 Dear Families, Students, and Community Members:
Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year. As we begin this school year, please know that it takes exceptional staff, motivated students, engaged parents, and an involved community to create the best possible environment for our students.
As we reflect on the past year’s successes, we are proud to showcase the many accomplishments of our community of learners.
- 2011 – 2012 Teacher of the Year: Judy Butterly, Grade 1, Morris Street Elementary and 47 years of service to students
- 2010 – 2011 Teacher of the Year: Nancy Berman, Reading Teacher, Alternative Center for Excellence and 26 years of service to students
- 2011 National Merit Scholar: Ben Altman
- 2011 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists: Ben Altman, Emily McWilliams, Kashish Singhal
- 2011 National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalist: David Fox
- DHS was named to AP® Achievement List by the College Board for Significant Gains in Advanced Placement® Access and Student Performance
- Twelve DHS students achieved advanced level on ALL CAPT subtests
- Math-Science Partnership Federal Grant – Inquiry training for 13 elementary teachers
- Gladys Cooper: 20 years of service as a Board of Education member
- Mayor’s Education Foundation Grants – Elementary, Middle School, and High School Awards
- DHS Robotics Team won the Excellence Trophy and attended the World Championship Competition
- DHS Film and Video students were finalists in the DMV Teen Driving Contest
- DHS Air Force Jr. ROTC – 2011 Distinguished Unit Award
- 2011 Best in Show Art Award for the 5th Congressional District: Shin Nguyen
- Shin’s work, “Self Portrait: The Broken Geisha” will be on displayed in Washington, DC
As superintendent, I have personally seen the tremendous efforts put forth by the dedicated employees of Danbury
Public Schools. Our highest priority remains a focus on student achievement. The overarching theme of our work is to prepare our students to be globally competitive citizens. With the increasing costs of providing educational services to all of our students and the current economic status, a pay freeze has been negotiated with administrators, teachers, and most non-certified staff. In addition, we are examining several redistricting options that may be implemented to address current overcrowded conditions, the projected increase in student enrollment, and the related impact on staffing and resources. Although the circumstances are not ideal, most positions and programs for the 2011 – 2012 school year remain intact. As a community we hope that the economy will improve, thus preventing us from having to consider future staffing and program cuts.
We will be reaching out to parents, students, and the business community for input to complete the second phase of the DPS Community Survey. The first phase of the Community Survey generated responses from every school in the district. The response rate from each group was commendable:
- 59% Para educators
- 66% Teachers
- 71% Administrators
Parent involvement and community support are keys to student success. We hope everyone will take an active part in the fall survey. A report of the findings will be presented to the Board of Education upon analysis of results.
On behalf of the Board, Administration, Teachers, and Staff – Best wishes for a successful school year!
Dr. Sal Pascarella, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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