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.

Derby Board of Education, Superintendent win CABE recognition

DERBY – The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education recently recognized the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. for exhibiting excellence in educational communication by honoring them with the Bonnie B. Carney Award.

In 1975, CABE established the Awards of Excellence in Educational Communication to
recognize the good work done on a daily basis.

The board won awards in two submissions in the Excellence for Educational Communication. 
The first is for its use of social media, utilizing its website, YouTube account, Facebook and 27 Twitter handles to communicate district information and promote and broadcast events to families and the community. 
The second award was for Irving School’s broadcast news network, W-IRV News, which is a daily broadcast of school news and events to keep families and the community aware of the happenings at the elementary school.

In addition, the board was awarded Honorable Mention in two categories: the district
calendar and the Derby Public School’s Budget Presentation to the Board of Apportionment
and Taxation.

“The Derby Board of Education was happy to hear that our school system won the Bonnie B. Carney Award for Excellence in Educational Communications,” said Board Chairman Jim Gildea. 
“We recognize the importance of ensuring all relevant stakeholders are communicated with regularly. We recognize that it takes a community to educate our students and we are excited that our efforts to communicate with our parents, students, staff and community members has been noticed.”

“We are thrilled to receive this award again,” Conway said. “It is recognition of the creative ways staff and students have engaged in communicating with each other, our board, parents and the community at large. They model effective communication and use social media as a way to share the great things going on in our schools and classrooms.”


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

New Irving principal: "Proud to be a part of the Derby family"

Aimee Misset is new principal of Irving School in Derby. At left is Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway; at right is Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Board of Education appointed Aimee Misset principal of Irving School. 
The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway.

Misset comes to Irving School from her position as Supervising Vice-Principal at Driggs Elementary School in Waterbury. 
She began her career in 2005 in Waterbury. Prior to entering administration, she served as a classroom teacher, Title 1 Reading Teacher, and a Literacy Facilitator. 
Her strong background in literacy, instruction, and data driven decision making have allowed her to effectively evaluate staff and make decisions to positively impact student achievement. 
Her training in school climate and restorative practices helped her build rapport necessary to provide a safe, trusting environment where all stakeholders can flourish.
Misset is also a strong proponent of parent and community engagement and collaboration. She plans to continue holding many community events and finding new and innovative ways to provide opportunities to enrich the lives of students and families.

Misset believes strong relationships are the cornerstone of a successful school and, when staff and students feel recognized and respected, they are more willing to take the risks that lead to true learning. 
She said,“On my first visit to Irving, I could feel the positive energy. The building buzzed with student-focused energy and excitement and I left with a huge smile on my face. My core values align so well with the work Irving is already doing. I am proud to be a part of the Derby family and am very passionate about helping Irving continue to grow.”

Conway said, “Aimee joins our Derby family with all the knowledge, skills, and drive to continue the great work at Irving. She has already hit the ground running, working with teachers, staff, parents, our state level partners and community partners to ensure a fantastic start of the school year.”

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Aimee comes to us highly recommended from all of the relevant stakeholders in her last community. Whether it was parents, staff, students or community members, one message that came across loud and clear was that Aimee was able to easily connect with all groups and has made an indelible mark on the school system. Irving School is a special school and we are lucky to have Aimee at the helm.”

Two school events have already been planned to give families an opportunity to meet Misset and kick off the school year as a community.
A Meet and Greet the Principal Read Aloud has been planned in conjunction with Derby Public Library for Aug. 21 from 6-7 p.m. in the main meeting room of the library. 
Families and community members will have the opportunity to meet Misset. She will introduce herself and share some books that have special meaning to her. 
Light refreshments will be served and children will be able to enter a raffle for some new books.
The Irving Back to School Bash will occur Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot/playground area. All Irving families are invited. 
The Ice Cream Emergency truck will be there with sweet treats and music. Games will be set up for family fun. 
Community partners have also been invited to join and let families know about resources and activities available to them.


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Board of Education wins recognition from state association

DERBY - The Derby Board of Education was recognized Thursday by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) for receiving the Bonnie B. Carney Awards of Excellence for Educational Communications.

The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education is celebrating Board of Education Member Appreciation Month in March, and is asking all citizens to join them in building awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society. 
Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway said, "I ask you to join me in recognizing the incredible work of the Derby Board of Education and thank them for their relentless pursuit of excellence for your child and this city. They selflessly sacrifice their time and countless hours listening, learning, researching and advocating for what is best for our kids, our district, our city and this family.
"Through the leadership and guidance of Chairman Jim Gildea and the trust and support of the members of the Board, every administrator, teacher, staff member, and student is given a voice, so together, as a family, we continue to improve and make decisions that are best for our kids."

Gildea said, "This board has a clear and consistent track record for putting the interests of our children at the center of all that we do. We are a committed team of individuals who combine our collective experiences to always ensure the school system has the tools they need to keep moving the bar higher. It is an honor to serve with such dedicated people."
Please reach out and thank a board member today. It is a small but meaningful gesture of the gratitude we have for their service."


This is a press release from Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway.

Derby students recognized for academics, leadership, community service

 

DERBY -The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents has developed a student award program to provide superintendents with the means of aligning themselves with their students.
The program is conducted by CAPSS and made available to local CAPSS superintendents who wish to participate. 

The program awards students based on community service and service to others; academic prowess (relative to ability); and leadership service to the school community. The Superintendent/Student Award Recognition Program is designed to allow Superintendents to move beyond the academic achiever who routinely receives recognition.

Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway was proud to recognize four Derby students with this prestigious award at the CAPSS 32nd Annual Student Award Banquet Thursday at Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange. 

Derby High School seniors Christian Olenoski and Nailah Huq received awards, along with Derby Middle School students Zachary Banores and Nikita Khanna. 

Board of Education member Dan Foley, Principal Martin Pascale, and Principal William Vitelli also were present to honor the students.

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools. 

* Congratulations to all the students on receiving this prestigious award!

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.