Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 in Scholarships

  

Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 from Scholarship Funds to Support Educational Pursuits of Local Students

 

DERBY, CT (October 22, 2020) – Whether at home conducting remote learning, via a hybrid model, or attending full-time and in-person, the start of a new school year looks very different for students pursuing higher education during the pandemic. With the 2020-2021 academic year under way, the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is pleased to announce that it has awarded more than 160 scholarships totaling $170,000 from its 75 scholarship funds. While many of these students are entering their first year of higher education this fall, some awards provide renewable tuition assistance for up to four years.

“For many Valley residents, establishing a scholarship not only pays tribute to their family but it can also memorialize their name at a local high school,” said Sharon Closius, VCF President & CEO. “Whether it’s participation on a sports team, the longevity of family history, or memorializing lifetime friendships that were made, establishing a scholarship to benefit local high schools is an investment in our community’s future and reflects the value of higher education.”

For years, VCF has worked with the Valley’s high schools to manage and administer scholarship funds. Rather than a high school holding the scholarship money in a CD or savings account, scholarships are established, managed, and invested with VCF. The high school continues to select the recipients of various scholarships, but the staff saves time and money by not administering individual savings accounts. Additionally, the money is invested in a large investment pool that has historically yielded a better return, which increases the size of the fund and the distributable amount over time.

Scholarship funds are often created in memory of someone special. Depending on preference, the scholarships can support any area of academic need, including tuition, room and board, or books. Donors can simply select eligibility requirements for the scholarship based on a student’s field of study, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, financial need, background, or geography. Some scholarships give a single award to support a graduating senior pursuing higher education while others can be renewable through college.

If you are interested in establishing a scholarship fund in honor or in memory of a loved one that can benefit a local graduating senior each year, contact Sharon Closius, Valley Community Foundation President & CEO, for more information at 203-751-9162 or visit www.valleyfoundation.org.

About The Valley Community Foundation

Established in 2004, the Valley Community Foundation distributes approximately $1.6 million in grants each year to support the local nonprofit sector and the people it serves. In addition to grantmaking, VCF works in strong partnership with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF), to promote philanthropy in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton and receives funding from The Gates Fund and other preference funds at TCF that benefit the Valley. For more information, visit www.valleyfoundation.org.

 

Ansonia Middle School Holds Virtual Graduation

ANSONIA - A total of 171 eighth graders from Ansonia High School were honored in a virtual graduation program this year, Principal Peter Colaccino has announced. The program, which features speeches from the building principals, Superintendent of Schools, and Valedictorian, can be viewed at https://youtu.be/3OqDQMsK3Gw

Mr. Colaccino spoke about Valedictorian Fahmida Chowdhury and her accomplishments. 

“Fahmida’s diligent work ethic and endearing personality were on display each and every day at the middle school,” he said. “She was the female recipient of this year’s CAPSS Award (CT Association of Public Schools Superintendents) as well. No doubt, she has a very promising future ahead of her and the AMS community can’t wait to hear about all of the wonderful things she will soon accomplish.”

Achievement Awards were also announced as part of the virtual program:

•           Superintendent’s Award: Fahmida Chowdhury and Jonathan Kish.

•           Excellence in Social Studies: Preston Dziubina and Faith Walker.

•           Excellence in Science: Zoe Frager and Anthony Kezer.

•           Excellence in ELA: Symone Finney and Maqila Mosley-Williams.

•           Excellence in Math: Atyana Delvalle and Megan Koslowski.

The students who successfully completed their 8th grade year are as follows (those with an asterisk are members of the National Junior Honor Society):

Jair Albaladejo Rivera, Adrian Albelo, Dezryel Allick, Timothy Angeski, Michael Arias, Alijah Arnold, Juanita Ayala, Ray Badillo, Forrest Banks, Thomas Barfi, Jhani Barge, Kevin Barrios, Moises Beltran, Alexandra Bevan, Rickayla Blagrove, Jamar Booker, Trevon Booker, Geno Borrero, Blaine Bostic, Arielle Bracey, Alivia Brown, *Hailey Burton, *Samantha Burton, David Cabrera, Jamiah Carrillo, *Shellymar Casillas, Caden Chapman, *Fahmida Chowdhury, Isaac Colon, Logan Coon, Ryan Cornish, Noelle Corwell, Ellsie Cotto, *Kailey Cruz, Kenneth Curet.

Alessandro DaGraca, James Daniels, *Nevaeh Davenport, Jaiden Davis, Nina Delgado, *Atyana Delvalle, Isaiah Delvalle, Christian Deutscher-Cordova, Julianna Diaz, Kyle Disley, Dynastee Dixon,

*Jake Dodge, Amari Dos Santos, *Preston Dziubina, Benjamin Eads, *Gwyneth Fasciano, *Symone Finney, *Zoe Frager, Emily Frey, Jacob Gaffney, *Angela Garcia, Gabriela Garcia, Jerry Garcia, Jacquelyn Gibson, *Terrell Givens, Casper Gola, *Ariana Gomez, Emily Gonzalez, Jayvante Gonzalez, *Shaddai Gonzalez, Valentina Guarna, Adriatik Haliti, Alexa Hauck, *Puma Haug, Deanna Hebert, Chloe Hernandez, *Shawn Hernandez, Isaiah Holmes, *Kelly Horjatschun.

Jeremy Infante, Machi Ingram, *Davius Irizarry, Davonte Jackson, Kayli Jacobs, Julia Jarmoszko, Ashley Jenner, Diana Kachaliy, *Landon Kerr, *Victoria Kettles, *Anthony Kezer, *Jonathan Kish, 

Megan Koslowski, *Shayla Kovacs, *Erald Kukaj, *Joseph Kuskowski, *John Kwalek, Cameron LeFrancois, Jovan Lilly, Saiivion Littlejohn-Belcher, *Alexander Lopez, Christopher Lopez, Natalia Maine, Alexandra Makowski, Ryan Marrero, Steven Martinez-Santos, Jacari Mcfadden, Arriana Meekins, Janeli Mercado, Mark Meredith, James Mikita, *Maqila Mosley-Williams, *Kassidy Musnicki, Thy-rene Mweze.

*Jennipher Najeeb, *Emilyanna Negron, Tavaris Nembhard, *Anna Nguyen, Michael Oates, 

Elizabeth Ortiz, Juliexza Ortiz, *Naomi Ortiz, Samantha Palmieri, Domenic Pardy, Breonna Parrino, *Zoe Pastor, Ashmer Pedraza, Marc Peet, Keyilah Perez, Jamirah Pickering, Angel Pinto, Jayden Pires, Kacper Podsiadlo, *Janelli Pratts, Faith Quinones, Justin Quinones, Alexander Ramos, Jeremiah Ramsey, Samuel Reese, Jovon Reyes, Rylie Rhodes, Izaiah Ribeiro, Shawn Richards, *Eliana Rico, Jazzelle Riley, Mathayus Rivera, Nathaniel Rivera, Sahara Rivera, Alle’jah Robertson, Justin Rodriguez, *Mariah Roque, Caroline Ruiz-Robinson.

*Paula Salazar, Cassandra Santiago, Jayden Saunders, Jayla Saunders, *Amya Smith, Andrew Smith, Vivea Smith, Patrick Solsbury, Ta’Shiria Sparks, Damian Spears, *Emalie Terifay, *Jaquan Thomas, Kaden Thomas, Tyler Thompson, Eliana Torres, Madison Torsiello, Shawn Vance, *Amy Vann, Jensen Vazquez, Alecia Vega, Jalen Velez, Julianna Viselli, April Walfall, Faith Walker, Donny Wilder.

(This is a press release from Ansonia Schools)

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 Nature Center Offers Facebook Programs

Grab & Go Lunches for Valley Kids

Become A Certified Nursing Assistant

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206, is offering classes for its fall Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.

The School of Allied Health Careers is offering a day session for its CNA program with classes on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. starting Nov. 4.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed schedule. Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. The program’s clinical experience is at a long term care facility and Griffin Hospital for a total of 40 hours. 

