Seymour High School Class of 2025 graduates congratulated

Members of the Class of 2025 file onto DeBarber Field Wednesday at Seymour High School. Photo by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Read about the 138th annual commencement ceremony here in a story by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich in the Valley Independent Sentinel. 

Recuperation journey 2.0: Feeling grateful

This is yours truly on Monday when I 'graduated' from radiation. I crossed the finish line!  

Sending a big shoutout to the wonderful staff at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital who cared for me during my treatments and made me feel comfortable.

Onward and upward: One day at a time.

Derby High School commencement ceremony postponed to Thursday

Good Morning Derby High School Families and Friends,

Given the weather forecast for Wednesday, June 14, the decision has been made to move the Class of 2023 commencement ceremony to our scheduled rain date of Thursday, June 15 at 6:00 PM.  

We made this decision today to provide families with as much notice as possible.  

We are all looking forward to a beautiful ceremony and appreciate everyone's flexibility and support!  

• Should Thursday's forecast change, and we cannot hold an outdoor ceremony, graduation will move indoors and each senior will be issued four tickets to the ceremony.  
• The graduation (whether indoors or outdoors) will be livestreamed.  Please save and share this link for families and friends to watch live, and for you to save as a keepsake to view later. https://youtube.com/live/7dMyXFW9zJ0?feature=share

As a reminder, families should arrive to graduation between 5:15 - 5:45 PM.  

Two shuttle busses will be running during this time to bring people from the school parking areas to the field. 

Limited handicapped parking will be available at the football field. 

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools. 

Ansonia Police Department congratulates officers on graduation from academy

The Ansonia Police Department would like to congratulate our newest Officers, Off. Hayward, Off. Bartunek, Off. Rosas, and Off. Sullivan, for graduating from the 20th Training Session at the New Britain Police Academy Thursday.

We would like to thank the New Britain Police Department for accepting our recruits into their academy.

As always stay safe.

This is shared from the APD Facebook page.

Derby High School graduation postponed to Thursday at Derby Sports Complex

Sharing message received at 11:20 today from Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo:

"We received the following information today from the Derby Public Schools:

 “The Derby High School graduation has been changed to Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 6:00 pm – Derby Sports Complex.”

Ansonia Middle School holds virtual graduation

ANSONIA – A total of 171 eighth graders from Ansonia High School were honored in a virtual graduation program this year, Principal Peter Colaccino has announced. 

The program, which features speeches from the building principals, Superintendent of Schools, and Valedictorian, can be viewed at https://youtu.be/3OqDQMsK3Gw

Colaccino spoke about Valedictorian Fahmida Chowdhury and her accomplishments. 

“Fahmida’s diligent work ethic and endearing personality were on display each and every day at the middle school,” he said. “She was the female recipient of this year’s CAPSS Award (CT Association of Public Schools Superintendents) as well. No doubt, she has a very promising future ahead of her and the AMS community can’t wait to hear about all of the wonderful things she will soon accomplish.”

Achievement Awards were also announced as part of the virtual program:

• Superintendent’s Award: Fahmida Chowdhury and Jonathan Kish. 
• Excellence in Social Studies: Preston Dziubina and Faith Walker.
• Excellence in Science: Zoe Frager and Anthony Kezer.
• Excellence in ELA: Symone Finney and Maqila Mosley-Williams.
• Excellence in Math: Atyana Delvalle and Megan Koslowski.

The students who successfully completed their 8^th grade year are as follows (those with an asterisk are members of the National Junior Honor Society): 

Jair Albaladejo Rivera, Adrian Albelo, Dezryel Allick, Timothy Angeski, Michael Arias, Alijah Arnold, Juanita Ayala, Ray Badillo, Forrest Banks, Thomas Barfi, Jhani Barge, Kevin Barrios, Moises Beltran, Alexandra Bevan, Rickayla Blagrove, Jamar Booker, Trevon Booker, Geno Borrero, Blaine Bostic, Arielle Bracey, Alivia Brown, *Hailey Burton, *Samantha Burton, David Cabrera, Jamiah Carrillo, *Shellymar Casillas, Caden Chapman, *Fahmida Chowdhury, Isaac Colon, Logan Coon, Ryan Cornish, Noelle Corwell, Ellsie Cotto, *Kailey Cruz, Kenneth Curet.

