GPS District Digest (v4, i10)

We have all come to issue number 10, of the fourth volume, of the GPS District Digest and we did it together. There are literally thousands of Greenwich community members going through what we have put together for you.

Are you tired of hearing that we get such amazing feedback bringing you all that is good around Greenwich Public Schools? I hope not. All of us here in the newsroom cannot get enough of it.

In this issue, we dive into melodic ichthyology, quote Shakespeare, use the phrase "school musical" a tremendous amount of times, celebrate a mid-year graduation, and more!

Enjoy Issue No. 10 and thanks for reading!

GPS District Digest

The Greenwich Public Schools Honor Band Festival is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00 PM (snow date February 9) in the GHS Performing Arts Center. With generous support from the Greenwich Alliance, the 2023 GPS Honor Band has commissioned and will perform a piece called "School of Fish" from internationally known composer Heather Hoefle, Admission to the concert is free and all are invited to attend.

The Greenwich Public Schools Honor Band Festival began in 2018 and is composed of over 75 students in the fifth and sixth grades, representing every elementary and middle school in the District. These young musicians are invited to participate based on the recommendation of their school band director. The GPS Honor Band was created with the goal of encouraging students to continue their participation in band beyond elementary school by giving our youngest band students a chance to challenge themselves musically. Through combined rehearsals and a culminating performance with other talented musicians from across the District, these students are exposed to the wonderful musical opportunities that await them in the Greenwich Schools.

Hope to see you there!

To compost or not to compost? That is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind...

We hope you did not mind that we had a little fun with William Shakespeare. Let us get back to your regularly scheduled program with one of the best friends the Digest can have, GPS Food Services Director Mr. Dave Nanarello.

Mr. Nanarello recently visited Principal Michaelson at New Lebanon School to check out the latest on their amazing long-time partnership with Waste Free Greenwich. They are working hard to sort our trash and keep our environment clean. In the latest chapter of this partnership, they have begun composting their food.

Principal Michaelson and Assistant Principal Eisenstein tell us that on the second day of their organic pilot, they saw a 76.1% diversion rate - up from 41.7%. You can see what a big impact that food scrap recycling has. After the February break when the stainless steel trays are implemented, it is expected to rise to ~89.2%. That's almost zero waste!

One day last week, they delivered 36 pounds of food scraps! They are excited to not only have an LEED Gold certified building, but they also integrate that status into the teaching and learning throughout the day for their students.

Does that make you want to be a part of the New Lebanon School community? Do not forget that NLS is a magnet school and authorized International Baccalaureate World School. The application process remains open until February 1.

Stay tuned to see more progress at New Lebanon School!

And 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 wants to remind you that it's never too late to fill out the free and reduced application forms. Reach out anytime!

The Eastern Middle School Drama Club will perform “High School Musical” in the school’s Lee Book Auditorium from February 2-4, produced by EMS teachers Ms. Jennifer Badillo and Ms. Julia Fama, directed by Fama, and features choreography by Scott Sisbarro of St. Saviour’s School of Dance.

In the past, the school’s annual musical was only open to eighth graders, but this year, all students in grades 6-8 were invited to participate, and approximately 100 students responded to form the cast and crew.

The “High School Musical” stage production is based on the 2006 movie of the same name. It tells the story of star high school athlete Troy Bolton (Matthew Smiles) who is smitten with the smart and talented Gabriella Montez (Lyla Salvatore). Together, they want to audition for the upcoming school musical. However, jealous drama club president Sharpay Evans (Nora Stern) and her twin brother Ryan Evans (Ned Davis) try to thwart their efforts, conniving around Troy and Gabrielle’s commitment to their basketball and scholastic decathalon teams. In upbeat numbers and a lively ensemble cast, this musical captures many sides of high school and teen dynamics.

For showtimes and ticket pricing, head to the webpage or contact the Eastern Middle School directly.

Break a leg!

Earlier this week, Windrose's Interim Program Administrator Dr. Garfield Charles reminded his three program graduates to find their passion and put their focus and energy into it at its 2023 mid-year graduation ceremony.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones, Board Chair Mr. Joe Kelly, Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports Dr. Stacey Heiligenthaler, and GHS Principal Mr. Ralph Mayo all shared inspiring and moving speeches to celebrate these three students’ accomplishments.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ann Carabillo, Arts Program Coordinator Ms. Laura Newell, and GHS House Administrator and English Department Chair Ms. Brigid Barry were also in attendance to honor the students’ achievement. Windrose students as well as the graduates' families were there to support this special event.

