Ansonia Police arrest ex-Mead School teacher on risk of injury, assault charges

Mary Durso-Smith

 

ANSONIA - Police Wednesday arrested Mary Durso-Smith, 32, of New Haven for an incident at John C. Mead Elementary School on March 25, 2025, where a 3-year-old student was injured while attending school, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release today. 

The student suffered an arm injury that required surgical intervention. 

During the course of the investigation there was video of the incident which led the investigating officer to determine the incident was not accidental. The video will not be released at this time as the case is pending in court.

 

Durso-Smith was charged with risk of injury and assault second degree, she was released on a $50,000 bond and was to be arraigned at Derby Court today June 5, Lynch said.

All arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia posts program for Veterans Day ceremony

 

John C. Mead Elementary School in Ansonia to hold Pre-K orientation

 

Mead School PTO in Ansonia to host Bunny Bingo event

 

Sharing fun memory from 2019 at John C. Mead Elementary School in Ansonia

 I remember the students (and teachers) had a blast at this fun fundraiser! 

John C. Mead School in Ansonia to hold Pre-K orientation Aug. 16

 

Master's Table seeks donations for food program at Mead School in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Each week of the school year, Master's Table volunteers pack and deliver bags of food to local schoolchildren at Mead School.

Our Mission: To feed local schoolchildren who have little or no food resources during the weekend away from school.

You can help us by donating any of the food items listed below or making a monetary donation
in any amount (checks payable to Master’s Table Community Meals). Expiration dates must be at least three months from time of donation.

All items must be single-serving size unless otherwise specified.

Chef Boyardee (individual microwavable bowls)
Mac & Cheese (individual microwavable bowls – no boxes)
Cereal (individual-sized cups or boxes)
Oatmeal, Pop Tarts, Pudding Cups
Fruit Juice Boxes (no pouches)
Apple Sauce Individual Cups or Fruit Cups (no squeeze bottles)
Salty Snacks such as Cheese-its, Pretzels, Smart Food Popcorn, etc.
(All Individual sized)
Shelf stable milk such as Horizon (Individual sized)
Snacks labeled school safe – this is a nut free school district

Thank you for your donation to this nonprofit that serves Ansonia’s kids.
For more information: masterstablect@gmail.com.

Master’s Table Community Meals
Food 2 Kids Ansonia
PO Box 175
Ansonia, CT 06401

This is shared from Master's Table Community Meals' Facebook page.

Patronize Taco Central Thursday, support Mead School PTO in Ansonia

 

Master's Table to start Food 2 Kids outreach program at Mead School in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Master's Table Community Meals has announced that starting in September it will take part in a new outreach program called Food 2 Kids. 

This is a nationwide program (it may go by different names) but the goal is the same - to provide school-aged children with food for the weekends. 

Master's Table will work with staff at John C. Mead Elementary School in Ansonia to determine the 12 neediest kids to start with for this program. 

Master's Table will provide a bag of food to the
children consisting of granola bars, shelf stable milk, microwave meal, etc. 
The organization will be assisted by Mead School in making sure the bags are delivered in a way other children won't find out and the names of the children will be confidential. 

In the coming months Master's Table will be  raising money for food costs and supplies. The organization will have a breakdown of its costs if anyone would like to sponsor a child for a week or year. 

This is from a release from Master's Table Community Meals.

Community caravan slated to cheer Ansonia first grader facing illness

ANSONIA - Please mark your calendars!

Jeilany, a first grader at Mead has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

She has an older brother at AMS and an older sister in grade 5 (also at Mead).

Guidance Counselor James Chester heard about this family and immediately jumped in to action to plan a "Joy for Jeilany." This car parade will be departing from Mead at 4 p.m. May 26.

The end destination is 35 Forest Ave.

Please join parade and bring joy to Jeilany!!

We are Ansonia Strong!

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Ansonia Public Schools congratulates 2023 Teacher of the Year

 Kelly Balanca teaches at John C. Mead Elementary School. Congratulations!

Patronize Tipsy Tomato in Derby Monday, support Mead School PTO

 

Patronize Italian Pavilion in Derby, support Mead School PTO

 

Mead School PTO, Palma Restaurant in Ansonia partner for fundraiser

 

Ansonia High School tech ed students create little libraries at city schools

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

20 Ansonia students, 10 staff at Mead School to quarantine for 14 days

 

Enjoy Zois Pizza in Seymour today, support Mead School PTO

Ansonia's Mead School PTO to hold fundraiser at Zois Pizza in Seymour

Mead School in Ansonia cooking up Fun with Food program

Happening today! Drive to collect children's coats at Caloroso in Shelton

SHELTON - The Valley United Way’s Young Professional Advisory Committee will host a coat drive at Caloroso, 100 Center St., today.
Help us collect coats and winter gear for our neighbors in need!

This event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run through 7:30 p.m. in the ‘Cove’, event space.
Tickets are $15 at the door.
Brick-oven pizza, salad, and soft drinks will be provided, cash bar available.
Proceeds from the event will buy coats for kids!

All donations will be delivered to John G. Prendergast and John C. Mead elementary schools in Ansonia immediately following the event and will be put to good use in helping students in our community.

Our goal is to collect 25 coats before and during the event!
Children we’re supporting are in need of the following items:
•Winter Coat/Jacket
•Gloves
•Hats
•Scarves
Bring new or gently used items to the event.

This information is shared from a Facebook event page.