Compass

Guilford’s Apple Pi Robotics team is celebrating a milestone 20th season with one of its strongest performances to date. The team earned the Judges’ Award and finalist honors at the Western New England University Tournament in March, then captured the Autonomous Award and its first tournament championship in 10 years at the Hartford District event.

That momentum carried into the New England District Championship (April 16–18), where Apple Pi placed 10th out of 50 teams in its division. The team now ranks #18 in New England, #2 in Connecticut, and has climbed to #75 in the world, earning an invitation to the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, from April 29 to May 2.

“The biggest strength of our robot build this year has been its durability and consistency,” said junior Ridhaan Chavan. Mentor Diane van der Grinten added that students “made huge strides in programming and coding,” resulting in a high-performing robot throughout the season.

Despite a smaller team of 13 students, Apple Pi continues to excel through teamwork, innovation, and dedication. The team is now preparing to compete on the global stage while also gearing up for its annual Great Give fundraiser on May 6–7.

Congratulations to the Apple Pi team on this outstanding accomplishment, and best of luck as they compete on the global stage!

Learn more or support the team at www.applepirobotics.org

Read the full article on the GPS website

At A.W. Cox Elementary School, physical education is getting a creative boost with the new SEL Mini Golf Lab, funded by a $5,800 grant from the Guilford Fund for Education in Fall 2025. The idea was developed by PE teacher Derek DeLucia—known to students as Coach D—who applied for the grant to create a more engaging, inclusive experience for all learners.

The Mini Golf Lab blends physical activity with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), helping students build skills in self-management, communication, and collaboration. Through mini golf, students develop coordination, balance, and fine motor control while also practicing problem-solving and strategic thinking as they navigate each course.

A unique feature of the program is that students don’t just play—they design and build the course themselves. Working in teams, they collaborate to construct each hole using modular pieces to create obstacles, as well as hills, slopes, and valleys. This hands-on approach deepens engagement while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and communication, as students share ideas, test designs, and adjust their approach together.

Just as important are the social-emotional benefits. The activity encourages patience, turn-taking, and positive communication in a low-pressure environment where all students can succeed and build confidence.

This grant is one of several supported by the Guilford Fund for Education, including Regulation Station (Jyl Lozier-Oman, Fall 2025, $3,000), which provides calming tools for classrooms, and the AW Cox Howlers Ensemble (Russ Kleiner, Fall 2022, $6,800), a student music group that shares performances with the school and broader community. Together, these initiatives highlight a strong commitment to supporting the whole child through innovative learning experiences.

Regulation Station

Howlers Performing at Guilford Marketplace

Fourth grade students from Calvin Leete School recently stepped back in time during a visit to the Guilford Free Library, where Historical Room Specialist Tracy Tomaselli brought local history to life through an engaging lesson on the American Revolution.

The visit began in the library’s historical room, where students were introduced to the wide range of primary sources available for research. Tomaselli explained how these materials can be used for future history projects and emphasized her ability to connect nearly any topic directly to Guilford’s past. Students had the opportunity to view and learn about historical artifacts including old diaries, newspaper articles, merchant and business ledgers, photographs, and genealogy books. Among the most notable items was the oldest artifact in the collection—a deed dating back to 1674.

The program continued in the meeting room, where Tomaselli provided an overview of the American Revolution with a focus on what life was like in Guilford during that time. Students learned that the Guilford Green looked very different in the 18th century, featuring hills, ponds, a hay scale, a school, and even a whipping post.

Tomaselli also highlighted notable Loyalists and Patriots from Guilford, illustrating how the war often divided families. One example included brothers-in-law Mark Spencer and Timothy Ludington, who found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict. To make the experience interactive, each student was assigned the name of a historical Guilford resident and asked to stand when that individual was discussed during the presentation.

The visit concluded with a powerful reflection as students viewed a slide honoring Guilford men who died as a result of their service in the war, with ages ranging from just 16 to 72 years old. The program provided students with a meaningful connection to their community’s role in American history while reinforcing the value of local historical resources.

Guilford High School is proud to recognize seniors Aleksandra Cottrill and Emily O’Sullivan as this year’s 2026 recipients of the Connecticut High School Outstanding Arts Awards.

On Monday, March 30, the Connecticut Association of Schools hosted its Annual High School Arts Awards Banquet at the Aqua Turf Club. The event celebrates outstanding high school students from across the state who demonstrate excellence in the visual or performing arts, along with strong scholarship and leadership.

Congratulations to Aleksandra and Emily on this well-deserved honor!

Guilford Public Schools participated in the 72nd Annual Guilford Education Association Readathon in support of the SARAH Foundation, with Baldwin Middle School raising over $12,000. An impressive 70% of Baldwin students who signed up returned donation envelopes, reflecting the generosity of our school community.

Special recognition goes to 5th grader Ellery Casper Von Pflug, the district’s top fundraiser across all K-6 schools, who raised an incredible $2,500—earning this honor for the third consecutive year.

Upper Photo L to R:

Pete Cuticelli (BMS teacher and GEA Building Rep), Rob Macmillen (BMS teacher and GEA Building Rep), Kevin Buno (BMS Principal), Ellery, Laurie Casper (Ellery's mom), Von (Ellery's little brother), Ken Albeti (SARAH), Patty McLaughlin (BMS Teacher and GEA PR Secretary), Paul Coppola (BMS Assistant Principal)

Photo to the Right: Finn Marchetti

We also congratulate Finn Marchetti, the top fundraiser for A.W. Cox School. Thank you to all students and families across the district for making this year’s Readathon a success!

We are delighted to share that Lily Ridge, an 8th grade student at Adams Middle School, was selected as a Runner Up in the Grades 5–8 category of the nationwide Big Y 90th Anniversary Art Contest. This special contest celebrated student creativity from across the country, making Lily’s recognition an outstanding accomplishment.

Her artwork stood out for its creativity, originality, and powerful expression, earning praise from the contest judges.

Congratulations to Lily on this impressive achievement—we are proud to celebrate her artistic talent!

Guilford Public Schools has been recognized for the second consecutive year with the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from the NAMM Foundation, highlighting the district’s continued commitment to high-quality music education.

The national award, now in its 27th year, honors districts that demonstrate outstanding dedication to ensuring all students have access to music as part of a well-rounded education. In 2026, more than 1,000 schools and districts nationwide received the recognition.

Award recipients are selected through a rigorous process that evaluates factors such as district support, participation, instructional time, facilities, and community involvement. Applications are independently reviewed by WolfBrown to ensure each honor reflects sustained achievement.

Guilford’s repeat recognition underscores the strong support of its educators, families, and community in fostering inclusive, high-quality music programs for all students.