The Windrose graduates received their letter of completion from the Windrose program, which will entitle them to receive their GHS diploma. Graduates also received a copy of Lisa Congon’s "Whatever You Are Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations" to take with them as they move on to the next phase in their life’s journey.

Congrats!

Last week, Dr. Toni Jones announced that Mr. Joseph Baynes was named special education coordinator and the news spread quickly on GPS' social media channels. Mr. Baynes had been serving as interim special education coordinator since October.

Mr. Baynes will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising special education services, while assisting building administrators in monitoring the instruction of students with disabilities in both general education and special education settings. He will also act as a contributing and primary evaluator for certified special education and related services staff, provide assistance to building-based administrators on IEP/PPT meetings, and provide input to Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports Dr. Stacey Heiligenthaler.

“Mr. Baynes’ special education experience, knowledge and dedication to students, staff, and families is a tremendous asset to the District,” Dr. Heiligenthaler said. “I am excited to have him as a permanent addition to the Special Education and Student Supports team.”

Since 2020, Mr. Baynes served as a special education teacher at Greenwich High School. Prior to joining GPS, he worked at Eagle Hill School from 2012 through 2020 and Buffalo Public Schools in 2012 as a special education teacher with elementary age students.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Special Education Coordinator for Greenwich Public Schools,” Mr. Baynes said. “While filling the role on an interim basis since October, I have been inspired by the commitment and dedication of the District's SESS staff members. I am looking forward to continuing to partner with the SESS administrative team and building administrators to provide support for our students, educators, and families.”

Mr. Baynes holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and General Education and a masters in Childhood Special Education from Buffalo State University. He earned his Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport.

Congrats!

In the last issue of the Digest, we told you about the five GHS seniors that were named scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Earlies this week, Society for Science announced that Angie Fogarty and Ambika Grover were included among the top 40 finalists.

Both GHS finalists will participate in a week-long competition in March 2023, during which they will undergo a rigorous judging process that goes beyond their own research to encompass other scientific disciplines and compete for more than $1.8 million in awards. They will also have an opportunity to interact with leading scientists and share their research during a virtual “Public Day” event on March 12. The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023 winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on March 14, streamed live from Washington, D.C.

Angie and Ambika represent the eighth and ninth GHS RSTS finalists to be selected in the past 16 years, from the 47 Scholars that have been nominated during that same time period!

We love hearing about what our GPS alumni are up to.

Earlier this week, we heard from the family of James Rinello, GHS class of 2021, Principal Award winner, and former captain of the varsity football team. They told us this story:

***

Saving a life was not what James would have expected to be doing at the start of 2023. But at the end of last year, James received a call from Be The Match, part of the National Marrow Donor Program, telling him he was a match for a cancer patient.

James jumped at the chance to help. He had joined the Be The Match Registry in the spring when his football team at Johns Hopkins University sponsored a recruiting drive to add donor names to the registry. Most of the time, donors like James are able to donate stem cells through a non-surgical, outpatient procedure. A blood stem cell transplant can cure or treat more than 75 different diseases.

As word has spread, James has appreciated hearing stories of how people have been touched by a marrow donor. If you’re interested in learning more, visit the Be That Match website.

***

James is currently enrolled at John Hopkins University, majoring in economics with a minor in finance, and is a member of the football team.

The Greenwich YWCA will be hosting an event on Wednesday, February 1 to explore climate challenges in Connecticut. Please see the flyer below or head to their website for more details on how to register.

Are you one of the 1,935 loyal followers of @GPSDistrict on Twitter? If not, you should be, but only if you are one of our families, students, staff, or community members that want to see all of the good things happening around the District.

On social media, we will keep our community informed of breaking news and all good things GPS. Sometimes, we will even have a Twitter Takeover with some of your favorite people. And we love to show you some of our favorite posts from around the GPS Twittersphere. Do you have a favorite social media account? Let us know!

• If you have a great story or photograph to share from our schools inside the District, let us know the details.
• Want your own subscription? It's easy to sign up.
• Did you miss an issue? Go to our archive to catch up.
• There is a connection to all of the first paragraph headlines this year. Some of our readers got it. Did you?
• Thanks for reading until the very end!
• Where's Winston?