A Darien concert review, a music workshop with the musical director of Wicked on Broadway, a trunk or treat event, and a “fireside chat” with the interim superintendent are some of the events noted in Interim Schools Superintendent Eric Byrne’s newsletter this Friday.
Also: Trunk or Treat at Darien High School, a fall festival at the Mather Homestead, a haunted house at Post 53, and a rundown of what DHS sports teams are participating in this weekend.
Here’s the newsletter:
Dear Darien Community,
If you have never been to a concert at DHS, you are missing out! Last night I attended my first performance and it was amazing. It was a water-themed concert of choral music, featuring our DHS Concert Choir, Sound Waves a cappella group, our barbershop quartet “Fantastic 4,” and the DHS Tudor Singers!
I was so impressed by the quality of the music and the energy and enthusiasm of the student performers. Just a few weeks ago I stopped into one of Mr. Andrade’s classes at DHS when he was introducing the song, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Last night, all of the ensembles joined together for an incredible rendition of the song to close out the night. What a great representation of two tenets of the Vision of the Graduate – creativity and communication.
DHS Trunk or Treat
Get ready for a spooktacular and safe afternoon of treats! The DHS Student Government is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat event this Sunday, Oct. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the soccer fields by the Athletic Loop parking lot.
Children in Grades 5 and under are welcome to come dressed in their best costumes to trick-or-treat among creatively decorated car trunks. Please consider giving a $5 suggested donation to support Darien Human Services or donating a new or used Halloween costume for Person to Person. More information on the event can be found here.
Photo from Dan Micciche's website
Dan Micciche
DHS Music Workshop with Dan Micicche
On Wednesday I visited DHS and had an amazing experience observing our orchestral students collaborate with DHS alumni Dan Micicche.
Dan is the musical director of Wicked on Broadway and loves coming back to Darien to bring his talent to our community. Besides enjoying a wonderful musical experience in the middle of my day, I enjoyed seeing Dan connect with our students and share his wisdom and experiences. Thank you Dan!
Fireside Chat
I invite all members of our community to a Superintendent’s Fireside Chat at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Holmes Elementary School. This will be an engaging, informal discussion centered on the ‘3 C’s’ of our Vision of the Graduate: communication, creativity and curiosity. We’ll explore how these core competencies are shaping student experiences and preparing our learners for the future. Additionally, I will provide an update on the FY27 (Fiscal Year 2027) budget process so far. I look forward to a thoughtful conversation.
Around Town
In addition to DHS Trunk of Treat this weekend is packed with fall fun around town! Enjoy a traditional autumn gathering at the Fall Festival at Mather Homestead tomorrow (Saturday) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., click here for tickets.
If you’re feeling brave, head over to the Post 53’s Haunted House after the DHS Trunk or Treat on Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at their headquarters on O Ledge Road- grab tickets here.
Weekend DHS Sports
Don’t miss out on the action this weekend as our athletes compete in another packed schedule!
—Today (Friday), girls varsity soccer faces St. Joseph in the FCIAC semifinals in Fairfield at 7 p.m.
• On Saturday, Oct. 25, the girls freshman volleyball team kicks things off at the Freshman Playday at Southington High School at 8:30 a.m.,
• followed by the girls junior varsity volleyball team at the Warde JV Invitational at Fairfield Warde High School at 9 a.m.
• Also starting at 9 a.m., our girls junior varsity swim team will be competing at the JV Swim Championships at Greenwich High School.
• Our cross country teams head to Wickham Park for championship races, with the boys varsity running the Class L Championship at 9:35 a.m. and the girls varsity in the Class LL Championship at 10:10 a.m.
• Be sure to check for updates on the girls varsity field hockey FCIAC Semifinals, which are tomorrow at 12 noon at Greenwich High School.
• The afternoon features girls varsity competitive cheerleading and boys varsity football against St. Joseph at St. Joseph High School, starting at 1:30 p.m. Come out and show your school spirit! Go Big Wave!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Eric A. Byrne, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools