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

 

From the Turnback Tuesday archives: Vintage Derby photos

Since we missed last week's posting, this week's "Turnback Tuesday" features not one but TWO photos:

The first is a photo of Griffin Hospital, which admitted its first patient on Dec. 9, 1909.

Originally designated as "The Derby Hospital," the name was changed when George Griffin, a wealthy Shelton industrialist, bequeathed a portion of his estate towards the building of the new hospital.

The second photo is of Birmingham Academy, built in 1838 on Fifth Street.

This building became the Irving School in 1869 and was located where the Derby Veteran's Community Center is today.

[First posted on this date in 2015.]

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

Irving School PTO in Derby to host Spring Fling dance Friday

 

Patronize Division St. McDonald's Wednesday in Derby, support Irving School

 

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights naming of Derby schools

 Turnback Tuesday brings us to the naming of Irving School.

Many questions have been asked as to why the Derby schools were named what they are.

The Library was prompted by a new teacher at Irving School for its history and why it was named Irving. Not an easy task.

After many months and a lot of research, this is what we came up with.

The Derby Board of Education was established on January 8,1894 with the first board members as follows H. Holton Wood (Derby Public Library), John Reilly, George L. Beardsley, Robert L. Gilbert, John McEnerney and James Dermody. The first Superintendent of Schools was John W. Peck, appointed on February 15, 1894. He was the principal of the Birmingham/1st ward school. At the BOE meeting on May 28, 1894 Irving (Birmingham), Hawthorne (Derby Neck) and Franklin (Derby Narrows) schools received their new names.

There is no reference, documentation, or newspaper article that we could find as to where the origin of these names came from. It remains a mystery.

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

Irving School in Derby hosts safe walking event, honors civil rights icon

Students at Irving School in Derby took part in a walking in foggy conditions activity Thursday as part of the school’s National Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Irving School joined schools across the state and region Thursday in hosting a safety event to honor a Civil Rights icon.

Students at Irving School celebrated National Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day by listening to a reading I Am Ruby Bridges and participating in safe walking activities. 

This day recognizes the historic event that took place on Nov. 14, 1960, when six-year-old first-grader Ruby Bridges integrated William Frantz Elementary School. 

While Ruby and her family were looking to have access to an education where she could learn in a safe environment and not to make history, her courageous action and historic steps initiated the desegregation of New Orleans’ public schools.

In 2018, a class of AAA School Safety Patrollers from Martin Elementary School in South San Francisco, CA, learned about the civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, and her brave walk to school as she became one of the first Black children to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans

With a simple question from one student, “Why isn’t there a day for Ruby?” – an idea was sparked. These young leaders founded Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, with the vision of building a nationwide movement and starting a day of dialogue. 

In 2021, AAA and the Ruby Bridges Foundation partnered to support the Walk to School Day with over 90,000 students across 36 states participating.

The safe walking activities included, a walking school bus, getting a driver’s view from public works vehicles, driving/walking in foggy conditions, and putting on the brakes when pedestrians entering the roadway. 

The event was sponsored by AAA Northeast, Griffin Health Community Outreach, Safe Kids Worldwide, the City of Derby, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Safe Kids Worldwide CEO Torine Creppy attended the event. 

The Ruby Bridges program in Derby was started three years ago by Griffin, AAA, and Irving School to assist students that walk to school. Safe Kids’ focus inclusion and equity compelled the organization to become a sponsor.

“It was an honor and a joy to recognize Ruby Bridges and carry on her legacy of promoting the safety of students as they get to school,” said Cathi Kellett of Griffin Health Community Outreach.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights book used by siblings for 2 different reasons

Turnback Tuesday looks at a book that was used by two family members for very different reasons.

William J. Murray worked for R. N. Bassett Co. in 1902 and 1903 as a clerk. He used this book to keep a record of wire gauges that were used.

The R. N. Bassett Co. at this time was located on the corner of Third and Housatonic Avenue in Derby. They made skirts and corset wire.

William’s sister, Virginia, got a hold of this book and decided to make it her own. She used it to record school events especially her graduation year from Shelton High School in 1911.

Virginia ((or “Ginger” as her classmates called her), was one of 17 to graduate. She also used this book to paste and write down recipes.

Virginia became a teacher, moved to Derby, and her first teaching job was at Lafayette School in Shelton in 1915. She held this position for three years. In 1918, she taught at Hawthorne School in Shelton and then in 1920, Virginia became a teacher at Irving School in Derby. She transferred to Lincoln School to teach in 1924, and in 1927, Virginia moved to Waterbury.

