Regional School District 13 ParentSquare

  • District Snapshot Issue #1

    As we wind down yet another most unusual school year, we thought it would be nice to capture some highlights from our schools in this digital format. Our learners, families, and employees have endured so many challenges this year, and we should all celebrate these collective accomplishments. I especially want to congratulate the members of Coginchaug Regional High School Class of 2022, who will be honored at our graduation ceremony on Friday evening. These learners have spent more than half of their time in high school under the cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am so grateful that they have been able to experience some regular senior year activities over these past several months. We plan to publish future issues periodically during the 2022-23 school year, and we welcome your comments and feedback about the layout, content, and overall messaging. Enjoy the Summer!

    Thursday, Jun 16 2022

  • Death of a Learner at Strong MS

    It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the recent death of a learner at Strong Middle School. (We are withholding the learner’s name at this time at the family's request.)  Our thoughts and prayers are with this learner's family during this very difficult time, and we ask that you respect the family’s privacy and their need to grieve this loss in their own way. We also know that many of our learners, families, and employees will struggle when they learn about the learner’s passing, especially those people that knew him well. Strong Middle School counselors, as well as counselors from other schools, will be available at the middle school over the next few days to anyone who needs assistance in dealing with this tragedy. Please reach out to one of our school counselors or Mr. Steve Fitzgerald if you want any of your children to meet with one of them tomorrow or in the days ahead. You can also reach out to either of us if you have any additional questions about our support for Strong Middle School this week. Cheryl Gonzalez, Principal Doug Schuch, Superintendent  

    Monday, Jun 13 2022

  • Memorial School Principal Update

    Regional School District 13 has appointed Ms. Noelle Durkin to serve as Principal of Memorial School effective July 1, 2022. Noelle has served the learners of Regional School District 13 for the past 17 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and innovative practices into this new leadership role. Noelle began her career in East Greenwich Public Schools in Rhode Island, where she taught learners in 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, and 6th Grade. Her work in Regional School District 13 has included serving as a 5th Grade teacher at Memorial School, a 4th Grade teacher at Korn Elementary School, and most recently as our mathematics instructional coach for Grades K-2.  Ms. Durkin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Rogers Williams College, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Sixth Year in Professional Education Certificate in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University. Noelle and her husband, Keith, reside in North Branford along with their children, Kaleigh and Alexa. RSD 13 Superintendent Doug Schuch shared that Ms. Durkin was selected from among 44 applicants through a very rigorous process that included a written performance task and several interviews. The interview panel, which consisted of Memorial employees, school and district administrators, and a member of the board of education, vetted candidates with the assistance of a candidate profile that was generated by a large number of school and community stakeholders.  The interview panelists were very impressed with the quality of a number of candidates, but ultimately Noelle was deemed to be the best individual to serve our learners, families, and employees as Principal of Memorial School. I am so thrilled that she will be joining our RSD 13 leadership team next month, and I hope that everyone will join me in welcoming her back to Memorial School in this new role. Following her official appointment, which took place after a special meeting of the RSD 13 Board of Education earlier this week, Noelle shared the following statement: I  am honored to join the community of learners, families, and staff members as the principal of Memorial School. Since most of my teaching experience has been with grades 3-5, I am eager to be immersed in a learning atmosphere that sees the unlimited potential in all learners through active engagement and reflection. As a dedicated employee of RSD 13, I look forward to collaborating and building relationships with everyone in the Memorial School community.

    Friday, Jun 10 2022

  • Community Access to ParentSquare

    We are excited to introduce a new ParentSquare feature that will allow members of our community, who are not parents, guardians, or employees, to receive periodic communication from RSD 13.  Please forward this link to our RSD13 ParentSquare webpage to any friends, family, neighbors, or others who you think would be interested in signing up for this feature. This page includes access to the sign-up form, as well as instructions about how to enroll. Next week we plan to send a digital newsletter celebrating the end of the 2021-22 school year, and we hope that interested community members will also be able to receive that newsletter and many future communications related to our schools.

    Thursday, Jun 09 2022

  • School Shooting in Texas

    I am sure that most of you are aware of the tragic shooting that took place this afternoon at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Though we still don’t know all of the details about this most recent tragedy, it appears that many children and several adults died at the hand of the assailant. This comes less than two weeks since the shooting in Buffalo, and it is very difficult to process and try to understand such senseless acts of evil committed against innocent victims. I have communicated with our school and district leadership about today’s events, and I can assure you that we will be extra vigilant  in carrying out our safety and security protocols in the wake of the Texas school shooting. Our school resource officer is also aware of today's shooting and has requested additional law enforcement presence at and around our schools tomorrow and longer if necessary. We realize that many of our learners, families, and employees may be scared and upset about today’s shooting. Please know that our school counselors and others will be ready to help anyone who may need assistance at school tomorrow or in the days ahead.

    Tuesday, May 24 2022

  • Brewster School Friday Memo 5/20/22

    Good Evening Brewster Families, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Please see below for important information and updates. Art Show Appreciation Thank you to those of you that were able to visit the Brewster Art Show.  It was special to welcome you back into the building !  Our school looked so inviting Special thanks to Miss Dwyer for all of her dedication and hard work Book Fair News Parents Night Out - Words on Wood Save the Date: Brewster School PTO Back to School Yard Goats Event Tickets will go on sale on May 27th, information will be in the Friday update! Today, at Brewster School, it was “G” Day in our A-Z countdown - Goat Day! We had a special visitor to all of our classrooms, Chompers the Yard Goat Mascot! We will have our own section for Brewster School at the Yard Goats game! All Staff and Families are welcome and encouraged to join us in the fun! Thank You Brewster PTO Thank you to the Brewster PTO and board for bringing Chomper to visit us on Goat Day! “Chick Cam” Great news! Our chick eggs have arrived and are in their incubator with hopes for arrival after their 21 days of incubation! Attached is a link to our live "Chick Cam" where families can watch from home as our chicks get ready for hatching. Once hatched families will be able to watch from home and see how our babies are growing and changing each day.  We hope you have as much fun at home with this as we do here at school! Chick Cam Grade 2 Yearbooks All Grade 2 families, please see the separate post sent on 5/17 for more information regarding ordering.  Grade 2 Transition Trip to Memorial School Our rising grade 3 students will visit Memorial School on:  Tuesday, May 31st from 9:15 am to 11:15 am Learners will be bussed from Brewster to Memorial and back to Brewster Look for more information from your child's teacher soon Summer Learning The CT state Department of Education offers many summer learning challenges, including the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge. These challenges give students engaging options and opportunities to assist in sharpening essential college, career, and civic knowledge while better positioning them for academic success in the fall.  Please see the  link for more information. Sexual Assault and Abuse Prevention Program Lessons Please read the linked letter regarding the state mandated sexual assault and abuse prevention lessons that will be taught to our first and second grade learners by our Health teacher, Mr. Edwards, during the week of May 23rd. Brewster PTO - Final Meeting for 2021-2022 School Year Tuesday, June 7th at 6:30 pm in the Brewster Music Room We will be electing officers, approving the 2022-2023 PTO budget and solidifying plans for the Durham Fair booth. We need a quorum in order to vote on these topics, please consider attending. Brewster PTO - Grade 2 Yard Signs The PTO is selling Brewster Yard Signs for any Grade 2 Student moving up to Memorial next year. Please see below for information to secure a sign for your front yard! Calendar May 30th - No School - Memorial Day June 15, 16, 17th - Early Dismissal Days at 12:30 pm June 17th - Last day of school!  Go Far is BACK! Please consider volunteering to supervise and help students at  this very successful recess activity! Sign Up Here! This is a specialized program that can not run without volunteers.   A-Z Countdown Below is a snapshot with details in teachers’ Parent Square messages. On yellow days, students need assistance from home. On white days, the school will support everything needed for the activities.      May 23 H Hawaiian Day (Wear Hawaiian gear to school!) May 24 I Ice Pop Day May 25 J Jump Rope Day May 26 K Kindness Day May 27 L Letter Day May 30 No School May 31 M Movie Day June 1 N Necktie & Necklace Day  (Wear a fun necktie or necklace) June 2 O Outstanding Dance Day  (Dance Festival Today!) June 3 P Popcorn Day June 6 Q Question Day  June 7 R Rainbow Day (Dress up wearing the colors of the rainbow) June 8 S Sunglasses Day  (Wear your sunglasses to school.) June 9 T Teacher Day  June 10 U Unbelievable Field Day June 13 V Voting Day June 14 W WHITE, Red and Blue Day  (Wear white, red and blue for Flag Day.) June 15 Early Dismissal X eXtra Spirit Wear Day (Wear your Brewster Spirit wear or Green to School.) June 16 Early Dismissal Y You Day June 17 Early Dismissal Z Zero Day Dance Festival Please read the separate Parent Square post for the Dance Festival on June 2nd (Rain date June 3rd) Field Day Please read the separate Parent Square post for field day on June 10th (Rain date June 13th) Grade 2 Picnic Thursday, June 16th (No Rain date) Parents welcome from 11-12 pm. Field Trips Grade 1- Hammonasset Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Dowson June 6th, Rain date June 8th Ms. Bernstein and Mrs. Loffredo June 7th, Rain date June 9th Label Learner Spirit Wear Many students wear their Brewster Spirit wear to school each day. With that, if misplaced it is difficult to identify the owner. Please label your child's spiritwear to ease the determination of the owner Classroom Mystery Readers Brewster School would like to welcome families to come into their child’s classroom as a Mystery Reader!  Mystery Reader sign ups have been sent by classroom teachers for April 4th - May 27th pending COVID-19 rates and any other unforeseen factors.  Teachers have one slot per family. Parents/Guardians are welcome to come together to read. The teacher will give the class hints as to who their reader is each time, keep it a secret! Internet Assistance Affordable Connectivity Program: This program provides up to $30/month off of an internet bill and offers a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet when bought by a participating provider. Eligibility: Only one household member needs to meet one of the following: receives free and reduced-price school lunches; participates in an assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Lifeline; received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; participates in certain Tribal Assistance Programs; participates in an existing broadband provider’s financial help program; or meets the income limits. Go to ACPBenefit.org for an application or call 877-384-2575 to learn more. For assistance with applications, contact the Durham Human Services office: 860-349-3153. Mask Wearing at School As of Monday, February 28th, wearing masks will become optional for students and staff at school and on buses.  Please refer to Dr. Schuch’s recent communication on February 26th about this change.   Dr. Schuch’s Mask Optional Update To support this transition, classroom teachers had discussions with our learners to explain the changes about mask wearing and respecting individual choice to wear or not wear a mask. Teachers will continue to check in with students to ensure that all of our learners are supported during this transition.  As always, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.  COVID-19 Test Kits Brewster School has COVID-19 test kits available.  Families and staff can contact the office for kits and arrange a pick up at the office. Test kits cannot be sent home with learners. Nurse Direct Line All absences should use the nurse line directly to contact Miss Loso at 860-349-7228. Please report all absence reasons.   COVID-19 Reporting for Positive Cases Please complete the linked Google form to report a positive COVID case.  The form can also be found on the district website.   COVID-19 Reporting Form  Bus Information Please call DATTCO directly for any bus information regarding bus times. Their number is 860-349-8479. A reminder, due to COVID-19 protocols, learners may only ride the bus they are assigned to. Even with a parent note, we are unable to accommodate bus changes unless it is a permanent stop. Community Flyers Please continue to use this link for the  Community Flyers for children and adults alike.    Have a great weekend! Best, Deb Murray, Principal

