Stratford Continuing Education will offer driver education classes to high school students who are residents of Stratford and who are 16 or older by February 28, 2012.

Classes begin February 28 and run until April 26, from 3:45 – 5:45 pm and 5:45 – 7:45 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Stratford High School.

Students from Bunnell and Stratford High Schools are to register at their respective schools beginning on February 1.

The fee is $95.00 and non-refundable.

All other Stratford residents who attend private area high schools are to register by contacting the Stratford Continuing Education office.

You may call Stratford Continuing Education at 385-4270 for further information.

The dates for registration of kindergarten students for the 2012-2013 school year have been set by the Stratford Public Schools.  Centralized registration will take place by appointment at the Stratford Library from February 27th through March 30th. Children who will be five (5) years of age on or before January 1, 2013 are eligible to begin kindergarten this August.

The Stratford Public Schools offer a full-day kindergarten program in every elementary school with the exception of Stratford Academy, the district’s magnet school.  A half-day program is offered at Stratford Academy. Because there are a limited number of kindergarten classrooms in some schools, students may be assigned to a full-day kindergarten program outside their attendance zone (neighborhood) school. These children usually return to their designated attendance zone (neighborhood) school for first grade.

Details about the registration process and programs available are provided in the kindergarten registration packet.  Parents should call 386-3149 for the packet of materials needed for registration. Complete all required forms and bring them to the registration appointment.  Parents need to provide their child’s birth certificate, the health assessment record from the physician, and two (2) documents to prove legal residency. Only completed applications will be accepted.

Irene Cornish, acting chief of schools, announced her intent to retire Jan. 1 of 2013 at an education board meeting Monday night. Cornish was superintendent for six years before she was named acting superintendent after her quasi-retirement in June 2009.

Education Board Chairman Gavin Forrester said a search committee probably won’t be named for another couple months. But he said he hopes to hire a permanent replacement for Cornish before the year’s end.

“I will be looking to have a permanent replacement in place by the end of the year if not sooner and I think we will be able to accomplish that goal within the timeline of the next 6 – 9 months,” he said in an email.

Donna M. Curran, director of communications, said that along with free admission, the open house will feature a reception and announcements regarding 2012 special events.

Several local and state officials also are expected to attend, she added.

The museum, which now focuses on science and technology, was opened on Jan. 21, 1962, as the Museum of Art, Science and Industry.

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium is at 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport. For additional information, call 203-372-3521 or visit www.discoverymuseum.org

During American Education Week, November 13-19, 2011, the Stratford Board of Education is offering free transportation to any Stratford parent, Stratford business person, or interested Stratford citizen who would like to visit one or more of the public schools in Town.

The Board of Education and Superintendent Irene Cornish are inviting the public to come and experience some of the many excellent programs in the schools being offered by creative, dedicated, and caring teachers and administrators.  It is important for taxpayers to see first hand how their tax dollars are being translated into quality educational programs. Visiting a public school is the best way to develop an understanding of how the education budget relates to the provision of quality educational programming for all students.  It is difficult to either support or oppose the education budget if one does not understand how it is being implemented.

Those interested may visit any school in Town.  They may call 203-385-4216 any day November 14 through November 18 to make the necessary arrangements.  Visitors will be picked up at any location and returned to the destination of their choice within the Town.

Superintendent Cornish and the Board are convinced that the public will be impressed by what they see happening in the classrooms of the Stratford Public Schools.

Dr. Michael J. Crowley

Press release: 

Stratford SEPTA will host a presentation by Dr. Michael J. Crowley of Yale Child Study Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9  in the media center of Second Hill Lane Elementary School at 65 Second Hill Lane in Stratford. The title of Crowley’s talk is Anxiety in Young Children. 

The presentation will cover anxiety symptoms and treatments, plus strategies to reduce the impact of young children’s anxiety on their daily functioning. 

The event is free; pre-registration is requested. Contact info@stratfordsepta.org.

