The Principal's Pen
September 4, 2023
You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Zig Ziglar
FIFTH GRADE TEAM BUILDING
Welcome Calls
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We learned a great deal in the last several years, and as educators we like to continue fine-tuning our practice. For the past three years, our teachers offered Listening Conferences to every family. We know as parents ourselves, having the opportunity to connect with our child(ren)'s teachers is vital for a successful partnership. We learn a great deal about our students through these beginning of the year conversations. As you know, parent conferences are not held until December, and quick conversations at dismissal or trying to chat for a second at open house struggles to provide our teachers with an uninterrupted opportunity to effectively connect with parents. Therefore, you will be hearing from your classroom teachers soon. Our goal is to give every parent the opportunity to schedule this brief listening conference before Open House on September 19th.
Some helpful ideas to consider for these conferences:
- What are your child's strengths - and challenges?
- What are their hobbies or interests?
- What motivates them?
- What has been successful in other classrooms/settings in the past?
- Similarly - what doesn't work with them?
- What are your hopes and dreams for the school year?
- What is the best way/time to contact you during the school year? email? phone calls? face to face ?
- What else would help us make this a successful year for your child?
For those students who work with ALP teachers, Special Educators, ELL teachers, interventionists etc, those specialists will also be reaching out to schedule listening conferences with you. We know the role each teacher plays is unique and special in a child's day and we want to offer them the opportunity to meet with you to hear your thoughts based on their role as well. While it would be challenging for our essential teachers in music, art, PE and the like to reach out to the parents of every student in the school, I encourage you to reach out to them if you'd like to share something regarding your child. They'd love to listen as well. If your child has found a love of art - I assure you Ms. Dietrick would be beyond excited to hear about it. Or if they're suddenly more sensitive to loud music and you want to share that with Ms.Champion for her music class or our PE department who often play music during their classes - this would be very helpful information for them. As always Mr. Hartigan and I are available as well and would be happy to meet with parents throughout the year.
Simply put - we want to continue to listen, learn and grow as educators of your children and work in partnership with you for their success. Please reach out and allow us to listen.
LUNCH
The cost for Lunch is $4.15 for those who do not qualify for free and reduced lunch.
The CT Free Lunch For All Program is now over. Please submit an application at https://www.greenwichschools.org/departments/food-services/free-and-reduced-priced-meals if you believe your family will qualify. The cost for elementary school lunch is $4.15. Please use the link in the Back to School Documents section to locate the School Lunch Account Form on the Back to School Page of our website. You can use a form and submit a check to the cafeteria or set up and manage your child's lunch account on My School Bucks. The link to My School Bucks is also located on the School Lunch page.
Welcome new staff members!
Kera Engle, Math Interventionist
I'm Kera Engle, and I've had the privilege of teaching at Julian Curtiss for the past eight years. Alongside my role as an educator, I'm also a proud mother to three wonderful boys ages 8, 10, and 11. I'm thrilled to be stepping into a new position as a math interventionist here at JC. I am excited to have the opportunity to support and inspire students on their mathematical journeys.
Taryn Deitrick Art Teacher
I am so excited to be returning to Julian Curtiss this year to teach Art! I have been an Art teacher in the Greenwich Public Schools since 2014. I studied Art History and Studio Art at Gettysburg College and received my Master’s in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I enjoy teaching students how to think like an artist, express themselves through their artwork and be imaginative. When I am not at school, you will find me with my two young sons, who enjoy creating anything and everything! I am looking forward to a creative year with the students of JC!
Paloma Perez Special Education Teacher
Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Paloma Perez, and I am absolutely thrilled to join the incredible team at Julian Curtiss School as a new teacher in Special Education. I graduated from Manhattanville College, where I earned my master's degree in Childhood Education 1-6 and Special Education K-12.
For the past nine years, I've had the privilege of working with Greenwich Public Schools, and my most recent role was as a kindergarten teacher at North Street School. Now, I'm eager to bring my passion for special education to Julian Curtiss School, where I know I can make a lasting impact on my students' lives. I am eager to collaborate with my new colleagues and continue the important work of Greenwich Public Schools.
As a New York City native, I've developed a deep appreciation for the diversity and energy that education brings. When I'm not teaching in Greenwich, you can find me engrossed in a captivating book or on the tennis court, honing my skills. Oh, and I can't forget to mention my furry companion, August, who brings so much love and happiness to my life.
Stephen Hohl Third Grade Teacher
I am excited to join the Julian Curtiss team as our new third grade teacher. I come to Julian Curtiss with experience working with elementary school students since 2006. I have been a paraprofessional, building substitute and a remote school teacher. Most recently I have taught both third and fourth grades in the Greenwich Public Schools.
I am a native of Greenwich and a graduate of Greenwich High School.I have been
been an active member of the Off-Beat Players, a non-profit theater organization for young adults with and without special needs. I am currently the assistant director of the day camp at Greenwich Country Club, with an enrollment of over 150 children. My experience in these fields have made me into a more patient and empathetic person who is respectful of families of varying life experiences. As a classroom teacher, I strive to create a positive learning environment where all students are respected and valued. I strive to create a classroom community where everyone is welcomed and celebrated for their unique abilities and personalities.
