Spring Fair in the Valley May 7

Prendergast School Assistant Principal Honored

ANSONIA – A testimonial honoring Sherrod McNeill, the 2015 Connecticut winner of the National Distinguished Elementary Assistant Principal award, was held at Ansonia High School on April 29, with more than 75 family, friends and colleagues in attendance. Mr. McNeill is in his third year as assistant principal of Prendergast School.

He was nominated for the honor by Prendergast Principal Joseph Apicella, who presented Mr. McNeill with a book of congratulations from the entire staff, many of whom were in attendance at the program. In addition to the testimonial program hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education, Mr. McNeill will be honored by the Connecticut Association of Schools in a recognition event in October 2015. 

Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, served as Master of Ceremonies. Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti presented a proclamation, while State Sen. Joseph Crisco and State Rep. Linda Gentile presented a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly. Ansonia Middle School Co-Principal Terri Goldson and William Nimons, president of the Board of Education, also offered their congratulations. Diane Stroman, a member of the Valley Community Foundation Board of Directors, announced that a $250 award would be made in Mr. McNeill’s name to the non-profit of his choice. 

“When I speak of Sherrod,” Dr. Merlone said, “I think of the words of Eric Harvey, president and founder of Walk the Talk: ‘For every person in every organization, there comes a moment when he or she must have the courage to step forward and meet the needs of the time. Regardless of whether your time is now or in the future, you must be prepared and willing to seize the moment as a courageous leader.’

“Mr. McNeill is this leader. He seizes the moment every time it presents itself, within the school setting or out in the community,” Dr. Merlone continued. “At Prendergast School, Mr. McNeill lives his dream of making a difference in the lives of both students and teachers.”

A reception was held in the high school atrium, in conjunction with the testimonial. In addition to the speakers, Mr. McNeill also thanked several others who were in attendance, includeing: Aldermen Lorie Vaccaro and Charles Stowe,  retired teacher Marvin Franks, and his family.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools

Ansonia, Derby school volunteers honored

Contributed photo

Mario Ciccarini, Principal of Bradley School in Derby, Joe Apicella and Sherrod McNeill, Principal and Assistant Principal of John G. Prendergast School in Ansonia, top row from left, are pictured with Anne Stankye, Richard Breeden, and Dora Olivera, from left, as they were honored March 11 at the Connecticut Association of Schools Volunteer Banquet at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

 CAS proudly celebrates this event annually to publicly acknowledge the work of parents and other volunteers for their contributions to schools across the state.
More than 550 participants from 78 elementary, middle and high schools were treated to a four course meal and entertained by pianist Kim Quinn from Albert D. Griswold Middle School in Rocky Hill.

Honorees were presented with plaques and corsages to commemorate their service.
John Maziarz, Commercial Sales Account Manager for Connecticut Natural Gas and a volunteer for Junior Achievement was the keynote speaker.
In his remarks Maziarz stated that “Volunteers are the silent heroes of our schools.” He said,  “… they may be silent in what they do, but their impact is great.”

Dora Olivera was one recipient from Prendergast School.  She has become a regular grandparent volunteer at Prendergast School, helping in the main office.
Olivera began her volunteering this year when her grandchildren, Nyasia and Jacob began.  From making copies to distributing notices, Olivera helps make the school run smoothly.  Always willing to go out of her way to help others, she has taken over as “staff photographer” at many school events.

Rich Breeden was also recognized by Prendergast School. Breeden is another grandparent volunteer. He has been helping at Prendergast School for the past four years starting when his granddaughter, Viviana began school here.
Breeden can frequently be seen helping in our cafeteria with lunch duty. He has also become our “House Band” providing his musical talents at many of our events.
From playing his holiday songs during our December Pancakes with Santa, to playing his Halloween music at our Haunted Halls events, Breeden helps to entertain the children, parents and the staff of Prendergast.

Anne Stankye was recognized by Bradley School. She has been volunteering at Bradley School for many years. She works with Kindergarten students and their teachers, whether it is making copies, helping students with arts and crafts, or working with a small group of students at a station. Stankye is a lifelong resident of Derby and a role model for our students.

The Connecticut Association of Schools and its corporate partner, Horace Mann Insurance, along with CAS' official photographers, G & B Photography, celebrate the contributions of volunteers who share their time, talents, and commitment to quality education in Connecticut schools.


This post is taken from a press release from John G. Prendergast School.

Band, vocalists to perform at Ansonia High School

ANSONIA - The Ansonia High School Concert Band, Mixed Chorus, After School Chorus, and various soloists will perform selections from Disney to Broadway to today’s Top 40 hits at 7 p.m. Wednesday. 

The annual spring concert will be held in the Ruth Feinberg-Connors Auditiorium at the high school, 20 Pulaski Highway. 
 
Guest performers will include students from the John G. Prendergast School Band. 

A special tribute will be paid to graduating senior members with a light reception following the concert.

Tickets are $4 at the door.

Derby 'mystery photo' solved

Yesterday I posted a photo and asked what a certain Ansonia native was doing. Kinda like a mystery photo!

I'm wondering how many readers knew the picture was of Sherrod McNeill, assistant principal at John G. Prendergast Elementary School in Ansonia.

On Wednesday McNeill was serving up frozen treats at McDonald's on Division Street in Derby as part of a McTeacher's Night fund-raiser.

I thought he looked so happy to be helping the Parent-Teacher Organization raise funds that I had to take his picture.
And he seemed pleased that he was able to make a soft-serve ice cream cone. I don't think I could do that.

Prendergast Principal Joe Apicella, left, seems to be asking McNeill here if he is up to the challenge of working behind the counter. I'd say he was.