AHS Principal says 'Thank You'

Derby High School Registration Now Online

Sharing a Press Release from Derby High School's Assistant Principal Ray Coplin:

Some very exciting news for our Derby High School families during these less than ideal times of distance learning. With the end of the school year approaching, it is that time of year where students begin registering for next year's classes. 

We at DHS are particularly excited this year, as the course registration process for the 2020-2021 academic year will be completely navigated online through the use of the PowerSchool portal. What this means is no more tedious, week-long tracking down teachers to sign recommendation forms or trying to manage the jigsaw puzzle that is course selection. The new process is significantly more time efficient and streamlined in a way that allows more clarity for students and parents. 

DHS Principal Martin Pascale is raving about the much needed improvement as it will "allow for an uninterrupted continuation of promotion to the next grade level". Assistant Principal, Ray Coplin added "especially during a time when physical meetings with teachers and counselors cannot take place, it is essential to ensure students are still supported through this process."

School Counselors, Jen Ostrosky and Adam Baker both agree, the new online course registration has been a long time coming. "I'm so excited about the online course registration this year! Not only will it be more time efficient, but students will be able to work side-by-side with their parents/guardians throughout the selection process. This also prevents lost or misplaced forms and maintains confidentiality. It's a win-win", explained Mrs. Ostrosky. The online course registration portal goes live on Monday, May 11th. 

Mr. Baker adds, "We're really excited about the online course registration. Students and parents can review course offerings and prerequisites to easily select their course schedule for the upcoming school year. Moving forward, this will be the way DHS completes course registration. So we're very happy to roll out this new exciting process on Monday." 

Registration began May 11. Incoming 9th graders currently at Derby Middle School will be provided with a step-by-step tutorial via Zoom videoconference with Ms. Ostrosky and Mr. Baker to be held the following week on Monday, May 18th. Stay tuned for additional info on that upcoming webinar. In preparation for both of these dates, the 2020-2021 Program of Studies is available for students and families to review on the Derby High School website as well as being sent to all families via email.  

Finally, a Course Registration sign-up sheet is available in all grade-level Google Classrooms, allowing students to secure a time slot to meet with their counselor for assistance in selecting the most appropriate course load. Students should always feel welcomed to reach out to their counselors via email, and be on the lookout for relevant correspondence from them as well. And as always, the Derby High School website is a valuable resource to access much of this important information, including the 2020-2021 Program of Studies which will provide students the menu of courses and their respective credits and prerequisites that they can review prior to making their selections. 

Ray Coplin

Assistant Principal

Derby High School

Home of the Red Raiders

75 Chatfield Street

Derby, CT 06418

(203) 736-5032 [phone]

(203) 736-5056 [fax]

rcoplin@derbyps.org

Derby Public Schools      

Ansonia Soccer Night Out

Free Lunch Program Offered in Ansonia

ANSONIA – Ansonia Public Schools is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch Program for school year 2019-2020. Under the CEP provision, participating districts and schools provide free breakfast and lunch to all students at all times. Parents and guardians no longer are required to complete household income applications in order to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals at schools participating in the CEP.

All students enrolled in the following schools will receive meals through the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) at no charge. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no charge to all students who attend the following schools: Ansonia High School, Ansonia Middle School, Prendergast School and Mead School. In addition, lunch will be provided at no charge to all students who attend Assumption School in Ansonia and St. Mary & St. Michaels School in Derby.

For additional information please contact Joe Gonzalez, Interim Food Service Director, Ansonia High School, 20 Pulaski Highway, Ansonia, CT 06401; Jgonzalez@ansonia.org or telephone 203-736-5009.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race,

color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.  

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 

(1)  mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

(2)  fax: (202) 690-7442; or 

(3)  email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Baby Fair Onboard April 27

DERBY– Expectant parents, new parents and their families can get a good feel for the area’s maternity and child care resources from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., April 27 at Griffin Hospital’s Annual Baby Fair.

Held at The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street in Derby, this free event features more than 30 exhibitors, door prizes, tours of the Childbirth Center and information about the Center’s classes and support groups for before and after childbirth.

Griffin Hospital offers family-centered maternity care in an environment designed to best meet individual and family needs. The Center features private, family-friendly rooms, expert staff for maternal and newborn care, and lactation consultants. The Childbirth Center received the Baby-Friendly designation from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an international honor is given to hospitals that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and that help parents make informed choices about feeding and caring for their babies.

For more information about The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, call 203-732-7252 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbc.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Tour Ansonia Public Schools

FRIENDS OF ANSONIA EDUCATION INVITES YOU TO

TOUR ANSONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

  

WHO:        The Friends of Ansonia Education is coordinating tours at Mead School and Ansonia Middle School and inviting the general public, Ansonia’s elected officials, and local in-district candidates of both parties to attend.

