Derby School Board Nabs Awards

DERBY – The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) has 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.”    

Conway echoed similar sentiments.  

“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.”

Irving School Earns Exemplary Status

DERBY- The  Connecticut  Association  of  Schools  is  proud  to  announce  that  Irving  Elementary School  has  been  certified  for  Exemplary  School  Climate  Recognition.  Irving Elementary School joins a handful of Connecticut schools also holding the designation.

The  administration  and  faculty  at  Irving  Elementary  School  completed  a  rigorous  self-assessment  examining  27  areas  of  school  practice  such  as  curriculum,  integration, collaborative  decision-making,  parent  and/or  community  involvement,  and  flexible grouping  and  scheduling.  An  evaluation  team  from  the  Connecticut  Association  of Schools then visited the school to verify and validate the assessment. 

Mrs.  Jennifer  Olson,  Principal  said,  “Creating  a  welcoming,  safe,  and  supportive  school

environment has been the foundation of our turnaround work at Irving School over the

past 5 years.  We have a school culture rooted in respect---for ourselves, each other and

our  school. We  believe  that  relationships  matter,  and  our  team  has  worked  hard  to

create  a  sense  of  belonging  and  pride  in  our  school. This  distinction  from  the

Connecticut Association of  Schools  is a tremendous honor for  Irving School, and brings

attention  to  the  hard  work  and  dedication  of  our  staff,  students,  parents  and  the

community.”

 

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said “This is fantastic

news and a very well deserved distinction and recognition of the hard work, attention to

detail and continuous efforts to build and sustain a welcoming, engaging culture for our

families.”

 

Irving  Elementary  School  is  being  awarded  a  framed  CAS  certificate,  a  three-year

exemplary school climate designation, and recognition on the CAS website.  As a service

to  other  schools  wishing  to  improve  their  climate  practices,  award  winners  welcome

inquiries and visitors.

 

(This is a press release from Derby Schools)

Valley Students Treated to Back-to-School Supplies

Students Receive Free School Supplies-Contributed Photo

DERBY- Members of the Corporate Volunteer Council gathered Thursday at Irving School to proudly send 134 students in great need, back to school in style and ready to learn. 

The students at Irving who participated in this program are some of the community’s most vulnerable, and in need of assistance to go back to school with all the necessary supplies, like notebooks, pencils, crayons, and backpacks.

Principal Jen Olson and her incredible staff were so appreciative of the support from Valley United Way and the Corporate Volunteer Council companies who contributed and could not say enough about the impact this will have on their students. 

When the students and their families arrived to meet with the company who sponsored them, the children smiled ear to ear with excitement for all of their new items. Many moms were brought to tears at the generosity, stating people will never know just how much this is helping their family. 

Each child received a bin filled with two complete outfits to start school in style, a pair of sneakers, a winter coat, and a backpack filled with every school supply imaginable. 

 

Director of the Volunteer Center and Corporate Volunteer Council Patricia Tarasovic said, “The generosity and kindness of the CVC with Back to School reflects the overall CVC mission of making the greatest impact.” 

 

As the Corporate Volunteer Council wraps up its 20th Anniversary, members can proudly say that to date, the Back to School Clothes for Kids Program has supported a total of 2,987 children and invested $604,940 in Valley youth.

 

Thank you goes to all of the companies who participated and made an impact in our community’s children.

To Join in the Fight for a Stronger Community and help Valley United Way reach its goal, visit www.valleyunitedway.org or call 203-926-9478. 

Valley United Way is a registered 501(c)(3) organization proudly serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.  

 

United Way fights for the health, education of financial stability of every person in every community.  

 
(This is a press release from Valley United Way) 

Derby Schools Name Paraeducator of the Year

DERBY - The Derby Public Schools recently selected Elise Campbell as their 2017 District Para-educator of the Year.

The Connecticut State Department and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council has established the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program to recognize the important role of the Paraeducator in supporting student achievement.  The award is named in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a Paraeducator who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. 

Mrs. Campbell has been a Paraeducator at Irving School in Derby for 10.5 years and currently works in the grade 3-5 Learning Center.  She was chosen to receive this award because she has demonstrated excellent skill and dedication to the students, teachers, administrators, co-workers and parents of Derby. 

 

According to nomination written by Elise Chambers, Special Education teacher, "the students appreciate Mrs. Campbell's warm, positive, and respectful manner. When we break in to small groups after a whole class discussion, I can always count on Mrs. Campbell to carry out the lesson as planned in a way that works best for the students."

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matthew Conway, said,” Ms. Campbell wrote the book on how to personalize education for our most challenging young students.  Her ability to adapt and deliver learning to meet each students needs is remarkable."

Mrs. Campbell will be recognized at a ceremony on October 13, 2016. 

 

(This is a press release from Derby Public Schools)

 

 

Derby Students Learn 'No One Eats Alone'

DERBY- Irving School students participated in a 'No One Eats Alone' event Wednesday.

The event, done in conjunction with Beyond Differences, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending social isolation in schools across the country, was streamed live via YouTube.

You can watch the event by clicking on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i04-wojF9m8

Irving Principal Jennifer Olson said students in third, fourth and fifth grade learned about social isolation, and during lunch they participated in activities to encourage students to sit with others and engage in conversation.

With social isolation and bullying now seen as chronic problems in the schools, Olson said the  initiative will seek to reverse these trends by asking students to engage in a simple act of kindness at lunch – making sure that no one is eating alone. “I want to thank Beyond Differences and their partners for their tireless efforts to tackle an issue which has been ignored for too long,” said Olson. 

Irving School to Host 'No One Eats Alone' Event

DERBY- Lunch can be the longest part of the school day for some youth who feel alone and socially isolated at their school.

Irving School and Beyond Differences announces the launch of No One Eats Alone Day at Irving School at 2 p.m. Feb. 10.

With social isolation and bullying now seen as chronic problems in our schools, this initiative will seek to reverse these trends by asking students to engage in a simple act of kindness at lunch – making sure that no one is eating alone.

“Today we are holding No One Eats Alone Day here at Irving School,” said Principal Jennifer Olson. 

“Our third, fourth, and fifth graders will learn about social isolation, and during their lunch they will do activities to encourage students to sit with others and engage in conversation. Students will see the 'Be the One' video from Beyond Differences. I want to thank Beyond Differences and their partners for their tireless efforts to tackle an issue which has been ignored for too long.”

Beyond Differences is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending social isolation in schools across the country.

“We believe that No One Eats Alone Day will be a game changer for Derby children," said Beyond Differences President Laura Talmus.

“A student being isolated at lunch signals the beginning of many problems which have come to plague our schools – with the most shocking examples being bullying and violence," she said.

"We want to reverse these frightening trends by asking students to engage in a simple act of kindness at lunch – making sure that no one is eating alone. Beyond Differences is proud to announce the No One Eats Alone Initiative.”

(This is a press release from Derby Public Schools)

Derby Students Rewarded for Excellent Attendance

DERBY-  On December 3, students and families from Irving School were treated to a special performance by Danz Magic to promote school attendance, goal-setting, and perseverance. The show was held to support Irving’s plan to reduce chronic absenteeism and build a school culture that values and recognizes regular school attendance. 

Danz Magic’s owner, Debbie Parlow, collaborated with Irving School’s Attendance Coordinator, Maria Bowers to plan this event for students.  The Danz Magic Dance Team includes approximately 50 dancers from around the Greater Valley area ranging in ages from nine -23 years. The dancers perform routines with tap, ballet, lyrical, jazz, pointe, and tumbling.  

 

Parlow said, “Danz Magic wanted to spread a little magic throughout our community, and help Irving School teach the importance of commitment and dedication.  We know it will help these kids become responsible people, who go far in the future.” 

 

Irving School is in its fourth year of a comprehensive turnaround, and designated as a Review School in the Department of Education’s Alliance Grant, an improvement from a Focus School status in 2012.  Alliance Districts are required to address chronic absenteeism, which includes students missing 10% or more of school. 

 

“We made it a priority this year to improve student attendance,” said Principal Jennifer Olson. “Historically, our school struggled with inconsistent student attendance including absences, tardies, and early dismissals.  We are intentionally working to help families to identify and resolve any obstacles that interfere with children coming to school every day.”  

 

In the first marking period, daily attendance at Irving School improved from 95% in 2014-2015 to 98% in 2015-2016. Chronic absenteeism also dropped from 17% to 11.9%.  The state’s target is 10%. 

 

“Making attendance a priority in your home as early as preschool will create a habit that follows students through life.  When children miss school, whether it is an excused or an unexcused absence, they miss out on important learning,” said Bowers.  “We want our students to be ‘On Time and Ready to Shine’ because it is a great start to being the best you can be, and I am here to help.” 

 

Fifth grade teacher, Jori Pirritino said, “The school’s focus on attendance helps me as a teacher because we can build a more cohesive classroom community because everyone is there for the same experiences and learning.” 

 

The Danz Magic performance is one of many ways Irving School is helping bring attention to the importance of school attendance. The school celebrates classes with perfect attendance daily, and recognizes students with perfect attendance quarterly.  At the first marking period Honors Reception in November, 89 students, or 27% of students in Grades K-5, were awarded certificates for perfect attendance. According to Olson, 14 students who had perfect attendance in the first marking period were chronically absent last year. 

 

Parlow and Danz Magic’s Assistant Director, Stephanie Waldron, offered Irving students who attended the performance a free dance lesson, and Danz Magic pencils that read, “On Time and Ready to Shine!”  Danz Magic has studios in Derby and Milford and is celebrating 29 years in business. “At Danz Magic, we are not just another dance studio, we are a family. Kids form friendships that last a lifetime,” said Parlow. 

Irving School educator is Derby’s Teacher of the Year

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

DERBY >> Whether he’s staying after school helping a student struggling in math, or landing grant money to launch a robotics program, Irving School fourth-grade teacher Frank Briganti has earned his new title as Derby’s Teacher of the Year for 2016.

“Mr. Briganti is an outstanding educator,” said Principal Jennifer Olson. “His lessons always include a real-life application of a math skill, the integration of technology and small group work. Students in his class made significant gains in their ability to solve complex problems.”

Briganti was chosen for the top honor from among a group of teachers from each of the district’s four schools who were nominated by their peers for their excellence in teaching and contributions to students, staff and families, according to Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway.

“Mr. Briganti engages every student, every day, identifying lessons and activities to meet each student’s needs,” Conway said. “Mr. Briganti is a valued asset to the Derby School district.”

Read more here.

Irving School 4th-graders in Derby deliver big for veterans

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> Thanks to the efforts of Irving School’s fourth-graders and a helping hand from the community, the bookshelves of hospitals and homes serving Vietnam veterans and their families from here to West Virginia will be well-stocked.
Students in the school’s reading enrichment program recently wrapped up a book drive to benefit Vietnam Veterans of America, and collected an impressive 3,158 books. The books will be delivered to various veterans facilities around the state. According to teacher Edwin Croft, who helped coordinate the student-run drive, VVA representatives also said some of the books likely will be shipped to veterans hospitals and homes in West Virginia that are in need of books.

Read more here.

Derby fourth-graders’ book drive to benefit Vietnam veterans

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> Students at Irving School Wednesday launched a communitywide effort to benefit Vietnam veterans and their families as a way to show respect and embrace a generation of folks who for years felt abandoned by their country.
Fourth-graders in the school’s reading enrichment program kicked off a book drive in the school gym, which runs through Jan. 28.
Teacher Edwin Croft said students came up with the idea to involve the entire community and are asking the public to donate new or “gently used” books at various locations throughout Derby, which will benefit Vietnam Veterans of America, or VVA.

Read more here. 

Derby’s Bradley, Irving schools honored for ‘exemplary’ programs

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> The city’s two elementary schools were recently recognized by the state for “exemplary programs” aimed at building a positive atmosphere for students.
According to Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway, several staff members at both Bradley and Irving schools received recognition from the Connecticut Association of Schools for their efforts to implement new programs.

Read more here. 

Club to provide program for Derby students

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley now offers a before-school program for students of Bradley and Irving Schools in Derby. 

The program will be held at the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse, One Positive Place. Registration is all online at www.BGC-LNV.org/SheltonClubhouse.

Parents may drop their children off at the Clubhouse as early as 7 a.m. They will be transported to Bradley and Irving schools in time for the start of the school day.
The before-school van transportation fee is included in the cost of membership. The program will also open early to accommodate delayed openings, but parents must refer tothe Parent Handbook for important details and hours of operation. 
Membership discounts are available for siblings and for any kindergartner through 7 year old who will also attend our after school program. Van fees for after school programs are paid separately.

Parents needing van transportation must complete their child’s online membership application by Aug. 19 and come to the Clubhouse to complete a Transportation Application and pay by Aug. 21 if they would like transportation for the first day of school. 
Registration will be closed from Aug. 23-Sept. 3.

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Derby students celebrate Read Across America

Irving School students Jasmine, Nataly, and Kailyn, from left, at the READ-In with Jessica Glassman, Literacy Specialist, dressed as the Cat in the Hat.  / Contributed photo

DERBY - Irving School celebrated Read Across America Monday with its first READ-IN.  

The event was organized by Irving School Literacy Specialists, Keely Edwards, Jessica Glassman, and Tricia Marini. 

Students started the day with a book swap, where they brought books to school to trade with their peers.   

New Haven Reads donated 500 books, so all students had the opportunity to go home with a gently used book.  

Later in the day, students gathered in the gymnasium and were led in a reading oath by Matthew Conway, Superintendent of Schools. The purpose of the oath was to inspire the students to become life-long readers. 

Stacy Chambers, Assistant Superintendent, read Dr. Seuss' classic story, The Cat in the Hat, to students.

