Superintendent's Students of the Month

Bear Path School- Oliver Theriault
Oliver is such a kind-hearted person.  He is always helping others (and me too).  Any time another student is having a problem, Oliver is jumping in with a suggestion or a pointer of how to help. He is very patient.  Upon starting school this year, we were all kind of thrown into a world of technological wonders- share your screen, breakout rooms, camera off, enable the chat, hook up the document camera, to name a few.  Well, Oliver very patiently became "Go-to" for tech support.  

Another amazing characteristic of Oliver's in his encouragement.  He is always cheering on his classmates, complimenting their work and ideas, and making everyone feel supported.  He is always making sure everyone feels included in everything we do.  He is just a genuinely kind person.  

These times have certainly been quite challenging, especially for children.  In spite of all of that, Oliver remained a positive light in a time of uncertainty.  

Gabriella is new to Dunbar Hill and has fit in beautifully! She is well-liked by her classmates and her teachers. She is a hard worker and is always ready and willing to learn!  Gabby tries her best and is always looking to help her friends as well. We are truly amazed at how she got acclimated to Dunbar Hill so quickly and effortlessly. Her teachers and the entire staff are so glad she is part of the Dunbar family

Helen Street School- Kendall Holiday
Kendall is a GREAT student who holds all of the qualities of being a ”S.T.A.R.” ( Safe, Trustworthy, Accountable, Respectful) student. Kendall works very hard and takes his time when completing his work to ensure it is the best it can be. He always joins the ZOOM lessons on time and completes all of his assignments.

Kendall consistently participates in class and is always willing to help a classmate in need. He is very respectful of others, especially his teachers. Kendall Holiday is truly a school leader and very deserving of this recognition!

Owen Spikoski is the definition of a hard worker. This school year has not been like any other and Owen has risen to the occasion. Not only does Owen attend all Zoom lessons, but he attends them with such positivity and a willingness to learn, that his enthusiasm makes everyone’s day better. Owen displays resilience during these challenging times and shows everyone that even when things aren’t going as planned, it is important to put your best foot forward, be your best self, and persevere.

Owen’s willingness to never give up, allows him to be a role model to others. He is always attentive, tries out new strategies being taught daily, and always laughs at the silly jokes or crazy ideas that Mrs. Gratton or Mr. Ortoleva have on Zoom. We are so proud of Owen for being strong during this tough year and showing everyone that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Shepherd Glen School-Nia Stokes
Nia began the year as an in school learner and has proven to be resilient during these extraordinary times.  Nia is a humble young lady who is constantly showing us what it means to be a good friend and an amazing student.  She asks meaningful questions during lessons and always has great ideas to share during classroom conversations.  Nia also has been seen making sure everyone feels included during outdoor mask breaks.  She is always wearing a smile and has a positive attitude.  

Nia turns in all assignments on time and will often take suggestions to make her work even better when necessary.  When Mrs. Perotti asked us who we wanted to nominate in fourth grade, we already had Nia in the back of our minds and did not hesitate when naming her as Student of the Month.  We are so proud of all of her hard work and continued dedication even during full distance learning.  She is going to continue to do amazing things and make every adult in her life so proud! 

Spring Glen School-  Mila Stowe
Mila Stowe is named as Spring Glen's student of the month. Mila impresses staff day in and day out. She is patient, considerate, hard-working, and empathetic. Despite the challenges of this year, she continues to remain positive and always tries her best. She was an enthusiastic learner in the classroom and that has continued on Zoom. She always does what she can to help herself succeed, but what's even better is that she tries to help others feel and be successful.

She encourages her classmates, lends a helping hand when needed, and does her best to make everyone feel welcome. It has been an absolute pleasure to have Mila as a student.

West Woods School- Malachi Reynolds
Malachi has been positive and respectful throughout hybrid and distance learning. Malachi approaches each day with a positive outlook. In a recent literacy session when talking about fears, Malachi stated that “If you don’t face your fears you will never reach your full potential in life.” Malachi acts responsibly each day by signing on early for our live synchronous sessions. Malachi is kind to all classmates throughout the day. During our lunch break Malachi invites friends to join him in playing games. We are so proud of Malachi for all that he does to make West Woods School a better place!

A sophomore at Hamden High, Jack recently achieved High Honors for an exemplary performance in a rigorous program of study during the first marking period.  Despite the demands of being a student-athlete within the HECA program. 

His teachers say that Jack works hard and is motivated to produce top quality work.  He’s a positive presence around peers and teachers alike, even virtually.  Perhaps one of his most impressive attributes is his ability to question the norm and think outside of the box. 

During a time when many people are struggling to cope during a pandemic, Jack has regularly demonstrated a positive attitude.  Jack consistently participates in classes and helps drive class discussions.  Jack is well respected by his peers.  Jack has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.

The Hamden High School staff is excited to recognize Tamyra Russell as December’s Superintendent’s Student of the Month.  Despite the many challenges that school poses during the pandemic, Tamyra excels on every level.  A junior at HHS, Tamyra recently achieved High Honors for the first marking period and is off to a strong start to the second marking period with all A’s in her classes.

Her teachers call Tamyra a model student who brightens the virtual classroom everyday by being the first one on the Zoom.  They look forward to her cheerful greetings and her contributions to class.  Tamyra is a wonderful young lady who exemplifies for peers what it means to be a motivated and conscientious student with an outstanding work ethic. She takes responsibility for her learning and is consistently striving to reach her full potential. It is an absolute pleasure to work with Tamyra!

Hamden Middle School- Bailee Parks, Grade 7
Bailee is a hard worker and persistent student, even when content is challenging. She displays respect to all members of the community and shows a willingness to help her peers. Bailee has regularly enhanced class discourse by posing questions and solutions about many topics, including the voting age, pay equity, education, fairness, and human rights.

In a recent class discussion about the truth behind the stories of America's past, Bailee shared it is, "better to be there than to be forgotten," allowing students in the class to recognize that being seen or acknowledged does matter. It is refreshing to have a student both in tune and expressive about current issues.

Hamden Middle School- Tobias Haxhi, Grade 7
Tobias is an exceptional young adult. He is always eager to learn and does an excellent job participating in class activities. He is very responsible and consistently puts forth his best effort to succeed academically.

Tobais has positive attitude, and he is always considerate of others. Tobias has tremendous potential, and we are confident he will be a leader who makes our world a better place for all.