GPS District Digest (v7, i05)
Stories, news, and updates from Greenwich Public Schools
What are we going to do with all of you? You are amazing...and that is the collective you. The feedback we receive from our loyal readers pours in immediately after we release each issue at 11:00 AM every other Thursday.
Connecticut's favorite school newsletter is loaded with all good things GPS.
Enjoy Issue No. 5 and thank you for your support.
GPS District Digest
Ms. Sarah Perez from Old Greenwich School? Come on down. You are the next subject of the Digest's newest and coolest video feature, "Get To Know Your Educator."
You already knew that the Old Greenwich School community is special, but today, hear it directly from a math interventionist.
So we can be one when we can be one together.
You must get it by now, right? What GPS is doing is working.
The Connecticut State Department of Education recently released its “Schools of Distinction” designations for the 2024-2025 school year and Greenwich Public Schools is represented like never before! All of our schools should be extremely proud for their amazing dedication and commitment to the children of Greenwich. You are encouraged to rewatch the district’s achievement data report that was presented to the Board of Education earlier this month and review your school’s points of pride. Ten of our schools were recognized by the CSDE as Schools of Distinction - the most under the current standards in a single year. The schools, including the different categories, are:
Glenville School: High Performance
Hamilton Avenue School: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - ELA & Math; High Growth (High Needs Students) - ELA & Math
International School At Dundee: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - ELA & Math; High Growth (High Needs Students) - ELA
Julian Curtiss School: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - ELA & Math; High Growth (High Needs Students) - ELA & Math
New Lebanon School: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - Math; High Growth (High Needs Students) - ELA & Math
North Mianus School: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - ELA & Math; High Growth (High Needs Students) - ELA & Math
North Street School: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - ELA
Old Greenwich School: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - ELA & Math; High Growth (High Needs Students) - ELA
Parkway School: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - ELA
Riverside School: High Performance and High Growth (All Students) - ELA & Math; High Growth (High Needs Students) - ELA & Math
Here at the Digest, we were aware of 2014 Distinguished Teacher honoree and Teacher of the Year Dr. Cheryl Iozzo. We see a picture of her face hanging on Havemeyer's wall right outside the newsroom. But when sources at Greenwich High School recently shared the other side of Dr. Iozzo's face, we were awestruck.
You see, for the past 17 years, the current Greenwich HS art teacher paints her face to replicate an art masterpiece to celebrate Halloween. There is no AI used here. We started following her on Instagram (@paintmeetspixel) and watched the process, paint brush in hand.
We had questions. Lots of questions. She had answers. Read them here:
GPS District Digest: Thank you for taking the time to tell us more about your tradition.
Dr. Iozzo: Thank you for this fun opportunity to share my 17-year Halloween tradition. A little background: I began teaching at GPS in 1994 at North Street School where I spent 28 magical years before deciding to shake things up by moving to Greenwich High School four years ago. I miss my NSS family, but I have loved the challenge of teaching multiple visual arts disciplines at a higher level, including Darkroom Photography, Digital Arts, AP Art History, Painting, Art Experience, and Sculpture. Seeing my former NSS students all grown up and having the chance to teach them again at GHS has been a full-circle moment and an incredible honor.
DD: Why do you paint your face for Halloween?
CI: I started painting my face for Halloween at NSS as a fun way to engage my young students in art history and connect it to our visual arts curriculum. As part of the costume, I also wear a T-shirt with an inkjet transfer that has information about the artist/work of art.
DD: Do you paint your face yourself?
CI: Yes! I print out the image in reverse and paint my own face from observation, using a mirror.
DD: How long does it take?
CI: It depends on the artwork. The longest took about 4.5 hours (either Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory or Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss). The shortest was probably my first, an interpretation of a Piet Mondrian painting. On average, it takes around 3.5 hours. I usually wake up at 4:00 AM and start painting by 4:30 AM. I have a liquid breakfast and coffee through a straw, of course!
DD: How do you decide which masterpiece to replicate?
CI: In the beginning, I chose famous works of art from the Elementary Visual Arts curriculum. Over time, I began selecting pieces I personally love and find challenging to paint on my face. Now that I teach AP Art History at GHS, my focus has shifted to works from the official list of 250 required pieces for the College Board AP Art History course. For example, this year’s face painting is #131, Goldfish by Henri Matisse.
DD: What kind of reaction do you get from your students and co-workers?
CI: The reaction is always amazing. It has become an anticipated tradition each year. Friends, colleagues, former NSS parents, and grown former students (now with their own children attending GPS) reach out to tell me they cannot wait to see what I will paint. Surprisingly, I also receive many positive comments on social media from people I have never met who look forward to the annual face painting. Social media has even become an unexpected way to stay connected with GPS families after more than three decades of teaching.
Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones recently revealed the November honorees for “Difference Makers 2.0.”
Difference Maker award recipients are staff members who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of our classrooms. This year, we will be honoring one from each school and one from each district department that are considered “unsung heroes.”