The chorus sang a Read Across America-themed song.

Mayor Anita Dugatto spoke to students before they got cozy with a stuffed animal, a warm blanket and a good book for the D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) time.  

This is a press release from Irving School. 

Derby schools to host open house events

DERBY - The elementary schools will be dismissing early Wednesday for the open house events.  

The open house at Irving School will start at 5:30 p.m. for the welcome address and introductions. 
The open house at Bradley School will start at 7 p.m.

On Thursday Derby High School will be dismissing early for its open house which will start at 6 p.m.  
There will also be a Senior Night meeting beginning at 7:45 p.m. in the auditorium.  
This meeting is sponsored by the Guidance Department to provide information for the members of the senior class and their parents.

Derby Middle School held its open house Thursday.



This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Sharing first day of kindergarten photos in Derby

Irving School kindergartner Harley Daniels, 5, shows off her 'rock star shirt' on the first day of school Wednesday.

Bradley School kindergartner Addison Brunetti, 4, waits to meet her new teacher with her dad, Joseph Brunetti, on the first day of school Wednesday. 


DERBY - The first day of school is always a big day for youngsters but for a kindergartner it must be overwhelming, with all those big people saying good morning and asking you your name, and more. 

I cried on my first day of kindergarten at High Plains School (now Community Center) in Orange. And I even had my best friend with me in the classroom. She wasn't scared at all.

I on the other hand was petrified, probably because I hadn't had any preschool experience.
Or maybe it was because I was an only child. My friend Suzy was the oldest of "many."

Here's to a great school year for students everywhere.

School bells ring, Derby kindergartner shows off bling

An adorable Ariana Nickle, 4, strikes a pose.

DERBY - I covered the first day of school festivities at Bradley and Irving elementary schools this morning and met several adorable kindergartners. With few exceptions the children seemed fine with the start of their new adventure.
As for the parents, I'll just say some looked anxious to send their little ones off to school.

I met kindergartner Ariana Nickle in the gym at Bradley School and she immediately asked if I'd like to see her earrings. I said sure!

Kids, parents create butterfly garden at Irving School in Derby

Earth Day project brings families together

Pictured from left are Trevor Ceravone, Ash Lewandowski, and Christopher Coppola. / Contributed photo

DERBY - In honor of Earth Day, families from Irving, Bradley and St. Mary-St. Michael Schools in Derby joined together to create a butterfly garden in front of Irving School.

Families unite by ways of a FASTWORKS group organized by Valley Kids Belong (a project of the Parent Child Resource Center) in Derby. 

FASTWORKS focuses on maintaining positive relationships between families and the community. During this year FASTWORKS has held events such as a cleanup at Osbornedale State Park, bowling, picnics, pumpkin picking and are currently planning their next event geared toward cleaning the community. 

Families from these three schools are happy to come together to continue to give back to their community.

For information about Valley Kids Belong call Lauren Jassil, Program Coordinator, 203-893-0402.


This post is taken from a press release from the Parent Child Resource Center.

School staffs to tip off at Derby High

DERBY - The staffs of Derby High School and Irving School will be tipping off at a fund-raising basketball game at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Derby High School gymnasium.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and are available in both school offices.

This post is taken from a press release from the superintendent of schools office.

Derby board to recognize 4 educators at meeting

DERBY - Irving School Principal Jennifer Olson has announced hat teachers, staff, students, and the community are invited to join the Board of Education at 6:30 p.m. March 27 at Derby Middle School.

That's when four teachers’ accomplishments will be shared and celebrated. They have been nominated for the Connecticut Association of Schools' Exemplary Educator Award. 

Olson said in a release: "Please join all of us in congratulating these outstanding professionals who demonstrate excellence in education, have a strong involvement with students, staff, and parents in and out of the classroom and provide leadership in our school community.

"Their passion, commitment to your children and our school, and leadership has made a strong impact at Irving!"

 

Tracy Hayden

Charlice Culvert

Cathie Marandino

   

Jennifer Ostrosky

Olson congratulated Grade 4 teacher Tracey Hayden, art teacher Charlice Culvert, Pre-Kindergarten special education teacher Cathie Marrandino, and school counselor Jennifer Ostrosky for receiving this state level recognition.

FRIDAY FIVE: A recap of Valley stories

These are five of the stories that made headlines in the Valley this week.
They are written by Register Reporter Patricia Villers and Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich and are listed in no particular order.



State approves Seymour traffic project.

Derby elementary school wins arts grant.

Griffin Hospital now 'Baby-Friendly.'

Church celebrates new chapel filled with icons from Ansonia church.

Valley food banks get much-needed funding.