Alessandro DaGraca, James Daniels, *Nevaeh Davenport, Jaiden Davis, Nina Delgado, *Atyana Delvalle, Isaiah Delvalle, Christian Deutscher-Cordova, Julianna Diaz, Kyle Disley, Dynastee Dixon, *Jake Dodge, Amari Dos Santos, *Preston Dziubina, Benjamin Eads, *Gwyneth Fasciano, *Symone Finney, *Zoe Frager, Emily Frey, Jacob Gaffney, *Angela Garcia, Gabriela Garcia, Jerry Garcia, Jacquelyn Gibson, *Terrell Givens, Casper Gola, *Ariana Gomez, Emily Gonzalez, Jayvante Gonzalez, *Shaddai Gonzalez, Valentina Guarna, Adriatik Haliti, Alexa Hauck, *Puma Haug, Deanna Hebert, Chloe Hernandez, *Shawn Hernandez, Isaiah Holmes, *Kelly Horjatschun.

Jeremy Infante, Machi Ingram, *Davius Irizarry, Davonte Jackson, Kayli Jacobs, Julia Jarmoszko, Ashley Jenner, Diana Kachaliy, *Landon Kerr, *Victoria Kettles, *Anthony Kezer, *Jonathan Kish, Megan Koslowski, *Shayla Kovacs, *Erald Kukaj, *Joseph Kuskowski, *John Kwalek, Cameron LeFrancois, Jovan Lilly, Saiivion Littlejohn-Belcher, *Alexander Lopez, Christopher Lopez, Natalia Maine, Alexandra Makowski, Ryan Marrero, Steven Martinez-Santos, Jacari Mcfadden, Arriana Meekins, Janeli Mercado, Mark Meredith, James Mikita, *Maqila Mosley-Williams, *Kassidy Musnicki, Thy-rene Mweze.

*Jennipher Najeeb, *Emilyanna Negron, Tavaris Nembhard, *Anna Nguyen, Michael Oates, Elizabeth Ortiz, Juliexza Ortiz, *Naomi Ortiz, Samantha Palmieri, Domenic Pardy, Breonna Parrino, *Zoe Pastor, Ashmer Pedraza, Marc Peet, Keyilah Perez, Jamirah Pickering, Angel Pinto, Jayden Pires, Kacper Podsiadlo, *Janelli Pratts, Faith Quinones, Justin Quinones, Alexander Ramos, Jeremiah Ramsey, Samuel Reese, Jovon Reyes, Rylie Rhodes, Izaiah Ribeiro, Shawn Richards, *Eliana Rico, Jazzelle Riley, Mathayus Rivera, Nathaniel Rivera, Sahara Rivera, Alle’jah Robertson, Justin Rodriguez, *Mariah Roque, Caroline Ruiz-Robinson.

*Paula Salazar, Cassandra Santiago, Jayden Saunders, Jayla Saunders, *Amya Smith, Andrew Smith, Vivea Smith, Patrick Solsbury, Ta’Shiria Sparks, Damian Spears, *Emalie Terifay, *Jaquan Thomas, Kaden Thomas, Tyler Thompson, Eliana Torres, Madison Torsiello, Shawn Vance, *Amy Vann, Jensen Vazquez, Alecia Vega, Jalen Velez, Julianna Viselli, April Walfall, Faith Walker, Donny Wilder. 

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

*Congratulations to all the students on their achievements.

Ansonia Public Schools thanks community in helping to make graduation a success

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

Ansonia to hold 6th grade graduation ceremony at high school

169 in Class of 2019 receive diplomas from Ansonia High School

Congratulations to all on their graduation!

Recuperation journey: A different time ~ Memory from 1938

I was going through a box of my mother's things Saturday and just happened to find a book with an Independence Day theme.

Today is the perfect day to share my discovery.

My mother was given this book from the town's school district when she graduated from eighth grade on June 17,1938.

In the back are pages titled "Names of My Teachers,"Names of My Classmates," and "My School Chums."
Every person who signed the book used cursive. Sadly that wouldn't happen today, 80 years later.

What a beautiful graduation gift for the students!

Recuperation journey: Memories from 2006

Since the Ansonia High School Class of 2018 received diplomas this evening I was thinking about our daughter's graduation from AHS in 2006. 

This was the best photo we have from the evening. A rainbow appeared right after the ceremony at Nolan Field! 

I took it to mean good luck would follow Allegra into the future.

Congratulations to Seymour High School's Top 10 graduates

Congratulations to the Seymour Class of 2018 Top Ten, who were honored June 4 at the Board of Education Awards Presentation.

Pictured from left: 10. Stephanie Tabaka, 9. Camryn Avery, 8. Kaitlyn Esposito, 7. Paulina Karwowski, 6. Danielle Campbell, 5. Grace Brangwynne, 4. Martyna Galas, 3. Daniel Zygadio, 2. Anna Peel, and 1. Molly Schiffer. 101%!

*Shared from the Office of the First Selectman of Seymour's Facebook page.

Nolan Field in Ansonia site of Shelton High graduation ceremony this year

Sharing this from the Shelton Public Schools' Facebook page:

Regarding SHS 2018 Graduation:

We know this is a big change. We understand there is some disappointment, but we are committed to having a well-run, memorable high school graduation ceremony for our hardworking students. 
However, due to extensive renovations at Finn Stadium, scheduled to begin in May, our graduation ceremony will be held at Nolan Field in Ansonia. 
The date will be announced, as always, at the April BOE meeting.

Nothing is ideal about the situation, but this is a better option than doing it indoors.

The plan is to have the refurbished field ready for September. 
We ask for your understanding and flexibility. Together we can make this a positive ceremony for the students. That is our goal!

Chris Clouet, Superintendent of Schools

Seymour Middle School graduates wished all the best

Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2017 at Seymour Middle School.

Sharing from the Facebook page of Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller:

"Onward and upward..... best of luck to the 8th grade class of the Seymour Middle School."

174 graduate from Ansonia Middle School

Ansonia Middle School's top two graduates are Kendyl
Auddino, left, and Michael Szewczyk./ Submitted photo

ANSONIA - A total of 174 eighth grade students participated in a Commencement Program at Ansonia Middle School June 12 in the Richard Nicolari Auditorium. 
The program was followed by a reception for students and their families. 

Interim Principal Dr. Michael Marotto announced the top two graduates of the class: Michael Szewczyk of Team 8-East, who delivered the future history of the class, and Kendyl Auddino of Team 8-West, who gave the welcoming address. 

Michael, son of Myra and Peter Szewczyk, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society at AMS. In the community, he volunteers at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, where he helps to feed the animals, and he has helped out by cleaning the Riverwalk. Michael is a member of the Ansonia U-14 soccer team. He has also been a member of Boy Scout Troop 3 for several years and plans to actively participate in Boy Scouts until he attains the rank of Eagle Scout. Michael’s advice to next year’s eighth graders is to “work hard and enjoy middle school while it lasts.” He will be attending Ansonia High School in the fall and is interested in the finance field. 

Kendyl, daughter of Michael and Lisa Auddino, is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society at AMS. She has been a Student of the Month and was a member of the Yearbook Club. In the community, she has worked at a fundraiser for Emmett O’Brien School and volunttered for the St. Joseph’s carnival. 
She enjoys swimming, reading, painting and coloring and walking her dog, Andre. Her advice to the incoming Grade 8 class is, “Do your work and keep your grades up. Pay attention to your teachers and listen to them. At the same time, have fun. These years go by fast. Cherish the memories and friendships you make. Most important, give respect to get respect.” 

Kendyl will attend Emmett O’Brien Technical High School next year, and she is interested in becoming a pediatrician.