    Friday, May 20 2022

  • Reflections from this Weekend

    After more than two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, things in RSD 13 seem like they are getting closer to what many of us associate with normal school operations. Learning is in person, masks are optional, there are no capacity restrictions for events, and we are taking field trips again. Extracurricular activities have reemerged as a source of pride and joy for our learners, their families, and our community. Sports, performing arts, as well as academic and non-academic clubs, are back in full swing, and it is amazing to see the passion and energy from our learners in these settings. On Friday afternoon I had the pleasure of participating in a Witness Stone installation ceremony for a man named Caesar Stevenson, which was facilitated by learners at Strong Middle School with support from their teachers as well as from United Churches of Durham, the Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation, and the Witness Stones Project.  Witness Stones seeks to restore the history and honor the humanity of enslaved individuals, like Caesar Stevenson, who helped build our communities.  After the tragic events in Buffalo yesterday, we are reminded that the history of racism that our learners discussed on Friday afternoon, remains as a part of our ongoing legacy. While we pray and mourn for the families and friends of the shooting victims, we also need to realize that we are not immune to hatred and bigotry in this community, and we need to continue to do everything we can to combat racism and other forms of discrimination. The shooter in yesterday’s massacre was reported to be 18, the same age as many of our learners who celebrated prom last night, and I hope that fact would motivate all of us in our schools and in this community to be better than our history in the days that lie ahead.

