Newsletter: Seymour girl helps other children, VCF gets $1.4 M bequest

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter features a surprise for Bungay School fourth grader Alyssa Vergati, 10, who collects toys for children battling cancer, a $1.4M bequest for VCF, and more community news.

Thanks for reading!

~ Patti and Ralph

Newsletter features Cat in the Hat at Bungay School in Seymour, more

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice features Read Across America Day at Bungay School in Seymour, demolition photos from Olson Drive in Ansonia, and more.

Thanks for reading,

~ Patti and Ralph

Seymour slates kindergarten registration

SEYMOUR - Seymour Public Schools will hold kindergarten registration on the following dates:

• Jan. 17, 8 to 11 a.m., Bungay School, 35 Bungay Road
• Jan. 18, noon to 3 p.m., Bungay School, 35 Bungay Road
• Jan. 19, 8 to 11 a.m., Chatfield-LoPresti School, 51 Skokorat St.
• Jan. 20, noon to 3 p.m., Chatfield-LoPresti School, 51 Skokorat St.

Parents of children eligible for kindergarten in August 2017, as well as Grade One students who have been attending a private kindergarten program, are urged to register their children at the elementary schools in their districts on these dates and times. 

Children must be five years of age as of Dec. 31, 2017 to be eligible to attend kindergarten in August 2017.

Parents must bring a copy of their child's official birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency. Proof of residency documentation includes driver's license, house deed or lease and two utility bills. 

Children should have the required immunization inoculations for the following: Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, DPaT, Varicella, Hib (Hemophilius Influenza Type B), and Hep B (Hepatitis B), Pneumococcal and Hep A.

State law also requires that all schoolchildren have a health examination prior to entering kindergarten. 

School officials encourage parents to have their private physician perform a health exam for their children prior to Aug.15, 2017 so that their child may be admitted to school Aug. 28, 2017. Completed physical paperwork must be returned by Aug. 15 in order for students to start school.

More information, including other required health screenings, can be found at www.seymourschools.org, or call 203-888-4564.

Elementary school students in Seymour learn emergency preparedness

Bungay School fourth grade teacher Cindy Botti pictured with her students and CERT Bob Wilson./ Photo by Rich Kearns

Chatfield-LoPresti School fourth grade teachers Kyle Mullaney and Jara Ciocca pose with Police Officer Jack Harkins and students./ Photo by Rich Kearns

SEYMOUR - On Aug. 31 a proclamation was issued by President Barack Obama declaring September as “National Preparedness Month.” 

Last week all Seymour Public Schools fourth grade students participated in the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s “Students Tools for Emergency Planning” program, also known as STEP.  
This is the 10th year Seymour students have participated in the STEP Program, which was piloted in Seymour in 2008.  

Seymour Public Schools Director of Security Rich Kearns received national recognition when FEMA modeled the program nationally after the Seymour program.  The STEP Program is sponsored by FEMA and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  
Kearns has been presenting the program for the last 10 years to all fourth grade students at Bungay Elementary School and Chatfield-LoPresti Elementary School.  
Seymour Police Department Community-School Resource Officer John Harkins and Seymour Citizens Emergency Response Team President Robert Wilson assisted Kearns this year showing students the steps on how to prepare student's families in the event an emergency or disaster was to strike. 
Each student was given a backpack to take home that contained items to help start building their own family emergency kit along with information to share with their families to better prepare them in the event of an emergency.  
The goal of STEP Program is to provide some resources to families in the community to better prepare them for emergencies as it is found that if people are better prepared to deal with a crisis the outcomes and recovery process will be that much easier for them.  
Throughout September Kearns, Seymour Fire Marshal Tim Willis, Seymour Emergency Management Director Tom Eighmie, Seymour Police Department Community-School Resource Officer Jack Harkins, as well as other first responders conducted emergency response drills district-wide with all students K-12.  

All Star Transportation Safety Supervisor Brenda Bass and school bus safety team members also joined Kearns in conducting school bus evacuation drills for students in the district who ride the bus to school.  
All of these programs and drills are part of a continuous effort by Seymour Public Schools and Seymour Emergency Services Personnel working together to better prepare our schools and families in the event an emergency were to occur and to help make our schools a safer place.   

This is a press release from Rich Kearns, Director of Security, Seymour Public Schools.

Bungay students in Seymour win fire prevention poster contest

Pictured from left, Bungay School Principal Mary Sue Feige, Seymour Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz, Bungay Assistant Principal Kris Boyle, and two poster contest winners. / Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - Once a year many local Fire Marshals around the State promote a Fire Prevention Poster Contest involving fourth and fifth graders within their elementary schools. 

This is a cooperative effort throughout the state involving many state agencies, Fire Department and Fire Marshal Associations and the Connecticut FAIR Plan (representing the insurance industry). 

Students with the assistance of their teachers create posters that promote fire safety within their community and homes. Fire safety information and examples are given to their teachers from the local Fire Marshal. 

The local Fire Marshal along with his or her team select the best one from the fourth and fifth grades. It is a difficult task but one I love doing. Those are then passed on to the County level where the best ones are chosen and then passed on to the state level.  

This year Bungay School had two winners, one in fourth grade, and the other in fifth grade. 

“As Fire Marshal, I love going through the hundreds of posters and observing the creative art form that the children have,” said Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz. "Also, I am hoping that the fire safety lesson they learn will one day save themselves, family members, friends and people from the effects of fires.

"Also, I am hoping that the messages they take with them will last a life time and they pass it on. Any fire is one fire too many to occur."

These two Bungay students, along with the other winners from Chatfield School, will also be offered a ride to school in one of the Fire Department’s trucks. Imagine going to school with lights blazing and siren sounding. 

County and state winners will receive a monetary check along with the school receiving a matching grant. Their posters will also be displayed in locations around the state.  

This is a press release from Wetowitz and Bungay School. 

Students from Bungay School in Seymour applauded for excellence in art, music

State organization holds recognition dinner

Alexa Tamburrino

Gabriel Sand

SEYMOUR - Bungay Elementary School staff congratulates Gabriel Sand (from Ms. Garofalo’s class) and Alexa Tamburrino (from Mr. Milia’s class) for being chosen as this year’s Connecticut Association of Schools' award recipients.

Gabriel received the Elementary Arts Award for art, and Alexa received the Elementary Arts Award for music.

This program recognizes students with outstanding citizenship, cooperative skills, and artistic ability in performing or visual arts at the elementary level.

Gabriel and Alexa, along with their parents, attended a dinner Feb. 24 at Aqua Turf in Southington.

Bungay School staff thanks Gabriel and Alexa for representing our students and school.


Photos and information were submitted by Bungay School.


Congratulations go out to Alexa and Gabriel on their awards! Wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.

State organization recognizes Seymour PTA volunteers

Bungay School Principal Mary Sue Feige and Vice Principal Kris Boyle are pictured with the Bungay PTA Executive Board:  Aimee Cronin, Donna Tomas, Jessica Lepri, Sam Pollastro, Fran Marsala, Alice Cronin, Becky Coscia, Kim Farmer (Roxy Layton and Sherry Lia, not in picture) as they were honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools Volunteer Banquet March 4 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.  

CAS proudly celebrates this event annually to publicly acknowledge the work of parents and other volunteers for their contributions to schools across the state.  
More than 450 participants from 68 elementary, middle and high schools were treated to a four course meal and were entertained by pianist Kim Quinn from Albert D. Griswold Middle School in Rocky Hill.

Honorees were presented with plaques and corsages to commemorate their service.

Karen List, retired Superintendent from West Hartford was the guest speaker.  
In her speech she explained:  “Whether it is box tops, or baskets, or classroom projects, the volunteers are the key to keeping our schools up and running.”  
She said, “Giving - of money, of time, of effort, empowers all of us. Yet I realize that most of you volunteer out of the goodness of your hearts, not because you think it will lower your blood pressure or make you feel more powerful in the world. You volunteer because you’re that kind of person - giving, altruistic, aware of life’s true priorities. There is an old Malayan proverb that says, One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. I’m here today in gratitude - for your time, yes, and for your kindness.  From the bottom of my heart and from everyone you have ever helped over the years: a heartfelt thank you.”

Bungay Elementary School in Seymour is proud to recognize its hardworking PTA Executive Board members. 
Their motto is "Children First." They go over and beyond to support our school, our staff and most importantly our students.  
They work tirelessly to raise funds to provide enriching choices of activities, after-school programs, cultural arts, book fairs, family events, staff appreciation days, and so much more. 
Their contributions to the success of our school are immeasurable and are an important part of our educational environment. Their dedication, their time, and their efforts help make Bungay School a great place to be.
We are grateful for their dedication, their time and extraordinary efforts. We are pleased to share this special evening with them.

The Connecticut Association of Schools celebrates the contributions of volunteers who share their time, talents, and commitment to quality education in Connecticut schools.


This is a press release from Bungay School.

Bungay School in Seymour to host literacy event

SEYMOUR - Bungay School will hold a Family Literacy Night at 6:30 p.m. March 18.

Snow date is 6:30 p.m. March 19.

Learn valuable and fun literacy strategies to bridge the school-to-home experience.
Enjoy an evening of literacy-based activities and refreshments with your family.


Child care will be provided during the literacy sessions. 

For information call the office, 203-881-7500.

The school is at 35 Bungay Road.


This information was provided by Carolyn Mucci, language arts consultant.

Seuss stories shared at Seymour school

Bungay celebrates 'Read Across America Day' 

Bungay School Principal MarySue Feige, left, reads aloud "Green Eggs and Ham" Tuesday with the Cat in the Hat (a.k.a. Sam Pollastro) to children in Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2.  

Seymour Middle School Assistant Principal Ernie DiStasi reads a Dr. Seuss story to fourth graders Monday.

Seymour Board of Education member Jay Hatfield reads a Dr. Seuss story Monday to third graders. 


Monday, the birthday of children's author Theodor Seuss Geisel, best known as Dr. Seuss, was Read Across America Day and at Bungay School it marked the kickoff of a week-long celebration of reading.

Students took the following oath, which is designed to instill a lifelong love of reading:

I promise to read

Each day and each night

I know it’s the key 

To growing up right.

I’ll read to myself,

I’ll read to a crowd,

It makes no difference

If silent or loud.

I’ll read at my desk.

At home and at school,

On my bean bag or bed,

By the fire or pool.

Each book that I read

Puts smarts in my head.

‘Cause brains grow more thoughts 

The more they are fed.

So I take this oath

To make reading my way

Of feeding my brain

What it needs every day.

Please click here to read my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Cat in the Hat visits Bungay School in Seymour

The Cat in the Hat visited students and staff Monday at Bungay School in Seymour to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday and kick off "Read Across America" week. Here Seuss' infamous character (portrayed by Sam Pollastro) poses with Bungay School Principal MarySue Feige.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.


Update: The story is posted here.

Students to learn computer coding at Bungay in Seymour

Before-school club planned      
SEYMOUR - In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, along with the “Hour of Code” initiative by code.org, all Bungay Elementary School students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 will be provided with multiple opportunities to learn basic computer coding during the week of Dec. 8-14.

All fifth grade students have been invited to participate in the school’s “Coding Kids” club, a before-school club that will begin Dec. 8, and will continue weekly through April. 

At the time of this release, 54 of the school’s 92 fifth grade students have provided parental consent to participate in this club. 

This club was created and is facilitated by Kristopher Boyle, Assistant Principal, and is co-facilitated by fifth grade teachers Nicole Francisco and Kelley Garofalo, as well as computer teacher Caitlin Iannucci. This is the second year of this club and has been very well received by the students and parents.

· All 502 students, grades Kindergarten through 5, will receive 40 minutes of instruction on computer coding through their weekly Computer class with teacher Caitlin Iannucci.

· All 502 students, grades Kindergarten through 5, will have opportunities to learn computer coding in their classrooms, utilizing the 390 Chromebooks in grades 2 through 5, and approximately 75iPads in Kindergarten and first grade.

We believe that enriching all 502 Bungay School students’ educational experience to include computer coding will improve their higher-order thinking skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

These opportunities will allow students to communicate and collaborate with one another, which would likely enrich their experiences within the classroom.

We also believe this exposure might serve to prepare students for more advanced courses and opportunities in the future.

Hopefully, some students may pursue employment in the future in this field, as this is currently a competitive global job market.

According to code.org, students need to have a raised awareness about learning computer coding. An estimated 1.4 million jobs in the computer field, including but not limited to coding, and engineering, will be available by the year 2020 in the United States.

At present, there is not projected to be enough computer science students in United States colleges and universities to meet these demands.


This is a press release from Bungay School.

Seymour school shows patriotism, welcomes veterans from Post 10

Bungay students learn about flag history, etiquette

School chorus performs patriotic songs at Wednesday's assembly.

SEYMOUR - The members of Emil Senger Post 10, American Legion of Seymour visited Bungay Elementary School Wednesday to present a Veterans Day program. 

Students performed the Star Spangled Banner, read aloud facts about Veterans Day, and presented Post members with cards and red carnations. 

Post Commander Michael Kearney, at left, spoke about the history of the American flag and the importance of respecting it. 

Kearney pointed out Post member George Wityak, seated on stage with the American flag draped around him, to demonstrate something that one should never do: wear the flag.

Kearney also pointed out several other improper uses of a flag, including hanging it upside down or backwards, using it as a tablecloth, letting it touch the floor, or flying it lower than other flags next to it.

Students and veterans joined hands at the end of the program.

The gym was filled with patriotic spirit.

Several students marched alongside Post members as they marched out.

Student Council members placed flags at the entrance to the school driveway.