Bringing the accomplishments and initiatives of the Waterford Public Schools to the Town, Community and beyond to create a Connection that will reinforce a strong commitment to coming together to educate the whole child.
Walking in Their Shoes
Unveiling Equity Insights Through Student Shadowing
At the March 27 Board of Education meeting, Waterford High School administration and staff presented on a new student shadowing program that was implemented recently at Waterford High School. The student shadowing program at WHS offers a valuable opportunity for staff to gain deeper insight into the student experience by walking in their shoes for a day. Through this program, teachers, counselors, and administrators follow a student through their full schedule, attending classes, navigating hallways, eating lunch in the cafeteria, and observing the social and academic dynamics firsthand. This immersive experience helps staff better understand the challenges students face, such as time pressures, workload, and classroom engagement, while also highlighting what students find meaningful and enjoyable in their school day. By viewing the school environment through a student’s perspective, staff are able to reflect more thoughtfully on their practices and make informed decisions to enhance the overall learning atmosphere.
Board of Education - Budget Update
The Waterford Board of Education Budget was unanimously approved at the Board of Education meeting on February 27, 2025 and final action was taken by the Town Board of Finance on March 26, 2025. The Board of Education will present to the Representative Town Meeting on May 5th with final action scheduled for May 14th. The FY26 Budget and presentations can be found on the district website at https://www.waterfordschools.org/ our_district/departments/business_office/budget
INNOVATION
Technology & Career Awareness Classes at CLMS
Article and photos submitted by Clark Lane Middle School Principal James Sachs
Clark Lane Middle School is excited to offer opportunities for our students in two technology courses, Transportation Engineering (Design and Drafting Pathway) and Engineering Today (Programming and Software Development Pathway). In collaboration with Waterford High School, CLMS has designed both of these courses to provide students with a direct pathway to high school courses in their educational future.
Approximately 50 grade 8 students explore two realms of Transportation Engineering: Marine and Air. Students learn transportation concepts through class work and hands-on activities including underwater ROVs (called SeaPerch) and indoor, programmable drones. SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips students and educators with the resources they need to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). As an integrated STEM education program, SeaPerch is a great place for students to start on their journey to build a bot and learn how to use that bot for good. The goal of the drones, The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on and affordable curriculum-based robotics programs.
The Transportation Engineering class is taught from a hands-on, probsolving approach. Students study how transportation works in today’s world, economy, and environment. For example, how drones are used to deliver medical supplies to areas that are not easily accessible by road. The high school class with the same name allows for deeper exploration into these areas as well as adding two more transportation realms: Terrestrial and Space.
Around 100 grade 7 students are enrolled in the Engineering Today class. Students construct robots and learn how to drive and program them to solve problems and perform tasks. By familiarizing students with programming, sensors, and automation, they hone critical computational thinking skills needed to succeed in both the 21st century's workforce and in everyday life. The VEX Robotics program encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving among groups. At Waterford High School, the students would continue with computer science and engineering classes to further their understanding of the subject.
ogy (BOAT) initiative. Through BOAT, Electric Boat invests in workforce development by providing students with valuable exposure to maritime engineering and advanced technology, helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators.
The day's activities were organized by Host Site Coordinator Michal Bono, Waterford High School CTE Department Chair and Gregory Kane, Connecticut SeaPerch Program Coordinator.
Sailors from the PCU District of Columbia SSBN 826 and the Submarine Force Museum USS Nautilus command served as referees for the event. Divers from the Navy Submarine Medical Research Laboratory spent the morning in the pool resetting the playing fields. Representatives from both the UCONN and URI Navy STEM Program were on hand to assist the student teams.
Thank you to WHS CTE Department Chair Mike Bono, WHS Technology Education Teacher Ed Torres and CLMS Technology Education Teacher Dan Landeck for working with students prior to the event providing guidance and handson instruction in building the underwater remotely operated vehicles. The SeaPerch competition was a great collaboration between WHS and CLMS and introduced students to engineering and science concepts providing them a segue to future career pathways.
Waterford Wonders
Celebrating the Wonders of Waterford: Recognizing Students Who Inspire, Achieve, and Make a Difference.
The Waterford Board of Education honored four students as Waterford Wonders in the months of February and March. In February, Tripp Archambault and Caydence Batte, students from Oswegatchie Elementary School, were recognized for embodying kindness, sincerity, and resilience at exceptional levels. Principal Joe Macrino noted that “Caydence and Tripp are selfless - kindness is simply a part of who they are. When I asked them, ‘Why is it important to be kind?’ they both gave me the same answer: ‘That’s just what you do. If everyone is kind, then no one would be mean.’ There is genius in that simplicity.” Please see below for more information on the wonderful qualities that Caydence and Tripp exemplify.
Tripp Archambault - Tripp is always smiling. He has an old soul and leads by quiet example. When his peers start to get silly or restless, I love watching Tripp sit back and be the steady presence in the room. He is respectful, thoughtful, and hardworking. He pushes himself not for awards, but for his own growth and for the good of his friends. This level of character absolutely deserves the honor of a Waterford Wonder.