WHAT:      In an effort to assist in advocating for the staff, faculty, parents, and students of Ansonia Public Schools, the Friends of Ansonia Education would like to formally invite you to a public tour of Mead School and Ansonia Middle School on Friday, November 2, 2018. The best way to grasp the challenges the schools are facing right now is to witness these conditions firsthand. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with administrators and teachers about the current circumstances and discuss solutions.

WHEN:      Friday, November 2, 2018

WHERE:  Mead School - 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, 75 Ford Street, Ansonia, CT
Ansonia Middle School - 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, 115 Howard Avenue, Ansonia, CT

 

Friends of Ansonia Education
Founded in 2018, the mission of the Friends of Ansonia Education is to deliver educational programs and resources that elevate student, educator, and parent success by bridging the gap between needs in Ansonia Public Schools and resources in our community. Our vision is that each and every student in the Ansonia Public Schools will graduate high school prepared and inspired to be a productive member of society.

Seymour Daycare Celebrates End of Summer

SEYMOUR – Teddy Bear Treehouse Learning Center http://www.teddybear-tlc.com/recently held its end of summer celebration with parents, grandparents and children, past and present, with an old-fashioned barbecue at the daycare center.

 

Owners Ann Marie and Dom Violano hosted the celebration, which highlighted many of the children who were leaving the daycare program to embark on the next chapter of their lives: kindergarten.

 

Teddy Bear Treehouse has been in business at 200 South Main St. since 1998, providing quality childcare and programs for children ages 6 weeks to 7 years old.

 

For more information, call 203-888-2900.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Griffin to Host Safe Kids Day

DERBY- Griffin, Safe Kids to Host Safe Kids Day Monday, April 30

 

WHAT: In recognition of National Safe Kids Day, Griffin Hospital in Derby and Safe Kids

Greater Naugatuck Valley will host an interactive safety fair Mon., April 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. Safe Kids Day is a day to celebrate kids and take action

to keep kids safe. Many people are surprised to learn that injuries from car crashes, fires,

drownings, poisonings, and falls are the top health threats to children in the United States.

Throughout the world, an estimated 1 million children die of injuries each year, and nearly all of

these tragedies are preventable. Visitors to the Safe Kids Day safety fair will learn about the

many free Safe Kids programs offered in their community to help keep children safe.

 

WHEN: MONDAY, APRIL 30 from 10 a.m.

 

WHERE: Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, CT 06418

 

WHO: Representatives from Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley and Griffin Hospital, and

children and parents from the area

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital to Host Annual Baby Fair

 

DERBY - Expectant parents, new parents and their families can get a good feel for the area’s maternity and child care resources from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., April 28 at Griffin Hospital’s Annual Baby Fair.

 

Held at The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street in Derby, this free event features more than 30 exhibitors, door prizes, tours of the Childbirth Center and information about the Center’s classes and support groups for before and after childbirth.

 

Griffin Hospital offers family-centered maternity care in an environment designed to best meet individual and family needs. The Center features private, family-friendly rooms, expert staff for maternal and newborn care, and lactation consultants.

 

The Childbirth Center received the Baby-Friendly designation from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an international honor is given to hospitals that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and that help parents make informed choices about feeding and caring for their babies.

 

For more information about The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, call 203-732-7252 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbc.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin's Books for Babies gets Big Boost

Michael Law, Senior Director, Customer Strategy and Planning at Edgewell Personal Care, second from left, recently presented a $5,000 donation to, from left, Margaret Fischer, RNC MSN NEA-BC C-EFM, clinical director of The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel, and Tricia O’Malley, director of The Griffin Hospital Development Fund, to support the Books for Babies program.

 

DERBY -  Edgewell Personal Care, of Shelton, recently made a generous $5,000 gift to support the Books for Babies program at The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

In addition to providing funds to purchase books for newborns, Edgewell also donated free sippy cups and feminine products.

 

“Edgewell is pleased to partner with Griffin Hospital to provide financial and product support to provide parents with the tools they need to get their children off to a good start,” said Michael Law, Senior Director, Customer Strategy and Planning at Edgewell and a member of Griffin Hospital’s Board of Directors.

 

The Books for Babies program provides a free children’s book to parents who have their baby at the Childbirth Center. A trained volunteer visits with parents to introduce the program and talk about the “how and why” of reading aloud to babies. Reading to babies builds a bond between parent and child, and stimulates brain development. Reading books opens doors to conversations and builds communication skills, language and literacy, as well as social and emotional skills.

 

About Edgewell

Edgewell is a leading producer of personal care products, including shaving preparations and systems, feminine care products and sun and skin care products.  The company has a broad global footprint and operates in more than 50 markets, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Japan and Australia with approximately 6,000 employees worldwide.

