GPS District Digest (v4, i03)

We are up to issue No. 3, you see, and we bet you all had a splendid first month, but that's just a hunch.

The Digest continues to be blown away by all of the great feedback our loyal readers give us and the record-breaking amount of folks that read all the good things happening around Greenwich Public Schools.

Have you shared a good story, photograph, or achievement with us? What are you waiting for?

Enjoy Issue No. 3 and thanks for reading! Tell a friend.

GPS District Digest

Weir Farm in Wilton announced recently that Parkway School fifth-grader Mary Stowe earned Honorable Mention in the 2022 Art in the Park Contest in the junior artist category.

Weir Farm National Historical Park is a National Park for Art, a place that has been inspiring artists since 1882 when America’s most beloved Impressionist, Julian Alden Weir, made it his summer home. Today, artists and visitors of all ages come to the park to enjoy the stunning landscape, walk in the footsteps of American masters, and create art.

"I am so proud, and also not surprised, that Mary received Honorable Mention in the Weir Farm Art in the Park Contest," Parkway's art teacher, Ms. Carrie Steele said. "Since day one at Parkway, Mary has strived to give her best, putting her natural artistic talents to work by creating thoughtful and original pieces of art. Mary truly personifies Greenwich Public Schools' Vision of the Graduate and I look forward to hearing of her achievements as she moves on to middle and high school."

All artwork entered in the contest is now featured on the park's website as part of an online exhibit. With 150 submissions, the 2022 Virtual Art in the Park Exhibit focuses on showcasing the artistic inspiration and creativity that Weir Farm NHP inspires. The art exhibit is split into six different categories. Winners of each category will be on view at the Art in the Park Festival on October 15.

Way to go, Mary!

We here at the Digest decided to reach out to GPS Food Service Director Dave Nanarello once again to see what is new and exciting in his world of food.

He tells us that September was such an exciting month for everyone in Food Services. It was been so wonderful to see all of our students and faculty back in the buildings and they are looking forward to a fabulous school year.

They have lots of new and exciting events planned and fresh recipes to feature on their menus. He wants you to watch for the farmer's market at GHS coming soon.

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. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Proud International School of Dundee mother, Tashina Tiwana, checked in with the Digest recently to tell us about how her third and fifth graders, together with some of their friends, set up a bake sale earlier in September to raise funds for victims of the catastrophic floods in Pakistan. The bake sale, along with additional donations, raised $1,450!

We were told that the children baked everything at home, designed and put up flyers, and had a great turn out. They were helped and supported by some other families who helped bake and donate items. She also told us about how much gratitude they all felt for the support they received from so many ISD families.

Calling all turkeys! Registration for the 2022 Turkey Trot is now open for the wonderful Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Join the Greenwich Alliance for Education and your neighbors for a 5K and 1 mile run run/walk on Saturday, November 26 that begins at the Arch Street Teen Center and loops through Bruce Park. Start times are 9:30 AM for the 1 mile and 10:00 AM for the 5K.

Sign up now to help your school win a $500 prize in the school competition. Adults are $30 through October 31 and $35 after (Race Day - $40). Children (13 and under) are $15 (Race Day - $15). A $1 service fee is not included.

For more information, head to the Alliance website.

The Greenwich Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is thrilled to begin its third year. For those unfamiliar with the Greenwich SEAC, their purpose is to build equitable partnerships between families, the school District and community partners, and also give advisory opinions to the Board of Education on matters pertaining to the education and safety of students with disabilities. The Greenwich SEAC is a parent-driven council composed of 21 voting members and four alternate members, including parents, teachers, related service providers, administrators, and community members.

Are you aware of the two options to jump in and get involved? No? Well, let's change that right now.

Enter the lottery to be a voting member

They currently have six open positions on the council: one parent voting member, one related service provider voting member, two parent alternate members, and two teacher alternate members. If you are interested in filling one of these vacancies, please submit an application. They will hold a lottery on Wednesday, October 19 at 2:00 PM.

Join a subcommittee

They recently chose their subcommittee areas of focus for the year, and are looking for community involvement and input. You can learn more and sign up for any of the subcommittees by clicking on the following links: Consistency Among Schools, Interventions for Students with Challenging Behaviors, Nominating and Enrichment. Read last year’s annual report, presented to the BOE, to give you a better understanding of what they do in committees.

The Greenwich SEAC also has a general membership that is open to any interested GPS parent or guardian of a child with a disability, previously known to have a disability, or suspected of having a disability, under the IDEA or Section 504, or who is currently eligible to receive Special Education or 504 accommodations and services, from ages 3-21, and who are both residents of the Town of Greenwich. General members can attend and participate in meetings as well as serve on subcommittees.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the good folks at SEAC at greenwichseac@gmail.com.

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