A presentation at the Board of Education about the superintendent search, a brief description of upcoming parent-teacher conferences at elementary schools, and a tip of the hat to Darien’s principals are some of the topics in the latest edition Interim Superintendent Eric Byrne’s weekly newsletter.
Other topics in this week’s newsletter: reminders about events for families in town, a coat drive at the middle school, and school sports this weekend.
Here’s the full text:
Dear Darien Community,
After an extended period of summer-like weather, fall certainly arrived on Monday with the Nor’easter followed by much more seasonable weather. The fall calendar in the schools and town is filled with lots of activities.
Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival
Get ready for some festive fall fun this Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival. There will be sensory friendly time from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for a quieter, less crowded environment to allow all members of our community to enjoy the excitement. The day will be filled with games, rides, food, and, of course, pumpkins!
Elementary Conferences
Elementary parent-teacher conferences are Tuesday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Oct. 25. This is a vital opportunity for you to connect one-on-one with your child’s teacher to discuss their academic journey, review their progress so far and establish shared goals for the rest of the school year. All elementary schools will have an early dismissal during conferences. Be sure to check your school’s specific schedule for the exact dismissal time so you can make necessary arrangements. Your partnership is invaluable, and we look forward to these important conversations next week.
BOE Meeting
At the Board of Education meeting that was held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, School Leadership LLC consultants presented the results of the community forums and survey about the superintendent search, Dr. Alycia Dadd presented information about our school climate and I shared a proposed timeline for the budget process. If you are interested in learning more about these topics and viewing the presentations, please click on this Link.
Share the Warmth
Middlesex Middle School and the elementary schools are participating in Person to Person’s coat drive. Gently used (or new) coats, boots, mittens, and hats are being collected from now through Oct. 22. All sizes are welcome, but children’s sizes are the greatest in need. Coats will be distributed during P2P’s coat giveaway.
Around Town
Darien YMCA Family Fun Day is Sunday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include: bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, tie dye station, entertainment by Danny Magic, balloon art, bubble music show, petting zoo, pony rides. Heights Pizza, bake sale, candy shop, pumpkin decorating, crafts, games, and much, much more! You can pay at the door or pre register here.
National Principals Month
October is National Principals Month and it is a time to recognize the important role of school principals in supporting students, teachers, and communities. It’s a time to honor their leadership and hard work, express gratitude and highlight their achievements. We are fortunate to have seven wonderful principals in Darien, so if you have a chance, please recognize our outstanding leaders. They are:
• Ellen Dunn, Darien High School
• Kate Dimoulas, Middlesex Middle School
• Ross Cooper, Hindley Elementary School
• Paula Bleakley, Holmes Elementary School
• Chris Melillo, Ox Ridge Elementary School
• Natasha Torre, Royle Elementary School
• Ryan Betts, Tokeneke Elementary School
Weekend DHS Sports
We are looking forward to an exciting day of competition today, and I encourage our community to come out and show their Blue Wave pride! Our boys varsity golf team is competing today for the FCIAC Championship at Smith Richardson Golf Club beginning at 10:00 am. We have four teams playing today at 4 p.m.: girls varsity volleyball hosts Ridgefield in the DHS main gym, and girls freshman field hockey is home against Fairfield Ludlowe. Girls varsity field hockey and girls freshman volleyball are away against Fairfield Ludlowe and Ridgefield, respectively. Later this evening, the girls junior varsity volleyball team plays Ridgefield at 5:30 p.m, followed by girls varsity soccer hosting Norwalk at 6 p.m. on the DHS stadium field. Best of luck to all our student athletes!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Eric A. Byrne, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools