The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en
Volume 14 Number 34
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Changes in leadership mark a new beginning 2010-11 school year starts Aug. 30 for Berlin schools The Berlin public schools district is under new management. Some faces are new, some are familiar but taking on new roles. The Citizen asked each adminstrator what he or she was most looking forward to as the traditional back-to-school moment arrives. Also in this issue, learn what’s new at Berlin’s two private schools see St. Paul School page 4 and Mooreland School page 3. David B. Erwin Superintendent of Schools I am extremely pleased to be superintendent of schools here in Berlin. While I began my tenure in May, I am anxious to meet more Erwin parents, students and members of the community. I am planning on attending each school’s Open House in the fall to say hello to those in attendance. Berlin is a community committed to high quality education and I want to learn more about how we can be more helpful to students and families. I am thrilled to be working with a very strong staff of talented and hardworking professionals. I am also happy to welcome some new teachers to our Berlin school family. These newcomers replace many of our talented staff who retired or moved on after many years of distinguished service. It is also exciting to welcome many new executive level administrators to our team. I look for-
ward to working with all of them to make your child’s year the best ever. Brian Benigni Assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction Each new school year provides exciting opportunities and opens innovative possibilities as we strive together to increase student success. In my Benigni new role as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, a major focus will be to continue the development of a viable standards based common curriculum for all students and to ensure that quality instruction occurs at all levels. The institution of “Instructional Rounds” will help us in developing a common understanding and alignment of our best teaching practices. The challenges that await this year cannot be accomplished without the collaboration of outstanding administrators and teachers who invest in the process of continuous improvement and are committed to the principle that all students can achieve success. I am excited to work with our three veteran returning elementary principals, Ms. Laurie Gjerpen, Mr. Al Sousa and Mr. Sal Urso. I look forward to being immersed into the elementary school environment in which they thrive. I have had the opportunity to meet with new leaders, Dr. Scott Ratchford, Principal of McGee and Mr. Matt Harnett, Principal of Berlin High School. I am eager to work with them in moving their respective
schools to even higher levels of success and am impressed with their energy and enthusiasm! A closing thought to remember — “No one will care what you know, if they first don’t know you care.” I know that we care deeply about the Berlin public schools and the students with whom we work. My caring for the Berlin public schools is what excites me most and motivates me as we prepare to begin the 2010-2011 school year. Valentina M. Parchin, Ph.D. Director of Pupil Personnel Services With the beginning of this new school year, I am looking forward to getting to know the students of Berlin, seeing them learning in Parchin our schools as well as celebrating their academic successes and personal growth. I am eager to meet the faculty and staff members in the schools as well as parents and community members. The opportunity to become part of a whole district team that is dedicated to student learning and well-being is exciting. The dedication to students has impressed me in every school and in each teacher, specialist, administrator, paraprofessional, and support staff member I have met thus far. Matthew Harnett Principal at Berlin High School Berlin High School provides so many excellent opportunities for students, and I am excited about becoming part of this community. I am
very grateful to work in a town where there is wonderful parental support for e d u c at i o n , and where Hartnett the focus is on providing the best opportunities possible for students. I am looking forward to working with the students and staff of Berlin High School in making BHS the best it can possibly be. Dr. Scott Ratchford Principal at McGee Middle School The 2010-11 school year will be filled with new challenges and exciting new opportunities to work with fantastic teachers and students in a truly supportive community. I have felt absolutely welcomed in my first weeks in Berlin from all with whom I have met. Over these past few weeks my experience has affirmed what my research about Berlin had indicated,
that it is a tight-knit, warm place where everyone values education. Catherine McGee Middle School educates the whole child. I can’t wait to have our students back to be a part of what I know will be a positive experience for each of our young people. I look forward to seeing the light bulbs going on over the heads of students who have just come to understand an area being t a u g h t , themselves Ratchford or the world around them a little better. I look forward to seeing students break into smiles as they see me in the dunk tank at the Berlin Fair. I look forward to the sense of accomplishment and pride a student derives from working through a difficult challenge. Mostly, I look forward to the joy that comes from making
See Leadership, page 2
A special back-to school edition. Updates from all schools. Bus schedules inside.