Pancake breakfast at Derby Middle School to benefit Irving School field trips

 

CBT Valley Thanksgiving basketball giveback clinic slated at Derby Middle School

 

5K run, 2-mile walk slated in memory of Isabella Gozzo, daughter of Derby coach

DERBY - Derby Middle School Coach Mike Gozzo is once again hosting a 5K and 2-mile walk in memory of his daughter, Isabella Gozzo.

 

Derby Board of Education to hold workshop Tuesday on excess cost funding

DERBY - The Board of Education is inviting the public to participate in an informational session covering Excess Cost Funding at 6 p.m.Tuesday.

The board is hosting a 30-minute workshop where members of the public will have the opportunity to hear from a number of state representatives and gain a deeper understanding of how the current Excess Cost Funding formula is impacting our district.

Planning to attend are state Representatives Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Mary Welander, Kara Rochelle, state Sen. Jorge Cabrera, and Co-Chair of the Legislative Education Committee, Jeff Currey - along with members of the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent of  Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr.

Derby Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, "Each child who is a part of the Derby public school family deserves to be educated. As part of that charge, we have seen our special  education costs rise significantly through the years. We feel that now more than ever we as a school system need to work with our area legislators towards ensuring that Derby receives their full share of the excess cost grant and the special education assistance we need. Our special education forum on Tuesday is one small step towards beginning the collaboration process with our
legislative delegation."

Conway said, "The state has historically underfunded the excess cost grant, leaving
municipalities with the extreme financial burden of costs for special education programs. This is an unsustainable model that unfairly impacts economically distressed municipalities with a high transient population."

The workshop will be held in the Derby Middle School cafetorium or you can participate via Zoom at the link below:


https://us02web.zoom.us/i/82639798664

Meeting ID: 826 3979 8664

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Middle School Jr. Honor Society donates care packages to Cancer Center

Derby Middle School National Junior Honor Society Treasurer Julianne Meagher, second from left, recently delivered cancer patient care packages to The Center or Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. 

From left: Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center Oncology Nurse Coordinator Susan Hanrahan; Griffin Health Social Worker Lindsay Vitale; and Griffin Health Radiation Oncology Nurse Specialist Tracy Volpe./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Derby Middle School National Junior Honor Society Treasurer Julianne Meagher recently delivered 48 cancer patient care packages to The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

The packages contain needed comfort items to help patients recover after cancer treatment, including bottled water, lip balm, and skin lotion. Additionally, there are encouraging and supportive handwritten notes from members of the Derby Middle School National Junior Honor Society in each package.

The packages are Julianne’s community service project for the National Junior Honor Society. 

They were made possible thanks to donations from Knights of Columbus Council 28 of St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Church in Derby, Stop & Shop in Ansonia, and Griffin Hospital Pharmacy & Gifts.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby administrator selected as CT Middle School Principal of the Year

Rachael Caggiano

DERBY - Derby Public Schools has announced that Derby Middle School Principal Rachael Caggiano has been selected as the 2023 Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year. 

The Connecticut Association of Schools has awarded this prestigious honor to Caggiano in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence in education.

Caggiano has been with Derby Public Schools since 2011, and has served as the middle school principal since 2018. 

During her tenure, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to creating a positive learning environment for all students and staff, fostering a culture of inclusion and promoting student and staff success both in and out of the classroom.

Under Caggiano's leadership, Derby Middle School has seen improvements in student achievement, particularly in the areas of literacy and math education. 

Of the 16 schools across the state in the Commissioner’s Network of schools, Derby Middle School students had the highest percent of target achieved in both English language arts and mathematics scores. 

Derby Middle School Students also had the highest English Language Arts year over year growth from 2018-2019 to 2021-2022 with a 5.5 point gain. She has also implemented innovative programs to support our Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program such as  school-wide RISE Rallies and a KickBoard Store.

Most recently she was recognized by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education for her part in creating an in-school Learning Lab for staff and kids to collaborate, share, create and learn. "Principal Caggiano is an exceptional leader who has made a significant impact on the lives of our students, families, and staff," said Matt Conway, Superintendent of Schools. "Such a well deserved recognition and we are beyond proud to have her as part of our Derby Schools, this great city and the Derby Family. Principal Caggiano not only builds relationships, she builds the capacity of everyone around her. She makes us all better."

Caggiano said, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. I am grateful to work with such a dedicated team of educators who are committed to providing our students with a high-quality education and a positive school experience. This award is a testament to our hard work and the incredible students we have the privilege of serving.”