“The Difference Makers program is off to a tremendous start,” Dr. Jones said. “This year’s program has opened up new avenues for staff to be recognized, and it seems as if the depth of individuals making a difference in the district on a daily basis is limitless. I am so proud of the efforts of all of our staff and so pleased to recognize this month’s Difference Maker honorees.”
The Greenwich Public Schools “Difference Maker 2.0” award is presented monthly to full or part-time employees who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the GPS community through one life-changing event, extraordinary long-lasting efforts, or making a difference in the lives of others every single day. Honorees are officially nominated by principals and district senior leadership.
Julian Curtiss School, representing at least 53 countries and 30 languages, held its 34th annual parade marking United Nations Day and shared principles of equality and peace on Thursday, October 23.
"United Nations Day reminds us that our school is more than just a building—it is a global community where children learn to appreciate and respect one another's heritage," Principal Eduardo Calderón said. "With families from 53 nations, we are teaching the next generation that our differences unite us rather than divide us. This small school in Greenwich carries a big message of hope and harmony for the world."
The culmination of a week-long tradition of events and assemblies, the parade was back on the Julian Curtiss School East Elm Street circle and was followed by the International Food Tasting event for students & families. All students, dressed to celebrate their diverse culture and in native costume, promenaded under a flag that represents their family's heritage.
This year included a solo rendition of the Marinera dance, a Peruvian dance performance by fourth grader Thiago Molla, and fifth grader Ava Santos-Perez, as well as a speech by fifth grade students Rui Fukuchi and Brenda Mengali De Andrade.
There was also a speech by Yazmin Elizabeth Moreno Martin, the mother of fifth grader, Miguel Angel Montiel Moreno. The speech included Mrs. Moreno Martin's personal experiences of moving from another country to the USA and Greenwich.
Julian Curtiss fifth grade students performed "Hello to All the Children of the World," and "Give Us Hope" in honor of the day. Children of all grades have been learning "JC is The Place To Be" to close out the program.
"There is something magical about breaking bread together," Principal Calderón added. "Our International Food Tasting brings our Julian Curtiss family together in the most authentic way—through the flavors and traditions of home. These shared meals spark meaningful conversations about heritage and culture, deepening our appreciation for one another and the world around us."
There ain't no party like a Havemeyer pumpkin party.
Employees at the Central Office recently competed for top squash at its annual "Pumpkin Decorating Contest."
The judges decided that the Special Education and Student Supports Department efforts with "Jacked-o-Lantern" took top billing, and the business office was awarded runner-up for "Skeletons in the Ledger." Creativity was aplenty in the hallowed halls of Havemeyer.
Greenwich's most famous turkey even stopped by to remind folks that registration is now open for the Greenwich Alliance for Education's 15th Annual Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 1.
The International School at Dundee community recently came together for the annual Halloween Hoot, a night filled with laughter, creativity, and festive fun.
Through pumpkin decorating, a photo booth, "Witch Hat Ring Toss," and "Skeleton/Ghost Bowling," students, families, and staff enjoyed activities around every corner. But, it was the costumes that stole the show, including the new favorite, "Can You Guess the Teacher?" had kids giggling all evening.
In arts & crafts, talented face painters and tattoo artists added extra sparkle.
Guests sipped warm cider and enjoyed seasonal treats, while a thrilling surprise dance performance by familiar ISD faces, Principal Phil Hammack and Assistant Principal Dr. Kevin Thompson, brought the crowd to their feet.
The evening concluded with the ever-popular "Crazy Science Show," where bubbling potions and dazzling experiments wowed families. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, teachers, and families, this year’s Halloween Hoot was a magical celebration for the entire ISD community.
They were soon-to-be leaders yesterday. Today, we will follow them.
Twelve Greenwich Public Schools employees recently graduated from the Town of Greenwich Leadership Institute for 2024-2025. They trained to be effective leaders, addressing the intricacies of the modern world of work. A proper balance of experience and of practical knowledge of up-to-date management skills and techniques were needed to prepare leaders to lead in the current business environment.
Sources embedded deep inside Greenwich High School recently told the GPS District Digest that Physical Education and Health Teacher and Volleyball Head Coach Ms. Marianna Linnehan was inducted into the Little East Conference Hall of Fame during the Eastern Connecticut State University Athletics Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Social.
Ms. Linnehan had a record-setting three-year women’s volleyball career at Eastern Connecticut State after transferring after sophomore season in 2004, leading the Warriors to three consecutive LEC tournament final appearances and back-to-back LEC tournament championships in 2005 and 2006. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sport and leisure management in 2007 and was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame in 2021.
Anyone not living under a rock knows about the amazing job she has done with the GHS volleyball team this year, holding onto the state's No. 1 ranking.
Paul Simon wished he was homeward bound, but more than 130 current Greenwich Public School employees have already landed where their thought’s escaping, where their music’s playing, where their love lies waiting silently for them.
An informal poll by the GPS District Digest discovered that so many returned to the district that helped them be successful and we want to celebrate those amazing alumni.
We have for you, five new yearbook photos. Can you guess who they are? They might have been much younger back then, but they certainly look like they have not aged a day.
Tell me Michael, how could 2,210 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!
IG: ghsbeak
IG: ghsbeak
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