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salmenzo · 3 years

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Weekly Update - Monday, December 21, 2020

Commitment - Conviction - Consideration

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because

you never know how soon it will be too late.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Good Morning,

I know this week will be a hectic one for many. Even though the holidays will look much different for most of us, there still seems to be a lot to do. I find myself just as busy but preparing in different ways. With that said, please remember to take care of yourselves.

Special Notes of Gratitude

I wanted to spend a little time this morning highlighting the many unsung heroes of our district. We have over 1000 staff who have come together this year in such uncertain times to try to maintain safety and learning for our students. Recently, families have highlighted the hard work of many of our teachers and paraeducators. I would like to recognize a few other groups that have made our year possible through their efforts and commitment.

Food Services

The food services staff has worked throughout the pandemic since last March and over the summer. They have been there supporting families in need with breakfast and lunch. Their efforts have made a significant difference in many of our students’ lives. Families have commented to me that without the availability of these meals, they would not have been able to provide healthy options for their children to eat.

Maintenance

Like food services, the maintenance crew continues to do what it always has - work hard and tirelessly for our schools. This team is the quiet engine that propels us forward in COVID, snow, microbursts, or whatever else comes our way. Never seeking recognition or special treatment, the maintenance staff sees the task, completes the task, and moves on to the next task without questions, but rather with a “can do” attitude. I do not know where we would have been this summer and through this year without the efforts of this team.

Clerical Staff

Again, like the food services and maintenance, most of the clerical team has worked throughout the pandemic assisting in organizing the behind the scenes work that needed to be completed to open schools. From our district courier and copy center staff to building and district clerical, everyone has played a part. Being the backbone support for building and central office administration, the clerical support at all levels allowed us to successfully maneuver many challenges we faced last spring and this year. From communicating with the public and staff to maintaining records for the State, the clerical team continues to be committed to providing the support needed each day.

IT Services

Again, another team that has not stopped working since last spring, IT services has taken on one of the largest transformations in technology our district has ever seen. Going from distributing high school Chromebooks one year to providing technology for over 5000 students the next was a monumental task. In addition, then providing technology for all clerical and paraeducators while maintaining that of everyone else who already had equipment, I am in awe of the accomplishments this group has achieved. In addition to hardware, we all know of the many software additions and support that was associated with each. Incredible dedication, commitment, and passion for their work made these challenges successes.

Part-Time Staff

We have hired so many additional part-time staff to be part of our team to reopen our schools this year. These individuals have served in so many roles. From lunch and recess aides to building aides and custodial support, we have been so fortunate to find highly dedicated individuals that fell perfectly into our system to support buildings. The building substitutes have also definitely played a significant role in maintaining classes for students. Again, another group of individuals who continue to support our district with a quiet confidence that cannot be overlooked.

Paraeducators

As I mentioned earlier, some parents have acknowledged some paraeducators when highlighting teachers. I just want to extend my appreciation to all paraeducators who continue to offer tremendous support to our students and staff. Your presence and effort goes a long way in providing friendly, safe, and productive classrooms for learning.

Administrators

Administrators at all levels in all roles have taken on, like everyone else, so many things that have never been taught in an 092 class. Working tirelessly throughout the spring, summer, and fall to create, modify, revise, and implement plans, this team continues to be on call daily to address the social, emotional, and educational needs of students, families, and staff. In a true spirit of teamwork, they have also helped each other by offering support at the elementary level. They are a great group who care and understand the definition of leadership not only in principle, but more importantly in practice.

Nurses

I intentionally left this group for last. The school nurses have taken on a monumental role in the COVID-19 prevention and response efforts in our district. From educating staff on the appropriate PPE and mitigating strategies to contact tracing and case monitoring, these staff members work around the clock to support administration and the entire school community. I could not be more proud to be part of the team as we identify cases and work each one together to ensure we are doing what is best for all impacted. The team takes its technical and personal lead from our incredible Nurse Coordinator, Kathy Neelon. A day does not go by, be it during the work week or weekend, that Kathy and I are not talking about, texting, or emailing about cases and how to do what is best in each circumstance. Her leadership with her amazing group of nurses has made our comprehensive approach to addressing COVID seamless and successful.

Lastly, even though they are not formally employees of our district, I would like our bus drivers, van drivers, and aides that transport our students each day. Again, their roles changed significantly throughout this time. The need for accurate record keeping and awareness of safety protocols was taken to a higher level than ever before. Their collaboration and hard work has been integral in identifying potential close contacts throughout the year.

In the end with our teachers who we continue to highlight each week in the next section of the update, everyone has come together to do their best to support students, families, and each other. I hope this review of all of the component personal parts of our organization demonstrates that there are a lot of important human influences to every decision that is made in our district. I, too, can get caught up in how this act or decision impacts me without stepping back and acknowledging the many other factors that action or decision may need to incorporate. Each of the groups and associated individuals must be considered in all the decisions we make as a district. I know that sometimes those decisions may not be what some may want or think they would have done if provided the opportunity, but trust that all decisions are made with great consideration and thought to provide the best possible outcome. With that as the focus all the time, we will persevere and make our way through these final days of 2020 and enter into the hope and promise of 2021.

Commitment - Conviction - Consideration

As I have done the last couple of weeks, I wanted to continue to provide the words of families celebrating our teaching staff for their hard work and commitment to our students. While I know that not every family could provide an email, I am confident that our staff in all classrooms are deserving of the praise that is shared today. Thank you again for all of your efforts.

I would like to mention 2 staff members who have gone above and beyond for my son during distant learning. First off... Mr Herpok .... my son was having great difficulty understanding an assignment. It was Columbus day and he was off. He was taking care of his own child who was not feeling well. He did a google meet with my son to make sure he fully understood the assignment. This to me was a selfless act and showed how truly dedicated he is to his job and students. Second is Mrs Stuart. I’m sure I drive her crazy with my emails of the assistance my son requires.... but she always answers me... no matter what time of day or if its a weekend or not. My son can rely on her to help explain things to him in a way he can understand so he can be successful with distant learning. Her tireless effort to help guide him through all this shows her dedication to her field and the exemplary work she puts forth to make sure my son succeeds. I am truly grateful for staff like these two... their passion for their work truly shows in the support and responses they give to my son. Thank you for all you do Mrs Stuart and Mr Herpok.

I wanted to recognize my daughter’s teacher Beth Thorpe. From day 1 of in school learning she has gone above and beyond to make school exciting and engaging for her class. She has run with the challenges that Covid has thrown her way this year and my daughter is loving being in her class. From “making” an outdoor classroom (complete with lawn chairs and blankets that we sent in), to engaging them during reading time by turning off the lights and having them use clip lights on their dividers, to allowing them to decorate their dividers she has truly embraced that although this year is different it can still be fun!!! She’s fully engaged and despite the challenges we’re all facing she’s made it enjoyable (and safe) for our kiddos to learn and grow!! Kudos to her!!!

Both my children have experienced a classroom quarantine and their teachers made the transition easy and fun. Both times, the move to quarantine was unexpected.

My daughter's 5th grade teacher Ms. Innamo openly admitted to struggling with technology but made it appear easy. She hosted multiple Google class lessons which truly helped my daughter continue during this time. The work was continuous of their in person learning and they easily transitioned between in person and virtual.

My son's prek-4 teacher Mrs. Macunas made their time together fun and educational. She had fun activities, interactive Google meets as well as scavenger hunts associated with the letter, color and shapes the were discussing. I can not imagine how hard it was to keep 4 year olds engaged during virtual learning but she did.

Sheehan High School art teacher Gretchen Buys has gone out of her way especially these past few weeks for my daughter. Gathering my child’s paintings and making sure she gave her some extra supplies to work on her portfolio put a smile on our faces. Thank you!

I meant to send this earlier; I hope I’m not too late. I wanted to recognize Amy Rogers (Sheehan) for taking the time to purchase and deliver a gift card to my senior daughter, who described the activity as follows: “We had groups for a couple months with ongoing points and we did games and trivia and everything we did in the class went towards our points.” This was a fun and creative way to engage the students.

Also, I want to commend Lisa Miller and Steven Goodrich for taking the time to personally deliver art supplies to both my senior and freshman. We really appreciate this.

Unfortunately, I’m noticing that my girls (and others it seems) are more reluctant to actively participate in virtual classes. [My daughter] was very vocal during in person classes, but finds it harder and more awkward virtually. It’s also easier for them to “zone out” or get distracted.

I’m hopefully optimistic that the high schools will reopen as soon as possible. Thank you again for all you do.

Make it a great week!

Sal

Dr. Salvatore F. Menzo

Superintendent

Email - [email protected]

Twitter - @SalMenzo

Wallingford Public School District

Wallingford Public School System Mission

To inspire through innovative and engaging experiences that lead all learners to pursue and discover their personal best.

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