On 10/21/2009, Governor Jodi Rell recognized our school’s academic achievements by declaring October 21st as St. Mark School Blue Ribbon Day in CT.  To commemorate our anniversary, we will once again be turning our blue ribbons pink in honor of  National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This year Jade Salon in Stratford has joined our cause. They have offered to come to our school on 10/21 to cut hair free of charge. They will shave boys’ heads to those willing to promote cancer awareness and cut girls’ hair to those willing to donate 8+ inches of their hair to cancer victims. Girls can donate their hair to either of two different organizations.  Pantene Beautiful Lengths requires a minimum of 8 inches to make wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.  Locks of Love requires a minimum of 10 inches to provide hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children with medical hair loss.

Last year, we had 20 brave volunteers, 19 students across all grades and Principal Holmes. Collectively, 9 feet of hair was shed to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.  We hope to increase that number this year! Cancer has touched us all in one way or another.  Our children are the leaders of tomorrow and here is an opportunity for them to lead today!

All students will collect donations.  All proceeds will go to the Elizabeth Pfriem Cancer Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Local politicians and dignitaries have been invited to witness St. Mark School turn their blue ribbons pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Stratford Public Schools’ Mentoring Program. Those interested in serving as a mentor should complete a brief application and attend an informational and training session beginning at 2:30 pm. on October 28, 2011, in the Stratford High School Library. Applications and information may be obtained through Diane Christiano at (203) 385-4281 or christianod@stratfordk12.org, or Cheryl Hewitt at (203) 381-2013, or hewittc@stratfordk12.org.

The program continues to be supported by Mayor John Harkins and his wife, Jody. Mayor Harkins is a mentor himself. Mayor Harkins said he is pleased at how the program has grown over the last couple of years, and the demand at more schools for the program is positive step for the town’s students, parents, and the school system in general.

“I am looking forward to the rewarding experience of being a mentor in Stratford schools once again this year,” said Mayor Harkins. “The time spent with individual students provides both incentive and a positive example for our children.”

“Our young people need positive adult role models in their lives to support and encourage them.  Every child should know that he/she is special and cared for. I hope those with the time will follow Mayor Harkins’ example and become a mentor,” added Stratford Superintendent of Schools Irene Cornish.

It is a fact that our children will be offered alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, often many times, starting in middle school and continuing through high school.  What can you do about this?  Learn about substance abuse and gain the knowledge and skills needed to keep your children safe.

A free parent education series, entitled Courage to Speak-Courageous Parenting 101^® developed by the Courage to Speak^® Foundation will be offered in English and Spanish at West Rocks Middle School, 81 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT.  The kick-off to this three-session course will be presented by nationally renowned speaker Ginger Katz, CEO and founder of the Foundation and author of Sunny’s Story, at 6:30 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2011.  The Courage to Speak^® Presentation empowers students, parents and educators to break the silence surrounding drug use and find healthy solutions.

Session one of the Courage to Speak-Courageous Parenting 101^® will follow the Presentation and sessions two and three will continue Thursday, October 27^th and November 3^rd at 6:30 pm. A light meal will be served.  The course will be taught in English by Dawn Roy, MSW and in Spanish by Mille Seguinot, Community Health Educator. Parents will learn effective communication strategies; gain confidence to talk to their children about the dangers of drugs; understand how to set clear rules and boundaries with their children related to use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; and gain confidence in knowing how to deal with substance use among their children.

The course covers: teen drug use trends and party culture; guidance to help reduce the risk of substance use; how to help your child handle stress; warning signs; what to do if use or abuse is suspected and much more.  Parents will also develop improved listening and communication skills, which have been shown to be a critical factor in prevention.

Childcare is available with advance notice. For additional information contact: Ginger Katz (203) 247-3975 email gkatz@couragetospeak.org and visit www.couragetospeak.org. 

English: http://www.formstack.com/landing/WebRegister-WestRocks

Spanish: http://www.formstack.com/landing/WebRegister-Matricula

Stratford Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Elaine Watson announced that Stratford Parents’ Place is planning their fall line-up of programs.  The popular parent-child activity sessions, support to early child care providers, Parents As Teachers home visits and information and referral are among the services.  Committed to Stratford families since 1987, Stratford Parents Place is the state-funded Family Resource Center located at Stratford Academy, 719 Birdseye Street, Stratford.  It is anticipated that the State will release the grant funds shortly and that programs will begin operation on October 10, 2011.  For the most up-to-date information, visit the Stratford Public Schools web site at www.stratfordk12.org.