Together We Can

Welcome back for a new and exciting school year!

This should be another exciting year for all of our students, families, staff, and community members. Whether you are returning to us or joining us for the first time, I am glad to have you as part of our SESS school community. This year promises to be filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. Together, we can create a supportive environment where every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Our SESS department deeply values the strong partnership between families, school, and the broader community.

In this newsletter, we will share a little about our SESS administrative team and how they can support you.

Our collaboration and your support and involvement are essential to the success of our students and it is the true the strength of our programs. Throughout the year, I look forward to working closely with you through school or SESS Department events.

Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead, filled with curiosity, achievement, and shared celebration.

Welcome back!

Best

Stacey

Stacey Heiligenthaler, Ph.D.

Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports

stacey_heiligenthaler@greenwich.k12.ct.us

My name is Katie Natale and I oversee our district's preschool program and out of district placements. This year marks my 10th year with the Greenwich Public Schools and the second school year for me in this role. I am most excited about the new curriculum elements and projects our preschools have in store for this year.

My name is Eugene Matejek and I am a Special Education coordinator for the Greenwich Public Schools, supporting Glenville, Riverside, Parkway, Cos Cob, North Street, and Old Greenwich Schools. Now in my 28th year as an educator, I began my career as a classroom teacher before serving as an International Baccalaureate (IB) coordinator and then as an assistant principal. As a school administrator, one of my primary responsibilities was leading the implementation of Special Education, alongside overseeing daily operations and ensuring a safe, effective learning environment. This experience ultimately led to my current role as Special Education coordinator.

My name is Dr. Deborah Perry. I am so excited to start the 2025-2026 school year here at Greenwich Public Schools. I have been involved in Special Education ever since I was a high school student and feel my purpose is to make a difference in as many students as possible. I am getting to know my five elementary schools and enjoy supporting all the district and department priorities to help students grow as much as they can as a learner.

My name is Jessica McEvily, and I am excited to serve as the coordinator of student wellness and support for our district. In this role, I work closely with our school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to ensure students have access to the social, emotional, and mental health supports they need to thrive. My goal is to partner with families and staff to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where every student feels seen and supported. I look forward to working together to help our students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

My name is Jennifer Stewart and I am the Special Education program coordinator for all three middle schools. You will see me in the buildings often, working alongside staff, students, and administrators. I truly value working together with families, as I believe collaboration is key to helping your child grow and succeed.

My name is Harry Burg and I am the GPS Special Education program coordinator who supervises Special Education programs at Greenwich High School and at Community Connections, the District's 18-22 year old transition program. I am also part of the administrative team that oversees the GHS Effective School Solutions program, the GHS evaluation team, and the Education and Wellness Center at GHS. I am a life-long special educator and reading specialist who continually works to make learning accessible, meaningful, and fun for all students.

I am Dr. Garfield Charles, program administrator for the GHS Windrose program, oversight of Homebound, online courses on the Edgenuity platform, Hy-C, and out of district manager for the Spire School. Wishing you all a successful year.

Hello and welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! My name is Jessica Wieneke and I oversee school nursing and school health services. All of our schools have individual school nurses, except Greenwich High School which has three. I am available to assist in planning for meeting the educational and medical needs of all of our students. The School Health Service Department is committed to promoting healthy learners.

Before the beginning of school, GPS paraeducators received a warm welcome back and full days of training. Training included an update from human resources, first aid, and behavior intervention training.

On August 27, Greenwich High School and middle school Special Education and Student Supports staff had a day full of professional development. The day begin in the Student Center of GHS with a keynote presentation by Dr. Stacey Heiligenthaler and GPS SESS administration. Morning presentations included GPS Inclusion Specialist Rachel Rubin discussing AI, while Heather Martin, new psychologist on the behavior team, shared classroom strategies for supporting student behavior.

On August 26, Greenwich HS co-teaching partners began their collaboration. Special Education Program Coordinator Mr. Burg provided the teachers with an overview of the program for this year which is focusing on transitioning incoming ninth graders into GHS. In co-teaching, Special Education and content area teachers plan, teach, and assess together to provide additional access to some GHS courses.

Ms. Castellano's preschool class is working on sorting, beading, and using some fun fine motor toys during center time.

Preschool students in Ms. LaRosa's class are working on their first self-portrait of the year. They will do several to capture their growth throughout the school year.

Ms. Daniels at Hamilton Avenue School reviews the preschool classroom schedule using a puppet to engage students and add a silly twist. Students are learning the classroom routine and expectations these first few days at school.