This book is a recent donation to the Library from Joseph DiRienzo.

Thank you to the Shelton Public Library for their help in locating Virginia's listing in the Shelton High School yearbook.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

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 Board of Education names Dean of Student Affairs for Irving, Bradley Schools

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

 

Derby Board of Education appoints new principal of Irving School

Marc Russo

DERBY - The Derby Board of Education recently appointed Marc Russo as principal of Irving School.
Russo came to the Derby Schools on Feb. 8, 2018 as Dean of Students at Derby Middle School. 

In August of 2019, he moved into the role of Elementary School Dean of Students serving both Irving and Bradley Schools. He has collaborated with principals to create a safe and supportive environment and establish deep-rooted community relationships.

Russo earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Providence College, a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven and a 6th Year in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. Prior to his move to Derby, he taught Language Arts and Math in North Haven for 18 years while coaching baseball, softball, and football.

Russo said, “I am humbled and honored to be able to renew my service to Derby Public Schools as the principal of Irving School. My focus is centered on advancing student progress, fostering social-emotional wellness, and nurturing and growing the Irving School community. I believe building relationships, embodying kindness, and answering these three questions in collaborative decision-making: Did we do the right thing? Did we work to the best of our abilities? And, did we show people we care? Irving Wildcats will continue to show respect to ourselves, to others, and to our school!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said, “We are thrilled at Mr. Russo's appointment to the position of Principal at Irving School. Mr. Russo brings his years of experience, relationship building and support for students, staff and families to his new role as principal. In Mr. Russo's 3-year tenure as Dean of Students for Irving and Bradley schools he has developed into a leader earning the respect of many students, staff and family members. With this type of experience in the school and district, he will hit the ground running. We were very fortunate to have had a highly competitive pool of candidates and Mr. Russo rose to the top throughout the process.

Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “Marc has a wealth of experience working with our students and staff both at the middle school and at the elementary school levels. Marc did an outstanding job in a very competitive hiring process and garnered strong support amongst all of the relevant stakeholders; parents, staff, administrators and board members, all whom were represented on the hiring committee. As Marc was the type of administrator, who rolled his sleeves up and jumped right in, he will offer a strong sense of continuity and I am confident that the school will continue to excel and maintain the close-knit family atmosphere that exists there.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby schools select Aimee Curtis as Paraeducator of the Year

Irving School in Derby posts honor roll ~ Congratulations to all!

DERBY - This list from Irving School was posted recently in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Congratulations to all the students on their academic achievement!

Marking Period Quarter 1 – High Honors

5th Grade:

Ariyah Lopez

Deja Jackson

Griffin Beauton

Mya Crespo

Paige Beauton

Marking Period Quarter 1 – Honors

5th Grade:

Ava Carroll

Dolan Boncek

Charlotte Chenery

Davon Johnson

Gia Morales

Lylah Vander Eyk

Mahlia Pouncey

Mayah West

Myla Kapusta

Rylan Goodwin

Sane Jackson

Marking Period Quarter 1 – High Honors

4th Grade:

Jensen Colindres

Taylor Hunter

Marking Period Quarter 1 – Honors

4th Grade:

Alexji Smith

Arianna Perez

Demri Delija

Drilon Sulejmani

Gabriella Yacvielle

Harmony Lopez

Jemma Franko-Velez

Jensen Colindres

Jianna Muniz

Khloe King

Liam Contreras

Taylor Hunter

Victoria Ewen

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby slates Festival of Trees Christmas Bazaar

 

Derby Food Service to offer lunches in summer

 

 

Patronize Panera in Derby Wednesday, support Irving School

 

Board of Education names Olson principal of Derby High School

DERBY - The Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Advisory Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway, unanimously appointed Jennifer Olson as principal of Derby High School.

Olson started in the Derby Schools in 2012 when she was appointed Irving School Principal. 

During her tenure at Irving, the school was certified with Exemplary School Climate Recognition through the Connecticut Association of Schools. 

She and her team created a safe and supportive environment as the foundation of the turnaround work at Irving. 

In 2017, Olson was a finalist in the selection process for the National Distinguished Principal Award or Elementary Principal of the Year Award.

In 2018 Olson was appointed to the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the District, providing better support for new learning initiatives, working side by side with our Director of Teaching and Learning, teachers, coaches, and principals to positively impact learning for students in every classroom. 

Olson stepped up as the Interim Principal of Derby High School for the past four months from her District role. She was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the District Reopening Plan to support all schools through our reopening.

