Great News From Bridgeport Public Schools

The mission of the Bridgeport Public Schools and its supporting community is to graduate all students "college ready" and

prepared to succeed in life.

In Other Great News... 

 

Last week Central High School held its fourth annual Substance Abuse Awareness Day.  The event, which was held in the school’s main lobby, showcased the projects of approximately 100 Central students on the topic of substance abuse prevention.  Substance Abuse Awareness day was in recognition of National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug Free America.

 

This youth-driven event was coordinated by David Gordon, school guidance counselor, and Steve Karjanis, school social worker.  “We know that substance use is a very serious problem which affects all aspects of a student’s life, including his or her opportunity to succeed in school,” Gordon said.  “What better way to convey a message regarding the dangers of substance use than having the students take the initiative themselves. There is no question that they are making a difference in their own lives as well as the lives of their peers.”

 

Several youth service agencies were invited to attend the event, including Child Guidance, Regional Network of Programs, Liberation Programs, CT Community for Addiction Recovery, Greater Bridgeport Adolescent Pregnancy Program, Teen Health Clinic and Alcoholics Anonymous. Video presentations and information about substance abuse awareness were also available to students.

 

 

 

 

The School Volunteer Association (SVA) held its 22nd Annual Read Aloud Day in every pre-K to sixth grade classroom throughout Bridgeport Public Schools last week.  Guest readers included 600 volunteers and business partners throughout Bridgeport’s supporting community.

 

“This event is designed to encourage continued community involvement throughout Bridgeport Public Schools while stimulating students to enjoy reading,” said Anne Gribbon, SVA Volunteer Services Coordinator.

 

One of this year’s celebrity guest readers was former American Idol contestant and current mistress of the Ringling Brothers Circus, Jennifer Fuentes, who read to a kindergarten class at Cesar Batalla School. 

 

Following the Read Aloud, the book that was read in each classroom was donated to the classroom’s library.

 

Gribbon was pleased with the success of this year’s Read Aloud.   “The readers were highly complimentary of our students, saying they were attentive listeners, asked great questions and responded very intelligently to the questions asked by the volunteers. They enjoyed the books and felt warmly received at the school," she said.  "Thank you to everyone who made this day such a great success!”

 

The SVA will follow up with all the volunteers who have expressed an interest becoming ongoing readers, tutors, and mentors.

 

 

 

The combined Kindergarten classes at Webster School celebrated Hispanic Heritage on October 11. This event received full support from Principal Marlene Roberts as we opened the door to community involvement in a way that was welcoming to all. Our wonderful parents made their favorite ethnic dishes to share with our three Kindergarten classes and more than 30 guests. Countries represented in the celebration included Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Chile, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Mr. Benejan, PAC President, and his wife were the highlight of the afternoon as they delighted a captive audience with Hispanic music and dance.