2023 Back to School

As students soak up their final days of summer, the faint ringing of school bells seems to sound in the distance. On the horizon of every August sunset is the reminder of a new school year ahead, prompting young learners everywhere to prepare for a successful start come September.

LongtimeFair fieldCountyeducatorsrecall theircareersastheyheadintoretirement

Back to school signals new beginnings for all the students, faculty, and staff who inhabit Connecticut’s learning institutions. But for many educators in Fairfield County, this September may look a little different. As the 2022–23 school year came to a close, so too did the careers of some beloved local teachers. We spoke to a few before they fully settled into retirement to hear about what brought them to the profession, their favorite memories from their time in the classroom, as well as what’s next.

COLLEENKELTOS,DEANOF OPERATIONS,FAIRFIELDPREP

ColleenKeltosdevelopedaloveforteachingatayoung age.Asachildshe’dpretendtoteachclasseswhilewriting notesontherollingchalkboardinherparents’basement. Shewentontoreceiveherteachingcertificationfrom Fair fieldUniversity.

“InmysenioryearIdidstudentteachingattheWestport NatureCenter,whereIintroducedgrammarschoolstudentstothevariousanimalslivingthere,”Keltossaid.

“LittledidIknowthatwouldbemypreparationforteaching atFair fi eldPrep.”

DuringcollegeKeltoswasaskedtoparticipateinaPhD student’sresearchproject,whichrequiredhertotakean hours-longoraltest.ThatstudentwasformerFair fieldPrep PrincipalRobertPerrotta,whousedtojokethatKeltoswas onlyhiredlateronbecauseshescoredinthe99thpercentile ofthetest.

Inthe43yearsKeltosworkedatFair fieldPrep,shewasa summerschoolchemistryteacher,aScienceandMath departmentteacher,DirectorofComputerScienceand Technology,DeanofTechnologyandAdministrativeServices, and, finally,DeanofOperations.

“WeusedtosayIwasresponsibleforeverythingatFairfieldPrepexceptacademics,”Keltossaid.“Ihaveanabundanceofmemoriesthatbringtearstomyeyes,andthank godeverydayforallowingmetohavehadthisexperience.”

Keltosplanstowork“insomeformorfashion”nowthat she’sretired,shesaid.Whetherthat’s watchinghergrandchildren,working atanotherschool,or,perhaps,taking uparetailgig.

“Anyonewhoknowsmewould agreeIcouldgotoStaplesandsell schoolsupplies,becauseI love school supplies,”shesaid.

“Iwouldalsoliketothankthe staffandfacultyofFair fi eldPrep andFair fi eldUniversityfortheir yearsoffriendshipandsupport.”

AdobeStock

Above: After a 43-year career at Fair field Prep, Dean of Operations Colleen Keltos has retired. Right: Colleen Keltos started teaching summer school chemistry at Fair field Prep in the summer of 1980. Photos by Fair field College Preparatory School.

SacredHeartAcademyempowers youngwomentostriveeverhigherby fosteringafoundationofmoraland spiritualvalues,asenseofpurposeand responsibility,andtheconfidenceto leadwithloveandintegrity.

SHAislocatedon127acresofscenic propertyinHamden,CT.Theschoolis easilyaccessibledirectlyoffExit60on theMerrittandjustminutesfromI-95. Transportationavailablefrom Fairfield/Milford.

JOIN CLUB!

BYALYSSASEIDMAN

Althoughastudent’sstudiesareimperativetobuilda foundationforasuccessfulfuture,howtheyspend theirtime after schoolisjustasimportant.Formany childreninConnecticutandbeyond,clubs,extracurriculars,andskillscentersofferaplacewheretheycan exploretheirinterests,expressthemselves,andevolve ashumanbeings. >>

Top:AstudentshowsoffalargesquashhaulharvestedfromTheCampusFarmatTrinityPawlingSchool.Bottom:MembersofTheCampusFarmprogramatTrinity-PawlingSchoollearn howtousefarmingequipmentamongothereverydayskills.PhotosbyTrinity-PawlingSchool.

TRINITY-PAWLINGSCHOOL

Trinity-Pawlingisaboardinganddayschoolforboysin grades7-12.Inadditiontoavigorouslearningenvironment, itoffersmorethan50clubsandactivities.Oneofthoseis TheCampusFarm.

Itstartedin2011whenthenDeanofFacultyMariaReade ledanefforttobuildagreenhouseandafewraisedbedson asmallpieceoflandbehindtheschool’sdininghall.Today theone-acrefarmincludesamovablegreenhouse,asmall fruitorchard,andathree-seasonvegetablegarden.Three honeybeehiveswereaddedtothepropertyin2022.

“Manystudentsjointheprogramformorethanoneseason astheyenjoythedailychoresandworkatthefarmandjust beingoutdoors,”ProgramDirectorJoshFrostsaid.“Asthey spendtimeoutsidetheybegintoseetheinterconnectedness andcomplexityoftheecosystemsinwhichwereside,and gainaburgeoningappreciationforthenaturalworld.”

Anaveragedayonthefarmconsistsofseeding,planting andweeding,processingstorm-damagedtrees,andtending tothehoneybeehives.Studentsalsoparticipateinconstructionprojects,performmechanicalmaintenance,andlearn howtooperatetractors.

