Superintendent's Weekly Message - May 26, 2023

May?26?2023?6:00?PM

Dear Staff and Families,

Despite the rain last Saturday and the numerous postponed events, my husband John and I were still able to join the Mayor’s Climate Council listening session.?We enjoyed listening to members of the community share ideas for how to reduce our carbon footprint, protect our trees, and mitigate the impact of climate change.

On Sunday, we attended the Annual Stamford Day, celebrating the many cultures in our city.?It was wonderful to see all of the dancers and musicians, including the Stamford High Jazz band led by Matt Gurecki, SHS Band Director who through the winds played one of my favorite songs?“I Just Called to Say I Love You.”??

Later the same afternoon, we joined two of our wonderful Art teachers Robin Konrad and?Module Downer, as well as some amazingly talented students and their families at the Teen Vision Connecticut’s 2023 High School Art Exhibition.?This annual event showcases the artistry of students in the area school districts.?We are so proud of the numerous students across our three Stamford high schools that were selected to show their art at this highly regarded art exhibition.?Congratulations to all of the students who were honored on Sunday.?I also want to thank all of the art teachers who worked tirelessly to prepare students for these opportunities.

SPS Operating and Grants Budget

During our regular Board of Education meeting, the SPS Operating and Grants budgets were officially approved.?I want to take this moment to thank all of the members of the finance department, central office and building leaders, teachers, and staff that played a major role in the budget process.??

I also want to thank the Mayor; Josh Esses, Fiscal committee Chair Board of Education; and?members of the City Boards – Planning, BOR, BOF for their support of the 2023-2024 Budget.?It should be noted that this is the largest budget allocated to the Board of Education in the last 15 years.?We truly appreciate everyone’s willingness to support the vision for SPS.

We’re Hiring

During our Labor Committee meeting this month, our Executive Director of Human Resources shared the initial success of the Spring hiring session for the 2023-2024 school year.?Thank you to the members of the Human Resources department, building administrators and staff that made the early hiring initiative successful.??

However, it is important to know that we have numerous employment opportunities available if you would like to join the SPS team.?Please click?here?to learn more.??

Career Pathway and Technology Vision 2025

Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for the BOE Workshop Meeting on Tuesday, June 6, where we will share our Career Pathways, Workplace Learning & Apprenticeships Vision 2025 presentation.?In the last 18 months, under the leadership of Dr. Claudia Berlage and with the hard work of our teachers and staff, we continue to offer additional pathway opportunities to our high school students.?If you have not had a chance, please visit our Career Pathways, Workplace Learning & Apprenticeships?webpage.

Also, during the meeting on Tuesday, June 6, our Coordinator of Technology Integration & Online Assessment, Alec Iogman, will provide an update on the development of the three-year technology plan.?Thank you to the members of the technology committee and our TISS’s for all of the hard work in the last year to develop a plan that focuses on the 5 Pillars of the SPS District Strategic Plan and the 7 Gears of the Future Ready School Framework.?Please do not miss this important presentation.

SPS Quarterly

Our third edition of the Quarterly is now available.?The SPS Quarterly is a publication created to keep our community-based organizations and partners, City Board members and staff, faith-based organizations, business leaders and the community at large informed about what is happening in Stamford Public Schools.?Click here to enjoy the?Spring Edition.

Happy Memorial Day!?Please take a moment, while you are enjoying time with friends and family this weekend, to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.?

Stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent