GPS District Digest (v7, i08)
Stories, news, and updates from Greenwich Public Schools
That is a wrap! Just like you, the folks in the GPS District Digest's newsroom head out for the Holiday Recess. It is time for us to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for 2026, delivering all good things GPS to you, our loyal readers.
Here is your 2025 GPS District Digest Wrapped:
Most Viewed Issues
Volume 6, issue 11
Volume 7, issue 1
Volume 7, issue 6
Volume 6, issue 16
Volume 6, issue 10
Schools Mentioned the Most
Greenwich High School
Hamilton Avenue School
North Mianus School
Western Middle School
International School at Dundee
Old Greenwich School
Most Watched "Get To Know Your Educator"
Jennifer Preiss at Hamilton Avenue School
Lisa Daur at International School at Dundee
Michelle Salomon at Julian Curtiss School
Sarah Perez at Old Greenwich School
Victoria Bee at Cos Cob School
Carrie Hancock at Hamilton Avenue School
Editing Staff Mentions
Karen
Linda
Enjoy Issue No. 8 and thank you for your support.
GPS District Digest
S'more is so much more than a campfire treat by the Girl Scouts. Here in the newsroom of the GPS District Digest, we think of it as a company that helps make school newsletters look as amazing as they do. Throughout the district, Smore has become synonymous with newsletters.
During one of their latest webinars for school district administrators across the country, they recognized Connecticut's favorite school newsletter as one of the "Best Newsletters of 2025 & Why They Worked."
We know.
Raise your hand if you are enjoying the Digest's newest video feature, "Get To Know Your Educator."
Us too! We love it. Getting insight into some of the district's coolest, accomplished, and beloved teachers, is a privilege. We are honored to be a part of it.
In this issue, we talk with Ms. Amy Rose, a fourth grade teacher at New Lebanon School. When you think about cool, she is it. Maybe one day, we might see her on So You Think You Can Dance.
So you better treat her right.
Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker recently congratulated two Connecticut high school students on their selection to the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a national initiative that brings exceptional student leaders to Washington, D.C., for an intensive study of the federal government. Each delegate also receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship funded by The Hearst Foundations.
Esther Nabisere, a senior at Greenwich High School, was one of those students. The other student was Rania Das, a senior at Hopkins School in New Haven.
Esther has led international community service efforts, supported congressional constituent outreach, and contributed to research at the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations. She is active in civic engagement through the League of Women Voters of Greenwich and plans to continue her studies in public service and constitutional law.
“Congratulations to Rania and Esther on their selection to the United States Senate Youth Program, a distinguished national honor recognizing exceptional young leaders,” Governor Lamont said. “Their commitment to public service and their dedication to strengthening their communities reflect the very best of Connecticut, and I look forward to the contributions they will make as they help shape the future of our state.”
"Esther's commitment to her home here in Greenwich and to the global community is inspiring to not only her classmates at Greenwich High School, but to each and every teacher that was fortunate enough to have her in their classroom," Principal Ralph Mayo said. "We are overjoyed that all of Connecticut can now celebrate her successes like we do in Greenwich."
Created in 1962 through Senate Resolution 324, USSYP is a highly competitive, merit-based program that selects two students from each state to engage directly with federal officials and deepen their understanding of democratic leadership and public service.
“Rania’s and Esther’s selection to the United States Senate Youth Program reflects their exceptional leadership and deep commitment to civic engagement,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “Their work elevating youth perspectives, contributing to policy discussions, and serving their communities demonstrates the meaningful impact that students can make when given opportunities to lead. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to all they will continue to contribute as they pursue their academic and leadership journeys.”
Originally proposed by Senators Thomas H. Kuchel, Mike Mansfield, Everett McKinley Dirksen, and Hubert H. Humphrey, the Senate leadership of the day, the program was established to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, to illuminate the responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and to emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision-making not only for the United States but for people around the world.
In the last issue of the GPS District Digest, we told you about the district’s amazing partnership with the only food pantry in Greenwich, Neighbor to Neighbor. At a recent visit by Superintendent Dr. Jones, the district handed over $2,700 in supermarket gift cards to help residents in Greenwich that need a little extra assistance.
But Dr. Jones was not the only one there from Greenwich Public Schools.
Greenwich High School teacher, Mr. Evan Olmstead, was busy, along with sophomores Dazzling Chavez and Oscar Martinez Hernandez, and junior Marcus McComb, packing, unpacking, carrying, and stocking shelves, performing a great service for their civics class.
Just a few weeks before, Mr. Olmstead and fellow teacher, Ms. Rebecca Solis, were joined by Oscar, and juniors Ryan Chait and Max McFadden, putting in the work.
Sources told the Digest that all of the students were productive, helpful, and engaged.
World-renowned pianist, composer, and GPS mom of three, Evelina Puzaite recently performed for third and fifth grade students at Hamilton Avenue School during their lunch time in a Classical Cafe. Ms. Puzaite played French composer Ravel's Piano Concerto in G and ended with the very popular Rush E ("World's Hardest Song"), considered nearly impossible for a human to play. Evelina was impressed by Ham Ave students' attention, engagement, and response to one of her questions, "Imagine a painting. What do you see when you hear this piece?"
"Evelina’s wonderfully virtuosic piano performance transformed our lunchtime into something magical," Hamilton Avenue music teacher Ms. Lisa Wolfe, who also plays the violin in the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, said. "The grand piano in our cafeteria was truly brought to life, and everyone who passed by found themselves stopping to listen. It was a generous gift to have her share her talent with our community."
"Great listeners, brilliant observations, and a beautiful piano. It was a real joy to perform at Hamilton Avenue School." Ms. Puzaite said.
Ms. Puzaite, whose sons attend Old Greenwich and Eastern Middle Schools, has also performed for students at OGS, ISD, and Eastern Middle School in advance of her public concerts.
Just so you know, we do not accept food from strangers in the Digest newsroom. But we do eat freshly baked cookies from our friends at the International School at Dundee's PTA. They are friends.
Every year during Parent-Teacher Week, families at ISD gather together for a heartfelt annual tradition, the Holiday Cookie Baking and Packing event. A little sweetness is spread to the dedicated staff.
In the days leading up to the event, parent and student volunteers fill their homes with delicious smells of gingerbread, chocolate chips, lemon crinkles, Linzers, and more. With festive music playing in the lunchroom, plenty of hot coffee, and snacks to keep everyone going, parents rolled up their sleeves to pack together, laughing and creating a warm holiday spirit that carried through the halls.
They also continued the tradition of giving back to the community by donating boxes of these homemade treats to community partner, Kids in Crisis, hoping to bring a little extra comfort to children and families who need it most.
"Here’s to another year of sweetness shared, smiles sparked, and holiday cheer spread near and far," could be heard.
Sources tell the GPS District Digest the cookies did not last long after the Havemeyer delivery.
Eastern Voices, the select vocal ensemble from Eastern Middle School, had an exciting opportunity earlier this month when they opened for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
The students delivered a polished and heartfelt performance at Radio City Music Hall, one of the most iconic stages in the world. Their participation in this celebrated holiday tradition showcased not only their musical talent, but also their dedication and hard work.
Congratulations to Eastern Voices, as well as co-directors Ms. Rebekka Rosen and Mr. Matthew Tracey, on this exceptional achievement.
GPS families gathered during a recent weekend at New Lebanon School for a calming morning, filled with gentle yoga, guided mindfulness activities, and opportunities for shared reflection and connection for "Glowing and Growing Together," a social and emotional learning event, with the support of a generous grant from Greenwich Alliance for Education
Parents and children moved, breathed, and learned together, strengthening their bonds while building practical tools to manage stress and emotions.
Earlier this month, the four outgoing Board of Education members were honored and celebrated at a special ceremony at the Havemeyer Building, presided over by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones.
The guests of honor, Jen Behette, Cody Kittle, Laura Kostin, and Kathleen Stowe, were presented gifts including: an engraved brass hand bell from Greenwich Public Schools, a bouquet of flowers from Dr. Jones, and certificates of appreciation and mementos from PTAC’s Lisa Sylvester and John Fisher. Current Board members offered words of recognition for each of the four.
Dozens of Town of Greenwich dignitaries were present, including: all 11 elementary school principals, current Board of Education members, former Board of Education Officers Joe Kelly and Christina Downey, the BET’s Leslie Tarkington, RTM’s Steve Rubin, and many members of GPS’ administration.
In addition, First Selectman Fred Camillo sent over hand-signed proclamations for all four honorees, celebrating their time as Board members. He proclaimed:
- December 4, 2025 as Cody Kittle Day
- December 5, 2025 as Laura Kostin Day
- December 8, 2025 as Kathleen Stowe Day
- December 9, 2025 as Jen Behette Day
Seven Greenwich High School photography students submitted amazing images for, “Through Your Looking Glass” student art showcase at the Carriage Barn Arts Center in New Canaan earlier this year to recognize the role of art in advancing social justice related to inclusion, equity, and diversity.
Seniors Christopher Gomez, Alexa Loera, Adam Shin, and Luca Suarez; junior Piper Reynolds; and sophomores Rafael Arteche and Olivia DeVries all represented GHS with incredible talent and vision.
Mediums at the showcase included: paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, sculpture or architectural renderings, and mounted/framed art or 3D art.
Nearly 1,800 participants? Were you one of them?
The 15th Annual Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk was the largest race ever, raising more than $90,000. The new Mini Trot race was a wonderful addition for preschool children to get involved.
Cos Cob School took home the school competition trophy for the most registrants at 156 and Parkway School was also victorious for the most registrants in percentage to total enrollment with 109.
Looking for photos? Cheryl Moss Photos has you covered.
For more information on how you can help with next year's Turkey Trot or the Alliance's other programs, head to their website.
This amazing photo was delivered to the Digest newsroom recently. We were excited! This gentleman is looking dapper in his three-piece suit, pocket square in the breast pocket, and walrus moustache. This image is on paper that has yellowed due to the century-plus oxidation process.
So we ask you: Who is he?
Here are your hints: The piece of paper was on page 6, carefully removed from the 1912 Spalding's Official Canadian Base Ball Guide. The subject has had a long-lasting legacy on Greenwich Public Schools.
Do you have a guess? Give us a shout. We are also accepting wrong answers.
Holler at us at communications@greenwich.k12.ct.us.
Loyal Digest readers know just how much we love antique postcards. Our collection is extensive.
We were especially excited when this postcard of Old Greenwich School came into the newsroom recently, not only because it was written on and delivered by the United States Postal Service, but because it is obvious to us that a child wrote it and enjoyed some of what our school grounds had to offer in the summertime.
On August 16, 1946, Carol wrote to Miss Sally Clark in Wellsville, NY about her summer fun at Greenwich's beach, but also made it a point to write about OGS' schoolyard.
Carol did not sign her last name, so finding out more about her is an impossible task. Sally, or Sal (as her friends called her), attended Wellsville High School in the early 1950s. She was described as sweet, innocent, and shy in her 1952 yearbook. She was about 10 years old when she received this postcard.
Did you know Carol or Sally? Let us know!
A special thanks to OGS' Ms. Turpin for the current photo of the school building.
Do you know a teacher, social worker, guidance counselor, instructional coach, or specialist that deserves consideration for the 2026 Distinguished Teacher Awards? It is not too early to start the thorough process. The main emphasis in identifying a distinguished teacher is the quality of work with students. To learn more about the criteria and eligibility requirements, read the Nomination Instruction Packet online.
Tell me Michael, how could more than 4,220 people be wrong?
That is how many close friends we have reading what we post on social media. It can be a great tool to share information when done responsibly. Here at GPS, we use social media to give you a behind the scenes look at what is happening in our buildings, celebrate staff and student achievement, and to break news.
Are you active on other social media platforms? Should the district join you? Let us know!
