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      

Rep. Klarides-Ditria Renews Call to Pass School Safety Bill

HARTFORD – State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria submitted testimony last week in support of legislation that seeks to enhance classroom safety and school climate.

Under the bill, H.B. 7110, boards of education would be required to revise their safe school climate plans to include provisions relating to disruptive or injurious incidents that occur in classrooms, to develop and implement a state-wide school climate survey, and to require the Department of Education to provide assistance to school districts relating to school climate.

Rep. Klarides-Ditria said, “It is crucial that we highly prioritize the safety of students and teachers. Giving teachers the ability to remove dangerous students for a short time with the requirement that they follow designated protocols will protect the rights and safety of the child in question, the teacher, and fellow students.

A similar bill was passed by the House and Senate last session but was vetoed by Governor Dan Malloy. For more information about the people or to track legislation visit, cga.ct.gov.

(This is a press release from CT House Republicans)

Meet the Ansonia Candidates Oct. 25

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.

Congratulations go to Derby students, teachers

Irving School wins $3,000 grant for innovative art project

Irving School's budding artists are all smiles as they show off some of their new supplies. Pictured back row from left are Jurnee Pervis, Kameron Vereen, Kyle Baktis, Ariana Rodriguez. Front row, Grace Saldana, T.J. Orazietti, Samuel Florio. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Markers, paints, colored pencils, and of course, crayons, are now in good supply at Irving School.

That's because the school is one of only 20 nationwide to be awarded the 2012 "Champion Creatively Alive Children's Grant" sponsored by Crayola and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
The $3,000 grant included $500 worth of supplies for students' artistic endeavors.

Please check out a story about the grant award by my colleague Jean Falbo-Sosnovich in today's paper. 

Having fun, building character at Ansonia elementary school

Six pillars of character taught at John G. Prendergast Elementary School in Ansonia include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

These pillars were on display on the school field at an assembly Friday. The event honored eight students who had scored "advanced" in all areas on the Connecticut Mastery Tests last spring. Proud parents photographed their children with Principal Joseph Apicella and Assistant Principal Sherrod McNeill.

After the recognition ceremony teachers and staff dressed in tie-dyed T-shirts created their version of a flash mob and danced to Michael Jackson's 1983 hit, "Beat It" to welcome the children back to school.

It was a fun way for students and adults alike to kick off the new school year. Teachers never did anything like this when I was in elementary school!

Ansonia teachers to hear motivational speaker at convocation

ANSONIA – Steve Sobel, one of the top motivational/lifestyle speakers in the country, will be the keynote speaker for the Opening Day Convocation for Ansonia Public Schools Wednesday at Ansonia High School.
Sobel will present 'The Power and Passion of Extraordinary Educators.” More than 250 teachers and staff are expected to attend the program.
   
Sobel is a former teacher, principal, and special education director who is known widely for his wit, wisdom, humor, and unique insights. He is the author of the “Good Times Handbook-Your Guide to Positive Living and an Exciting Life.”

Superintendent of Schools Carol Merlone will open the program at 8 a.m. in the high school auditorium, followed by remarks from Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe.
After the program, Ansonia teachers will meet and attend workshops in preparation for the opening of the school year Sept. 4.