On November 6, 2024 the Waterford Public Schools community had the honor of celebrating the naming of the Clark Lane Middle School Atrium as the D. Harold Goldberg Atrium. Mr. Goldberg was a dedicated administrator who served the Waterford community for over 35 years, beginning his tenure at Waterford High School in 1957 and transitioning to the Principal of Clark Lane Middle School in 1964 were he remained for 28 years. Along with his incredible leadership at Clark Lane, Mr. Goldberg was also awarded the Connecticut Principal of the Year by the National Association for Secondary School Principals in 1988 and he also received the Unsung Hero award from the Connecticut Special Olympics for his work in securing the grant from the Special Olympics International that brought the Unified Sports Program to Connecticut schools.
At the ceremony, family members, colleagues, Town and District Staff, and former students remembered Mr. Goldberg as a model educator, unassuming leader, and an inspiration to all. Board of Education Chair Pat Fedor remarked “[I] first met Harold Goldberg a few days after I was selected as the new principal of Southwest School...He congratulated me, told me that from experience, he knew that the job I was about to start was the best one around. Over the next several years, I had the opportunity to work with Harold on various town and school committees and in his role as a parent advocate. His vision, commitment and dedication to children and their families continued in his new roles. Harold’s leadership had a lasting impact on the CLMS community and set the tone for the school’s growth and continued success. A truly great leader is: Hard to find, Difficult to part with, And impossible to forget. Harold Goldberg was a truly great leader.”
It is a privilege for the Waterford Board of Education to support the naming of the Clark Lane Atrium, which is a welcoming and community space, after a leader who dedicated his career to providing a culture of encouragement and compassion in Waterford Public Schools.
The family of D. Harold Goldberg at the unveiling of the Atrium Dedication Plaque.
INNOVATION
Vertical Learning Spaces
Article and photos submitted by Quaker Hill Elementary School Principal Christopher Discordia
In our classrooms, innovation and collaboration thrive when ideas flow freely and vertical surfaces are transforming the way students and teachers engage in learning. Inspired by Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms, many of our teachers are incorporating vertical whiteboards and other writable spaces to encourage active problem-solving. These surfaces invite students to work standing up, making their thinking visible and fostering rich discussions. Teachers play a pivotal role by carefully crafting problems, observing student interactions, and facilitating discussions that guide learners toward deeper understanding. By sharing their ideas publicly, students are more willing to take risks, collaborate with peers, and refine their understanding. This shift enhances engagement, promotes critical thinking, and builds a community of learners who learn from one another. We're excited to see how this strategy continues to energize our classrooms and inspire meaningful learning!
Digital Safety Insights for Parents/Guardians
Information from the WPS Technology Coaches
In today’s digital age, ensuring online safety is crucial for our students, as they navigate an increasingly connected world. With the rise of social media, online gaming, and various digital platforms, it's essential for parents to be proactive in protecting their children from potential risks , such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy issues. To support our school community, we are excited to introduce " Digital Safety Insights for Parents ," a section in our District and school newsletters that will provide valuable tips and strategies for keeping your children safe while using devices. Together, we can foster a safer online environment for our students .
Teamwork with Parent/Teacher Organizations to Enhance School Culture
Oswegatchie Elementary School held the annual Laps for Lance running fundraiser on December 6th to raise money for student events, field trips, and enrichment activities. This event, organized by the OSO, raised over $21,000 and not only provided students the opportunity for movement and exercise but also was a wonderful time of community for the school.
The Parent/Teacher Association from Great Neck Elementary School recently held a Color Run to raise money for school events and student activities. Participants in the Color Run were encouraged to wear white and run the course that involved chances to get doused with non-toxic colored powder. This event was a fun time for all involved and produced some colorful and excited students at the end.
Waterford Wonders
The Waterford Wonders program recognizes students for accomplishments in academics, exemplary character, going above and beyond and for being a good role model for their peers.
The Waterford Board of Education recently recognized students from Clark Lane Middle School and Great Neck Elementary School. At the November 21, 2024 Board of Education meeting, grade 8 Clark Lane Middle School students Rachel Ferland and Niko Harris were distinguished as Waterford Wonders and grade 4 Great Neck Elementary student Anna Gomez was recognized at the December 19, 2024 meeting. Please see below for more information on these Waterford Wonders.
Rachel Ferland, an 8th-grade student at Clark Lane Middle School, is known for her constant smile and warm presence. She embodies thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity and is always the first to volunteer to lend a hand. At school, Rachel supports her peers and serves as a mentor in our Unified Physical Education class, exemplifying her empathy and commitment to inclusion. Beyond the classroom, she actively contributes to the Waterford community by assisting children at Camp Dash and even channeling her entrepreneurial spirit into her own soap business. Rachel’s positive energy and compassion make her a true light wherever she goes, uplifting everyone around her. ~ Bree Dolce, CLMS School Counselor
Niko Harris is a hardworking 8th grade student at Clark Lane Middle School who is well respected by his peers. He stands out as a dedicated and talented athlete, playing baseball and basketball competitively while enjoying football for fun. Beyond his athletic skills, Niko is known for his kindness, sincerity, and strong work ethic, making him a loyal friend and a trusted peer. A natural born leader, Niko is someone teachers can depend on to set a positive example in the classroom. His ability to lead by action is powerful, inspiring those around him to work harder and aim higher. With aspirations to play in the MLB, Niko’s combination of ambition, integrity, and leadership assures he will continue to grow as a role model for others ~ Bree Dolce, CLMS School Counselor
Anna Gomez’s kindness and compassion remind us of the extraordinary impact one person can have on their community. Anna’s actions speak louder than any words ever could. She consistently goes out of her way to make others feel valued and supported. One of the most remarkable qualities about Anna is her instinctive ability to sense when someone is struggling and respond with genuine care. Let me share just a few examples of Anna’s quiet yet profound leadership. I have seen her wrap a comforting arm around a classmate who was feeling sad or overwhelmed and offer to walk with them, simply listening. Her kindness doesn’t end there. Often, I learn that the very next day, Anna is sitting with that same classmate at lunch or playing with them during recess. This isn’t an isolated act but a testament to the consistency of her character. Anna’s actions set a standard for all around her to aspire to. Anna epitomizes the kind of student we all hope to nurture in our schools. She is empathetic, hilariously funny, and an all-around beautiful human being. At a time when many children find social interactions to be challenging or complicated, Anna exemplifies simplicity and sincerity in her approach to others. She reminds us all of the enduring power of kindness and how it can transform a school community. ~ Deb Flaherty,
Lunch/Recess Monitor and
Billie Shea, Principal
Improving Student Attendance
One of the targets of all School Growth Plans for the 2024-2025 school year is to monitor and assess chronic absenteeism that was intensified during COVID. Administrators, teachers, school counselors, interventionists, and related services staff have put in place systems to identify students at risk and support families to encourage students to go to school.
At Quaker Hill Elementary School, a multi-tiered approach was taken to improving student attendance. The most critical of these steps was engaging all of their families with information about the number of absences their children had, and the importance of coming to school each day. The Quaker Hill team used the Unified Insights tool in PowerSchool to give them actionable data in regard to students that were chronically absent, nearly chronic and trending chronic. Quaker Hill staff then worked with those families to provide information and supports. Additionally, a wide array of Before-School Activities such as Before School Enrichment Clubs, FIT Girls, Spanish Club, and Open Gym Games, was offered to help get students excited about coming to school each day. Quaker Hill Principal Chris Discordia noted that “Though our work is still not done, we were excited to be able to cut our rates of Chronic Absenteeism in half from 14% to 7%.”
Quaker Hill students enjoy the Before School Gaming Club
All schools will continue to develop and refine systems to track attendance and support students at risk. In support of our Mission, our staff is dedicated to being a part of the solution to encourage all students to attend school regularly and make Waterford Public Schools a great place to learn.
In the Schools...
• WHS hosted an assembly featuring the Save-A-Life-Tour to raise awareness of the impact of distracted and impaired driving. Students watched a virtual presentation before participating in two driving simulators to illustrate the effects of impaired (alcohol and drugs) and distracted (texting) driving.
• CLMS 7th grade students Kiki and Erin Kane participated in the Eversource Challenge that involved conducting an investigation on the energy usage of LED light bulbs versus incandescent bulbs. Using equipment sent to them by Eversource, both students concluded LED light bulbs use less energy and sent their data and completed lab reports to Eversource. Out of the Connecticut participants, Erin was the winner of an Apple iPad.
• QH students and staff participated in the Hour of Code on December 11th. The Hour of Code is a global movement introducing students worldwide to computer science. Look for an upcoming article in the February edition of The Connection for more information about the Hour of Code at all of the schools.
WHS Roundtable Theatre presents THE HEIDI CHRONICLES
Roundtable Theatre proudly presented Wendy Wasserstein’s Pulitzer Prizewinning play "The Heidi Chronicles," November 21-23. The performance was staged in a thrust style with the audience on stage, providing for an intimate experience of this thoughtful play.
"The Heidi Chronicles" is a play about the Boomer Generation as seen through the lives of four friends from high school to middle age. Students involved in the production include Ashlyn Autrey, Zack Berry, Autumn Brown, Brielle Cole, Dahlia D’Amato, Cecil Davis, Arthur Dhervilly, Emmi Durk, Abigail Faulkner, Sofia Fioravanti, Austin Hedge, Atlas Hoff, William Lathrop, Charlie Morgan, Caleb Nichols, Madison Seifert, Alex Seltzer, and Ben Stewart. The production was directed by WPS teacher Patrick Barry, Waterford High School Class of 1991.
The students learned a great deal about the Boomer Generation, the history and culture of the 1970s and 1980s, and the ways in which our youthful aspirations sometimes evolve in unpredictable ways as we age and learn more about ourselves.
Music News
The WHS Music Department Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Chorus, Chamber Choir, and Chamber and String Orchestras performed a Winter Season Concert for the student body and an evening performance for families and the community. Click on the photo below to view the evening concert.
Congratulations to the following WHS music students who auditioned and were selected to perform in the 2025 Connecticut Eastern Region Honor Ensemble Festival to be held at the University of Connecticut in January.
Article and photos submitted by WHS/CLMS Drama Director Patrick Barry
Veterans Day Celebrations
All Schools in Waterford recognized our Veterans with special ceremonies throughout the community.
Great Neck Elementary School
• The Great Neck Elementary chorus students performed at Filomena’s for the Veterans Coffee Hour on November 12, 2024. Great Neck also hosted an all school assembly that honored community veterans.
Oswegatchie Elementary School
• On November 8th Oswegatchie Elementary School hosted a Veterans Day celebration that included Patriotic songs and recognition of Veterans from the school community.
Quaker Hill Elementary School
• Quaker Hill Elementary School hosted a Veterans parade to the Quaker Hill green where a wreath was laid. The school also held a Veterans Day ceremony where local veterans and active-duty service members were invited to participate.
Clark Lane Middle School
• Clark Lane Middle School planned a special Veterans Day assembly on November 8th that included the Clark Lane Middle School band, colors, and over 75 visiting veterans.
Waterford High School
• Waterford High School staff planned lessons and activities for students to educate and inform them of the sacrifices veterans have made to serve and protect our country. Activities included interviewing a veteran, writing a thank you message to the veteran, creating a poppy, and then compiling this information to add to a Wall of Thanks for Veterans.
Click on the photo to view the Great Neck Veterans Day Assembly.
FY26 Budget Information
To assist with the budget development for FY26, the Board of Education Finance Committee and District Administration have scheduled Finance Committee meetings to analyze line items prior to the Special Budget meetings and to promote earnest discussion on the budget on an earlier timeline. The upcoming Board of Education Finance Committee meetings are scheduled for January 9th and January 16th at 5:00 PM in the Board of Education Conference Room. The upcoming BOE Finance Committee Meetings will also be livestreamed on the BOE YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UC7hhqBh6eoFpZjYCtoSxsTA/videos. The Waterford Board of Education is committed to ensuring a budget that focuses on both our commitment to maintain a high quality education for our students and our responsibility of careful consideration of fiscal resources. Superintendent Giard will present the recommended budget to the board and the community at two budget workshops on February 6th and 13th. The budget will go for final approval by the Board at the February 27, 2025 regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting.
School Messenger Contact Information Reminder
As winter weather will soon be upon us, we would like to remind families of our procedures for delayed openings and school closings. We will continue to publish any school delays and cancellations on all the major media outlets, district Twitter/X (@WPS_CT), our website (www.waterfordschools.org), as well as our mass communication system, School Messenger. Using School Messenger, we will continue to issue texts, emails, and phone calls with our plans. We would like to remind parents/guardians and staff that in order to receive the text messages, you must opt-in to the School Messenger system by sending a text message from your cell phone of “Y” or “Yes” to the district’s short code number of 67587. Please contact your child’s school office with any changes to your contact information for School Messenger.
Waterford Public Schools
Pat Fedor, Board of Education Chairperson
Thomas W. Giard III, Superintendent 15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford , CT 06385
Phone: 860-444-5852
Fax: 860-444-5870
Contact: Caroline Whittaker - Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent E-mail: cwhittaker@waterfordschools.org
Waterford Public Schools is a community of learners that fosters and supports high aspirations, ensuring every student acquires the skills and knowledge necessary to be a responsible citizen, prepared to contribute and succeed in an ever-changing world.
Stay Connected…
WPS Website - Visit www.waterfordschools.org for up to date BOE, school and event information.
BOE meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month. For the complete schedule of meetings, go to the BOE section of the WPS Website.
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