    Sunday, May 15 2022

  • Brewster School Friday Memo 5/6/2022

    Good Evening Brewster Families, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Please see below for important information and updates. Brewster PTO Meeting Our last PTO meeting for the school year is scheduled for  Monday, May 9th . The time has been changed to 5 pm to accommodate the Town Meeting that will elect new BOE members in Durham. This will be held in the music room at Brewster School. Staff Appreciation Week Thank you to the PTO for providing such wonderful treats, cards, and appreciation for the staff during Staff Appreciation Week.   May 11th is School Nurses’ Day, please send a shout out to our wonderful Nurse Loso! See some pics below of our special week.  Save the Date: Brewster School PTO Back to School Yard Goats Event Tickets will go on sale soon! We will have our own section for Brewster School! All Staff and Families are welcome and encouraged to join us in the fun!   Go Far is BACK!  Please consider volunteering to supervise and help students at  this very successful recess activity! Sign Up Here! This is a specialized program that can not run without volunteers.  Additional Brewster Spirit Wear Sale OUR NEXT BREWSTER SPIRITWEAR DAY WILL BE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15TH! A-Z Countdown Begins on Thursday, May 12th!  Classroom teachers have shared a link with all the activities planned for the final countdown! Below is a snapshot with details in teachers’ Parent Square messages. On yellow days, students need assistance from home. On white days, the school will support everything needed for the activities.      Brewster A-Z Countdown! May 12 A Animal Day (Bring in your favorite stuffed animal) May 13 B Blue Day Apraxia Awareness Day (Wear blue and Apraxia Awareness Bracelets for sale) May 16 C Chick Day May 17 D Drew the Dragon Day May 18 E Extra Recess Day May 19 F Fabulous Art Day (Art Show after School) May 20 G Goat Day May 23 H Hawaiian Day (Wear Hawaiian gear to school!) May 24 I Ice Pop Day May 25 J Jump Rope Day May 26 K Kindness Day May 27 L Letter Day May 30 No School May 31 M Movie Day June 1 N Necktie & Necklace Day  (Wear a fun necktie or necklace) June 2 O Outstanding Dance Day  (Dance Festival Today!) June 3 P Popcorn Day June 6 Q Question Day  June 7 R Rainbow Day (Dress up wearing the colors of the rainbow) June 8 S Sunglasses Day  (Wear your sunglasses to school.) June 9 T Teacher Day  June 10 U Unbelievable Field Day June 13 V Voting Day June 14 W WHITE, Red and Blue Day  (Wear white, red and blue for Flag Day.) June 15 X eXtra Spirit Wear Day (Wear your Brewster Spirit wear or Green to School.) June 16 Y You Day June 17 Z Zero Day Art Show Book Fair Internet Assistance Program - Message from the Town of Durham Affordable Connectivity Program: This program provides up to $30/month off of an internet bill and offers a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet when bought by a participating provider. Eligibility: Only one household member needs to meet one of the following: receives free and reduced-price school lunches; participates in an assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Lifeline; received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; participates in certain Tribal Assistance Programs; participates in an existing broadband provider’s financial help program; or meets the income limits. Go to ACPBenefit.org for an application or call 877-384-2575 to learn more. For assistance with applications, contact the Durham Human Services office: 860-349-3153. End of Year Events We have several potential end of year events planned for children at Brewster School. Events are tentative based on several factors: COVID-19 rates or other unforeseen events. Below are the expected events and dates, more information will be shared as dates become closer. Dance Festival:   Thursday, June 2nd; Rain date-Friday, June 3rd (In the morning at CRHS field.) Field Day:   Friday, June 10th; Rain date-Monday, June13th (In the morning at Brewster School.) Grade 2 Picnic: Thursday, June 16th (No Rain date) Parents welcome from 11-12 pm. All children and families will be welcome to the Dance Festival in June and Art Show in May. Field Day will be in June for all children in K-2 with some volunteers. Grade 2 picnic will be in June for all grade 2 children and parents. Field Trips Grade K- Eli Whitney Museum, May 13th Grade 1- Hammonasset Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Dowson June 6th, Rain date June 8th Ms. Bernstein and Mrs. Loffredo June 7th, Rain date June 9th Permission slips and payment have been shared with all families through ParentSquare. Apraxia Awareness Day Friday, May 13th:  Apraxia Awareness Day - Blue Day Apraxia Kids Website Apraxia Kids Facebook fundraiser The Student Senate will sell Apraxia Awareness bracelets Please see the attachment below. You may send in the $1 without the attachment. Classroom Mystery Readers Brewster School would like to welcome families to come into their child’s classroom as a Mystery Reader!  Mystery Reader sign ups have been sent by classroom teachers for April 4th - May 27th pending COVID-19 rates and any other unforeseen factors.  Teachers have  one slot per family . Parents/Guardians are welcome to come together to read. The teacher will give the class hints as to who their reader is each time, keep it a secret! Classroom Placements for 2022-2023 School Year Please see the attached letter regarding family input into class placements for the 2022-2023 school year.   Class Placements 2022-2023   Please be sure to share all input by, TODAY, Friday, May 6th. Mask Wearing at School As of Monday, February 28th, wearing masks will become optional for students and staff at school and on buses.  Please refer to Dr. Schuch’s recent communication on February 26th about this change.   Dr. Schuch’s Mask Optional Update To support this transition, classroom teachers had discussions with our learners to explain the changes about mask wearing and respecting individual choice to wear or not wear a mask. Teachers will continue to check in with students to ensure that all of our learners are supported during this transition.  As always, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. COVID-19 Test Kits  Brewster School has COVID-19 test kits available.  Families and staff can contact the office for kits and arrange a pick up at the office. Test kits cannot be sent home with learners. Nurse Direct Line All absences should use the nurse line directly to contact Miss Loso at 860-349-7228 . Please report all absence reasons.   COVID-19 Reporting for Positive Cases Please complete the linked Google form to report a positive COVID case.  The form can also be found on the district website.   COVID-19 Reporting Form  Bus Information Please call DATTCO directly for any bus information regarding bus times. Their number is 860-349-8479 . A reminder, due to COVID-19 protocols, learners may only ride the bus they are assigned to. Even with a parent note, we are unable to accommodate bus changes unless it is a permanent stop. Community Flyers Please continue to use this link for the  Community Flyers for children and adults alike.    Have a great weekend! Best, Deb Murray, Principal

    Friday, May 06 2022

  • CRHS Leadership Update

    Regional School District 13 has appointed Mrs. Debbie Stone to serve as Principal of Coginchaug Regional High School.  Mrs. Stone has served learners in Connecticut for the past 28 years as both a teacher and administrator. She began her teaching career at Totoket Valley Elementary School in Northford where she served learners in Grade 4 and then moved to North Branford Intermediate School where she taught Grade 8 General Mathematics and Algebra I, as well as serving as Mathematics Curriculum Leader, Dean of Students, and Interim Assistant Principal. For the past nine years, Debbie has served the learners in Regional School District 13 as Principal of Korn Elementary School, Principal of Memorial School, and most recently Interim Principal of Coginchaug Regional High School.   Mrs. Stone holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Fairfield University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Sacred Heart University, a Sixth Year Degree in Education from the University of New England, and earned a Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Sacred Heart University. She and her husband, Guy, reside in Northford along with their children Riley, Liam, and Makenna. RSD 13 Superintendent Doug Schuch shared that he was thrilled when Mrs. Stone expressed interest in being the permanent principal of Coginchaug Regional High School.    Deb stepped into the role of Interim Principal about a month ago on very short notice and has done a tremendous job leading our high school through the recent uncertainty, as well as a number of other challenges. With nine years of successful leadership at Korn Elementary School, Memorial School, and Coginchaug Regional High School, Mrs. Stone brings extensive knowledge of our district to her new role. Based on these experiences, she also enters this new assignment with solid connections to so many of the learners and families at CRHS. In addition, Deb is committed to learner-centered education and the transformations to education that will be necessary to better prepare our learners to achieve their hopes and dreams after graduation.   Deb shared the following statement following her appointment: It is an honor to be appointed as Principal of Coginchaug Regional High School. I look forward to working closely with our learners, staff, and families to create a learning environment that is student-centered and accepting of all. I am excited for this opportunity. Regional School District 13 will immediately begin searching for a permanent principal for Memorial School, and we hope to have the new principal on board as soon as possible. Until a new principal has been appointed, Mrs. Samantha Winkler, Program Coordinator at the Middlesex Transition Academy will continue to serve as Interim Principal of Memorial School. Other school and district administrators will continue provide additional support to Memorial School and Middlesex Transition Academy until a permanent principal is named to replace Mrs. Stone.

    Friday, May 06 2022

  • BOE Special Meeting Date and Format Change

    The Board of Education will conduct a special meeting remotely (via Zoom) on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the May 3 events facilitated by Calvin Terrell. We have changed the date and format of this special board meeting in order to accommodate several key meeting participants who have are currently suffering from COVID-related illnesses. As a result of this meeting postponement, the BOE Policy Committee meeting that was previously scheduled to meet at 6:00 p.m. on 4/27/22 has been rescheduled for 6:00 p.m. on 5/11/22. Please visit rsd13ct.org  for additional details and information about upcoming board meetings.  

    Monday, Apr 25 2022