishments are special and deserving of recognition. They are the best that the Derby school system has to offer and we are proud of them.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Board of Education readies inaugural opening of Payden Park

 

Ansonia schools seek partner agencies for extended hours program

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. 

Klarides, Klarides-Ditria attend meeting, learn about issues facing educators

Connecticut Association of Boards of Education hosts event

State Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby

DERBY - State Representatives Themis Klarides and Nicole Klarides-Ditria met with local Board of Education members, Superintendents, Principals, teachers in Derby Wednesday to hear the top issues impacting schools K-12. 

An annual legislative breakfast is hosted by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education.

In attendance were superintendents, principals, teachers, and BOE Members from Ansonia, Derby, Orange, Milford, Seymour, Woodbridge, and West Haven. 

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour

Many expressed their concerns about school safety for both teachers and students. 
In addition, funding teachers' pensions, providing more opportunities for advanced manufacturing training, and ECS funding were discussed.

Klarides said, "Today's classrooms are much different than they were 10 years or even five years ago. I give teachers a lot of respect for the work they do day in and day out to teach our children.  It's important that we work this session to protect ECS funding for our communities and continue to prevent teachers' pensions from being placed on the backs of our towns and cities."

Klarides-Ditria said, "Teachers or students not feeling safe in a classroom is something that we need to fix. Having a safe classroom for all makes the learning experience more productive, which will lead to better performance by students. I will be talking to my colleagues this session to see if we can repass legislation to address school safety."

Last year, Gov. Dan Malloy vetoed S.B.453, a school safety bill that made several changes to school safety laws - the bill was co-sponsored by both Klarides and Klarides-Ditria. 

Malloy also vetoed a bill that would have prevented future governors from being able to cut ECS funding midyear.

This is a press release from Spencer Rubin, press secretary.   

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. 

Derby school board, superintendent recognized for leadership

DERBY - The Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway have been recognized by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for exhibiting the most effective leadership, characterized by their ability to work together as a “team.”

The CABE Board Recognition Awards are designed to recognize boards which provide effective leadership to their districts through the use of good practices. 
This program which acknowledges the importance of school board members and superintendents working together as effective teams continues an important trend among school boards associations across the country.

CABE Board Leadership Award - Level Two includes 19 items and boards need to fulfill 12 of these with at least two completed in each of the following areas: board leadership/student achievement, board member professional development, policy, community relations, and related organizational leadership.
Conway said, “This is the fourth year in a row that the Derby Board of Education has been recognized, and the second time they are receiving the top award. The recognition speaks to their level of commitment and drive to achieve even higher goals.”

Board Chairman Kenneth Marcucio stated, “To be honored as a Board of Distinction in our state is a great honor for me, the members of our Board of Education, Dr. Matt Conway, the Derby School System, and the city as a whole. It has been our objective to do whatever is necessary to make our school system the best it could possibly be for our students, given the tough times in today’s society. We have a great leader in Dr. Matt Conway who has helped us to do this during his short tenure in Derby. I am sure with his continued leadership we will continue to improve and have one of the best school systems in the state. Our students will continue to benefit from the hard work of our board members, Dr. Conway, administrators, teachers and all the other employees who work so hard in the background. Thank you to CABE for bestowing this honor on our small city.”

Robert Rader, Executive Director of CABE stated, “We are thrilled that the Derby Board of Education has joined other boards from around the state in receiving a CABE Board of Distinction Award! For a Board, leadership means carrying out its roles and responsibilities consistently, thoughtfully, in line with best practices and with the highest ethical standards. 


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.   

Derby expected to receive $2.99M for athletic field project

Plans call for multipurpose field, relocation of baseball field

 HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby), state Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today announced the imminent approval of state funding for Derby. 

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve $2.99 million for an athletic field project when it meets Sept. 30.

The project consists of construction of a new multipurpose artificial turf field with rubberized track, and the relocation and construction of a baseball field in Derby.  

The multipurpose field will be located off Kings Court. 
The location of the baseball field will be determined after a public hearing.

“This is great news for all the teams that will utilize this facility. I am especially delighted for the high school and middle school track programs who have been without a usable home track for meets for more than a decade,” Conroy said.

