CT Schools Dismissing Early Due To Extreme Weather Conditions CT Schools Dismissing Early Due To Extreme Weather Conditions
CT Schools Dismissing Early Due To Extreme Weather Conditions Schools across Connecticut have announced early dismissals on Wednesday, Dec. 11 due to a storm that is expected to bring up to 60 mph winds and coastal flooding to parts of the state. The following districts are dismissing early: Bolton Public Schools Colchester Public Schools East Hampton Public Schools Groton Public Schools Marianapolis Prep. School (Thompson, CT) Montville Public Schools Preston Public Schools Stonington Public Schools Did we miss one? Email clevine@dailyvoice.com The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for southeast Connecticut, with south winds r…
Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police
Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police A former Connecticut middle school employee faces a felony charge after police say she exchanged inappropriate text messages with a student, authorities said.  Tamara Johnson, 37, turned herself over to the Meriden Police Department on Thursday, Nov. 21, following an investigation that began in late October. The police's Special Crimes Unit launched the probe after receiving a report about the alleged messages. Johnson, a former climate specialist at Lincoln Middle School in Meriden, was arrested after police conducted multiple interviews and forensic analysis of cell phones, Meri…
CT Student Brought BB Gun To School, Causing Lockdown, Early Dismissal: Police CT Student Brought BB Gun To School, Causing Lockdown, Early Dismissal: Police
CT Student Brought BB Gun To School, Causing Lockdown, Early Dismissal: Police A Connecticut high school was put on lockdown and students were sent home early after a teenager brought what appeared to be a pistol and showed it off in a bathroom, authorities said.  Martin Williams, 18, of Enfield, was charged with including carrying a dangerous weapon, possessing a weapon on school grounds, first-degree reckless endangerment, risk of injury to a child, and first-degree breach of peace, Enfield Police said.  Related: 8 CT Elementary School Students Hospitalized After Bus Crash Students at Enfield High School told the school's resource officer around 10:30 a.m…
'Our Students Deserve Better': CT Education Group Calls Out McMahon Nomination 'Our Students Deserve Better': CT Education Group Calls Out McMahon Nomination
'Our Students Deserve Better': CT Education Group Calls Out McMahon Nomination The Connecticut Education Association says President-elect Donald Trump's choice to run the Department of Education is a threat to vulnerable students and local school districts.  Trump announced Tuesday, Nov. 19, that Connecticut's Linda McMahon, co-founder and former CEO of WWE, chairwoman of a Trump super PAC and think tank, and co-chair of his transition team, would head the department in his new administration. She also served as his administrator of the Small Business Administrator from 2017 through 2019 during his first term.  "The nomination of billionaire Linda McMah…
School Goes On Lockdown After Student Brings Fake Gun; 2 Arrested: Police School Goes On Lockdown After Student Brings Fake Gun; 2 Arrested: Police
School Goes On Lockdown After Student Brings Fake Gun; 2 Arrested: Police Two Connecticut high school students were arrested after one brought an airsoft pistol to class forcing administrators to go into lockdown, authorities said.  Police swarmed West Have High School on Friday, Nov. 15, just after 10 a.m. after a student reported seeing another student handle what they believed to be a handgun, authorities said.  The gun was not real, but airsoft weapons are designed to look like the real thing.  The student who brought the airsoft weapon left the school before officers arrived, but they found him nearby with the gun soon after, West Haven …
Students Sent Home After Police Find Fentanyl In CT High School Bathroom Students Sent Home After Police Find Fentanyl In CT High School Bathroom
Students Sent Home After Police Find Fentanyl In CT High School Bathroom Students at a Connecticut high school were sent home early on Friday, Nov. 15, after police found fentanyl on the bathroom floor, authorities said.  The school resource officer at Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester noticed a suspicious powdery substance in one of the bathrooms just after 10:30 a.m., Connecticut State Police said. A field test showed it was fentanyl.  Cheney Tech students, teachers, and faculty were dismissed early so the powerful and potentially dead drug could be cleaned and safely removed.  “There have been no reported incidents of exposure …
CT Teacher Resigns After Video Of Her Threatening Trump Voters Goes Viral CT Teacher Resigns After Video Of Her Threatening Trump Voters Goes Viral
CT Teacher Resigns After Video Of Her Threatening Trump Voters Goes Viral A Connecticut school teacher who was put on leave after a video surfaced of her delivering an angry message directed at President-elect Donald Trump and his voters has resigned, officials said. Annie Dunleavy, a special education teacher for the Cheshire School District, submitted her immediate resignation from Chapman Elementary on Wednesday, Nov. 13, two days after being placed on temporary leave, school officials said. 'Related: You Will End On A Stretcher': Teacher on Leave After Threatening Trump Voters She shared the minute-long viral video in a private group message on Snapchat, b…
(Update) 'You Will End On A Stretcher': CT Teacher On Leave After Threatening Trump Voters (Update) 'You Will End On A Stretcher': CT Teacher On Leave After Threatening Trump Voters
(Update) 'You Will End On A Stretcher': CT Teacher On Leave After Threatening Trump Voters Update: A Connecticut teacher who threatened to fight President-elect Donald Trump's voters in a viral video has resigned from the New Haven County school where she worked. Click here to read more.  Original: A Connecticut elementary school teacher was placed on temporary leave after a video of her threatening people who voted for President-Elect Donald Trump was shared on social media.  Cheshire Schools Superintendent Jeff Solan announced the decision on Monday, Nov. 11, and said the New Haven County school district is investigating the incident.  In the minute-long vi…
CT Filmmakers Up For Emmy For Documentary On ABC Journalist Nearly Killed In Iraq CT Filmmakers Up For Emmy For Documentary On ABC Journalist Nearly Killed In Iraq
CT Filmmakers Up For Emmy For Documentary On ABC Journalist Nearly Killed In Iraq Two young Connecticut filmmakers have made it to the finals for a Student Emmy for their documentary on ABC journalist Bob Woodruff, who nearly died covering the war in Iraq and his work to help troops who suffered the same fate as him.  Emily Sedgwick and Devan Jordan, both 2024 Sacred Heart Greenwich alumnae, made the movie titled "Upon Return." The documentary won-out over thousands of entries to make the finals for the illustrious prize.  Woodruff was riding on top of a tank in 2006 in Iraq when it was hit by an IED. The blast nearly killed the then anchor of ABC's "World News…
Secretary Stole $40K From CT High School For Amazon Shopping Sprees: Cops Secretary Stole $40K From CT High School For Amazon Shopping Sprees: Cops
Secretary Stole $40K From CT High School For Amazon Shopping Sprees: Cops Police are accusing a secretary at a Connecticut high school of using the administration's Amazon account to spend more than $40,000 over five years on gifts for herself and other employees at the Tolland County school, authorities said.  Christine Vardanian, age 56, of Marlborough in Hartford County, is charged with first-degree larceny, Connecticut State Police said on Wednesday, Oct. 23. She was later released after posting a $5,000 bail, authorities said.  Vardanian worked as a secretary at RHAM High School and had access to the district's Amazon account. School officials beca…
Recall Of 11.7M Pounds Of Meat, Poultry: List Of Affected Schools Released State-By-State Recall Of 11.7M Pounds Of Meat, Poultry: List Of Affected Schools Released State-By-State
Recall Of 11.7M Pounds Of Meat, Poultry: List Of Affected Schools Released State-By-State A preliminary list has been released of schools that received items that were part of a nationwide recall of millions of pounds of meat and poultry products over fears they may be contaminated with Listeria. The initial recall involving the manufacturer, Bruce Pac, was for 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) products sold at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Trader Joe's, 7-Eleven, Aldi, and other stores. It was announced on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Earlier this week, the recall was expanded to include 11,765,285 pounds of products, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspectio…
These Greenwich Teens May Be The Future Of Filmmaking, But You Can Watch Their Work Now These Greenwich Teens May Be The Future Of Filmmaking, But You Can Watch Their Work Now
These Greenwich Teens May Be The Future Of Filmmaking, But You Can Watch Their Work Now A group of talented teenagers will soon accomplish a feat that all filmmakers aspire to but few reach: having their films shown in one of the busiest movie theaters in the country.  Nine students from Sacred Heart Greenwich were chosen to screen their short films as part of the 12th annual All-American High School Film Festival. Their movies were picked from thousands of submissions to make it to the finals.  Their movies will be shown at AMC Empire 25 Theatre in Times Square on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20 as part of the prestigious festival.  Click here f…
New Rankings: Fairfield County Dominates List Of Best High Schools In State New Rankings: Fairfield County Dominates List Of Best High Schools In State