Other speakers during the commencement included Aiya Chahid, who led the Pledge of Allegiance; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol Merlone; and Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti. Lisa Marie Shehada announced the yearbook dedication to eighth grade social studies teacher Roger Daigle.

Eighty-five students earned gold seals for earning grades of 85 percent or higher throughout the year. An asterisk before their names indicates those students:

Anastasia Alvarez, *William Joel Amaya, *Zachary Anderson, *Colin Arnold, Iyona Makayla Arocho, *Kendyl Nicole Auddino, Zachary Baillargeon, Martina Lynn Beattie, *Eric Belko, Jacob M. Belko, Christopher Belko, Kyle Berger, *Reign Ayanna Bernard, *Rodney A. Betances, *Jahzara K. Bey, *Matthew John Blackwell, *Anastazia Maria Bogen, *Andrew John Bosworth, *Nickolas Lee Boutwell, Alandaisa E. Boyd, Alandrea Boyd, Jamesyn Brothers, Rodrick Brown, Justice Kiyree Bryant, Tyler Buck, *Dorjana Bujaj, De'Vonne Rasheed Callands, *Aiya Meryam Chahid, *Jonathan William Cibulsky, Micaiah Isaiah Clinton, *Nate Collazo, Eddie D. Colon, Michael Alexander Contreras, *Hailey Nicole Cook, Jordan Credle, Brandon S. Cromwell, Jr., Karitzia Cruz. 

Kaniya Aniesse Dangerfield, Justin Steven Davis, *Angelis Cristina DeJesus, Mya Deprofio, * Amelia Rose Dias, Jeremy A. Diaz, Johnny A. Diaz, *Anthony Thomas DiBlasi, *Remo Pasquale DiLorenzo, Nicholas DiPalma, *Madison Elizabeth Dirgo, Javon Edmund Dojnia, *Jake Daniel Douglas, Javaughn D. Douglas, Dalton Durkin, Stephany Espinal Jimenez, Ayala Sana Espinet, Da'Siah Fagan, Dante James Fazio, Matthew Robert Feliciano, *Krystalee Fernandez, *George Fischer, Jr., Leshay Monique Flowers, Kevin Flynn, Deondre Foggie, *Julia Katherine Fraulo. 

*Emily Eileen Garofalo, Jamel Gause, *Victoria Ellen Gavin, James Gillison, *Gabriella Gjoni, *Halie Elizabeth Gliford, *Joseph Gokey, *Omar Alexander Gonzalez, *Isra Hanaif, *Shania Monet Hankins, Shawne Maurice Hayes, *Amaya Nadine Hernandez, *Hector Luis Hernandez, *Moises Hernandez, Jr., *Kennedy Jordan Hopkins, *Marques Ethen James, *Isabella Januario, *Shanelle Cheila Jimenez, Jalen Julius Johnson, *Abagail Rylee' Kabat, *Dylan J. Keefe, *Gregory Kwalek, Erica Lynn Kyttle, *Savanah Marie Lake, Isaiah Landrau, *Angelina Ann LaRiviere-Gambino, *Linh Phuong Le, Christian LeFrancois, Jonnell Lindsay, Scarlett Haily Lockwood, *Katherine Mishelle Lopez, *Alison Destiny Lopez. 

*Angela Marie Luna Mejia, *Fernanda Macias, Mikayla Mackey, Abigail Magarin, *Nicholas Alexander Maielli, *Jenna Malino, Daries J. Manigo, Jayden Robert Marganski, *Ashley Ana Marquez, Luz Nayelli Martinez, Nicholas J. Martinez, *Jacknell Aly Matos, Keivon G. McCoy, *Sean Padraic McDermott, *Katlyn P. Mehlinger, Ja'Ceri Cor'Shawn Miller, Jasmine Arielle Moore-Coverson, *Erik Jeremiah Mota, Myriam Mynti, Christopher J. Negron Lopez, Norris A. Nelson, Cristopher Nunez, Michael David O'Neill, *Axavier Pagan, Gabriella Gilda Palumbo, *Justin Parks, *Tessa I. Peluso, Danny Perez, *Jonathan Perez, *Addison Phillips, *Joshua Andrei Fuentes Pintacasi, Jordin Jaseph Pisanelli, Giustino Pizzola, Talya Rose Porretti, *Kristo A. Praseutsack. 