“Replacement of the high school's athletic field and track is critical to the health and well-being of our young people,” Gentile said. “Athletics plays a critical role in their overall development, especially during their secondary school years. I am very pleased that the state is approving these funds for the Derby High School community."

The budget for the project is $2.99 million so the entire cost should be covered by the state grant.

“This is fantastic news for the entire Derby community,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway. 

“This funding will provide much needed updates to our athletic facilities, fields and programs and provide greater access for all kids and adults. This will help preserve and carry on Derby’s long tradition and pride it holds for sports that spills over into every other part of a child’s life and will continue to define us as a family and what makes this family and city the great place that it is.”

“I played sports throughout high school and college, so I know how much pride students and parents take in their athletic achievements as well as their academic achievements. It’s a source of pride for the entire town, too,” Crisco said. 
“The kids in Derby deserve this. They’ve gone on long enough without sufficient athletic facilities, and I want to see them succeed and be happy. I think this state bonding will help accomplish that.”  

Conroy said, “I want to thank my legislative colleagues, Superintendent Matt Conway, the Derby Board of Education - especially Kenneth Marcucio - and Mayor Anita Dugatto for their dedication to this project. Our unified voice helped make this funding a reality.”

The state Bond Commission meets at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30 in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building.

This is a press release from Connecticut House Democrats.

Valley Shakespeare Festival conducts workshops, performs at Perry Hill School

Students watch performance of Shakespeare's 'Pericles, Prince of Tyre.' /Contributed photo

SHELTON - Perry Hill Elementary School welcomed Valley Shakespeare Festival into its classrooms last week to conduct workshops and performances of William Shakespeare’s “Pericles, Prince of Tyre.”  

The four-day residency in the school was part of the company’s Education Initiative program which is co-sponsored by the Shelton Board of Education and the Valley Community Foundation.  
Earlier in the month the group brought its program to fourth grade students in the district’s Booth Hill, Mohegan, and Sunnyside elementary schools.  

The program is designed to comply with the State of Connecticut’s Common Core Standards and integrates the study of language arts with geography and history through the magic of live theater.  

Classroom workshops 

The program begins with classroom workshops conducted by Valley Shakespeare Festival’s professional teaching artists, during which students are introduced to the major themes of the play, its geographical and historical significance, and language, through games and activities.  
Valley Shakespeare Festival also provides in-depth study guides to the schools for teachers who wish to even better prepare their students in advance of the program.

The second part of the program is a 70-minute adapted live performance of the play by the very same actors who conducted the classroom workshops.  
Having already bonded with the performers in the classroom, the students are immediately engaged in the performance, which is not performed on a raised stage, but directly on the floor, surrounded by the seated students.   The performers actively involve the students, both physically and intellectually, in the action of the play by performing directly with and among them.

The performance phase of the program is immediately followed by a 10-15 minute question and answer session during which students are invited to ask the performers any questions about the play, the acting vocation or about the actors themselves.

By beginning its Education Initiative program at the elementary level Valley Shakespeare Festival hopes to instill an appreciation and hunger for studying classical literature, and to alleviate the stigma often associated with what some would call “archaic texts.”  
The company strives to remind everyone that language is a living and constantly evolving force, and that literature and theater are the oldest, yet most enduring forms of human communication. 
The themes presented in classical literature are perennial; they deal with the human condition, making them just as relevant today as they were the day they were written.

Valley Shakespeare Festival hopes to be able to add succeeding grade levels to the program each year to ensure continuity for the students so that, by the time they enter high school (which is when they are usually introduced to Shakespeare’s works), they will be prepared and excited to explore the texts.

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Derby, Post University to sign agreement today in ceremony at DHS

DERBY - Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway and Post University President Donald W. Mroz will sign a memorandum of understanding at 9 a.m. today.

According to a release last week from Derby Public Schools, "The intent of this memorandum is to outline the understanding between the Board of Education, acting on behalf of itself and the City of Derby, and Post University is to provide access to educational benefits as a means of improving employee recruitment, retention, and qualifications and affordable access to higher education for all Derby residents."