Valérie Léger - French Teacher
I grew up in France and studied at La Sorbonne in Paris. When I am not teaching I enjoy playing squash.
Caryn Horan - Preschool
I am delighted to begin my first year at Julian Curtiss and with Greenwich Public Schools. I’ve been teaching in and around New York since 2009 after I finished my undergraduate studies at Fordham University. After a few years of teaching I went back to school and received my graduate degree from Teachers College; beginning my career in special education. I have taught pre-K to fourth grade and I am excited to return to those special early years of learning. My family and I moved to Greenwich just a few years ago. We love spending time together at the beach and going on hikes. If I get some time to myself, I enjoy going running, reading, and watching movies. I’m looking forward to meeting all of my new students, families, and colleagues!
Principal's Welcome News August 18, 2022
Please read and return required forms!
Don't forget to sign up for School Dismissal Manager!
9 Tips to Build a Habit of Good Attendance
FROM DR. JONES
Dear Families of GPS:
We are back! And what an exciting first day we had. Our entire staff welcomed all of our students, happy to be back with their teachers and friends.
As a reminder, schools are closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day, but we will be back at it fullsteam ahead on Tuesday!
Access to School Grounds
Now that we are back, please be reminded that access to school grounds is limited to only staff and students while classes are in session and after-school activities are happening. Please walk the family dog at your local park or neighborhood and skip that shortcut through school property during the week. We thank you in advance for your adherence to district protocols.
Free Breakfast for All Students
The Connecticut State Department of Education has advised us that breakfast will be available for all students during the 2023-2024 school year free of charge. You are encouraged to visit the Food Services webpage to check if your children are eligible to receive free or reduced lunch. New for this school year, those families who qualify for “reduced” meal pricing will now be provided school lunch meals at no charge. Please complete the 2023-24 Application for Free and Reduced-price School Meals and addendum forms found on the Food Services webpage and submit them to your school’s main office.
GPS District Digest
We are excited to announce that the award-winning newsletter, the GPS District Digest, will be returning for its fifth consecutive school year. The Digest is emailed to subscribers and posted every other Thursday. If you have not already, please make sure to subscribe so you do not miss any exciting issues loaded with all good things GPS. You will not regret it!
BOE Retreat
The Board will meet for the first time on Thursday, September 7 at the Havemeyer Building for its regularly scheduled Board Retreat at 7:00 PM. You are encouraged to review the agenda that includes many important discussion items. Although there is no public comment, you are welcome to watch virtually on Zoom or attend in person, and as always, a recording of the meeting in its entirety will be available the next day on the District’s YouTube channel. The Board’s meeting schedule for the entire school year can be found on the District’s webpage.
2023-2024 Assured Experiences
GPS is delighted to announce the expansion of Assured Experiences for the 2023-2024 school year and beyond for K-7 students. With six new trips added this year, we are strengthening our partnership with local community opportunities to continue to support a robust and well-rounded educational experience in and out of the classroom. Reach out to your school administration team to learn more.
CMS Building Committee’s Forum & Public Hearing - September 6
Members of the community are invited to a building committee forum and public hearing, in person and on Zoom, on Wednesday, September 6 from 6:30-7:30 PM in Central Middle School’s auditorium. Representatives from the project’s team of professionals will be in attendance to share the new building and campus design, and cost information. Community members have the opportunity to share their comments with the building committee by registering through the Google Form. Registration closes at noon on September 6. Members of the community are encouraged to email the building committee with additional comments or questions at CMSBC.CTinfo@gmail.com.
Continuing Education Instructors Needed
The Greenwich Adult and Continuing Education Program has invited the Greenwich community to register for ESL, GED, and Citizenship classes now. Day and evening classes start on Monday, September 11 and are free for adults living or working in Greenwich. If you have registration questions, please email Coordinator of Adult and Continuing Education Braulio Santiago, at braulio_santiago@greenwich.k12.ct.us.
Young Dancers Workshop
Students in grades 1-8 are invited to the Young Dancers Workshop, a fundraiser hosted by the GHS Dance Team Booster Club, on Saturday, September 9 from 10:45 AM-12:30 PM. Come & meet current members of the GHS Dance Team and witness firsthand their dance styles & techniques, incorporating both hip-hop and jazz elements in their choreography. Dancers will be broken into groups by age, learn a short routine, and be invited to return and perform with the team at halftime at a Greenwich Youth Football League game on Thursday, September 14. Space is limited and registration is required.
District Social Media
Be sure to follow the district on multiple social media platforms including Facebook and X (formerly known at Twitter) at @GPSDistrict for school happenings and breaking news.
Happy Labor Day and have a fantastic long weekend!
Save the date
September 13: Ringing In Ceremony 9 am
September 19: Open House for families 6:00-8:00 pm
September 21: Family Fun Night 5:30 pm
September 22: School Photo Day
September 25: No School Yom Kippur
September 26: Parent workshop on reading 6:00 pm
Principal Trish McGuire and Assistant Principal Matthew Hartigan
Email: Trish_McGuire@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: https://jcs.greenwichschools.org/
Location: 180 East Elm Street, Greenwich, CT, USA
Phone: 203-869-1896