Press Release: Easton Public Schools Announces Miche...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Easton Public Schools Announces Michelle Tarsi as Next Principal of SSES EASTON, Conn. — ER9 is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Tarsi as the next Principal of Samuel Staples Elementary School, effective July 13, 2026. Ms. Tarsi will succeed Kim Fox Santora, the school’s beloved principal, who will retire on June 30, 2026, after years of dedicated service to the Easton community. Ms. Tarsi brings more than two decades of experience in public education, including service as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. She currently serves as Principal in Danbury Public Schools and has held a variety of leadership positions focused on instructional excellence, school improvement, and student achievement. A graduate of Sacred Heart University with a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership and a Connecticut Intermediate Administrator and Supervisor certification, Ms. Tarsi has built a reputation as a collaborative and student-centered leader. Throughout her leadership career, Tarsi has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving outcomes for students. Under her leadership, her school achieved significant gains in student proficiency, strengthened attendance systems, implemented curriculum improvements, and fostered a positive school climate centered on belonging and high expectations. “Michelle is an accomplished instructional leader whose experience, dedication, and commitment to students make her an outstanding choice to lead Samuel Staples Elementary School,” said Dr. McKinnon. “Her passion for teaching and learning, combined with her ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families, will serve the school community exceptionally well.” Colleagues and professional references consistently describe Tarsi as a thoughtful and effective leader. One longtime colleague noted that she is a “strong instructional leader, thoughtful, and an excellent communicator.” Another described her as “a very dedicated individual who gives 100 percent effort, always putting students first while ensuring that parents feel heard and respected.” Ms. Tarsi said she is honored to join the Samuel Staples Elementary School community. “I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside the talented educators, dedicated families, and outstanding students of Samuel Staples Elementary School. I look forward to building on the school’s strong tradition of excellence and partnering with the community to ensure every child is supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed.” The district extends its sincere gratitude to Kim Fox Santora for her years of leadership and service and wishes her all the best in her retirement. The district looks forward to welcoming Michelle and beginning this exciting new chapter for Samuel Staples Elementary School.

Wednesday, Jun 24 2026

Final SCOOP Newsletter

Dear SSES Families: It is hard to believe that we have reached the final SCOOP newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year! Please enjoy reading our final edition by clicking the link below: Direct Link:   Scoop Newsletter 6.15 I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our PTO for their extraordinary partnership, generosity, and unwavering support of our students, staff, and school community. Their countless volunteer hours, creative ideas, and commitment to enriching the school experience have made a lasting difference in the lives of our children. I would also like to offer a very special thank you to Kim Nuzie, the dedicated editor of the SSES SCOOP. Kim has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our school stories to life, celebrate student and staff accomplishments, and keep our community informed and connected. Her talent, creativity, and attention to detail have transformed the SCOOP into much more than a newsletter; it has become a cherished record of the memories, milestones, and moments that make Samuel Staples such a remarkable place. While I plan to write a separate letter on the last day of school. for today, I invite you to enjoy our final SCOOP newsletter. With gratitude, Kimberly Fox Santora Principal

Tuesday, Jun 16 2026

Returning Chromebooks and Library Books Grade 6, Jun...

Helen Keller Middle School  360 Sport Hill Road, Easton, Connecticut 06612 OFFICE (203) 268-8651  FAX (203) 268-6105 Steven Clapp, Ed.D., Principal   Annie Mohr, Assistant Principal  Kelli Pollock, Supervisor of Special Education   Returning Chromebooks and Library Books To:  Sixth Grade Parents/Guardians Fr: Steve Clapp, Ed.D. Date: 6/15/2026 Dear Sixth-Grade Families, It is that time of the year when we collect all the borrowed items for the year. Tomorrow is the designated Chromebook return date for your child’s grade level. All students will need the Three-Cs to turn in their computers: their assigned Chromebook, Case, and Charger. Our tech team will assess all items for damages. Normal wear-and-tear will not incur a repair fee. However, if the damage is from carelessness (e.g., device, not in the case dropped off a table and the screen broke) or deemed to be intentional (e.g., student picked off some of the alphanumeric keys) a repair fee will be incurred (see fee structure below). If any part of the Three Cs is missing, a replacement fee will be incurred as noted on the list below.  Mrs. Gale started collecting all the library books last week. We currently have 152 books out. She is sending out individual notices to students and parents. Please check around the house to be sure you're not harboring a missing book. Anyone not able to return a book by Thursday, will be assessed a replacement fee based on the book's cost to the school.   Access to Powerschool and all records (including final report cards) will be disabled for any family that owes the school a replacement or repair fee.  Thank you for your help in getting these and any other borrowed items (from classroom libraries for example) back home so we can clean, refresh, and prepare them for redeployment in the fall.   Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me, Thank you, Steve Clapp, Ed.D. HKMS a la carte Chromebook Repair Prices 2025-26  Full Replacement Cost: $299.00 Battery: $40.00 AC/Adapter/Charger: $30.00 Replacement Keyboard: $75.00 Replacement Hinge or Spine: $35.00 Replacement Case: $25.00 Back, Bottom cover: $50 Touchpad: $35.00   At HKMS, all students, regardless of circumstances, will thrive academically,  socially, and emotionally if intentionally challenged and properly supported.

Monday, Jun 15 2026

Final PTO Meeting Tonight

PTO Meeting Tonight LAST EASTON PTO MEETING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, TONIGHT! JOIN US WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026 Meeting starts at 7:30 pm on Zoom Join Zoom Meeting Info.: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3727851356?pwd=eEFqTnUxQUJmV2dsQzVRbE9MVVZYZz09 Meeting ID: 372 785 1356 Passcode: 4464042 We look forward to seeing you!

Wednesday, Jun 10 2026

Adjusted Exam Schedule and Dismissal: Friday, June 19

Dear Barlow Families, As Dr. McKinnon recently communicated, we have adjusted the early dismissal timing for  Friday, June 19,  to better accommodate Barlow’s exam week and bus schedules. For the high school, dismissal on June 19 will occur at  11:45 am , which is 15 minutes earlier than the typical conclusion of an exam day.  To facilitate this change, the Period 8 exam will begin 15 minutes earlier than originally scheduled at 9:45 am.    JBHS Final Exams The revised exam schedule for Friday, June 19, is as follows:   Period Time Period 7 Exam 7:30 am – 9:30 am Break 9:30 am – 9:45 am Period 8 Exam 9:45 am – 11:45 am Dismissal 11:45 am We appreciate your flexibility as we work to ensure a smooth conclusion to the academic year for our students.  Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Mario J. Almeida, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent, Head of School Joel Barlow High School [Thursday, Jun 18 at 11:50 AM] 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰'𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝 𝟖 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟗:𝟒𝟓 𝐚𝐦.

Monday, Jun 08 2026

Easton Teacher of the Year 2027

Dear SSES Families: It is our great pleasure to announce that the 2027 Easton Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Kristin Zazula. Since joining Easton Public Schools in 2009, Mrs. Zazula has distinguished herself as an exceptional educator whose dedication, expertise, and compassion have positively impacted countless students, families, and colleagues. Her commitment to excellence in teaching is evident every day, as is her unwavering belief in the potential of every child she serves. Beyond her work in her Grade 2 classroom, Mrs. Zazula has generously shared her knowledge and experience with others. She has mentored countless teachers throughout her career, helping them grow in confidence and skill. As a cooperating teacher, she has guided many aspiring educators who have gone on to become some of the profession’s brightest rising stars. Her influence extends far beyond her own students, shaping the next generation of teachers and strengthening our schools year after year. Mrs. Zazula embodies the very best of our profession. She is thoughtful, collaborative, dedicated, and deeply committed to the success and well-being of those around her. Her positive impact on our schools and our community is immeasurable. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Kristin Zazula on this well-deserved recognition as the 2027 Easton Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Mrs. Zazula! Warmly, Kimberly Fox Santora, SSES Principal Christina Ulreich-Kean, Assistant Principal Steve Clapp, HKMS Principal Annie Mohr, Assistant Principal

Monday, Jun 08 2026