Dear FPS Families,

We hope this message finds you in good health. Throughout the year, I will continue to discuss the importance of student mental health, especially in these challenging times. Your child's well-being is a top priority for us, and we're committed to supporting their emotional and psychological needs. We want to emphasize the importance of not placing excessive pressure on your children, especially in today's demanding world.  

We encourage you to support your child's interests and passions, and allow them to explore, make mistakes, and learn at their own pace. Their individual growth is unique, and we should celebrate their journey, even if it deviates from our expectations.

While we all want the best for our kids, it's essential to remember that their well-being and happiness should come first. Excessive pressure can lead to stress and anxiety, impacting their overall development.

It's crucial to keep open lines of communication with your child and school staff. Please encourage them to reach out if they're experiencing any emotional or mental challenges. We have resources and guidance available to assist them.

We also recommend establishing routines, promoting healthy sleep and eating habits, and providing a safe space for your child to express their feelings.

Let's work together to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive, free from overwhelming expectations and pressure.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Testani

FPS Superintendent of Schools

National Principals Month

October is National Principals Month! Join us in recognizing the essential role that our principals play in supporting our schools, students and staff. This month and throughout the year, we thank all principals for their dedication and leadership. Each day during the month of October, we will feature one principal on social media and the FPS website. 

Warde has been named a No Place for Hate school by the Anti-Defamation League for the second year.  To earn this distinction, staff and students work to meet specific criteria forming a committee and arranging anti-bias and anti-bullying activities throughout the year.

NWEA-MAP Results - October 20

This past month, your child took the Northwest Educational Association Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA - MAP). This is a computer administered and adaptive assessment which replaced STAR in previous school years.

Families can view their child's NWEA-MAP results through Infinite Campus Backpack starting on October 20. Click here to view a letter from FPS Chief Academic Officer James Zavodjancik. 

While assessments provide valuable information that can help educators better support students, there are a variety of considerations when determining achievement and progress. 

Acadience Reading Score Results

In September/October, Grade K-3 students participated in the Acadience Reading Assessment in place of the formerly administered STAR  assessment.  Acadience Reading is a universal screener that measures early literacy skills that students must master in order to become proficient readers beginning in kindergarten.  

A paper copy of your child's Acadience Reading score report will be sent home with your child this week. The report will provide you with information about your child’s overall reading proficiency, as well as how your child is doing in learning essential reading skills. For additional information click here.

Please remember that Acadience Reading scores are only one part of your child’s assessment profile. Other assessments as well as daily classroom work, are important considerations when looking at student success. 

Ludlowe Students Honored for Achievements  

Ludlowe Students Connor Cowan and Ella Casano were honored with a ceremony attended by state and local representatives, Fairfield Board of Education members, the FPS superintendent, families and staff.

Connor was recently appointed to the State Board of Education as a student member. He is one of two students chosen to serve, and will advocate on behalf of Connecticut students and educational professionals.

Ella won the u19 World Championships and set a world record in the Coxed Four. When an autoimmune condition limited the sports she could participate in, Ella turned to rowing as a coxswain and found great success. Additionally, she invented an IV bag cover called the Medi Teddy for children receiving IV treatment.

Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick visited McKinley second graders to talk about Town Government.

2023-24 School Calendar Update

An update to the 2023-2024 Student Calendar was approved by the Board of Education during the October 10 meeting.  The change is due to new legislation about the primary date which was moved from April 30, 2024 to April 2, 2024.  There will be no school for students on April 2 and an early dismissal on April 30. Click the calendar below to view. 

Whitsons School Nutrition Survey - October 23-27

FPS Food Service Partner Whitsons wants to hear from families, students and staff! Look out for the link to an anonymous School Nutrition Survey starting October 23-27. Feedback from the survey will be used to improve dining services and ensure that students are having the best possible experience with school meals.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global effort to help everyone stay safe and protected when using technology. The cybersecurity and digital privacy of our students and employees is important to Fairfield Public Schools and we encourage everyone to stay safe and secure online. Click here for additional information and tips.

Follow FPS On Social Media

We are proud of our students and staff for their many accomplishments! Follow FPS on Twitter and Facebook for good news, important announcements, BOE meeting information and more.