PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
It is a privilege to welcome you back to Rowayton School for the 2009-2010 school year. The leadership team, faculty and support staff dedicated much of their time in preparation for the upcoming academic year. I continue to be impressed with the professionalism of this faculty. The district has been challenged by budget constraints, but with creativity, flexibility and a focus on team work, we are prepared to deliver an outstanding academic and social program at Rowayton School.
We are pleased to welcome back Mrs. Marybeth Crupi to the leadership team. We also welcome Mrs. Maryanne Carriera as our new School Secretary. Maryanne previously worked at the Central Office level for the Norwalk Public Schools. She has a strong background in technology and is familiar with all of the District programs. We thank Mrs. Kathy Federico for her service to our school. Mrs. Kerry Rice will be our new Speech Language Pathologist. Kerry has worked in the Greenwich Public Schools System and has a broad background in Special Education. She is working closely with Nancy Jo Rambusch creating a smooth transition of services for our students with special needs. Nancy Jo will be missed for her many years of dedication to all of our students, parents and faculty. We appreciate the cooperation of the Administrative staff at Central Office who were instrumental in facilitating a fifth section of first grade. We also welcome our new Interim Superintendent, Dr. William Palpallo. We welcome Alison Conners to our First Grade Team. Alison previously worked at the Cos Cob School in Greenwich, CT. She has a Masters in Reading from Sacred Heart University. She has received training in Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop. She is also familiar with Everyday Math which is similar to our Growing with Math program. She is skilled in the use of Smart Board technology. Alison is also proficient in Spanish which will support our children and their parents. Currently, there are still some changes in staffing that will be concluded by next week. These changes pertain to our aide positions, literacy coach, utility/instructional aides and more Specialists time to address our growing enrollment. I will communicate these changes as they are communicated to me from Central Office staff.
There are three teachers who will assume new positions through grade level changes. This process was shared with the faculty and parents during the last half of the school year. My rationale for making these grade level changes is to engage in continuous school improvement. As a school, we are team focused. This year our teams will continue to engage in Data Team training which will further our mission of implementing a holistic Academic program which promotes excellence. We will share our work with Data Teams throughout the year.
The Arts play a vital role in the school and Rowayton Community. We are pleased to share with you that Art will return to the Art Room. This will occur after September 14th. Since, our portables have been delayed for seven days; we will need to use the Art Room and the Library for Mrs. Saunders and Miss Coleman’s classes until they are ready to occupy their portable classrooms. We will be meeting with all interested grade two parents along with the PTA and Grade Two faculty after school to discuss this transition on Wed., Sept. 2nd, at 3:45. We will have support staff available to ease this transition for the children. We will continue our successful before and after school program entitled “After the Bell”. The program will focus on academic, recreational and enrichment opportunities for our students. The program was designed with continued feedback from parents regarding their needs.
Manny Llantin, Paul Rosa and Stephan Zipper have worked diligently to prepare the school for opening day. You will also notice updates with our facilities. Thank you to Mrs. Susanne Bryer for her work in refreshing our cafeteria. Finally, I look forward to welcoming those new to the school and parents interested in volunteering at our welcome back coffee. I am also looking forward to hearing about your summer reading, baseball, football, tennis and your goals for the new school year.
Respectfully,
Sara E. Reilly