*Tre' Antonio Ragin, *Gabriel Immanuel Rico, Ada Rivera, *Nathalie Rose Rivera, *Juan Rivera, Chicago Roberts Rivers, Jr., *Lillian Paige Romanowski, *Thomas Rowland, *Joseph E. Rykowski, Jayda Rose Sanchez, Troy Sanders, Hector Manuel Santiago, Tyler Gabriel Shaw-Cousins, *Christopher Joseph Sheehy, *Lisa Marie Shehada, Nicolas Alejandro Silva, Jeremy Robert E Smith, Zuhaily Raquel Soto, *Lindsey Stolze, Tyler A. Strmiska, *Michael P. Szewczyk. 

*Jacob Ryan Tackach, Noah Thomas, *Bryanna Angel Tindall, *Alivia Rose Toth, Alicia Jolene Toth-Weaver, Jayden Amir Tucker, Teyvon Tucker, *Joshua Kevin Tyler, Jayden Thomas Uhlig, Luis Antonio Vazquez, Jr., Nyasia Victoria Vega, Joshua Sergio Vega, *Ashley Nicole Velez, Xavier Velleco, *Alexis Marie Vienneau, Tywan B. Ward, Jr., *Anna Louise Waterbury, Sonkaly Weamie, Janiyah Tierra Williams, Cephus T. Williams, *Monica Wojcik, Anthony Mark Yezik, Jr., *Andrew R. Zinko.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools. 

Ansonia High School awards diplomas to 119 seniors

ANSONIA – Diplomas were awarded to 119 members of the Class of 2016 from Ansonia High School during commencement exercises June 9 at Jarvis Field. 

The graduates are as follows (one asterisk indicates students who ranked in the top 20% of the class; two asterisks after the name indicates those receiving a Diploma of Distinction): 

Shonda Alives, Ryan Michael Amato**, Jude Marie Aquila, Hernan Arroyo, Haley Christine  Arruda*, Catherine R. Ashelford, Moazzam Ashraf, Tajik Shawn Bagley, Tyler J. Bailey, Dennis C. Ballester, Rudy Beauchard, Gabrielle R. Belenchia, Serena Nicole Bellamy, Rhianna Alexis Bennett, Brandon M. Benoit, Sharaja Blake, Kevin Brien, Joseph Burgos, Michael  J. Caple*, Monique C. Cepeda, Amanda Michelle Chirsky, Johneil Francette Clarke, Daniel Constante  Falconi, Adreena  Chantel Cox, Gianna Marie Crisante, Brianna Celine Cruz, Dante D'Ambrosio, Yohanny DeLeon R., Arthur R. Delibero*, Frank F. Delibero, GianCarlos Diaz, Kayla Yolanda Duncan.

Justin Elderton, Dana Catherine Ellis, Carolina M. Espinosa, Marcos Espinosa, Samantha Joan Esposito, Emily E. Eye, Angel J. Falero, Sabrina Fitzgerald, Akire Charnay Shavonne Gaines, Deon T. Gant, Elizabeth Ann Gela, Marjeta Gjoni, Zinedine Jose Gomes-Martins, Courtney Rae Goncalo, Giovanni Hardy, Mikayla Jean Harris, Tatyannah Yvonne Alexandra Haynes, Taylor Healey*, Casey Hromjak, Anthony William Jankovsky, Imonie C. Jones, Laurel Marie Joseph, Rebecca Kardos, Deesaveit Srey Kim**, Nicholas Krajewski*, Grady T. Lawlor, Rorey Edward Lawlor*, Rahquan R. Lewis-Marrow, Dorothy Love, Rebecca Lung. 