Board Chairman Jim Gildea said, “This is just one more example of the amazing school system that we have here in Derby. Rachael is just that shining star who operates at an extremely high level. For those of us who work with Rachael day in and day out, this certainly comes as no surprise. She is easily able to connect with all of the various stakeholders that she must work with, whether it is the community, parents, staff and most importantly the students who are placed in her charge each and every day. Rachael forms deep and meaningful bonds with whomever she works with and it is evident in the relationships that she builds and the outcomes that she achieves. On behalf of the Derby Board of Education, we congratulate Rachael on this outstanding accomplishment."

Luke Camara, Derby Middle School Student Council President and National Junior Honor Society President said," I am very proud of Mrs. Caggiano for receiving such a remarkable title. Over the years I've attended Derby Middle School, Mrs. Caggiano has treated myself and others with the utmost love and respect. I am not surprised by any means that she has won this award, because she works day in and day out to make sure every single one of her student's has an enjoyable learning experience. This award not only reflects who Mrs. Caggiano is, but our school district as a whole. I cannot stress how happy I am for Mrs. Caggiano.”

As the Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year, she will be recognized at the CAS Annual Conference in October 2023.

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Fire Department slates installation ceremony Saturday at middle school

 

Derby Middle School student council to hold toy drive for Ronald McDonald House

ANSONIA - Members of the Derby Middle School student council will host a toy drive from 3-7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the school, 73 Chatfield St. 

The toys will be collected and donated to the Ronald McDonald House. 

The event will be a drive thru, and only new, unwrapped toys will be collected.

This is shared from the Valley Regional Adult Education Facebook page.

Derby Public Schools names 2023 District Paraeducator of the Year

Steven Horvath

DERBY - The Derby Public Schools has selected Steven Horvath as the 2023 District Paraeducator of the Year.

The Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council has established the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program to recognize the important role of the Paraeducator in supporting student achievement. 

The award is named in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a Paraeducator who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting.

When asked how he feels about being selected Steve said, “Being named the 2023 District Paraeducator of the Year is one of the greatest achievements in my life. I could not be any luckier or happier. Each and every person I have the privilege of sharing my time with at Derby Middle School is remarkable. The children and the adults make me a better person every single day. When I first started, I never imagined myself in this position. Now, I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I am more thankful to the district of Derby and Derby Middle School than any words could ever hope to describe.”

Horvath has been a learning center Paraeducator at Derby Middle School since March of 2019. He is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He went on to receive certification in Psychological and Physical Management Training and RBT Foundational Training. He is an active participant in Best Buddies, Unified Sports, and the Derby Running Club!

James Nichols, Supervisor of Special Education said, “Mr. Horvath is the kind of person that embodies commitment to and pride in working with students. I know that wherever and whenever he is needed, he will greet any assignment with a smile and a positive attitude. He’s undoubtedly here for the kids and gives 110% every day. Congratulations on being recognized as Derby Middle School and Derby Public Schools’ Paraeducator of the Year!”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Conway, said, “Mr. Horvath embodies everything you want in someone who supports our kids and teachers. He is compassionate. He shows care. He sets expectations and a supportive path to meet them. He gives others confidence in themselves to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. He goes above and beyond every day to ensure our kids understand how, practice and are motivated to take and get to the next step.”

Jim Gildea, Board of Education Chair, said, “The Derby School system is fortunate to have such an enthusiastic Paraeducator in Steve. He is a Big Personality and constantly goes above and beyond expectations to help everyone in any way! We are proud to have Steven represent the Derby Middle School and our District as the 2023 Paraeducator of the Year!”

Derby Public Schools would also like to recognize Building Level Paraeducators of the Year – Ron Swierbitowicz from Bradley School, Anna Hustek from Derby High School, Alfonsina Giammarco from Little Raiders University and Michelle Ferro from Irving School.

This is shared from a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Food Service to offer lunches in summer

 

 

Derby Middle School student council to host toy drive Thursday

 

Valley alumni basketball tourney slated at Derby Middle School

 

Derby students receive Leadership Awards, win plaudits

DERBY - The Board of Education and Superintendent, Dr. Matthew J. Conway Jr., recently recognized students for receiving the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Awards. 
The students received this award for their leadership, more specifically in the areas of taking on challenges, ability to make difficult decisions, concern for others, ability to work well with others, and diplomacy.

Derby Middle School students Danthy Nguyen and Zachary Fish and Derby High School students Kaylee Olenoski and Timothy Jordan were recognized at the May 7 Board of Education meeting.
Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “We are very fortunate in the Derby achool system to be blessed with such outstanding students. The Board of Education is continually impressed with the caliber of our students and the leadership skills that they display. The students who received the CABE Student Leadership Awards are all deserving students whose stars shine bright and whose actions show that they are leaders amongst their peers. They are most deserving of their awards and it is an honor to be able to recognize them.”