On the first day of school, Grade 4 co-teachers Ms. Young and Ms. Anderson led their students through a hands-on team-building activity designed to spark collaboration, critical thinking, and flexible problem-solving. Students worked together to overcome challenges, communicate ideas, and support one another, laying the groundwork for a strong sense of community and cooperation in the classroom. Activities like this not only energize students, but also set a positive tone for the year ahead, helping to create an inclusive and respectful learning environment where everyone feels valued.

Snappy, Glenville School’s beloved mascot, greeted kindergarten students with high-fives, hugs, and boundless energy on their very first day of school. Parents and students alike beamed with excitement as they posed for photos with Snappy, capturing memories before heading into the building. This joyful welcome helped ease first-day jitters and set the tone for a year of connection, community, and school spirit. Building this excitement from day one fosters a strong sense of belonging that lasts all year long.

On the first day of school, Principal Mr. Gavin and Assistant Principal Mrs. Bird visited each lunch wave at Cos Cob School to engage students in grades K-5 in a thoughtful review of lunchroom norms. These important conversations help set a positive tone for the year, especially as students transition back to school routines. Mr. Gavin and Mrs. Bird emphasized the importance of listening attentively and showing respect, such as maintaining eye contact with the speaker when the café monitor or any staff member is addressing the group. Taking the time to reinforce these shared norms on day 1 supports a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students.

"Our school is the place to be. It is our community" is the chant said by all North Mianus School students at the first day welcome back to school assembly.

The Hamilton Ave SESS team welcomed back the learners at Hamilton Avenue School with shirts that say, "Welcome back! I'm glad you're here."

These are the perfect back-to-school shirts. The team also plans on wearing them on the first day back after every school break to let their students know how happy they are to be back in school.

Students at Juliann Curtiss School were welcomed with a first day welcome to a new playground. Students walked into the school on the red carpet. Parents gathered outside for the kindergarteners to send off the students for their first day of school.

New Lebanon School had a PTA celebration to start the year. Students stood in front of the balloon arch to take pictures. In school, classes were building class charters and getting the norms started for the year

Students at Hamilton Avenue School paraded outside and met with their teachers. After students walked in as a group, they all joined in the cafeteria/gym for an all school assembly. Students also toured the building and reviewed expectations in each area they visited.

Parkway School's Principal Mrs. Grandville and Assistant Principal Mr. Cheris proudly rang in the new school year with a special welcome just for our kindergarten students and their families. This cherished tradition marks the beginning of an exciting journey, offering a warm and personal start to our newest learners. With the ringing of the bell, excitement filled the air as students joined their kindergarten teachers, Mr. Catalano or Mr. Sweeney, and took their first steps into the new school year at Parkway School. A year sure to be filled with learning, growth, and discovery.

During academic lab, teachers at all three middle schools worked with students to review expectations, participate in get-to-know-you activities, go over the structure of academic lab, and develop classroom contracts. Students spent time talking with each other to get to know one another and to learn what’s expected during academic lab.

Mrs. Shearer, a sixth-grade teacher, worked with students during their second day of academic lab. The students focused on getting to know one another, learning the expectations and structure of the lab, and organizing their planners. Throughout the session, they practiced executive functioning skills while adjusting to the new expectations of being sixth graders in middle school.

Ms. Warminsky worked with eighth grade students as they shared their ideas about why they come to school each day. During the discussion, students practiced conversation skills, self-advocacy, and reflected on how learning and being in school supports their growth and future success. Following the sharing, they collaborated to combine their ideas into one vision statement.

Mrs. Pontieri, an eighth grade teacher, worked with students in an academic lab. The students were engaged in a writing assignment connected to a summer science experience. They also focused on practicing and developing their individual writing goals during the activity.

On August 28, all ninth graders were welcomed to Greenwich High School. The day began with a spirited welcome in the Performing Arts Center and included welcome meetings, tours of the school, a supported walk through of each student's schedule, and an introduction of the delicious GHS cafeteria. Welcome to our newest GHS Cardinals.

Students and staff at Community Connections spent time team building and setting norms and expectations for the year. Welcome to all of the new staff and students.

The Community Connections students and staff are ready for their first community outing of the year.

The Special Education Advisory Committee is having their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 30. Save the date. More information information will be forthcoming.

Please visit the new Special Education and Student Supports Department webpage on the Greenwich Public School Website. Information about Special Education supports and services as well as contact information is provided

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Email: stacey_heiligenthaler@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/teaching-learning/special-education
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
Phone: (203) 625-7493