GPS District Digest (v4, i16)
Stories, news, and updates from Greenwich Public Schools
We Have a Gut Feeling
What a week we had at the GPS District Digest newsroom! It was all hustle and bustle as Greenwich Public Schools were on everyone's mind coming out of Spring Recess. The phone calls, the emails, the late nights and early mornings, and the social media outreach. We had it all!
We get excited too when the the Community Service Awards and Distinguished Teachers Awards are announced!
Get ready for a Digest that is packed with all good things GPS. And do not forget to play your favorite puzzle game...you know the one...we do not even have to ask anymore!
Enjoy issue No. 16 and thanks for reading!
GPS District Digest
Women's History Month Writing Contest
Congratulations to junior Hanna Klingbeil for winning the GHS Women's History Month Writing Contest in March. Hanna wrote about Lady Six Sky of Dos Pilas and Naranjo because she wanted to feel closer to the true origins of the country she was born in and loves.
For Women’s History Month, the GHS Social Studies Department asked students to look back to the past for inspiration and appreciation for what they have today. They said that in many ways, today’s women are standing on the shoulders of giants. Contemporary people often forget to take time out to acknowledge not just what, but more importantly, who has come before.
The students' task was to write a letter to a notable woman (from anywhere around the world, from any time period) thanking her for the contributions she had made to women’s rights.
We hope you find Hanna's essay just as interesting and informative as we did in the Digest newsroom.
Good Eats
Digest trivia time: Who is the GPS District Digest's best friend? a. Food Services Director Mr. Dave Nanarello; b. Food Services Director Mr. Dave Nanarello; c. Food Services Director Mr. Dave Nanarello; d. All of the above.
You cannot go wrong with any of those answers.
Mr. Nanarello told the Digest recently that Greenwich High School has opened a new made-to-order chopped salad station. You know how it works: pick your salad bowl and load up on diced grilled chicken, crispy chicken, bell peppers, tomatoes, sliced beets, red onions, cucumbers, chopped broccoli, baby corn, edamame, black beans, and chickpeas. And this time, don't forget sliced black olives, shredded cheddar, parmesan, and a choice of dressings. We are told that it was very well received by our students.
Lead cook in GHS' cold kitchen, Elizabeth Regan, was instrumental in its creation, along with Head Chef Nikolaos Saragias and Food Production Coordinator Jessica Capozza. Over time they expect to expand on both the topping selections as well as different types of mixed greens in the salad bowls.
As always, Mr. Nanarello encourages families to use the Food Service Department as a resource in setting up lunch accounts, navigating menus, and of course, any allergy concerns. He also reminds us that universal free lunch has returned through the end of the school year. Reach out anytime!
Send us a Postcard from Yellowstone!
Western Middle School teacher, Ms. Lauren Stabile, has been named a recipient of a Fund For Teachers Fellowship Grant Award because of her ability to design personal learning opportunities that stretch her students and strengthen her school community.
She is scheduled to travel to Yellowstone National Park for a week this summer to research the biodiversity ecosystem balance and to model this work for students to replicate in the Long Island Sound and/or the local Audubon/nature preserves by teaching data collection skills and engendering a respect for nature in a way that benefits the Greenwich community.
Fund for Teachers supports educators' efforts to develop skills, knowledge and confidence that impact student achievement. By trusting teachers to design unique fellowships, Fund for Teachers grants validate teachers' professionalism and leadership. Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $35 million in nearly 9,200 teachers, transforming grants into growth for teachers and their students.
Seriously, Ms. Stabile, send us a postcard.
Et tu, Catullus?
If you were hoping for more essay contest winners, you are in luck because this issue of the Digest has what you are looking for.
Recently, GHS senior James Chang won the Paideia Institute High School Essay Contest that has a grand prize of a full scholarship to the Institute's most notable travel program: Living Latin in Rome. He will be spending two weeks in Rome with a group of high school Latin enthusiasts and Latin professors.
This year's essay contest had the following topic: In the Odyssey, Odysseus summons the shades from the underworld and listens to the tales of the dead. If you could get a chance to hear the stories of one, two, or three people from Ancient Greece or Rome, asking them whatever questions you wished, whom would you choose and why? James wrote about one of his favorite poets, Catullus.
The Paideia Institute for Humanistic Studies is an educational organization dedicated to promoting the studying and learning of the classics. The Institute focuses heavily on Ancient Roman and Ancient Greek languages and literature, and hosts events, online programs, and travel programs around the world.
James' amazing essay will be published in an online classical magazine called, In Medias Res. Gratulationes, James, and bon voyage!
It Was a Takeover!
We had a takeover! Were you following along on the Twitter account @GPSDistrict recently when Western Middle School’s Library Media Specialist Mr. Aaron Johnson, commandeered our social media postings at WMS Career Day 2023?
Throughout the day, Mr. Johnson gave us a behind-the-scenes look at student preparation, amazing presentations by so many great guests, and a review of what our students learned.
You can see all of his amazing posts on the WMS webpage, or see a few select posts below.
Do you have an idea for the next Twitter Takeover? Let us know!
Email: communications@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT, USA
Phone: (203) 625-7415