Dr. Semmel's June Newsletter

Please enjoy our June Newsletter. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer break!! Have a question? Email me at msemmel@trumbullps.org

Are you looking to know and better understand the work of the school district? If so, each year I work with multiple teams of administrators, teacher leaders, and classroom teachers to develop a set of district goals for the coming school year. Our BOE members are instrumental in the development of these goals, as they provide feedback throughout the year on our progress. The BOE formally adopted the 2025-2026 goals during the July 8 BOE meeting. By identifying our district goals and creating alignment across the district, we can continue making improvements to our already successful school district. Our End-of-Year Update, linked below, provides a detailed review of the entire district's efforts to make TPS a wonderful place for students to learn and grow.

Please view our 2025-2026 District Improvement Plan End-of-Year Update.

Trumbull Public Schools is committed to creating learning environments that are intellectually, physically, and emotionally safe and healthy for all students. One of the ways we are doing this is through a districtwide focus on promoting a healthy digital balance. Our goal is to implement strategies and supports that help students develop responsible technology habits, while ensuring that technology enhances learning rather than becoming a distraction or a replacement for meaningful human connection.

This school year, all Trumbull schools began with updated expectations for student personal device use. Elementary schools are phone-free, middle schools have a bell-to-bell no phone policy, and the high school limits phone use during instructional class time. These changes were implemented to help reduce distractions and create learning spaces that support more focus, engagement, and positive peer interaction. Feedback from both students and staff has been very encouraging, with teachers reporting improved classroom engagement and students experiencing more face-to-face conversations and social connection throughout the school day.

In addition to these changes, the district has strengthened safeguards on elementary and middle school Chromebooks by shutting down Chromebook usage after 10:00 p.m. The district is also working hard to identify additional proxy servers that students are using to attempt to bypass content filters and making modifications to our configurations to limit these. Additional restrictions were put in place to limit access to direct YouTube videos to better align device use with instructional goals. These updates help us provide an additional layer of protection to ensure that district devices are being used safely, responsibly, and in ways that support learning rather than detract from it.

While Trumbull Public Schools highly values technology as a tool to deepen learning, spark creativity, and prepare students for a digital world, we are equally committed to using it intentionally. Our classrooms are designed to balance digital tools with rich, non-digital resources. We recognize that emerging technologies offer exciting opportunities for collaboration and accessibility, but they should never replace hands-on learning, face-to-face discussion, physical movement, a love of literature, or creative exploration. By blending both approaches, we can help students develop critical thinking skills and healthy technology habits without becoming overly reliant on screens.

Healthy technology habits require a true partnership between school and home. While Trumbull utilizes web filtering tools, no technology is 100% effective; students will always find clever workarounds, and new websites pop up daily. Because software alone cannot solve this problem, digital safety must be a team effort. We deeply appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these values at home—whether by setting screen-free times or having open conversations about responsible device use. Together, we can ensure our students develop the habits they need to use technology thoughtfully and safely.

This summer, Trumbull Public Schools will be furthering our commitment to balance by restricting district-issued Chromebook access for students in grades 6–8 exclusively to the website needed for Math summer work. By establishing these clear boundaries, we aim to partner with families in providing a natural opportunity for students to take a meaningful break from screens, keeping plenty of room for hands-on activities, physical movement, and face-to-face connections over the summer.

In addition, during the 2026-2027 school year, the district technology committee will continue to explore ways to promote intentional use of technology and implement strategies to mitigate inappropriate and over-reliance of technology use by students. It is our intention to review our current practices, as well as our 1:1 program, to align them with the current research and best practices for schools. We will continue to update families as our efforts progress.

Trumbull High School Athletics wrapped up a successful spring season, with both Boys Rugby and Baseball advancing to their respective state finals. Our Baseball team won the FCIAC Championship with a decisive victory over Fairfield Ludlowe, bringing home the conference title. Girls Outdoor Track team members, (pictured left to right), Mia Lafaille, Charlotte Manuel, Kaylie Murcko, and Samantha Russo, captured the state title in the 4x800-meter relay and recently finished sixth at the New England Championship meet. Boys Tennis senior, Dean Jackson, earned FCIAC Player of the Year honors and advanced to the individual championship tournament.

Each season, Trumbull Athletics supports a philanthropic effort within the community. This spring, the program participated in the Hope Blooms Walk for Alzheimer’s Research, hosted by the Ruden Report. Trumbull High’s McDougall Stadium welcomed teams from across the FCIAC as they gathered to raise funds and awareness in support of this important cause.

We began registering students for the Class of 2038 on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. If you are looking to register your child for the 2026-2027 school year, please click here for all the information you need.

Our Unplug to Recharge summer weeks are the perfect time to visit Next Chapter Books and pick up some wonderful like-new reading choices for the whole family. Check out our summer hours and stop by to browse, read and relax!

Tip: Electronics and batteries should NOT be put in your mixed recycling bin. These items are considered e-waste and can be properly recycled by dropping off at the E-Waste collection container at the Trumbull Transfer and Recycling Station to be properly recycled.

E-Waste Recycling Accepted Items:

1- Electronics including computers, monitors, laptops, cell phones, televisions, printers, CD/DVD/VCR players, and most small appliances. Note: If it has a cord, it’s probably accepted.

2- Batteries are also e-waste and should NOT be put in the trash or curbside recycling bins as they are fire hazard. Recycle them in with e-waste.

3- Lightbulbs are also accepted.

Trivia: Which items are NOT accepted with e-waste?

a. Vacuum and microwave

b. Corded headphones and keyboard mouse

c. Smoke detector or hazardous material

d. Video game console (i.e., Xbox)

Answer: C. Smoke detectors and hazardous materials are not accepted with e-waste at the Transfer Station and should be saved for Trumbull’s Annual Hazardous Waste Day in October.

For more information on e-waste recycling: https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/1214/Electronic-Battery-Lightbulb-Recycling or email: recyclingcoordinator@trumbull-ct.gov