Panel of Teachers share benefits of "Personal Learning"
On Tuesday, November 19, Chief Academic Officer Irene Parisi moderated a panel discussion with teachers from across the District representing grades K-12. This panel shared stories and examples of personal learning methodologies applied to their own classrooms, and answered questions from PTA members across all schools in the District.
Heard during the panel discussion were anecdotes about students feeling empowered when they help design their learning journey, teachers learning the strengths and interests of each of their students, and the benefits of personal learning across every grade level, as evidenced by Mr. Andrew Bramante's research-based course for high school seniors that relies heavily on individual goal-setting and problem-solving - key aspects of personal learning that are started in Kindergarten.
Personalized learning is defined by the District as, "a teacher-facilitated process that provides each student with meaningful choice, guided by a standards based curriculum, in what, where, how and at what pace and appropriate depth, they learn, based on individual strengths, needs, motivations, interests, goals and cultural backgrounds."
Old Greenwich School hosts 1st Book Discussion for parents
On Tuesday, Old Greenwich School held the first of a four-part Book Discussion program for parents. This session co-hosted by OGS Principal Ms. Jen Bencivengo and Literacy Specialist Ms. Sandy Zucarello, centered on the book, How to Raise a Reader by The New York Times Book Review Editors Pamela Paul and Maria Russo. The group discussion focused on tips and strategies for reading with your child at home, including how to encourage reading habits from newborns to teens. Parents left with a new toolkit of strategies and countless book recommendations for all ages.
GPS wins recognition for physical fitness programs in schools
The State of Connecticut's Department of Education has recognized Greenwich Public Schools as a highly performing physically active school system (PASS). As such, the school will receive the 2019 Connecticut Red Ribbon PASS Program Award. The PASS award demonstrates the district's commitment to implementing strategies for students to be physically active for at least 60 minutes throughout each school day.
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) will identify our district as a PASS award recipient on the department’s “Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child” (WSCC) webpage. Program Coordinator for Physical Education/Health/Family & Consumer Science Jeremy Boland and Chief Academic Officer Irene Parisi attended the Connecticut Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CAHPERD)'s General Session this morning in Cromwell, CT to formally accept the award.
Stated in the notification letter, "The CSDE commends your district's efforts to provide students with opportunities to be physically active throughout the school day and shares your commitment to including physical activity as an essential component of student success."
ISD Memorial for Beloved Teacher
Projects Update
GHS Soil Remediation Update
The November edition of the GHS Soil Remediation Project Update has been posted to the District's website. Updates include:
- The Site is safe for use – the Site continues to be safe and parking areas and athletic fields are available for use. Some fenced areas remain.
- The Site is part of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) Voluntary Remediation Program and we are working with regulators to complete cleanup of the property.
- Routine monitoring of the site continues while remediation planning is being conducted.
- The Town recently met with CTDEEP and EPA to review investigation findings and discuss plans for cleanup and the sequence of remediation activities.
GHS Cardinal Stadium
The GHS Cardinal Stadium "Under the Bleacher" design will be discussed at tonight's Board of Education Meeting.