Torringford Tigers

Dear Torringford Families,

It’s hard to believe how quickly the first few weeks of school have gone by. Our students have done such a great job settling into their routines, and we couldn’t be prouder of all the learning, kindness, and enthusiasm we see every day. From classrooms filled with curiosity to playgrounds full of laughter, our Tigers are off to an amazing start!

As the leaves begin to change, we’re excited to continue this season of learning, growth, and building strong connections here at Torringford School. We truly value open communication between home and school. If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s teacher—they’ll also be in touch if they have any updates to share.

Thank you for your continued support. By working together, we can create the best learning experience for every student. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

In partnership,

Mrs. Galullo (Principal) & Mrs. Austin (Assistant Principal)

SCHOOL VISITORS

• All visitors must check in at the school office, provide a valid photo identification, and wear a visitor badge while on campus.
  
• No visitors, including parents or district personnel, may go to the classrooms or other site locations without first checking in at the office.

DELIVERING ITEMS TO STUDENTS

• Occasionally students may forget their lunch or other important items. To minimize classroom disruptions, please bring these items to the front door and a staff member will happily deliver the items to the classroom.
  

LOST & FOUND

• Clothing and other items are picked up daily from the playground and the cafeteria and deposited in the bins/rack outside the gymnasium. If your child has lost an article of clothing, please remind them to check the Lost & Found.
• Lost eyeglasses are on display in the main office.
• Please label your child's belongings with their full name!
• All unclaimed items are donated to a charitable organization.

PICKING YOUR CHILD UP EARLY

• The school office is closed for pick up after 3:00pm (1:00pm on early dismissal days). If you are picking your child up early; please do so before 3:00pm.
• Last minute changes can not be made after 2 pm.
• Otherwise, your child will need to be picked up as a parent pick-up in the car/walker line at 3:45pm dismissal (1:45pm on early dismissal days).

Encouraging Positive Behavior with PAWSOME Cards

At Torringford School, we use PAWSOME cards as a school-wide system to encourage positive behavior and support students’ social, emotional, and academic growth.

In September, our focus has been on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors in all areas of the school—from classrooms and hallways to the playground, cafeteria, restrooms, and buses. Students are recognized for meeting expectations through verbal praise, PAWSOME awards, special privileges, and other incentives. This helps create a school culture where students feel safe, respected, responsible, and ready to learn.

When students know what’s expected and are acknowledged for making good choices, it improves the overall school atmosphere for everyone. You can support this at home by praising your child for positive behaviors, setting clear expectations, and keeping routines consistent. By working together, home and school can help students thrive!

In September, 253 Pawsome cards were awarded. Congratulations to the following Torringford Tigers:

• • Dylan Hidrovo: Popsicles with the Principals

  • Jax Evans: Fancy Lunch Table

  • Zion Akofur: Legos with the Principal

  • Kylie Moscariello: Kindergarten Teacher Assistant

  • Leila Batchelder: Orbeez with Mrs. Austin

We appreciate your partnership in promoting a positive learning environment for all students. Please be sure to celebrate your student when they share with you a PAWSOME award received at school.

As the seasons change, it’s important to keep our Tigers healthy and feeling their best! Our school nurses are here to care for students, provide first aid, and keep health records up to date.

While we cannot diagnose illnesses, we can offer guidance and recommend when further medical attention may be needed.

We encourage families to practice good handwashing, get plenty of rest, eat balanced meals, stay active, and dress appropriately for cooler weather. Please let your child’s teacher or us know if they aren’t feeling well.

By working together—home and school—we can help our students stay happy, healthy, and ready to learn all season long!

If you have any health concerns,

please don't hesitate to reach out to Nurse Allison or Nurse Denise!

Missing even a few days of school can make it harder for students to keep up, but coming to school regularly helps them grow and do their best!

When students attend every day, they are more likely to succeed in school, graduate, and have more opportunities in the future.

Please know we are here to help—reach out to

Georgia Austin or Deb Mordecai with any attendance concerns.

Reporting Student Absences

Please call the school office as soon as possible to report your child’s absence (860.489.2300 option 1). When leaving a message, speak clearly and slowly. If we don’t receive information about your child’s absence, our automated system will call to remind you to report it.

Be sure to submit any required documentation when your child returns to school. Absences remain unexcused until appropriate documentation is received, and all documentation must be submitted within 10 days of the absence.

October 8: Picture Day

October 13: NO School; Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 16: Early Dismissal (1:30); Teacher Professional Learning Community (PLC)

October 18: Torringford School's Fall Festival at Berry Scary Acres

October 31: Character Day

November 4: NO School - Election Day & Teacher Professional Development

November 20,21,24: Early Dismissal (1:30); Parent Conferences

November 25: Early Dismissal (1:30); PLC
November 26-28: NO School - Thanksgiving Recess

Get ready to smile! Picture Day is Wednesday, October 8th.

Please join us at Ruwet Farm's Berry Scary Acres for a family fun event on

Saturday, October 18th from 3:00PM - 6:00PM

General admission is $10 per child, $5 per adult payable at the entrance (cash, check, or Venmo). This includes: a small pumpkin (1 per child), haunted house, corn maze, apple sling shot, outdoor games, and more!