TheCampusFarmemployslow-inputfarmingtechniques likecompostingandutilizingcovercrops.Thesesustainable practicesreflectadailytopicofconversationatTrinity-Pawling,whichremindsstudentstoleavetheearthbetterthan theyfoundit.

ST.LUKE’SSCHOOL

MostoftheclubsatSt.Luke’sSchoolinNewCanaanare student-generatedandstudent-led.Duringthe2022-23 schoolyear,abouthalfthestudentbodyparticipatedinone oftheschool’s39clubs.

“Byjoiningourclubs,studentscanconnectwithothers whosharetheirinterestsandengageinproductiveand meaningfulwork,”DirectorofCommunityConnectionsKate Parker-Burgardsaid.“Clubshelpstudentsdevelopconfidenceandskills,andalsodeepentheirinterests.”

St.Luke’soffersavarietyofclubsandactivitiesthatyou won’t findatotherschools,including:BuildingforNonprofits; EyeoftheStorm;MindMatters;StormSounds;ThePendulum;andWomenInSTEMEducation(WISE).

CONTINUE CLUBS ONPAGE16

FairfieldCollege PreparatorySchool isaJesuit, Catholicschoolofexcellence,whichtransformsyoungmen to BeInnovative,BeCreative, and BeMenforOthers. Prep offersarigorousacademicprogramforboysin9ththrough 12thgrade,withanoutstandingrecordofcollegeacceptances aswellasafullslateofsportsandactivities.Inafaith-and mission-basedcommunity,ourstudentsdeveloptheir relationshipwithGodandoneanother.

Three honey bee hives were added to The Campus Farm at Trinity-Pawling School in 2022.

Photo by Trinity-Pawling School.

LosetheLag

studentstobeatthepost-summerslump

acoupleofweeks,schoolsacrossConnecticutwillbe teemingwithlife.The firstfewdaysofanewschool yearareoftenmarkedbyanticipation,excitement,and, sometimes,anxiety.

Whethertheyspentthepastthreemonthsrelaxingbythe poolortravelingaroundtheworld,childrencanfeelreluctant toreturntotheirschooltimeroutines.Butthispost-summer slumpisnomatchforlocaleducatorswhoareeagerto welcomestudentsbackintotheirclassrooms.

DAYONE

GreenwichCountryDaySchoolcreatesawarmand welcomingenvironmentforyoungerstudentsduringdrop-off onthe firstdayofclasses.Eachoneisgreetedatthe entrancebyafacultyorstaffmember,andcompletesclassworkinsmallgroupstoalleviateanyanxietyaboutreturning toschoolaftersummerbreak.

UpperSchoolstudentsreturnrefreshedandreadyto reconnectwithfriends,accordingtoAssistantHeadof SchoolJacquelineJenkins.Thepathofthenewschoolyear takesformastheymeetwiththeirteachersandadvisory groups,learnaboutopportunitiesforclubsandathletics,and becomefamiliarwiththeirupcomingcourseload.

TIPSFORPARENTS

Herearesomerecommendationsforparents astheypreparetosendtheirchildrenbackto schoolaftersummerbreak:

“Becomefamiliarwithyourchild’scurriculum,readupon theschool’sexpectations,practices,andpolicies,have schoolsuppliesreadyearly,andreinforcetheuseoftheir dailyplanners.

Ifyourchildisnotfeelingconfidentorsecureinthoseearly daysoftheacademicyear,providinganopportunityforthem toexpresstheirfeelings,listentotheirconcerns,andacknowledgethatwhattheyarefeelingisnormalisimportant inhelpingthetransition.

Makingsuretheyfeelpreparedandremindingthemthey haveeveryskilltheyneedtomovethroughthismomentwill helpcreateastrongstarttotheyear.Ifyourchild’sworries seemextreme,it’simportanttosharethoseconcernswith theirteacher.”

JacquelineJenkins GreenwichCountryDaySchool

AtSt.JosephHighSchool,newstudentslearnhow tonavigatethehalls,testtheirlockercombinations,and makeagood fi rstimpressionontheirteachersandclassmates.Thefacultyunderstandthatstudentsmaybeslow toreadjustafterafun- fi lledsummer,sotheygradually reintroduceroutineswhilereiteratingtimemanagement andorganizationalskills.

MiddleSchoolHumanitiesTeacherSarahPearlHeard,center,checkstheworkofagroupof studentsatGreenwichCountryDaySchool.PhotobyGreenwichCountryDaySchool.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

HowschoolsuseSTEAM-based learningtostokestudentsuccess

In aworldwhereinformationisavailableatthe pushofabutton,it’simportanttoknowhow toprocess,examine,andapplythatinformation inreal-worldsettings.ThisisthegoalofSTEAMbasedlearning,wherescience,technology, engineering,thearts,andmathematicsareapart ofeverysolution.

AccordingtoareportfromtheU.S.Bureauof LaborStatistics,STEAM-relatedoccupationswill showan8percentgrowthbetweennowand 2029;thatgrowthisonlyprojectedtobe3.4

percentfornon-STEAM-basedoccupations. Additionally,theannualwagesforSTEAM-based jobsareanticipatedtohit$86,980,comparedto $39,810forallotheroccupations.

InFair fieldCounty,elementary,middle,and highschoolsareprioritizingSTEAM-based learningtostokestudentsuccesswellbeyond thisschoolyear.

Think big

Asinglethoughtbeginsa journeyofexploration and canbethesourceforignitingpassions,inspiring others,ormakinganimpact.

MARYMALONEY,PRESIDENT, IMMACULATEHIGHSCHOOL

Whileworkingwithspecialeducationstudentsin MontgomeryCounty,Md.,MaryMaloney“fellinlovewith seeingstudents fl ourish,”shesaid.Afteracareer representingnonprofits,shereceivedherEnglishteacher certificationin1995.

MaloneyhastaughtESLinParis,tutoredinTokyo,and grades5-8atSt.RoseofLimainNewtown;shelaterbecame theschool’sprincipal.Duringthistimeshewasaskedto serveontheAdvisoryBoardat ImmaculateHighSchool,whereshe chairedtheEnrollmentCommittee.

“Theboardwasdynamicand hadanamazingvisionforthe futureoftheschool,”Maloney recalled.“Iwasaskedtoserveas theschool’spresidentbythe superintendentandIaccepted.”

AsImmaculate’spresident,Maloneyprovidedtheleadershipnecessarytoimplementthemission,vision,andstrategic plansoftheschool.Thishelpedguaranteethateverystudent hadan“exemplary”college-prepexperience,shesaid.

Maloney’sfondestmemoriesfromherteachingcareer includedrummingupfuninhermiddleschoolclasses,reading“TheHobbit,”andwritingpoetry.Herretirementplans includevolunteeringforlocalcommunityorganizationsto helpthelessfortunate,spendingtimewithherhusband, children,andgrandchildren,and,possibly,writingabook.

“Iwouldliketothankmyfamilyfortheirendless supportandunderstanding,andtoallthosewhoIhave hadtheprivilegeofcollaboratingwithtomakeadifference incultivatingandfosteringstudentstobethebestversion ofthemselves,”Maloneysaid.“Iwouldalsoliketothankour clergy,especiallyMonsignorWeiss,fortheirguidanceand unwaveringdedicationtoCatholicschooleducation.”

SUPPORT SERVICESFOR YOUNGADULTS WITHMENTAL HEALTHCONDITIONS

RecoveryIsPossiblewithSupport- Ifit’stimetothinkabout supportiveservicestohelpayoungadultgetbackontrackin school,work,andthecommunity,LaurelHouse,Inc.,thesponsor ofwww.rtor.org,providespersonalized,evidence-basedprograms thathelpyoungadultsdevelopskillsandstrategiestolead fulfillinglives.

SUPPORTISAVAILABLEON-SITEINSTAMFORD,CT& VIRTUALLYTHROUGHOUTFAIRFIELDCOUNTY

"Iwouldliketothankmyfamily fortheirendlesssupportandunderstanding."

LaurelHouse’sSupportedEducationCounselorscanmeet withstudentsonschoolcampusesoratourStamford ResourceCenter.

Whatwillyourpathlooklikefromhereto highereducation?Howwillyoumakethe mostofyourhighschoolyears?Whatwill youdiscoveraboutyourself,yourpassions, yourpotential?Whowillyouimpactalong theway?

AtSt.JosephHighSchool,wehelpyoung menandwomenmakethemostoftheirhigh schoolexperience.That’swhywesayour studentsare OnAMissionForMore.More challenges.Morecelebrations.Moreunique experiences.Moreopportunitiestoserve theircommunity.

VisitSt.Joesanddiscoveryourmission formore!

DR.ROBERTMARINO&LISACELLINI, FACULTY,ST.JOSEPHHIGHSCHOOL

OnJune13,St.JosephHighSchoolheldanend-of-theyearpicnicforfacultyandstaff.Duringthatcelebration,it honoredthosewhowereretiringfromtheSt.Joe’scommunity. Twooftheretirees,Dr.RobertMarinoandLisaCellini,said goodbyetoteachingaftermorethan20years.

CellinigraduatedfromSt.Joe’sin1976,butreturnedin 1999toteachscience.Shetaughtmanycoursesoverthe years,includingbiology,genetics,microbiology,biotechnology, andearthscience.Outsidetheclassroomsheservedonthe FacultySenate,asSJEApresident,ScienceClubmoderator, NHSmoderator,andasavarsitycheerleadingcoach.

InaSJYearbookDedication excerpt,Cellinisaidspendingtime withallofherstudentsindifferent capacitiestrulyenrichedherlife. Shewillmissherdailyinteractions withthem,andhowtheykepther onhertoes.

MarinostartedworkingatSt.Joe’sin2002,andquicklybecameafavoriteamongthestudentbody.Inadditionto teachingearthscience,anatomy,andchemistry,heservedas DeanofStudentsfrom2006-2008,andJuniorClassModeratorforStudentCouncil.

InaSJYearbookDedication excerpt,Marinosaidheenjoyed attendingclasstripssincehecould gettoknowstudentsoutsideofthe confinesofacademiclife.Headded thathisfavoritememoriesareall theinteractionshe’ssharedwith Cadetsovertheyears. {}

TopRight:Cellinitaughtmanysciencecourses,includingbiology, genetics,microbiology,biotechnology,andearthscience.InsetRight: LisaCellini(Classof1976)recentlyretiredfromSt.JosephHighSchool after24years.TopLeft:Dr.RobertMarinorecentlyretiredfromSt. JosephHighSchoolafter21years.InsetLeft:Marinostartedworking atSt.Joe’sin2002,andquicklybecameastudentfavoriteduringhis 20yearsofteaching.PhotosbySt.JosephHighSchool

“Iwouldn’thavechanged aminuteofmytimeatSJ.

(It)willforeverbeapart ofthefabricofmylife.”

“Sayingfarewellisnevereasy, butthetimeswe’veshared togetherwillbetreasured.”

THEHARVEYSCHOOL

WhilemanyschoolsteachthesubjectsofSTEAMin isolation,Harvey’sprogramcreatesasymbioticrelationshipamongthem.Thisfostersanenvironmentthat encouragescross-disciplinarythinkingwithinstudents, DirectorofAdmissionsWilliamMenasaid.

“Our art and design courses incorporate elements of technology and engineering, which teach students to use digital tools and techniques for creative problem-solving,” he added. “Our hands-on curriculum allows students to then apply this theoretical knowledge in practical situations using resources like 3D printers, robotics kits, and computer-aided design software.”

EachcourseatHarveyincludeselementsthattie directlyintoSTEAM-basedcareers.Itscomputerscienceclassesintroducestudentstocodinglanguages andconceptsusedinsoftwaredevelopment;itsengineeringmodulesofferinsightsintomechanicaland electricalengineeringprinciples;anditsartsprogram encouragesdigitaldesignandmultimediaproduction.

Outsidetheclassroom,studentscanengageina rangeofextracurricularactivitieslikeroboticsand codingcompetitionsaswellastheSeniorBridge program.Here,studentsusedesignthinkingtodevelop andmaintainanactionplanthatmeetstheacademic andpersonalchallengesinherentinbothsenioryear andthetransitiontocollege.

“Ourgoalistofosteraloveoflearningandasense ofcuriositythatstayswithourstudentslongafterthey haveleftourclassrooms,”Menasaid.“Wearecommittedtopreparingourstudentsforthefutureand equippingthemwiththeskillsandknowledgethey needtobecometomorrow’sinnovators,leaders,and problem-solvers.”

SCHOOLHOUSEACADEMY

SchoolhouseAcademywillopenattheformerOur LadyofFatimaCatholicAcademyinWiltonnextfall. Thecurriculumwillconsistofproject-basedlearning withaSTEMfocus,Co-FounderCarloSchiattarellasaid.

“We’re going to be using more advanced technology than you’d see in a typical school,” he added.

Co-Founder&COOAndrewMcLaughlinsaidthe curriculumwillalsoincorporateelementsofartand

music.Heinvitedinterestedfamiliestoattendanopen housetolearnmore.

“Weprovideahighlevelofeducationatanaffordable price,”McLaughlinadded.“GetyourapplicationsinASAP. Spotsare fillingup,andweonlyhave250available.”

Theschooliscurrentlyacceptingapplicationsfor childreninpre-Kthrougheighthgrade.

Visit www.schoolhouseacademy.net for moreinformation.

ADAMJ.LEWISACADEMY

AdamJ.LewisAcademyinBridgeportalsoprioritizes STEAM-basedlearning.

Inmathematics,studentsengageinlearningthat givesthemanopportunitytoexploremathematical conceptsandapplytheminengaging,gamifiedmodules.They’realsoencouragedtoengageindiscourse withotherstudents,whichenablesthemtopractice speakingandlistening—twostrandsthatwillimpact theminallaspectsoflife,aschoolrepresentativesaid.

Anotherimportantaspectoftheelementaryprogramisitsfocusonexperiential,hands-onlearning. Classroomteachersworkcloselywithspecialarea teacherstobringlearningtolifeinamulti-modal approachthatincorporatestheartsandsciences. {}

STEAM FROMPAGE8

“Webelievethatcultivating aloveoflearningandigniting curiositywillsupportstudents incontinuingonapathof questioning,wondering,and wantingtodiscovermoreabout themselvesandtheirworlds.”

Throughitsuniqueafter-schoolofferings,StLuke’sstudentswereabletoorganizeaweek-longSummerInstitute forUkrainianrefugeechildren(TheHumanRightsClub); deliverfood,clothing,andtoiletriestodozensofpeople experiencinghomelessnessinNewYorkCity(TheMidnight RunClub);andraisemoneyforInspiricainStamfordviaa walkathon(TheServiceBoard).

Theschoolalsohasahalfdozenaffinitygroups,which provideunderrepresentedstudentssocial-emotionalsupport inspaceswheretheycanfeeleasilyunderstood.

“Somestudentsinpredominantlywhiteorotherwisehomogeneousschoolsarelookingtoconnectwith peoplewhocaneasilyrelatetotheirownexperiences basedonsharedculture,ethnicity,genderidentity, orrace,”DirectorofEquity&InclusionJacquelineNelson said.“AtSt.Luke’s,affinitygroupsaredesigned tofosterbelonging,andaffirmthelivedrealitiesof ourstudents.”