New Rankings: Fairfield County Dominates List Of Best High Schools In State Niche released its Best High Schools in the Country list this week, and while no Connecticut school made it onto the national charts, several of the state's public schools scored near the top.  Here is a breakdown of the top 10 rated schools in Connecticut.  Click here for the full list, and click here for a breakdown of the survey's methodology.  10: Glastonbury High School Researchers credited Glastonbury High's teacher-to-student ratio with his solid test scores. With 13 pupils per educator, the Hartford County school allows teachers more time to work with the …
Fairfield Student Pulls Knife On Bullies In Retaliation Over Abuse: Police Fairfield Student Pulls Knife On Bullies In Retaliation Over Abuse: Police
Fairfield Student Pulls Knife On Bullies In Retaliation Over Abuse: Police Five teens were arrested this week after one of the children, fed up with being bullied, pulled knives against the four others, police said.  Fairfield Police said a video circulating online shows the result of an "ongoing verbal harassment and bullying" campaign by four Fairfield kids against another middle school student.   Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent Michael Testani said in an email that the incident involved Roger Ludlowe Middle School students and took place on Thursday night, Oct. 3.  The incident happened off of school grounds. In the video, the alle…
'Vision Of Excellence': Shelton School Earns Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award 'Vision Of Excellence': Shelton School Earns Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award
'Vision Of Excellence': Shelton School Earns Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award A Connecticut high school and two elementary schools have been named some of the nation's most dedicated.  The US Department of Education released its 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools this week, with 356 earning the prestigious distinction. The annual awards recognize high-performing public and non-public schools and those making strides in closing achievement gaps among the student body.  In Connecticut, the three deemed to have reached those goals are: Daniel Hand High School in Madison Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden Sunnyside Elementary School in Shelton Dan…
More Threats Made Against Bridgeport Schools; Police Promise 'Layered Protection' More Threats Made Against Bridgeport Schools; Police Promise 'Layered Protection'
More Threats Made Against Bridgeport Schools; Police Promise 'Layered Protection' A school district in Fairfield County said it is investigating after another round of posts on social media threatening violence. Bridgeport Public Schools announced on Monday, Sept. 23, that it had received more threats after receiving a round last week.  Superintendent Dr. Carmela Levy-David said in an email to parents that the school system is working closely with police to investigate who sent this batch of threats.  Related: Connecticut Elementary School Swatted With Hoax Call Of Armed Intruder “We understand the concern this may cause and want to assure you that we are t…
Elementary School Off Lockdown Following Threatening Phone Call About Armed Intruder Elementary School Off Lockdown Following Threatening Phone Call About Armed Intruder
Elementary School Off Lockdown Following Threatening Phone Call About Armed Intruder Officials in Connecticut said there is no threat following a "swatting" call on Monday, Sept. 23, that claimed an armed intruder was inside an elementary school. It's part of a growing trend of hoax calls promising violence at schools.  Hartford County's Vance Elementary School in New Britain was forced to go into lockdown on Monday after a call was placed to the main office around 11 a.m., said Tony Gasper, superintendent of the Consolidated School District of New Britain in a message to parents, per NBC Connecticut.  Related: Dozens Of Connecticut Schools Have Received Th…
These Fairfield County Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists These Fairfield County Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
These Fairfield County Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Several talented high school seniors in Connecticut have been recognized for their impressive achievements by being named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.  Those who earned this title join more than 16,000 other students across the country also named as semifinalists after earning high marks on the Preliminary SAT during their junior year.  Each semifinalist must fulfill requirements to advance to the finalist level, including submitting an application including information about their academic record, school and extracurricular activities, leadership abilities, work, hon…
Gun Found At Stratford Elementary School; Possibly Linked To Previous 'Incident' Gun Found At Stratford Elementary School; Possibly Linked To Previous 'Incident'