Discounted food packages are an additional $5/ea payable at the entrance (cash, check, or Venmo).

Click HERE to RSVP, indicating the total number of attendees and whether or not you are interested in purchasing a discounted food package. Please note children may not be dropped off, all students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

*All proceeds go towards Torringford enrichment activities for our students*

Consider using the link below to register and sell online to family and friends.

https://my.mcmfundraising.com/signup/TB33

All funds raised go towards student enrichment (e.g., field trips, unique learning opportunities).

Reach out to the PTO with any questions (torringfordpto@gmail.com).

Join in on the fun and dress up as your favorite storybook character!

Bring your character’s book and share why they are your favorite character on

Friday, October 31st.

*Full face masks and/or coverings are NOT PERMITTED

Pre-K is off to a bright start! Our friends are all smiles as we explore, make new friends, and settle into our routines. We can’t wait for all the fun and learning ahead!

Meet the Teachers Helping Our Youngest Tigers Explore and Learn!

learned about the math tools we have in our rooms, like connecting cubes, pattern shapes, geoblocks, 5 frames, and two-colored counters. We went on a shape hunt in our classroom.

We are learning how to count collections of objects with one-to-one correspondence to determine “how many”. We can use a variety of strategies to count effectively! We’re also learning to use our fingers and objects to represent numbers.

listen to reading. We think about what was read and we share our thoughts with a partner.

We also practice reading our alphabet chart with a fluency goal. That means we will say the letter names smoother and smoother each time we learn more.

We work hard at our independent literacy centers. We are reading pre-decodable and decodable books, working on letter formation, and using the Lexia app on our iPads.

... invited Mrs. D. to read to us and help us learn that our first day of school feelings might be different from our today feelings.

...explored all things apples! We used our 5 senses to investigate and describe the apples. Best of all, we got to taste them! Our graph showed that the yellow apple was the most popular in our classroom.

... take care of our classrooms together, including our classroom plant.

Kindergarten Teachers: Guiding, Inspiring, and Nurturing Every Day!

Our First Grade Team: Helping Every Tiger Learn and Grow!

Get to Know Our Fantastic Second Grade Team!

Our Third Grade Teachers: Guiding Every Tiger to Success!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! My name is Mrs. Farella and I am the school library media specialist. Mrs. Reynolds is the library media assistant. Here at Torringford Elementary School your child will be participating in the library program. Our program consists of a variety of lessons and activities to help your child become an independent library user.

Each week your child will be able to check out a book. It will be due back the following week on their library day (listed below). Books can always be returned on days that are not their assigned library day in case of absence or other reasons. If your child forgets their book on library day they may have the option of taking a free book from the discarded book section. This book does not have to be returned.

If a book becomes lost or damaged please contact myself or Mrs. Reynolds at 860-489-2300 ext. 1437. Also, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

It is going to be a great year!

Sincerely,

Michelle Farella

Library Media Specialist

Torringford Elementary School

mfarella@torrington.org

Meet the Specialists Who Support Every Tiger’s Learning!

Meet the ML Team Helping Every Tiger Find Their Voice!

Meet the Interventionists: Supporting Students for Big Growth!

This month, I had so much fun visiting our classrooms to share stories and important

conversations about learning and kindness!

📚 Preschool & Kindergarten: We read A Little Spot of Learning! Students explored how

trying new things, asking questions, and learning from mistakes help our brains grow big and

strong. We talked about being curious, asking questions, and how making mistakes is actually a

great way to learn. 💡

🤝 2nd & 3rd Grade: We discussed how everyone is unique and special. Students shared

ideas about how being kind, respectful, and accepting of others’ differences helps make our

school community stronger and happier. 🌈

This year, I am thrilled to have an intern working with me—Julia Tracy! 🎉 Julia is a

Torrington High School graduate and went to Torringford School 🏫, so she knows our

community well. She is helping visit classrooms, support students’ social-emotional learning,

and make our school a caring, inclusive place for everyone. 💖

It was fantastic to see students so excited to share their thoughts and ideas. These classroom

visits are just one way we can help our school grow as a kind, curious, and caring community!

🏫✨

💖 Family Connection Tip: Ask your child:

● “What’s something new you tried today?” 🌟

● “Can you tell me one way someone in your class is special?” 🌈

Talking about these ideas at home helps children practice kindness, celebrate differences, and

keep learning exciting! 🌟

Meet the People Who Keep Our Tigers Fueled

Our Custodians: Making Every Day Shine!

Torringford School is a safe and welcoming community where we take care of people and foster positive relationships. Our team spirit supports and acknowledges everyone. Optimists persist to meet challenges with the flexibility and empathy to create healthy, enthusiastic, life-long learners.

Educate. Explore. Inspire.

Email: gaustin@torrington.org
Website: http://torringtontorringford.ss16.sharpschool.com
Location: 800 Charles Street, Torrington, CT, USA
Phone: (860)489-2300
Facebook: facebook.com/TorringfordTigers