Dear ISD Parents, 

As you know we had an early release day this week on Wednesday and the staff and I took advantage of the afternoon to continue our professional learning on the use of the I Pad in the instructional setting.  Mrs. Madoff, our resident expert, guided us through the session teaching us about one of the Apps, Nearpod, that will be included in the GPS toolbox.  The teachers were excited to learn the many potential uses of the app and its impact on the instructional landscape. Our learning of digital tools will continue at our next early release afternoon scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th.  This is all in preparation for the Phase 3 implementation of the district's Digital Learning Environment plan, when each of our students will receive an IPad to use in their learning.

As a Principal, I am often called to meetings held outside of school for a variety of reasons.  This past Monday, April 27th, I spent most of the day at the Greenwich Safety Complex, also known as the Police Dept., along with my colleagues and central office staff, for a working session on safety measures.  The session included "tabletop" exercises on possible emergency scenarios and the steps needed to be taken for each type of situation.  The scenarios varied from extreme weather conditions to hazardous spills and everything in between.  The Greenwich community, including the First Responders and the Board of Education, take the safety of our students and staff very seriously.  Many of the recommendations are state driven and Greenwich often finds itself ahead of other communities in being proactive on the implementation of measures to ensure maximum security for all.

This coming Monday, May 4th, I will be participating in a very different experience.  All Principals and selected teachers will spend the day at the Board of Education working with Dr. McKersie and his team on developing strategies and action plans related to the district's Strategic School Plan.  To date, three goals have been drafted by the core committee and now the work will continue which will expand to include others in the process.  You can always get more details about this important initiative by referring to the GPS website.

Lastly, a letter is going home with our kindergarten through fourth grade students regarding the class placement process.  If you wish to write a letter or email, please note the due date.  Also, in case you missed it, the last day of school is Thursday, June 18th, which is an early release day (1:15).  Our Moving Up Ceremony for our grade five students is the day before, Wednesday, June 17th at 1:00 in our Learning Commons.  The event that everyone looks forward to, Field Day, is scheduled for Monday, June 8th with a rain date of Wednesday, June 10th.  Look for more details to come. 

Sincerely, 

Terry Ricci