Affinitygroupsareopentostudentswhoself-identifyas Asian,Black,Hispanic/Latinx,and/orJewish.Thereisalsoa Gender&SexualityAllianceandaChristianfaith-based groupcalledFOCUS.

EAGLEHILLSCHOOL

EagleHillSchoolinGreenwichisanindependent,co-educationaldayand five-dayboardingschoolforstudentswith language-basedlearningdifferences.Itsafternoonprogram offersclub-styleactivitiesforallstudents,aswellasintramuralsportsforlowerschoolstudents.

“Allofouractivitiesarecoached,run,orproctoredbyour teachingstaff,”CommunicationsManagerMariaConforti said.“Theyoftenoffercomputercoding,robotics,chess, musicaltheater,digitalphotography,moviereviewclub,art, crafts,sewing,andLegos.” >>

Fosterbelongingandaf fi rmlivedrealities.

Right:BuildingforNonprofitsteachesstudentsthevaluableskillsofcollaborationandwoodworkingwhilebenefitingnonprofitorganizationsthatworktoimprovethegreatercommunity. Someoftheprojectsincludebuildingbenches,birdhouses,desks,andshelvingforareanonprofits.Left:St.Luke’sChessClub,whichseekstoempowerpeople,enrichlives,andenhance communitiesthroughchess,createdextraordinaryenthusiasmaroundplayingchess.Itisoneofthelargestandmostactiveclubsoncampus.PhotosbySt.Luke’sSchool.

WHERE STUDENTSBECOME THEIRBEST SELVES. Grades6–12with5-dayboardingfor9–12inKatonah,NY harveyschool.org/admissions

Confortinotedthatoneofthedigitalphotography classesproducedEagleHill’scurrentschoolcalendarusing photosthatthosestudentstook.While100percentof thestudentbodyparticipatesintheafternoonprogram, roughlyhalfparticipateina“non-physicalclub-style activity,”shesaid.

“Theimportanceofparticipatinginanyofournon-physical offeringsistwo-fold,”Confortiadded.“First,theygetto explorenewareasofinterestandexpandtheirislandsof competencyastheydevelopnewskills.Second,theygetto developnewfriendshipsandpracticesocialskillsinasetting thatdiffersfromtheirregularclassroomexperience.”

THEHANGOUTSPOT

InNorwalk,TheHangoutSpotoffersyounglearnersa placetointeractwiththeirpeersbeyondschoolgrounds.As Connecticut’sonlysocialskillscenter,itfacilitatesreal-world developmentalopportunitiesthatempowerstudentstobe sociallysuccessful.

Learnersfallintooneoftwocohorts:ThePlaySpace, whichprovidesplay-basedsocialservicesforchildrenages 1–4;andTheHangoutSpot,whichofferssocialskillsdevelopmentalgroupsforchildrenage5toyoungadult.

TheHangoutSpotemploysuniquescience-backedapproachesthatareproventohelplearnerseliminatebarriers tofriendship,accordingtoCo-Founder&CEOMeghan Perazella.Themostimportantoutcomeattributabletothe center’sofferingsiscreatingapathwayforlearnerstofeel lessisolated,moreconnectedto,andinsyncwiththeworld aroundthem,shesaid.

“BycomingtoTheHangoutSpot,everychildgetsthe chancetobeapartofsomethingbigger,andgainthe skillsandconfidencetheyneedtosucceedsociallyand findtheirplaceintheworld,”Perazellaadded.“We’ve createdasafeenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelssecure andempoweredtoputthemselvesforwardandleaninto makingnewconnections.”

TheHangoutSpotislocatedat124EastAve.(#1)in Norwalk.Formoreinformation,call203-354-9257orvisit www.thehangoutspotllc.com {}

"We'vecreatedasafeenvironmentwhereeveryone feelssecureandempoweredtoputthemselvesforward andleanintomakingnewconnections."

“Forthe2023-24schoolyear,Ilookforwardto takingmyeducationtoanewlevelwiththe captivatingelectivesofferedtotwelfthgraders,and

MAKINGNEWMEMORIES

withmyclassmatesandteachers.Althoughitwill besad,Iamalsolookingforwardtotaking advantageofallthe‘lasts’ahead,andappreciating allSt.Luke’shasdoneformeandmypeers.”

CharlieLukens St.Luke’sSchool,Classof2024

ìIímveryexcitedtobeasophomorethiscomingscho o lyear. Iímmostlo o kingforwardtome e tingmynewteachers,beingin Advisory,andget t ingtoplayicehockey,cros s country,andgolf.

ILOVEST.LUKEíS, ANDITMAKESMEHAP P Y TOBEONCAMPUS.

Thisiswhatgoingbacktoscho o latSLSmeanstome: ëSuc c es s isnoac c ident.Itishardwork,perseverance, learning,studying,sacrifice,andmostofal l ,love ofwhatyouaredoingorlearningtodo.íóPelÈ"

AnnabelDrapkin St.Luke’sSchool,Classof2026

RUMSEY HALL SCHOOL

Webelievein kindness,honesty,andrespect. Weinspirethe couragetosucceed bynurturinggenuineeffort.

Photo by St. Luke’s School.

Photo by St. Luke’s School.