Conway's office has shared this link to a live stream video of the 9 a.m. signing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gTk1U857Co

Derby, Post University partner to boost higher education opportunities

Signing ceremony slated Feb. 4
DERBY - The Board of Education and the city have entered into a partnership and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Post University officials.

The intent of this memorandum is to outline the understanding between the Board of Education, acting on behalf of itself and the City of Derby, and Post University is to provide access to educational benefits as a means of improving employee recruitment, retention, and qualifications and affordable access to higher education for all Derby residents.

Post University will provide access to a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs that meet the needs of residents and employees of the BOE/City and their dependents. 

Individuals will have the flexibility and convenience of taking accelerated degree program courses online, at any of Post University’s Regional Locations in Connecticut or a combination of both; or enrolling at Post University’s traditional, four- year main campus in Waterbury.

Post University will offer a 15 percent tuition grant to individuals taking undergraduate and graduate courses at Post University. 
This offer is extended to employees of the Board of Education, city, immediate family members (including spouses and children) as well as all city residents.


First of its kind
Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway said, “We are thrilled to partner with Post to provide Higher Education learning opportunities to our employees and residents while promoting the vital importance and need for college education in today’s competitive work environment.” 
This partnership is the first of its kind between Post University and a municipality. 

Mayor Anita Dugatto commented, “This partnership represents the great working relationship we have with our schools and the value we place on higher education for all.”

Post University President Donald W. Mroz said, “I’m thrilled to welcome the residents and employees of the City of Derby into the Post University family! 
"This is a wonderful example of how two institutions can work together to provide students with the education they desire, in the way they need it. Partnerships like this recognize the growing need to offer flexible ways for working professionals to leverage their education and experience and accelerate their path to a college degree.” 

Post University provides students with the knowledge, personal skills, and experience required to be leaders in their chosen fields. 
Located in Waterbury, Post University offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for on- campus and online students of all ages, and is known for its quality, career-driven academic programs, small classes, competitive NCAA Division II athletics, and a growing Honors Program. 
The University’s full-and part-time students come from the United States and abroad, and are supported by faculty whose mission is to prepare students to compete and succeed in today’s global workplace. 

To learn more call 800-345-2562, or visit www.Post.edu or http://blog.post.edu.

This is one of two partnerships Derby Public Schools is entering into with Post University. The other partnership provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits while enrolled at Derby High School.
An official signing ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 4 at Derby High School. 


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Ansonia High names cafeteria after nutrition program director

Unveiling of sign at AHS cafeteria./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA – A dedication ceremony, honoring Dominick Golia, director of the Nutrition Program for Ansonia Public Schools, was held Jan. 20 at Ansonia High School. 
Nearly 100 family, friends and colleagues watched as Mr. Golia’s family unveiled a new sign on the AHS cafeteria, now named the Dominick Golia Cafeteria.

Golia has been serving the Ansonia Public Schools for nearly 50 years, first as a science teacher at AHS and more recently as head of the nutrition program for the district. 

The Board of Education voted unanimously at its November 2015 meeting to name the cafeteria at AHS in his name, honoring him for a lifetime of service to the children of Ansonia. 

Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, served as Master of Ceremonies. 
Mayor David S. Cassetti and Board President William Nimons delivered welcoming remarks. Guest speakers were Wilhemenia Christon, retired principal of AHS, and Dominick Golia, Golia's son.

Golia was born and raised in New Haven, graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Science degree, awarded a Master of Arts from SCSU and a sixth-year degree from the University of Bridgeport. Prior to coming to Ansonia, he taught school in Seymour and ran a family business.

In 1966, Golia moved to Trinidad, an island located off the coast of Venezuela. 
Three years later, he returned home to teach science at Ansonia High School. He is responsible for bringing in the school district’s first computer system. 

Golia speaks at dedication ceremony in
his honor. With him is Dr. Carol Merlone.

One day in the late 1990s, the late Ruth Feinberg Connors assigned Golia as the new food services director. He retired in June 1998 and began his new part-time position.

Golia is credited with building a self-sustaining nutrition department that serves thousands of meals each school day in Ansonia’s four schools. 