Olson said, “I appreciate the confidence and trust the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent has placed in me with this appointment. I am deeply committed and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with our terrific team at the high school to best serve our students and families. This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to starting this new chapter.”

Conway said, “I am very excited for Jen and the District as she continues in the role of leading our High School through one of the most challenging times in our history. I am confident her proven turnaround work in our District will transcend across all classrooms at Derby High School. This is hard work and takes an all-in, “just one more” attitude by everyone involved. I know Jen and our amazing staff at DHS are up for the challenge.”

Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “The Board is always excited when we are able to see members of the Derby Public School family take on new challenges and grow within the school community. Jen has a proven track record of leading and turning around a school as evidenced by the work she did as leader of Irving School. 

"Jen is a proven problem solver, tireless worker and someone willing to think outside the box to address issues and challenges. We wish her good luck and look forward to her continued impact on our school system.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights 1939 class of old Irving School in Derby

Turnback Tuesday goes back to the 1939 graduating class of Irving School in Derby as these excited, smiling students look forward to high school.

This photo was taken at the old Irving School which was located on the corner of Fifth and Olivia Streets in Derby. The students are in front of the main entrance on Fifth Street. (Derby Board of Education is located there now in a newer building.)

This photo is a recent donation to the Derby Public Library and we need your help in identifying these 116 young adults.

One could be your parent or grandparent. Let us know. Thanks!

Thanks as always go to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Derby Public Schools selects 2021 Teacher of the Year

Jacqueline Nathman

DERBY - Derby Public Schools has named Jacqueline Nathman as 2021 Teacher of the Year.
Jacqueline is part of the Irving School family teaching in Grade 5.  
Irving School Principal Aimee Misset said, “Jackie is a leader in and out of the classroom.  Children and adults are drawn to the passion, energy, and joy she brings to our school community. 
"In addition, she brings a dedication to improving her own skills as a teacher, sharing that knowledge and helping others do the same, anything to improve outcomes for our students. Irving School is truly a better place because she is part of it."

Once hearing about being selected as District Teacher of the Year, Ms. Nathman reached out to her colleagues with this message, “As I reflected on the amazing honor bestowed on me, I can't help but feel extremely grateful and humbled. Of course, the recognition is the icing on the cake, but the children are the reason we all work so hard. They continue to be at the forefront of every decision we make at Irving School. To say the staff at Irving is incredibly dedicated is an understatement. It's a pleasure to work alongside colleagues with the same mindset and passion about education. As we know, teaching is never done in isolation, it truly takes a team of hardworking teachers and leaders. I am quite fortunate to work with teachers and leaders who inspire me each and every day! 
"Once again, I want to thank you for this recognition and the opportunity to work with each of you. I am grateful for your support and immensely proud to represent my Derby family.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said, “Ms. Nathman is so deserving of this recognition. She has a unique ability to connect with all students and all adults. Through her energy and incredible personality she fosters a classroom and school environment that is inviting, respectful of everyone’s needs and abilities, makes people feel valued and make people laugh.  Her energy is contagious and makes you want to get up and dance, engage and become part of what she is doing.”

Jim Gildea, Chairman of the Board of Education said, “Jackie Nathman is an amazing teacher who is able to connect with her students, parents, coworkers and all those she comes in contact with. She has an energy and enthusiasm that is simply infectious. Jackie also embraced the concept of distance learning early on and with a passion the ensured her students stayed connected and we’re comforted during the very difficult periods of time when they did not have the day-to-day contact with their teachers and school system support. She is an outstanding selection as teacher of the year and is a tremendous representative of all the best the Derby school system has to offer.”
The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs to focus public attention on excellence in teaching.

The District also recognizes Building Level Teachers of the Year: Amy Tancreti from Bradley School, Lisa Russo from Derby Middle School, and Eric O’Toole from Derby High School.

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Irving School staff to take part in McTeacher's Night at Derby McDonald's

Irving School is proud to be a part of McTeacher's Night at the 652 New Haven Ave. (Route 34) McDonald’s. 
There will be raffle prizes and a DJ.
Raffle winners will be announced at school the next day!

The homeroom that has the most students attend will win a classroom ice cream party!
Please support Irving School in our annual fundraiser. 
See your teachers and staff working at McDonald’s; we will serve you even if you go through the drive-thru!

Meet new Irving School principal at Derby Public Library

Principal Aimee Misset will introduce herself to Irving School families at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Library's Main Meeting Room.