Interim Schools Superintendent Eric Byrne, in his Friday newsletter to parents and staff, proposed that members of the school district community wear their school colors one day a week; discussed an incident where a young boy fell from his bicycle and got help from passers-by; and described what Byrne saw when riding a school bus with kids.
The newsletter also mentioned that Byrne visited Post 53, upcoming sports games, open houses at the town’s schools, what’s happening with the search for a new superintendent and the Police Department’s open house this Saturday.
Dear Darien Community,
It was another great week as our students, teachers, administrators, staff and families settled into the new school year. As a relative newcomer, I am continually struck by the amazing work and contributions happening across the district and wanted to share a few of those in this week’s update. Just yesterday I visited Post 53 and learned about this incredible resource and place where nearly 100 DHS students learn incredibly valuable skills while serving Darien. Below are a few more examples I wanted to spotlight from across the community:
Vision of the Graduate — In action
Last week I received an email that had been sent to the Board of Education about an incident that was witnessed by a member of the Darien community. A young boy had fallen off of his bicycle and was sitting on a patch of grass with a visible injury.
While the individual who sent the email was pulling over her vehicle to help, another good samaritan stopped their car and provided assistance to the boy. Telephone calls were made to a family member and comfort and assistance was provided to the boy.
The boy was able to organize his things and ride his bike home. The community member was struck by the kindness and humanity demonstrated by our colleague, Ms. Anmarie Galgano, Assistant Principal at Holmes School.
What a wonderful example of living the Vision of the Graduate by demonstrating empathy, not just in the classroom but out in the community.
On the Bus
On Wednesday I had a chance to spend the start of my day with students from Tokeneke School riding bus #7. It was a beautiful morning and Omar, the driver, greeted every passenger by name and set a great tone for the start of the school day.
While I waved to all the parents and guardians at bus stops, I am sure they were wondering who the large student in a suit and tie was sitting in the kindergarten seats.
Throughout the year I plan to hop on a bus periodically to see how the runs are going. Thanks to Omar and to Dani and Terry in transportation for coordinating the experience.
Image from the Prep Sportswear website
For Darien High School, the colors are blue and white. (You don’t need a logo to participate in Blue Spirit Day.)
Paint the Town Blue
With the start of a new school year and an amazing array of special events, athletic contests and performances on the docket, I am proposing that we show our school and community spirit.
Let’s all turn every Friday into Blue Spirit Day when all students, faculty, administrators, staff and community members are invited to wear our school colors proudly. For me, I will ditch the traditional superintendent costume of a suit and tie and wear my Darien swag – I hope you will join me. Let’s fill Darien with Blue School Spirit!
Back-to-School Open House
Open houses begin next week, with the elementary schools on Sept. 10 and the high school on Sept. 11. The middle school open houses are the following week on Sept. 15 (Grade 6), Sept. 16 (Grade 7) and Sept. 17 (Grade 8).
These events are a great opportunity to meet teachers, see classrooms, and learn more about the programs and events of the new school year.
Around Town
On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Darien Police Department is celebrating its 100th anniversary with an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Police Headquarters, 25 Hecker Ave.
Attendees will be able to see a K-9 demo, SWAT demo, and other specialized unit demonstrations. There will also be department tours, a child safety seat clinic, a chance to meet Darien police officers, exploring patrol cars, and much more.
Pizza by Antonio’s Italian Bistro will be provided.
Additionally, September is National Library Card Sign Up Month and the Darien Public Library would like to invite you to register for a Darien Library card.
From the Board of Education — Superintendent Search
The Board of Education is beginning the search for a permanent superintendent, with the goal of having someone in place by July 2026.
The search firm School Leadership LLC has been hired to help with the process and is seeking input from the community to help develop the ideal candidate’s qualifications and skills.
Community members can provide their feedback in two ways: by attending an in-person forum on Monday, September 15, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 35 Leroy Avenue, or by completing an online survey that will be emailed out the week of Sept. 15.
Your participation is an important part of this process and appreciated. Community updates and information regarding the search can also be found on the District website.
Weekend DHS Sports
This weekend is packed with athletic events! Our girls varsity swim team is facing off against St. Joseph’s High School at home today at 3 p.m., while our girls jv and varsity soccer teams are both playing Wilton at home today at 4 and 6 pm with freshman girls soccer playing in Wilton at 4:15 pm. Our girls volleyball teams also have away games in Glastonbury on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Looking ahead to next week, we will have the return of Friday Night Lights at DHS on September 12. We hope to see everyone there to cheer on our student-athletes! Go Blue Wave!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Eric A. Byrne, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools