By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – Following a welcome from Sherman School District. Board of Education (“BOE and/or “Board”) Chair Matt Vogt, Part-time Superintendent Patricia Cosentino commenced with celebrations.  In one breath, Dr. Pat recognized Timothy McGuire as the District’s Teacher of the Year, and then announced he will resign, effective September 13.  Mr. McGuire accepted a job in the Darien school district.  “It’s a little sad, bittersweet because he is leaving us.  The gold coast pays lots of money; they like to take our best and brightest,” she said.  Dr. Pat believes Mr. McGuire will continue to do taping for the school building committee (“SBC”) for which he will receive a stipend.  Katherine Calsetta, Steven Trinchillo and Tanya Silva were recognized for their years of service in the district, each having 15, 15 and 20 years, respectively.  Ms. Calsetta is the District’s O/T, P/T, Mr. Trinchillo its music teacher, and Ms. Silva teaches first grade.   

In her “Superintendent Update,” Dr. Pat commented on the end of the 2022/23 fiscal year by saying all money the Town budgeted and approved for the BOE was spent, leaving $0 on the books for the start of the new fiscal year.  The district has a new reading curriculum. “We’ve had an excellent start to the new year,” Dr. Pat said.  She thanked all the staff for making the beginning of the school year an “easy transition.”  She advised she was in touch with the bus company regarding a new driver needed to transport Sherman students to Shepaug High School and would advise of her progress at the upcoming Transportation Committee meeting; and reminded all about the second community forum regarding the school renovation project, which was scheduled Saturday September 9.  Mr. Vogt noted that the first community forum about the project was “well attended.” 

During the “Opening of School” presentation, the Board was reminded of a district goal – relationships – and was advised of the district’s commitment to furthering that goal.  In the first week of school, the students participated in a school-wide assembly that iterated the importance of shared experiences, while reminding students of the importance of working hard and working together. 

The district launched STRIVE for its middle school and shifted to WEE – WIN (What I Need), Engagement, & Enrichment, which is grounded in the Strategic Plan.  Assistant Principal and Director of Teaching & Learning Dr. Karen Fildes explained WEE and the expanded choices for students for activities such as band, chorus, clubs and silent study – independent work in the library requested by the student, to name a few.  During WIN, which was launched last school year, teachers will pull students for support, make-up work or small group instruction.  For the engagement aspect, clubs are offered promoting students’ involvement, or greater involvement, in the Sherman Community.  The workshops are not graded, they are for enrichment.   BOE Member Tim Laughlin thanked Dr. Fildes for her explanation and presentation about WIN and WEE and said, “This is great, so thank you.  I’m really excited for the precedent this sets. … I’m hoping this prepares them for that secondary experience, which we all know is different for Sherman students.”  

Dr. Fildes met with every middle school student to discuss the best options for each, and the students got to choose what options to partake in for themselves. These “workshops” will change every quarter.  “The kids have shined,” Dr. Mary Fernand said when recapping the early days of the school year.  “Getting them to be independent … we’re really excited about that.”  BOE Members appeared excited about this and what it means for Sherman students.

At the request of Mr. Vogt, Director of Student Support Services Dr. Renee Leekin summarized the district’s STRIVE program for the Board.  She explained it is primarily geared toward middle school students – as they were the ones struggling most – and is not special education.  The program focuses on students’ support needs. “This could not happen without staff members … and they were so willing to jump in,” Dr. Fildes said.       

The architectural team at Antinozzi Associates (“Antinozzi”) presented an update on The Sherman School Renovation Project, including the schematic design process, funds for which were approved by the Town at the August 14 Town Meeting.  Lisa Yates, Project Manager, reviewed 3-D schematic plans and advised the Site (plan) was reviewed with local authorities.  She also acknowledged traffic concerns and assured the Board that the team is working to alleviate them.  The “new” entrance is planned for the front of the building, as opposed to the current entrance in the back of the school.  After consultation with the school’s gym teachers, gym storage space will be maximized, and there will be two showers (planning for anticipated use during power outages, but the school will not be designated as a shelter).  Mr. Laughlin noted the smaller district offices and planned administrative presence spread throughout the building.  He acknowledged the continued “openness” of the process. 

In addition to McGuire, Kelly Paredes, a counselor, also resigned from the district.  New hires include Acacia Bizier, School Counselor Edward Blayzor, Permanent Building Substitute Adam Cannale, P.E./Health Teacher, Eilee n McCarthy, Paraprofessional, Deanna Melillo, Social Worker, Justin Quader (a relative of Dr. Pat), Social Studies Teacher (.3) / Paraprofessional (.7) and Lauren Yansick, EdTech Teacher.  All were approved by the Board.

The district is the recipient of a grant – nearly $200,000, for mental health, which the Board acknowledged will be very helpful in light of on-going issues experienced by students stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next regular Board of Education Meeting is scheduled on October 4, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the LMC and via Zoom.& nbsp;