Mercedes C. MacLellan, Matthew D. Madar**, Marlia Serena Maiolo, Ian Malaspina, Weethney Alexandria Marseille, Jacob Martinez, Tyrell M. McCall, Mary-Louise Medero, Aiyanna Jade Menna, Lewis Michael, Martin John Mikos III*, Alexandria Victoria Miller*, Aaron Minopoli, Oscar Eduardo Monteagudo, Jessica Ann Moscato*, Truc Minh Nguyen**, Zachariah Robert Noble, Cody Matthew O'Brien, Alyssa Marie Orlofsky**, Angel Tristan Ortiz, Jake A. Palmieri**, Dylan J. Pardy, Joshua K. Parks, David Perez, William Lawton Phipps*, Rebekah A. Pimenta*, Erika Marie Poremba*, Joseph Porter. 

Damisha Danea Randolph, David L. Rentas, Francisco Reyes, Michael D. Rhodes*, Armanni Rivera, Bryanna N. Robertson, Jennifer L. Robison, Victor Rodriguez, Olivia Louise Rogers, Dylan James Ruane, Sash-Shawnna Rubie, Emma Nicole-Lola Rydzy, Robert Michael Saddler, Juan C. Sandoval, Adrielle Sanon, Kurt D. Schuchmann, Klea Seferi, Eldi Shahini, Nicole G. Signore, Gary John Sirico, Thai T. Slauson, Ian Smith, Dante Solis, Michael R. Spinelli*, James Kelso Stewart IV, Lillianna Katherine Suner, Joseph B. Szewczyk**, Zachary T. Tackach, Austin J. Turecek**, Ashley Velleco*, Jared Thomas Venson, Rebecca L. Vives*, Georgette Weamie, Delaney Megan Wisniewski*, and Keith Edward Zdep Jr.

Congratulations to all the graduates and best wishes in the future!

Derby High School Class of '66 members lead '16 grads to ceremony, pen letter

* Please click on post to enlarge.





Program provided by Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway's office. 

Members of Derby High School Class of '66 to lead 2016 graduates in procession

DERBY - In keeping with Derby’s history of creating traditions, the class of 1966 will lead the class of 2016 into Ryan Field for the Derby High School graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. today.

The brainchild of Connie Condon, who is a consultant for Derby Public Schools and the wife of David Condon (Derby Class of ’66), was put on the table during a strategic planning meeting and within minutes the ball was rolling and a plan came together. 
Connie Condon stated, “Honoring Derby High School graduates who are reuniting after 50 years, by their participation in this year’s graduation ceremony, highlights the history and celebrates the future of Derby. Both the 1966 and 2016 graduates share in the Derby High School and Derby community experiences that have shaped them as people and provided a road map to their success.  They each are part of the fabric that makes Derby a very special place to live.”

The class of 1966 will be celebrating their 50th class reunion this year and it only made sense they be part of creating a new tradition of leading this year’s class in.  

In addition to leading the class in, they will meet with the class the day before graduation and talk about life in high school 50 years ago, life today and what helped them along the way.

Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway stated, “We are thrilled at the opportunity to have the class of '66 as part of our celebration and look forward to this tradition happening each and every year moving forward.  I hope to be alive to see the class of 2016 leading in the class of 2066.” 

Dave Condon, Tom Baklik, and James Balisciano have reached out to classmates attending the reunion to be held on July 30 and inquired as to their availability to be part of the graduation exercise scheduled for June 9.  The response has been terrific.  
Condon stated he expects about 40 classmates (the class of ’66 had 130 graduates) to be in attendance at the graduation and shared, “50 years after marching into Ryan Field the Class of 1966 will once again be marching. However, instead of anticipating the receipt of our diplomas we will be celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2016 as they receive theirs. Now 50 years later and with the perspective that comes with age we can reflect on the legacy we received from our years at DHS. Our advice to the Class of 2016 is to cherish this moment, look around at your friends and family and remember the lessons you learned while at DHS will last your lifetime and the legacy you carry forward will someday lead you back to this place when you will be celebrating your 50^th High School Reunion.”

Derby High School Principal Martin Pascale stated, “Derby pride will be alive and well on Thursday night, Red Raiders past, present, and future will be there to celebrate the class of 2016!”

Derby class valedictorian Charlie Sampson shared, “tradition is strong in Derby, I am happy that the class of '66 will be there to share in our accomplishment as we graduate from DHS.”

We expect this to be a great night full of tradition.

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

Valley Regional Adult Education to hold graduation in Shelton

SHELTON - The 2015 Valley Regional Adult Education graduation ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. June 3 at the Lafayette School complex, 54 Grove St.


This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Congratulations to all the graduates!

Children graduate from PCRC after-school program in Derby

A Valley Kids Belong Program participant graduates at Bradley School in Derby. /Contributed photo

DERBY - The Valley Kids Belong Program held its graduation Dec. 10 at Bradley Elementary School, where participants were awarded certificates of completion for the 15-session After School Program, a grant-funded early identification and prevention initiative.

The Valley Kids Belong After School Program is a fun and free activity that provides ways for children to build confidence. Students meet new friends and learn about making good choices that will have a positive impact in their lives. 
Participants are given the opportunity to try a new activity, involving concepts such as health, wellness, art, and music.

“I notice my child comes home a lot happier. We’ve been here for a year in town and this was something very positive that he could participate in,” said Tara Todd, mother of 7-year-old graduate Jeremiah Miller, who recently moved to Derby from Stamford. 
“I hope they offer the program again,” she said.

The program is broken up into three different categories: Self-esteem, emotional awareness and bullying. Within each category, there is a focus on problem solving, effective communication, and appropriate interpersonal interactions. 
In addition to social and emotional skills, three different activities, aimed to increase self-esteem and confidence, were part of the weekly program. Once a week, the students participated in Zumba, Judo, and team-building games.

This program is different from past Valley Kids Belong Programs, now allowing 30-40 minutes of homework and quiet reading time, prior to the beginning of the formal programming.  “We received positive feedback from parents, students, and school staff regarding their experience,” said Program Director, Desirée Caporaso.

PCRC was awarded a Connecticut Health Foundation Children’s Mental Health Grant for the purpose of implementing a community-based system of early identification and intervention over five years. 
Now in its final year of funding, Valley Kids Belong continues to seek resources to continue its renowned variety of programs.

“Over the past four years, Valley Kids Belong has had an excellent record of helping children develop social and emotional skills that will help them for a lifetime, at home, in school and at work,” said Michael J. Wynne, Chief Executive Officer at PCRC.

Positive feedback from parents
VKB works closely with the school systems to determine qualifications of prospective student participants in the program, involving all who are connected with the students, including parents, teachers and counselors.

“We could not have a better partner than Valley Kids Belong. They always go above and beyond,” said Mario Ciccarini, Bradley School Principal. 
“We hear nothing but positive feedback from our parents.”

VKB aims to increase awareness of mental health on a larger scale. Through programming, students are able to address problem-solving issues before they progress. “Students can learn coping skills and build confidence to be able to handle social skills and decision making better.

The other part is to reduce involvement in the juvenile justice system.  While it cannot be predetermined that a child may get involved with the court system, we do know that if children are resilient, have confidence in themselves and are able to effectively problem solve, the chances of court involvement is reduced,” said Caporaso. “There’s nothing like VKB in the area – our program is all free to families.”

Valley Kids Belong offers after-school programs, summer programs, Families & Schools Together (FAST), and Triple P Positive Parenting Programs.

Valley Kids Belong is a grant-funded, collaborative project. The goal is to create change in the community that helps foster resilience in kids and families. The concept behind VKB is that kids, their families and organizations that support them can work together to promote healthier kids – mentally, emotionally, socially, and educationally. 

The program works directly with children, parents, and families to provide support in order to build social and emotional skills and to improve family and community relationships


This is a press release from PCRC, the leading provider of behavioral health services to children and families in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 
Programs, including the Child Guidance Clinic, Family Enrichment Service, Therapeutic Mentoring Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and the Prevention through Early Intervention Program, help children and their families so that they may develop to their fullest potential.