Anindependentjuniorboarding(5–9) anddayschool(Pre-K–9)inWashington,CT

Takea 360o tourofourcampusatrumseyhall.org

“INTHEUPCOMINGSCHOOLYEAR,IAMEAGERTODEEPEN THERELATIONSHIPSI’VEFORMEDWITHMYFELLOWATHLETES, TEACHERS,ANDSTAFFATSJ.THESERELATIONSHIPS AREHELPINGMETOPREPAREFORMYFUTUREENDEAVORS INCOLLEGEANDBEYOND.

TroyMaxwell St.JosephHighSchool,Classof2024

Photo by The Harvey School.

TradeSecrets

B

acktoschoolmeansbacktothebooksforstudentsofall ages.ButforsomehighschoolersinCT,classesinvolve muchmorethanreading,writing,andarithmetic.

TheConnecticutTechnicalEducationandCareerSystem (CTECS)consistsof17diploma-grantingtechnicalhigh schoolsandatechnicaleducationcenter.Thesystemservicesmorethan10,000full-timestudentswithcomprehensiveeducationandtrainingacross38occupationalareas Sincesomehighschoolseniorschoosenottoattend college,careerandtechnicaleducationandworkforce developmentprogramsareinvaluableinexpandingtheir opportunitiespost-graduation.Arecentarticlefromthe NationalGovernorsAssociationevenincludeditasatop educationtrendfor2023.

Thisyear,atleast31U.S.governorsmentionedcareer andtechnicaleducationandworkforcedevelopmentin

respectivestatewideaddresses—includingConnecticut Gov.NedLamont:“Let’sgetthemlovingtolearnagain,with apprenticeandcareeropportunitiestoputthemonthepath tosuccess.”

ThisarticletakesacloserlookattheschoolswithinCTECS tohelpyouandyourchilddecideifamorevocationaleducationisrightforthem.

BULLARD-HAVENSTECHNICALHIGHSCHOOL

Bullard-Havensservicesapproximately800studentsin grades9-12.Throughouttheyeartheylearnhigh-demand technicalskills,takecollege-prepclasses,andlearnand developcareerandemployabilityskills,accordingtothe school’swebsite. >>

Bullard-Havensoffers13differentcareerandtechnical educationprogramsconductedoverthecourseofthreeand ahalfyears.Theschool’s“careerclusters”are:architecture, automotivetechnology,carpentry,criminaljusticeand protectiveservices,culinaryarts,electrical,graphicdesign, hairdressingandcosmetology,healthtechnology,informationtechnology,masonry,plumbingandheating,andprecisionmachiningtechnology.

Bullard-Havensislocatedat500PalisadeAve.inBridgeport.Formoreinformationortoapply,call203-579-6333or visit www.bullard-havens.cttech.org

HENRYABBOTT TECHNICALHIGHSCHOOL

HenryAbbottservicesmorethan700studentsfrom18 differenttowns.Theschoolunderwentmajorrenovationsin 2007,whichcreatednew,state-of-the-artshopfacilities, computerlabs,andclassrooms,accordingtoitswebsite.

HenryAbbottoffers12careerandtechnicaleducation programs,whicharealsoconductedoverthecourseofthree andahalfyears.Upongraduation,studentsreceiveacertificateofcompletionfromtheirchosentrade.

Thecareerofferingsare:automotivecollisionrepairand refinishing,automotivetechnology,carpentry,culinaryarts, electrical,graphicdesign,hairdressingandcosmetology, healthtechnology,heating,ventilation,andairconditioning (HVAC),mechanicaldesignandengineeringtechnology, plumbingandheating,andprecisionmachiningtechnology.

HenryAbbottislocatedat21HayestownAve.inDanbury. Formoreinformationortoapply,call203-797-4460orvisit www.abbott.cttech.org

J.M.WRIGHTTECHNICALHIGHSCHOOL

J.M.Wrightacceptshighschoolstudentsfromeighttowns andoffersninecareertechnicaleducationprograms.These, too,areconductedoverthecourseofthreeandahalfyears.

J.M.Wright’s“careerclusters”are:automotivetechnology, carpentry,culinaryarts,digitalmedia,electrical,health technology,heating,ventilation,andairconditioning(HVAC), informationtechnology,plumbingandheating,andtourism, hospitality,andguestservicesmanagement.

J.M.Wrightislocatedat120BridgeSt.inStamford.For moreinformationortoapply,call203-324-7363orvisit www.wright.cttech.org

PLATTTECHNICALHIGHSCHOOL

PlattTechnicalhasbeenaleaderinConnecticut’stechnicaleducationsystemforover100years.Itsfacultyfacilitate ahands-onapproachtoeducationacross14differentcareer andtechnicaleducationprograms.

Platt’s“careerclusters”arealsoconductedoverthecourse ofthreeandahalfyearsandincludethefollowingareasof study:architecture,automotivecollisionrepairandrefinishing, automotivetechnology,carpentry,culinaryarts,electrical, hairdressingandcosmetology,heating,ventilation,andair conditioning(HVAC),informationtechnology,mechatronics, plumbingandheating,andprecisionmachiningtechnology.