Two years ago, he began a free dinner program at the Boys & Girls Club in Ansonia and now serves 150 meals each day, five days a week. During the summer, his program provides free breakfast and lunch for children in nearly 20 locations throughout the region. This year, he rolled out a Universal Breakfast Program in the two elementary schools, feeding every child - regardless of their eligibility for free or reduced priced meals.

In addition to his many acts of community support, Golia is Ansonia’s homeless liaison and serves on several committees, including the district technology council, the Ansonia Youth Service Bureau, the VITAHLS committee, and the Valley Council Food Security Task Force, which published the Valley Hunger Study in 2015. 

“Those who know Dominick know that he is a gentle man with a heart of gold who loves to make a grand entrance wherever he goes,” Gary Merlone wrote in his letter to the Ansonia Board of Education in November. 
“His generosity to fundraisers for Ansonia community members, in addition to items that he has purchased for our Ansonia students, is truly a testament to his character.”

A reception in the cafeteria followed the unveiling of the sign.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

State recognizes leadership of Derby Board of Education

Board of Education members pictured from left: Jim Stadt, Jim Gildea, Andy Mancini, Chris Robinson, Rebecca O'Hara, Chairman Ken Marcucio, Secretary Laura Harris, Dan Foley. Missing from photo: George Kurtyka. / Submitted photo

DERBY - The Board of Education will be recognized later this month for its exemplary leadership.

The award is from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, or CABE.

CABE’s Board Recognition Awards are designed to recognize boards which provide effective leadership to their districts through the use of good practices.

The program acknowledges the importance of school board members and superintendents working together as effective teams. It continues an important trend among school board associations across the country. 

CABE has now established a second level of awards, the Board of Distinction Award, to recognize those boards which are truly exemplary.

In addition to fulfilling 22 of the 34 requirements of the Level One Board Leadership Award, the Level Two Board of Distinction Award includes 19 items. 
The boards need to fulfill 12 of these with at least two completed in each of the following areas: board leadership/student achievement, board member professional development, policy, community relations, and related organizational leadership.

Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway said, “This is the third year in a row that the Derby Board of Education has been recognized, but it is the first time they are receiving the top award. The recognition speaks to their level of commitment to this district and drive to achieve even higher goals.”

Board Chairman Kenneth Marcucio commented, “To be honored as a Board of Distinction in our state is a great honor for me, the members of our Board of Education, Dr. Matt Conway, the Derby School System and the city as a whole. It has been our objective to do whatever is necessary to make our school system the best it could possibly be for our students, given the tough times in today’s society. We have a great leader in Dr. Matt Conway who has helped us to do this during his short tenure in Derby.
"I am sure with his continued leadership we will continue to improve and have one of the best school systems in the state," Marcucio said. "Our students will continue to benefit from the hard work of our board members, Dr. Conway, administrators, teachers and all the other employees who work so hard in the background. Thank you toCABE for bestowing this honor on our small city.”

In addition to the CABE Level Two, Board of Distinction Award, the District has also received individual recognition awards in the areas of Newsletters, District Budget, Parent/Student Handbook and our computer generated project for our State of the District Address.

Robert Rader, Executive Director of CABE stated, “We are thrilled that the Derby Board of Education has joined other boards from around the state in receiving a CABE Board of Distinction Award. For a Board, leadership means carrying out its roles and responsibilities consistently, thoughtfully, in line with best practices and with the highest ethical standards.

The award will be presented Nov. 20 to the board and Conway at the CABE/CAPSS Annual Convention. 

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

New principal named for Derby Middle School

DERBY - The  Board of Education Wednesday voted to appoint William Vitelli, 46, principal of Derby Middle School.

Read the story here in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

New Derby High School principal profiled

Answers questions posed by Valley Independent Sentinel

Derby Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway, left, congratulates Martin J. Pascale Feb. 3 after he was named Derby High School principal at a Board of Education meeting at Derby Middle School.

DERBY - The Valley Independent Sentinel recently posed questions to Martin J. Pascale, 37, newly-named principal of Derby High School. 

Please click here to read the story.