Conway said, “Receiving this recognition is a testimony to their ability to work with others and lead side by side through challenges. These are skills they will continue to practice every day as they develop as leaders and help shape our future.”
CABE Area 7 Director and Board of Education Member George Kurtyka said, “The CABE Student Leadership Awards Program is designed to honor Connecticut High School and Middle School students who exhibit exemplary leadership skills. Two students from each school, in a CABE member district, are eligible to receive the CABE Student Leadership Award. Derby is fortunate to have two students from our Derby High and Derby Middle Schools that meet, and in my opinion exceed, their leadership skills. Congratulations to our students!"


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Murphy to hold Valley Town Hall Meeting at Derby Middle School

Ansonia/Derby school regionalization committee meeting schedule posted

*Information shared by Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo.

Fire Department slates swearing-in ceremony at Derby Middle School

4 Derby students receive CABE awards for leadership

DERBY - The Derby Board of Education and Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Conway, Jr., have recognized students for receiving the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Awards.  

These students received this award for their leadership, more specifically in the areas of taking on challenges, ability to make difficult decisions, concern for others, ability to work well with others, and diplomacy.  

Derby Middle School students Brooke Uleano and Shane Dedura and Derby High School students Rachel Layseca and Xavier Ibrahim were recognized at the June 5 Board of Education meeting. 

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “It is always an honor to recognize the best students that our school system has to offer.  The students who received the CABE Student Leadership Awards are all special students who exhibit qualities that designate them as leaders among their peers. They are most deserving of their awards.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby school officials, police team to host forum on safety, security

Sharing press release from Derby Public Schools:

DERBY - Derby Public Schools and the Derby Police Department invite you to attend a community forum on School Safety and Security at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Derby Middle School cafetorium. 

Learn about the advancements made in our schools to help protect against threats and provide for a safe learning environment for all staff and students. 
This will be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions as they relate to school security. 
We very much welcome and value everyone’s input so together, as a family, we know we are doing everything in our power to protect the ones we love. 
We hope to see you on Tuesday.

The school is at 73 Chatfield St.

Derby High School to hold mattress fundraiser for sports teams

DERBY - Derby High School will host its first mattress fundraiser Feb. 24 to support its  football and baseball programs. 
The event will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Derby Middle School gym. The school is at 73 Chatfield St. 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!! We will convert the Derby Middle School Gymnasium into a mattress showroom.
-over 20 mattress sets will be on display for you to try
-name brands for less than retail (Simmons, Serta, Therapedic, etc.)
-all sizes & styles available (latex, gel memory foam, spring)
-adjustable power bases, premium pillows, & frames available
-full manufacture warranties
-local pick up or delivery is offered about 12 days after the event
-cash, check, or credit cards accepted
-Financing available
**EVERY purchase supports your local students, even if you just want a pillow! It's just like shopping at a nice retail store, but YOU get to save $ AND help support your local school!**
Starting Set Prices: T ($259) F ($279) Q ($299) K ($499)
--Mention this post to SAVE $50 OFF any set

For more info: btonnecfs@gmail.com.

*This information is shared from a Facebook event page. 

Recuperation journey: Running 5K in 7-degree temperatures; congrats to all

I'm quite proud of Daughter Allegra, who ran her second 5K Monday at the annual New Year's Day Chilly Chili run in Orange that supports the Amity Teen Center. 
The temperature was about 7 degrees; not sure if it made it up to 8.
In a wacky twist, it was snowing when Allegra ran her very first 5K last month in Trumbull.

She discovered several students from the Derby Middle School Running Club had participated in the chilly Chili race.
I reached out to Jenn Moffat who works in the athletic department at Derby High School for information. 
The six who participated were Emma Hyder, Kylin Santamaria, Sofia Rudus, Leah Gilbert, Cassidy Ngaoprasewsack and Sonny Khanaphalaxay. 

"Leah, Emma, Cassidy, and Sonny came in either first or second place in their age groups, taking home four trophies," Moffat said. 
"These kids train all year round. They don't seem to be phased by the temp. 
"They compete in many 5Ks throughout the year as well. [I] can't wait to see them run and enjoy the high school level of competition in a few years."

Contributed photo

Congratulations to the Derby Middle School runners and their coach, Mike Vozzo, who braved the frigid weather and ran.
According to thew iResultsLIVE! site, 379 runners entered the race, and 288 finished.

I am happy to report that Allegra was not the last one over the finish line!