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FPS To Present Racial Balance Amendment To State On November 2
Fairfield Public Schools Board of Education representatives, incoming Superintendent Michael Testani and members of the Central Office administration will present the amendment for Racial Balance for consideration by the Connecticut State Board of Education on November 2. The amendment was approved at the August 30 Board of Education meeting and can be found on the FPS website.
Where: 450 Columbus Boulevard or livestreamed on the CT State Department of Education YouTube page
Who: This meeting is open to the public
Details: Public comment begins at 9:30am. Members of the public may also submit comment via email in advance. Additional information and instructions regarding public comment can be found on the meeting agenda, which will be posted on the CT State Department of Education website closer to the November 2 meeting date.
Redistricting Update:
Based on projections presented by the Board of Education’s enrollment consultants, some of the district’s K-5 schools are expected to exceed building utilization while others are significantly below target utilization. Redistricting will provide the opportunity to better utilize our facilities, while at the same time, addressing racial imbalance. Redistricting will likely be effective as of the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. For a more in-depth timeline visit the redistricting section starting on page 4 of the amendment.
Share Your Priorities With The Connecticut State Board Of Education
The Connecticut State Board of Education has embarked on a legislatively required planning process designed to guide policy and practice improvements for the State Board and Department of Education on behalf of all of Connecticut's children over the next five years. A critical part of this effort is gathering feedback from all stakeholders to help inform decision-making around future department and board priorities. All educators and Connecticut residents are encouraged to add their voices at https://tejoin.com/scroll/732976567.
Reminder: No School For Students On November 8 And 11
Social Emotional Learning Assessment
The Fairfield Public Schools have been selected to participate in the Social Emotional Learning Assessment initiative sponsored by the Connecticut State Department of Education, in partnership with Aperture Education. This initiative is in direct response to the need for a valid and reliable assessment tool to target and support students' social and emotional learning. These assessments, which the Fairfield Public Schools began to administer during the 2021-2022 school year, include the DESSA-Mini (Devereux Students Strengths Assessment-Mini) and the full version of the DESSA. For more information on screening tools click here.
The DESSA-Mini will be used as a universal social and emotional screener for all FPS students in grades K-8. Social and emotional skill competencies measured by the DESSA include self-awareness, self-management, goal directed behavior, relationship skills, personal responsibility, decision making and optimistic thinking.
Parents may opt out of the assessment by emailing or sending a request in writing to their child's principal.
October Is Bullying Prevention Month
Fairfield Public Schools recognized October as National Bullying Prevention month during the October 11 Board meeting. Throughout October and the year, our school community works together to promote a kind and inclusive learning environment for all.
Our students, staff and parents share the responsibility for a school climate where all members are physically, socially and intellectually safe. We encourage students and families to contact their school with any issues or submit concerns through the anonymous “Tips” system on the FPS website.
Throughout the district, FPS students and staff engage in activities and initiatives to help prevent bullying. For example, in September, McKinley students participated in Start With Hello Week, an initiative that promotes positive relationships, kindness and inclusion.
To further support students and staff, the District Improvement plan includes the FPS multi-year Social Emotional Learning initiative. Additionally, our first SEL Universal Screener began this week. This program assists staff in identifying students in need of additional social emotional learning support and intervention.
By declaring October Bullying Prevention Month, the Board of Education encourages all Fairfield students, parents and members of the community to spread messages of inclusion, kindness and acceptance.
Budget Priority Planning Begins For 2023-24
As we transition from operating in a pandemic to continuing to support and move forward with the FPS School Improvement plan, the District has begun to develop budget priorities for the 2023-24 school year. These priorities were discussed during Tuesday's BOE meeting. Over the next several months, the Board will work collaboratively with the town and Board of Finance to develop and clarify budget priorities.
BOE Approves Plans For Facilities Projects At October 11 Meeting
During Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting the Board approved plans for various facilities projects including upgrades to the entryways of North Stratfield Elementary School, Osborn Hill Elementary School and Fairfield Woods Middle School. Several elementary school entryways have already been upgraded. These updates align with the Phase One AC plan that was presented at last year’s Board meeting. The Board also approved design work plans to replace the tennis and basketball courts near Warde High School on Knapps Highway. The next step for both projects is for the work to be presented to and approved by other town bodies in the coming months. For more information on these updates and more, please visit the FPS website to view the approved Facilities Plan Waterfall Schedule.
Band Students Attend Renowned Brass Ensemble Performance
The FPS Music Department hosted internationally renowned brass ensemble Canadian Brass in the Warde auditorium. Middle school band students enjoyed a tour of musical selections and learned about the history of each piece.
Jennings Students Walk To Support Mental Health Awareness
Monday was World Mental Health Day. To support social emotional health, Jennings students wore green and took a 10-minute brisk walk around their school. Research shows that a 10-minute brisk walk decreases tension and increases energy! The walk was led by the fifth graders, who have been practicing this strategy regularly.
Mill Hill Students Raise Awareness Surrounding Recycling
A CT Green LEAF school, Mill Hill Elementary School students collected over 24lbs of plastic bags as part of the Trex® Challenge. The bags are diverted from landfills and recycled to create outdoor living products. The initiative also helps raise awareness surrounding what can and cannot go into the recycling bin. This is one of several ongoing programs supporting sustainability across the district through the Fairfield Public Schools Green Team.
Fairfield Health Department Flu And Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic TODAY
The Fairfield Health Department is holding a flu and pneumonia vaccine clinic TODAY, October 14. The flu vaccine is available to those ages three and older. The pneumonia vaccine is available for those 65 and older, while supplies last.