PlattTechnicalislocatedat600OrangeAve.inMilford. Formoreinformationortoapply,call203-783-5300orvisit www.platt.cttech.org

ForafulllistofinstitutionsundertheumbrellaofCTECS, visit www.cttech.org {}

MikeDeLuca Publisher

AshleySanderson SpecialSectionsDesigner

Alyssa Seidman Marketing Content Writer

ADVERTISINGINFORMATION: 203-330-6238

301MERRITT7,FLOOR1,NORWALK,CT06851

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PrivateOne-On-OneTutoring

MyTutorandMehasservedlowerFairfield Countysince2002

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“Inthe2023-24schoolyear,I’mmostlooking forwardtomakingnewmemoriesandcherishing oldonesasIcompletemylastyearofhighschool. I’meagertodivebackintomystudiesand continue ourschoolwidetraditions.Mostimportantly,

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createstudygroups,andhangoutinourMedia Center.Iamgratefultoattendafantastic highschoolandcannotwaittorepresentmany ofourclubssuchasItalian,Amaranth,Student Ambassadors,andourveryownstudent-ledcafé, CupO’Joe!”

IsabellaJakab St.JosephHighSchool,Classof2024

SUZUKIMUSIC SCHOOLS W ESTPO RTO RA N GE

• Beforeandafterschool speechandlanguage therapyisavailable

• Playgroupswithastrong speechandlanguage therapybase

• SaturdayandSunday speechtherapysessionsareavailable(ages5-22)

• Fluencydrillprogrammingdesignedforin-school andat-homeprograms

• Transitionalcurriculum/vocationalprogramming designedforolderstudents

Learnmoreatthespeechacademy.org

for

• Expert Teachers

• Small Classes

• Personalized Education Program Integrated Language Services

LEARNING. TRANSFORMED. eaglehillschool.org

(203) 622-9240

Best ServicesEver

Toprovideeducationalandbehavioral servicesthatwillenhancealldiverse learnersinordertopromoteself-efficient lifelonglearners.

Our Services Mentoring Tutoring Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Why ChooseUs ContactUs

I’MEXCITEDTOSEE MYFRIENDSAGAIN,

Photo bySt. Joseph High School.

“ASARISINGJUNIOR,WHATI’MMOSTLOOKING FORWARDTOINTHE2023-24SCHOOLYEAR ARETHEJUNIORACTIVITIESANDTRADITIONS (LIKETHEJUNIORRINGDANCE)THAT

HELPOURCLASS BECOMECLOSER.

I’MALSOLOOKINGFORWARDTO THEOPPORTUNITYTOMAKENEW MEMORIESWITHMYFELLOWSJ CADETS,TEACHERS,ANDMENTORS.”

ZoeMcLean St.JosephHighSchool,Classof2024

ìAsarisingsenior,Iammostlo o king forwardto,yetalit t lesentimental about,experiencingal l thetraditions thatmakeourscho o luniqueonelast time.Iknowthatmype e rsandIwil l

MAKEMANY UNFORGET T ABLE MEMORIES andcherisheverymoment wehavetogether.î

AmeliaVail WoosterSchool,Classof2024

S TRENG TH IN NUMBERS

Withourfocusoninspiringexcellence, SacredH eartGreenwichstudentsgrowinto womenofinfluence,readytothriveinarapidly changing world.

Weapplaudtheinnovativeworkofourgraduates currentlypursuingSTEMcareersattop-tieruniversities.

Wetransformtheworld,onegirlatatime. Findyourfuturewithus.

Photo by Wooster School.

Photo by St. JosephHigh School.

“Ourteacherscreateengaginglessonplansthatease studentsbackintotheacademic flow,”FreshmanClass ModeratorMarciaArnesonsaid.“Thesealsoallowforsome funandinteractiveactivities,whichreignitetheirenthusiasm forlearning.”

WoosterSchoolhasanadjustedscheduleonopeningday togivestudentsmoretimetogettoknowtheirnewschedules.TheStudentLifeteamalsohostsawelcomemeeting thatreviewsexpectationsfortheyearahead,getsstudents toengageinactivitieswiththeiradvisorygroups,andintroducesthemtoanynewprograms.

Sinceagreatpercentageoftheninth-gradeclassisoften newtoWooster,theyparticipateinintroductoryicebreaker activities,“morethorough”campustours,andopportunities tomeettheirnewteachers,DirectorofDivisionsDiane Martinsaid.

“Itissoimportantforstudentstofeelliketheybelong,and gettoknowthepeoplewhowillhelpthemlearn,”sheadded.

TIPSFORPARENTS

“Establishaconsistentroutine:Itiscrucialtosetregular sleepandwake-uptimestoensureyourchildreceives adequaterestandispreparedforschool.Consistencyin dailyroutinesfostersasenseofsecurityandpreparedness. Thiscanentailimplementingadesignatedtimefordigital devicessuchasphones,iPads,laptops,andTVstobe switchedoff.

Planaheadfortheday:Dedicatetimeeacheveningto planforthefollowingday.Thisincludesreviewingschedules,selectingappropriateattire,preparingschooland sportsbags,andorganizingpackedlunches.Havinga planinplacethenightbeforemakesthemorningrush muchmoremanageable.

Establishatimemanagementsystemforbalancedactivities:Encourageahealthybalancebetweenacademic

pursuitsandotheractivities.Motivateyourchildtoengage inextracurricularactivities,hobbies,andphysicalexercise topromoteholisticdevelopment.Developafeasible schedulethatincludesdesignatedtimeforhomeworkand dailyreview.

Cultivateaconducivelearningenvironment:Designatea specificstudyareaathomethatisfreefromdistractions. Ensureyourchildhasaccesstonecessarylearningmaterials, suchasbooks,supplies,andaquietspacetoconcentrate.

Instillperseveranceandawarenessofschoolresources:A newschoolyearoftenpresentsnewchallenges.Encourage yourchildtoembracedifficultieswithagrowthmindset. Familiarizeyourselfwiththeresourcesavailableatyour child’sschool,suchastutors,counselors,andsocialworkers, ensuringyourchildknowshowtoaccessthemwhenneeded.”

"...af fi andafnitygroupsaredesignedtofosterbelonging, fi rmthelivedrealitiesofourstudents."

WEEKONE

Whenitcomestoreacclimatingstudentstotheirschooltimeschedulesfollowingsummerbreak,theguidanceof teachersiscrucialinsettingthetonefortherestoftheyear.

“Ourteachersstrivetostrikeabalancebetweeneasing studentsbackinwhilemaintaininghighexpectationsforthe yearahead,”Jenkinssaid.“Beforeschoolstarts,wehold orientationdaysforallstudentswhoarenewtotheschoolor newtoadivision.”

“DuringthemonthofAugust,St.Joe’soffersnineelective, for-creditcoursesandafreshmanstudentonboarding programshouldtheywanttobegintheschoolyearearly,” Arnesonsaid.“Inadditiontocommunityservicedaysand athleticconditioningoncampus,theseprogramshelp studentseasebackintoapredictableacademicroutine.”

“Ourteamstructurelendsitselftoanopeningweekthatis nimbleandabletomeetstudentswheretheyareeachday,”

TIPSFORPARENTS

“Helpthemgetagoodroutineandsetofsystemsin place:Whenandwherewilltheyworkathome? Whatdoestheirmorningroutinelooklike:wakeup, breakfast,busorcar?Makesuretheyhave everythingpackedandreadytogothenight before,especiallyachargedlaptop.

Wherecanthey findandtrackwhatworkthey needtodo,andhowwilltheykeeptrackofwhat theyhave finished?Dotheyhaveallthematerials theyneed,andwhereistheirschoolschedule writtensotheyknowwheretogo?”

DianeMartin WoosterSchool

Martinsaid.“Thisincludesre-introducingandreviewing neededstructures,learnerbehaviors,anddetermining contentneeds.”

PROGRAMFUN

Sincethe fi rstfewweeksofschoolcanbeintimidatingtosome,theinstitutionsplananarrayoffun programsandactivitiesthatencouragestudentstoget excitedaboutallthelearningtocomeinthenew academicyear.

StudentsatGCDSattend fieldtripsandtakepartin variousteam-buildingactivitiestobuildasenseof belongingaswellasnewfoundfriendships.Theschool’s advisoryprogramgiveselementaryandmiddleschool studentsachancetocheckinwiththeirteachersand peersandplanforthedayahead.

St.Joe’salsofacilitatesteam-buildingexercises, groupprojects,andinteractivediscussionsduringthe fi rstfewweeksofschool.Cadetsareinvitedtoattend specialeventsandworkshopsintheStudentAcademic Center,whichofferstudyskillsandresourcestoacceleratetheirsuccess.

Wooster’scommunity-wideOlympicskickstheyear intoahighgear,wherestudentsandteachersparticipate infungamesthattesttheircollaborationskills.

“Asthenewschoolyearbegins,it’simportantto rememberthatthelearningjourneyisapartnership betweeneducators,parents,andstudents,”Arnesonsaid. “Byworkingtogether,wecancreateanenvironmentthat helpsstudentsovercomeanylearninglagtheymay experienceaftersummerbreak.” {}

betweeneducators,parents,andstudents."

EASTONCOUNTRY DAYSCHOOL

PRIVATEEDUCATION

FORGRADESPRE-KINDERGARTEN–12 660MorehouseRoad,Easton,CT06612

ECDSusesitssmallsizeanduniqueapproachtoensure eachchildnotonlyachievesacademicexcellence inacaringenvironment,butalsolearnsthoseskills necessarytobeacaringandresponsiblecitizen. Webuildarelationshipwitheachchild.ECDSoffers rigorousindividualizedacademics,whileencouraging accomplishmentandresponsibility.

Oursmall,friendly,highschoolprovidesahighly personalizedenvironmentwherestudentsachieve successattheirownpace,fromtutoringtocollege creditcourses.

ACADEMICEXCELLENCESMALLCLASSES HANDS-ON,INTERACTIVELEARNING Programmingforthehighlygiftedalsoavailable!

Wenurturecaring,accomplished,responsiblechildren!

Callforinformationoranappointment- 203-268-5530

"...thelearningjourneyisapartnership

Followingthe firstweekofclasses,WoosterSchoolholdsaschoolwide Convocation.Here,students,faculty,andstaffdressinformalattire,signaling thecelebrationandimportanceofthestartofthenewschoolyear.Photoby WoosterSchool.

MARCIAARNESON,FRESHMANCLASSMODERATOR,ST.JOSEPHHIGHSCHOOL

ST E P

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