Gun Found At Stratford Elementary School; Possibly Linked To Previous 'Incident' Police are investigating after a gun was found at a Connecticut elementary school that looks similar to one used in an "incident" in 2017, authorities said.  The gun, which was rusted inside and out and inoperable, was found at Nichols Elementary School in Fairfield County in the evening, Stratford Police said.  The caked-on dirt and debris on the weapon found in Stratford led police to believe it had been there for some time. It also matches a firearm that went missing from the scene of an incident in 2017, police said.  Authorities did not say what that previous incid…
3 Students Get Sick After Taking Weed Edibles At Middle School: Principal 3 Students Get Sick After Taking Weed Edibles At Middle School: Principal
3 Students Get Sick After Taking Weed Edibles At Middle School: Principal Administrators at a Connecticut middle school are investigating after three students got sick after consuming cannabis edibles on Monday, Sept. 16. Kerri-Lynn Major, principal at Slade Middle School in New Britain, sent a letter to parents on Tuesday, Sept. 17, that NBC Connecticut published. In it, Major says the students had a "severe reaction" to the drug but reiterated that everyone is now safe. The principal added that the students could face expulsion for the incident. (The Consolidated School District of New Britain) has strict policies against the possession, use, sale, or dist…
New Interim Principal Named At School In Fairfield County New Interim Principal Named At School In Fairfield County
New Interim Principal Named At School In Fairfield County Danbury Public Schools has named a new interim principal at Westside Middle School Academy. Michael Flynn, a 28-year veteran of Danbury Public School as a teacher, administrator, and now principal, was chosen by Superintendent Dr. Kara Casimiro on Monday, Aug. 19.   According to Michael Seelig of Danbury Public Schools, Flynn attended Danbury public schools from grade three onward, graduating from Danbury High School in 1988. “I feel very fortunate and humbled to be selected for this Principalship,” said Flynn. “Westside has so many great leaders, veteran teachers, and …
Pair Of New Assistant Principals Named At High School In Fairfield County Pair Of New Assistant Principals Named At High School In Fairfield County
Pair Of New Assistant Principals Named At High School In Fairfield County A high school in Fairfield County is welcoming the arrival of two new assistant principals.  Both Parthena Proskinitopoulos and Nicholas Torres have been appointed as the new Assistant Principals of Weston High School, district officials announced on Friday, July 19.  Proskinitopoulos and Torres will replace Juliane Givoni and Matthew Filip, who will become the Weston school district's Director of Human Resources and return to classroom teaching, respectively.  According to school officials, Proskinitopoulos already has plenty of leadership…
New Assistant Principal Named At School In Fairfield County New Assistant Principal Named At School In Fairfield County
New Assistant Principal Named At School In Fairfield County With the naming of a new assistant principal, an unfamiliar face will be seen in the halls of a Fairfield County school. Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced David Cheris's appointment as Parkway School's assistant principal.  Cheris will assist Principal Mary Grandville in supporting the entire Parkway community, aiding in the development and achievement of school goals and objectives while advocating on behalf of all students.  He replaces Matthew Cerruto, who was named assistant principal of Western Middle School at the end of the school year. “Mr.…
New Assistant Principal Named At Fairfield County School New Assistant Principal Named At Fairfield County School
New Assistant Principal Named At Fairfield County School Students will see a different face at a Fairfield County school with the naming of a new assistant principal. Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced the appointment of Lauren Bird as assistant principal at Cos Cob School in Greenwich, effective immediately.  Bird, who most recently served as assistant principal in Wilton, will assist Cos Cob School Principal Kerry Gavin, supporting the entire Cos Cob community and aiding in the development and achievement of school goals and objectives while advocating on behalf of all students, Jones said. “Mrs. Lauren Bird …
Report Of Grenade At Wilton School Sparks Response From Bomb Squad Report Of Grenade At Wilton School Sparks Response From Bomb Squad
