GPS District Digest

Twenty-one GHS juniors earned a hard-fought second place at the We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution State Competition on Monday. Their finish may lead to a Wild Card Invitation to the National Competition in Washington, D.C., in April.

Greenwich scored 952 out of a possible 1020 points, with Unit 2 (Nikita Kikot, Chris Walko, and Ryan Hirsh) earning a tie for second place; Unit 5 (Max Feenstra, Carl Freyer, Jordan Ament, and Dylan Maloney) earning second place; and Unit 3 (David Katz, Dylan Mini, and Alexa Back) earning a first place finish. Units 1, 4, and 6 had very strong third place finishes allowing GHS to earn the potential Wild Card bid.

GHS has won the State Competition four times, and has been the Wild Card (second place in the State) four times, and was given the bid to travel three of those four times. At Nationals, the team has earned Top 10, Regional, and Unit Awards. This group is coached by Faculty Advisor, Aaron Hull, who shared, "This was a tremendous showing by the team."

The Battle of the Books (BOB) program is a district-wide program designed to encourage our fifth graders to read quality literature over the summer months and continue reading in their leisure time during the school year, aiming to foster reading for pleasure.

Ten age-appropriate novels were selected and book trailers were viewed by students last June. Over the summer months, students were encouraged to read as many of the ten titles as possible, and continue their reading through the first few months of school. In November, all fifth graders took a quiz on the books, and these scores identified top scorers in each school who competed for their school title this past week. Winners from each school will then compete in a district-wide Battle of the Books competition in January. Stay tuned for another story on this great program after the final competition next month!

Meet the new members and hear why they wanted to join the Board of Education:

• Christina Downey
  

  "After serving on the RTM, I concluded that I want to have a more significant impact on the Greenwich community. My numerous volunteer roles in town over the years, coupled with my three children having received an excellent education in the GPS, made the BOE the logical place to put my efforts. I look forward to contributing in a positive fashion over the next four years."
  
  

• Karen Hirsh
  "I am passionate about education and proud of the many strengths of Greenwich Public Schools and our students. I felt that serving on the Board of Education, maximizing the knowledge and relationships I have built while actively working for positive change in our schools for the past ten years, was the best way for me to help continue a tradition of excellence in preparing our children for success and to give back to a community that has given me so much."
  
  
• Joe Kelly
  "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. There are 9,000 students in Greenwich Public Schools, all with various needs and all who need a voice. As a parent of three GPS alumni, one current GPS student, and as a former coach at the high school, I’ve worked for decades to understand the needs of kids in Greenwich. In joining the BOE, I hope to be a voice for them. My input at the board level will be based on what is best for all of our many students."
  
  
• Karen Kowalski
  "I wanted to to join the Board of Education for the opportunity to make a difference, improve our great schools by taking them to an even higher level, and give our children the best learning platform we can provide to allow them greater opportunities in the future."

The sounds of bands, orchestras, choirs and more could be heard across Greenwich Public Schools in the last few weeks as students performed for their classmates, families and community members before heading off to holiday recess.

Laura Newell, Coordinator for Greenwich Public School Arts said, "I had the privilege of attending the concerts at each of our schools, and the level of talent and commitment to artistic expression is so impressive. Whether it's a kindergarten performance or a high school orchestral concert, our students and staff share a passion and excitement for the arts, and the joy and learning experiences that they bring."

This week at Old Greenwich School each of the 5th grade classes had a one hour science enrichment program from Steve Tomecek, aka “The Dirtmeister.” Steve is a scientist, author of 52 books, and creator of engaging activities for students.

His program focused on light and sound waves, provides rigorous information in engaging demonstrations and hands-on exercises. After the program, Steve shared, "I love coming to Old Greenwich School. You have great classrooms...these kids are tremendous.”

This program was sponsored by the Old Greenwich PTA.

GHS Soil Remediation

An overview of the Phase I Remedial Action Plan for GHS has been posted to the GPS website. Additional documentation on the ongoing GHS Soil Remediation project is also available for viewing on the website. Additionally, on January 15, 2020 at Central Middle School at 6:00 p.m. the public can learn more about the plan and offer comments in person.

Cardinal Stadium Options

The Cardinal Stadium "Project Big Red" Committee has met several times and options will be presented to the Board and the public at a Special Meeting to be held on January 7, 2020 at Central Middle School at 7:00 p.m. Options will be outlined at the meeting and the public will have the opportunity to offer comments.

Board of Education Business Meeting (and Recognition)

Thurs. Dec. 19 • 7:00pm

Julian Curtiss School

Holiday Recess: All Greenwich Public Schools are closed

Mon. Dec. 23 - Weds. Jan. 1 (School resumes on January 2)

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