 

About The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital

The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital offers family-centered maternity care in an environment that will best meet individual and family needs. The Childbirth Center follows the patient-centered Planetree philosophy that focuses providing a warm, caring atmosphere for the patient and loved ones, including childbirth and child care education, and support groups. For more information, call 203-732-7252 or visit griffinhealth.org/childbirthcenter.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Music & Movement Program for Toddlers

Cyber-Bullying Program for Parents

DERBY - St. Mary - St. Michael School in Derby is sponsoring a Cyber-bullying program for parents on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the school, 14 Seymour Ave. 

 

Scott Driscoll, a renowned law enforcement official is the presenter. Driscoll has conducted forensic computer examinations for law enforcement agencies including on-line bullying, identity theft and child pornography cases. 

 

The program is free and open to the public.

(This is a press release from Principal Linda Coppola)
http://stmarystmichaelct.eduk12.net

Seymour Schools Announce Kindergarten Registration Dates

 

SEYMOUR - Kindergarten registration will take place for the Seymour Public Schools on the following dates:

*Jan. 17, 8 to 11 a.m., Bungay School, 35 Bungay Rd.
*Jan. 18, 12 to 3 p.m., Bungay School, 35 Bungay Rd.
*Jan. 19, 8 to 11 a.m., Chatfield-LoPresti School, 51 Skokorat St.
*Jan. 20, 12 to 3 p.m., Chatfield-LoPresti School, 51 Skokorat St.

Parents of children who are eligible for kindergarten in August 2017, as well as Grade One students who have been attending a private kindergarten program, are urged to register their children at the elementary schools in their districts on these dates and times. Children must be five years of age as of Dec. 31, 2017 to be eligible to attend kindergarten in August 2017.

Parents must bring a copy of their child's official birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency. Proof of residency documentation includes driver's license, house deed or lease and two utility bills. Children should have the required immunization inoculations for the following: Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, DPaT, Varicella, Hib (Hemophilius Influenza Type B), and Hep B (Hepatitis B), Pneumococcal and Hep A.

State law also requires that all school children have a health examination prior to entering kindergarten. School officials encourage parents to have their private physician perform a health exam for their children prior to Aug.15, 2017 so that their child may be admitted to school on Aug. 28, 2017. Completed physical paperwork must be returned by Aug. 15 in order for students to start school.

More information, including other required health screenings, can be found on the Seymour Schools website at: www.seymourschools.org or call 203-888-4564.

Seymour Schools Simplifying Registration Process

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Subject:                      SEYMOUR SCHOOLS MOVING TO CENTRALIZED STUDENT REGISTRATION PROCESS                            

 

Date:                           September 27, 2016

 

Media Contact:          Rich Kearns, Public Information Officer Seymour Public Schools

                                    (203) 888-2561 ext. 1003  or   rkearns@seymourschools.org 

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

DETAILS:    On October 1, 2016 - Seymour Public Schools will begin a new four step student centralized registration process. Centralized registration will now be available for all Seymour Schools and will make it possible to enroll all children in a Seymour family at one time in one central location.  

 

Parents/Guardians can now follow these four steps for a simple enrollment process.

 

STEP 1: Obtain a Seymour School’s registration packet and school information packets at the Central Office building, located at Seymour Board of Education, 98 Bank Street, Seymour. We ask that you please call ahead for handicap accommodations.  All district forms must be processed for official enrollment registration. Packets may also be mailed or emailed upon request.

 

STEP 2: Parents/Legal Guardians must return in person with all completed district forms and required documents to the Centralized Registration Center.  We ask that when possible call ahead to let registration staff  know the time you are coming so that staff can be available to process your information more efficiently.  A notary will be on site for parents/legal guardians who need documents notarized.

 

STEP 3: The Centralized Registration Center staff will review and file legal documentation of each child (birth certificates, etc). Verification of documents and records may take up to three (3) days before notification to parents regarding acceptance can be made. 

 

STEP 4: Parents/ Legal Guardians will receive via phone and email a communication of acceptance and completion of the registration process, and will contact the child’s school administrator for a welcome and a date to report to school. Parents/Legal Guardians will be provided school forms/school-based information at this initial school meeting.

 

Parents are asked to contact the Centralized Registration Center for any questions regarding student enrollment and registration at (203) 888-4564 ext 1900.  Information is available at www.seymourschools.org

 

(This is a press release from Richard Kearns)

Parent Child Resource Center in Derby offers safety tips

The Parent Child Resource Center wishes all of you a very Happy and Safe Halloween! As we prepare for trick or treaters, we thought to send some useful tips for safety.

Considering our focus is on supporting families and the well-being of children, we wish you all a very Happy and Safe Halloween Celebration!

  

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Walk Safely

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.








Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. 








Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street.








Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.








Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are not sidewalks or paths, be sure to walk facing traffic, as far to the left as possible.








Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.








Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision.








Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 








When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.








Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.








Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.








Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.








Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.








Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

For more tips and resources for kids and families, visit www.LNVPCRC.org.

This is a press release from the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center in Derby.

 

Parents visit classrooms at Bungay School in Seymour

Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - Bungay Elementary School held a parent visitation on Friday.

There were two sessions available to parents, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.

It was impressive to see the large turnout of parents, guardians, and grandparents eager to see their students hard at work.

Teachers followed their normal day schedules, while encouraging children to interact with classroom questions.

There were a total of 267 visitors in all, with 156 attendees in the morning, and 111 in the afternoon session.

Bungay Elementary School is pleased to be able to offer this special day for individuals to observe our school and get a front-row view of the happenings in their child’s classroom.

This is a press release from Bungay Elementary School.

Shelton parents seek post prom donations

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Parent Teacher Student Organizationis sponsoring its 12th annual post prom immediately following the prom May 11 as a way of keeping all students safe during those potentially dangerous hours. 

The post prom will be held at the Sports Center, 784 River Road. The post prom is a gift from the PTSO and is free to all eligible students.

The event is open to all juniors and seniors regardless of whether or not they attend the prom.
Underclassmen are admitted only if they accompany a junior or senior to the prom.
The post prom begins after the prom at 11 p.m. and runs until 3 a.m.

Students will be able to enjoy all the activities offered at the Sports Center, again free of charge, including ice skating, laser tag, bowling, miniature golf, the driving range, baseball/softball batting cages and sports court.
The event includes complimentary use of ice skates, golf clubs, bats and balls. In addition, students will receive refreshments and will be eligible to win raffle and door prizes.

The success of the post prom relies entirely upon the generosity of parents and the community at large.
Donations can be mailed to SHS PTSO, Inc./Post Prom, c/o Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St. Questions regarding donations may be directed to Stephanie at 203-530-0887 or Msbbaj@gmail.com. Many volunteers are also needed.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions regarding post prom, feel free to contact us. 

For information visit www.sheltonpublicschools.org./shs and click on "Parent Life" then "PTSO."

This information is taken from a press release.

Derby library slates parent-child workshops

     DERBY - The winter session of Family Place Parent/Child Workshops will begin Jan. 7 at Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St. Workshops will run 10-11:15 a.m.

     This innovative program is a time for families to share together with their 1-3 year olds. Siblings ages 5 and under are welcome to attend.
     Workshops feature puzzles, books, blocks, a craft, dramatic play, and more. 
     Parents/caregivers will also be introduced to some of the many resources available to them to assist in the raising of their toddlers and have an opportunity to meet new friends in an educational and creative environment.

       Each workshop will focus on a different topic and will feature a professional from the community who will be available to discuss parenting questions and concerns. 
      Topics will include child development, nutrition, immunization, and the like. Do not miss the opportunity to consult with experts on a no-fee basis while your child enjoys a wonderful play experience. 
      Space is limited; registration is requested. Families are encouraged to attend all the workshops to obtain the full benefits of this eight-week session.

        For information or to register, stop by the Library, call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.
       The Family Place is a national initiative of Americans for Libraries Council and Middle Country Library. 
        The Family Place of Connecticut is made possible through the generous support of the Katharine Matthies Foundation.

 The above is taken from a press release from Derby Public Library. 

Workshop in Ansonia helps educators, parents cope

Last night I attended a workshop, "Attacks and Children - Information for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators" hosted by TEAM Early Education in Ansonia.

The focus was on how to talk to young children about tragedies, how to answer their questions and provide them with a sense of safety and security.
Almost 60 people attended.  The sadness in the air at the school was palpable.

Cindy Rzasa Bess makes a point Tuesday night.

The workshop was led by developmental psychologist Cindy Rzasa Bess, PhD., an educational consultant, who offered a lot of good advice during the 90-minute session.

Some suggestions sound simple - hug the children, listen to their concerns, help them express their feelings, maintain daily routines.
But at a time when everyone is reeling in disbelief at the tragedy that unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary School it's important that they be highlighted. 


A story about the workshop will appear in the newspaper later this week.

TEAM to host workshop today for parents, educators

    ANSONIA - TEAM Family Resource Center will host a workshop, “Attacks & Children - Information for Parents, Caregivers, & Educators” at 5:30 p.m. today at TEAM Early Education, Inc., 80 Howard Ave.
    Speaker will be Cindy Rzasa Bess, a developmental psychologist. The workshop will be 90 minutes.
    Dinner and childcare will be provided. There is limited seating and persons are asked to RSVP at 203-734-8609 ext. 10 or clugo@teaminc.org.