After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, liability insurance and the 40 hour clinical rotation.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is 

encouraged for all courses, as space is limited.

For more information or to set up an entrance interview, call 203-732-1276.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers. Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, located at 300 Seymour Avenue in Derby.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

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.

Ansonia Announces Top 10 Students

ANSONIA - Bryan Nguy is valedictorian of the Class of 2019 at Ansonia High School, Principal Paul Giansanti has announced. Bryan and the rest of the top 10 students of the class were honored at a banquet, hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education, on May 22 at AHS. In addition, they led their classmates during the commencement exercises on June 7 on Jarvis Field.

All of the top 10 students have earned numerous college credits by completing college-level courses offered by Ansonia High School, and most of the students are going to potentially earn many more for courses they recently completed.

With each course ranging in value from $608 to $3,738 and higher, the top 10 graduates may potentially save more than $30,000, thanks to courses they successfully completed while at AHS.

The completed courses taken by the majority of the top 10 include the following: Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Language and Composition and U.S. History. Students have also taken advantage of numerous other courses, including Physics I and II, Calculus, Computer Science, Modern Western Traditions, and Digital Electronics.

Many college-level courses are offered as a result of partnerships with UConn, the University of New Haven, and HCC (Housatonic Community College).

Here is a brief overview of each student and their accomplishments while attending AHS:

Bryan Nguy, valedictorian, is the son of Bruce Nguy and Quyen Lam.

He is a member of the Junior Statesmen of America, the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and the Audio and Visual Club. His volunteer work has included helping Prendergast School organize books for their library; guide runners in the Griffin Hospital 5K race; and assisting with the lights and backstage work for AHS concerts and talent shows. Bryan has earned 22 college credits by completing the following college-level courses: Statistics, Chemistry, Language and Composition and U.S. History. Bryan is awaiting the results of testing he completed for the following courses this year: Physics, Literature and Composition, Calculus, Computer Science and Modern Traditions. He could potentially earn an additional 26 credits for courses taken this past year. Bryan is majoring in computer science at UConn in the fall.

Timmy Betancur, son of Nguyen Betancur and Eugenio Betancur, is salutatorian. Timmy has been a member of the AHS Band, the AV Club and the National Honor Society. He has helped to organize books at a local elementary school; assisted in several community events; and guided runners in a local 5K road race. Timmy has earned 24 college credits for the following courses: ECE Statistics, AP Language and Composition, AP Chemistry and ECE U.S. History. He can potentially earn an additional 20 for college credit courses he recently completed, including ECE Physics, AP Computer Science, AP Literature and Composition and AP Calculus. He will be majoring in computer science at Northeastern University.

Samantha Rowland, the daughter of Keith and Christine Rowland, is ranked third. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Global Scholars Club. Samantha is the recipient of the Yale Book Award. She has taken numerous college-credit courses at AHS, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Language and Composition; ECE/AP Chemistry; AP US History; AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus, AP/ECE Physics and ECE Modern Western Traditions. She has earned 36 Early College Experience credits. Samantha will be attending Fairfield University in the fall.

Cali Brown, daughter of Randy and Maureen Tomlinson, is fourth in her class. Cali is a member of the National Honor Society and the Global Scholars Club. She has taken seven college-credit courses, including AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP English Literature IV, AP Statistics, AP Psychology and ECE Modern Western Traditions. Cali has earned 21 Early College Experience credits. This fall, she will be attending Clark University and will be taking on a double major course of study in English and Community, Youth and Education.

Julia Ashley Catale, daughter of Joe and Susan Catale, is fifth in her class. Julia is a member of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team, the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the Student Ambassadors Club, the Human Relations Club, and the Junior Statesmen of America. She has been honored as a CIAC Scholar Athlete. Julia has served as a sixth grade mentor; has been a member of the Binky Patrol, which makes blankets for children who are hospitalized; and has participated in a veteran’s games night. She recently completed an AP Calculus class. Julia will be majoring in chemistry at Central Connecticut State University.

Nikka Mae Real, daughter of Novie Real, is ranked sixth. Nikka is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, Junior Statesmen of America, the Gay-Straight Alliance, the Human Relations Club and the After School Chorus. She has taken five college-credit courses, including AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus and AP Physics. Nikka has earned 28 Early College Experience credits. She will be majoring in mechanical engineering at Gateway to UConn.

Lance Praseutsack, son of Pon and Sokho Praseutsack, is ranked seventh. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Audio Visual Club. He has helped out backstage at talent shows and music concerts at AHS; has helped organize books at a local elementary school; has guided runners at a local 5K race; and has helped out at blood drives. Lance has taken numerous college-credit courses, including US History, Chemistry, Physics, Literature and Composition and AP Calculus. He may earn a total of 30 college credits for these courses. Lance will be majoring in mechanical engineering at Clarkson University.

Michael Esposito, son of Andrew and Danielle Esposito, is eighth in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Yearbook Club, and the Spirit Club. Michael served as a student intern. He has taken five college credit courses, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, ECE/AP History and AP English Literature IV. He has earned 18 Early College Experience credits. Michael will be majoring in business management at UConn.

Dain Padilla, son of Jennifer Walker and David Padilla, is ranked ninth. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Statesmen of America and the Audio Visual Club. He represented AHS at Boys State last year. Dain has taken nine college-credit courses, including AP/ECE Statistics, AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, ECE/AP Chemistry, ECE/AP History, AP English Literature IV, AP Calculus, AP/ECE Physics, and ECE Modern Western Traditions. He has earned 40 Early College Experience credits. Dain will major in criminal justice at UConn.

Sarah Madar, daughter of Eileen and David Madar, is ranked tenth in her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Audio Visual Club. Sarah volunteered at nearly every event involving members of the National Honor Society; has helped raise money for the Class of 2019; and assisted the teachers in her dance school. Sarah has taken several college credit courses, including ECE Modern Western Traditions, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, AP/ECE English Literature and Composition and Digital Electronics. She will be majoring in Interactive Media and Game Arts at Becker College.

(This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools)

Reading Rocks in Ansonia

ANSONIA — Students and families in Ansonia are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Summer Reading Rocks, which will be held on the property of Christ Episcopal Church across from the Ansonia Library on South Cliff Street this Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is free of charge.

Many of last year’s offerings will be returning this year, including live entertainment, traveling performers, a picnic lunch, a petting zoo, face painters and a balloon artist, a self-contained soft play obstacle course, and free raffles.

A backpack, water bottle and summer reading books will be available for Ansonia students who register during the event. More than a dozen local organizations providing services to Ansonia residents will be on hand to distribute free information.

The main stage will feature the following performers: Lynn’s Sing A Long at 11 a.m.; Author Ried Kaplan, who will read his book, “Let’s Eat Together” at noon; Al DeCant, the singing principal, shortly after 1:00 p.m.; and magician Danny Magic at 2 p.m. Raffles will be held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The Ansonia Library is co-sponsoring Reading Rocks with the school district. Funding is being provided by the State of Connecticut through grants awarded to Ansonia Public Schools.

For additional information about Reading Rocks, contact Dorca Rodriguez, Ansonia’s Family Engagement Coordinator, at drodriguez@ansonia.org or by calling her at 203-736-5095 ×1016. 

(This is a press release from Ansonia Schools)

Griffin Offers Summer CNA Course

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206 in Derby, is offering a summer session of its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course starting July 15.

The School is also taking applications for its Certified Clinical Medical Assistant course starting in the fall.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed six-week schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. 

The program’s clinical experience is at a long term stay facility and Griffin Hospital from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a total of 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

The Medical Assistant program prepares students to become multi-skilled healthcare professionals that specialize in outpatient settings. Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties and assist a variety of providers including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Graduates of this program may find entry-level positions in medical offices, clinics, urgent care centers and may work in general medicine or specialty practices. This program also provides the diversity of other job options in the hospital or laboratory setting.

Set to start in the fall, the program will run for 28 weeks with classes five days a week from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., including 160 clinical hours at Griffin Faculty Physicians’ primary care offices and specialty offices such as gastroenterology, OB-GYN, surgical and cardiology.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. 

Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited.

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)