Report Of Grenade At Wilton School Sparks Response From Bomb Squad Classes at a Connecticut school were interrupted after someone discovered what appeared to be a grenade on campus. Emergency crews in Fairfield County were called shortly after 1 p.m. Monday, June 3, after the device was found outside the Middlebrook School in Wilton, near the school’s batting cages. Wilton Police said administrators placed the campus into a “secure” mode, and several classrooms located adjacent to the area were moved to a different part of the building. Members of the Stamford Bomb Squad responded and determined that the device was hollow and non-functional. Administrator…
Yale University Names Maurie McInnis As New President Yale University Names Maurie McInnis As New President
Yale University Names Maurie McInnis As New President The president of Long Island’s Stony Brook University has been selected to first permanent female president of Yale University. Maurie McInnis was named Yale’s 24th president in an announcement by the school. The 58-year-old cultural historian, currently serving as the president of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, graduated from Yale with a Ph.D in art history in 1996. In the years since her graduation, McInnis has served in senior positions at the University of Virginia and the University of Texas at Austin before moving to Stony Brook University in 2020. She became a Yale trus…
New Assistant Principal Named At Middle School In Greenwich New Assistant Principal Named At Middle School In Greenwich
New Assistant Principal Named At Middle School In Greenwich After serving for several months in an interim capacity, the assistant principal of a Fairfield County middle school now has the job for good. In an announcement on Friday, May 24, Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Toni Jones revealed that Matthew Cerruto will be the new assistant principal at Western Middle School, effective Monday, July 1.  Cerruto will take the position after serving as interim assistant principal since Wednesday, March 13. Before that, he spent two years as the assistant principal of the Parkway School in Greenwich. "Mr. Matthew Cerruto is a d…
Educator In Fairfield County Named 2024 CT Principal Of Year Educator In Fairfield County Named 2024 CT Principal Of Year
Educator In Fairfield County Named 2024 CT Principal Of Year A Fairfield County principal has received two high honors: the 2024 Middle School Principal of the Year and the 2024 Connecticut State Principal of the Year. The Connecticut Association of Schools selected Dr. Kristy Zaleta, the principal of Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, for both awards. Now in her 21st year with Danbury Public Schools and her sixth year as principal of Rogers Park, Zaleta has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment, said officials with Danbury School. Before her current role, Zaleta was …
How Sweet: Fairfield County Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl How Sweet: Fairfield County Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl
How Sweet: Fairfield County Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl Forget the apple; this distinguished Connecticut teacher is getting a cookie party. Just in time for National Teacher Appreciation Day, cookie chain Crumbl announced the winners of its “Teacher of the Year” awards, given to educators “for their extraordinary commitment to their classrooms.” In Connecticut, the honor went to Fairfield County teacher Melinda Scott at Stadley Rough Elementary School in Danbury. Recipients were selected from a pool of over 6,000 nominations that included testimonials from parents, students, colleagues, and friends. They were chosen from each state, the Di…
US Presidential Scholars: 3 Fairfield County High School Seniors Earn Top Honor US Presidential Scholars: 3 Fairfield County High School Seniors Earn Top Honor
US Presidential Scholars: 3 Fairfield County High School Seniors Earn Top Honor Several Connecticut high school seniors have received one of the nation's highest honors for students.  The three, all from Fairfield County, are among only 161 students across the entire US to be selected as 2024 US Presidential Scholars, the US Department of Education just announced on Thursday, May 9.  The US Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964 and recognizes a few of the country's most distinguished graduating seniors. Scholars are chosen based on academic success, excellence in the arts and technical education, and commitment to community service and leadership.…
Westport School Names Teacher Of Year Westport School Names Teacher Of Year
Westport School Names Teacher Of Year A Fairfield County teacher has received a Teacher of the Year award for early education. Albina Ejupi, of Westport, has been named the grand prize winner of the Goddard School's Teacher of the Year Awards.  In addition to being the grand prize winner, Ejupi was also named a regional winner, joining 15 other teachers nationwide who were selected from more than 6,600. Ejupi was recognized for her stimulating and supportive learning environment and for creatively engaging her students by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. "At Goddard, we are focused on nurt…