Submitted by OSW Grade 2 Teacher Mallory Hannaford
Caydence Batte - Caydence always puts others first. Her peers seek her out when they need help because they know they can always count on her. If someone drops something, she picks it up. If someone struggles with their jacket zipper, she comes running. She doesn’t wait to be asked - she takes it upon herself to help. She is always looking out for others. Her resilience is remarkable; she has faced challenges beyond what most children her age have to consider, yet she continues to inspire both her classmates and our staff. Submitted by OSW Grade 1 Teacher Tammie Hullivan
At the March 27th Board of Education meeting, Quaker Hill Elementary Principal Chris Discordia introduced two fifth grade students selected to be Waterford Wonders for their kindness and outstanding character. Please see below for an inside look at the nominations by QH staff.
Ellie Czekala - Ellie is a Waterford Wonder. She not only shows exemplary in academics, but also with her peers. Ellie is always looking out for students that are not included and inviting them to participate or play with her group. She is consistently kind to all peers in all settings. Ellie also goes above and beyond for academics. She recently participated in a "passion project" with another student where they would come in at lunch and researched axolotls. They created a presentation and shared it with the class. Not only that, but she always puts her best effort in all her assignments and advocates for herself if she does not understand.
Arden LaLonde - Arden is the epitome of kindness. Every day she continues to set the bar a bit higher than the day before. She is a student who is there for absolutely everyone. I don’t believe the word “no” is in her vocabulary. She is the first one up and out of her seat to help, to guide, and to show empathy. Her desire to help is heartwarming as it is unwavering. She doesn’t need to be asked, she does it! Her character is exemplary. She is a role model who is admired by all her peers. She works hard, she perseveres and is a bright beacon of light in the lives of everyone she touches.
Fund for Teachers
“Fund for Teachers strengthens instruction by investing in outstanding teachers' self-determined professional growth and development in order to support student success, enrich their own practice, and strengthen their schools and communities. ” Mission of Fund for Teachers www.fundforteachers.org
Waterford High School Librarian/Media Specialist Matthew Cadorette was selected to join an elite group of 357 teachers across the United States in being awarded a Fund for Teachers Fellowship Grant. Mr. Cadorette is the recipient of a fellowship that will enable him travel this summer to Vietnam to learn about its culture and history as told from their perspective in order to enhance the local history curriculum .
We are excited for the opportunity that the Fund for Teachers Fellowship Grant will provide for Mr. Cadorette and how these experiences will further enrich the depth of his knowledge so that he can continue to impact the WHS students.
Since 2017, 15 Waterford teachers have received FFT grants leading to numerous travel opportunities and educational knowledge. To learn more about the Fund for Teachers Newest Grant Recipients and their projects visit https://fundforteachers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-FellowCompilation-1.pdf
Rising Star Manager Award Recipient
Congratulations to Waterford High School’s Assistant Cook Manager, Paul Godin, in receiving the School Nutrition Association of Connecticut (SNACT) 20242025 Rising Star Manager Award. Mr. Godin was recognized for his outstanding commitment to school food service and child nutrition.
In his nomination, it noted that Mr. Godin “Consistently serves healthy, balanced meals to cater to diverse dietary needs, ensuring students have access to nutritious options…[he] actively works with teachers, administration, and other staff to ensure food service aligns with the school's educational goals, schedules, and needs of the students”. Mr. Godin also mentored fellow staff members, helping to create a positive workplace where all staff felt valued and motivated.
Mr. Godin will be recognized at the SNACT’s 2025 Fall Conference that will be held in October 2025.
Waterford High School’s Business Teacher Alyson Woznicki was selected as Volunteer of the Year by the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce. These annual awards honor excellence in community engagement, innovation, customer service, and business best practices.
As Chair of the Chamber’s Education Council, Ms. Woznicki works to bring community and schools together by acting as a liaison between the business and education communities. The committee provides volunteers the opportunity to connect with one or more schools within eastern CT. In her role on the education committee Ms. Woznicki works to guide employers in engaging with the emerging STEM workforce.
WPS Achievements
Congratulations to WHS Science Olympiad Team members Jasmeh Grewal and Alexander Seltzer for winning Gold in the Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet competition. All of the Waterford Science Olympiads, Ashlyn Autrey, Michael Chuchev, Jasmeh Grewal, Ian Li, Jiarou Liao, Elizabeth Price, Alexander Seltzer, and Benjamin Stewart were part of a team that placed in the top ten out of 50 teams competing in 25 events.
WHS Senior Lauren Gerboth received the honor of having her original composition for Symphonic Band titled, Ascensio, displayed in the Young Composers Showcase. Lauren created this piece for her Capstone project and submitted it for the Young Composers Showcase at the Eastern Division Conference in Hartford. The Eastern Division Conference includes students and teachers from 13 states from Washington D.C. to Maine. Lauren’s song will be displayed via QR code on a display board for the full duration of the conference that will be held April 24 - 27 at the CT Convention Center in Hartford.
The Waterford Fire Marshal’s Office sponsored the CT Fire Prevention Poster Recognition Program for grades 4 and 5 elementary students. The annual contest sponsored by the State of Connecticut Office of State Fire Marshal, State of CT Public Fire Education Association and the CT FAIR Plan attracts thousands of contestants from throughout the state (on average there are 20,000 entries to this contest annually). The theme, “Fire Prevention Everyone/ Everyday”, encourages 4th and 5th grade students to create their own unique artistic and colorful fire safety message and convey it in the form of a poster. Congratulations to grade 4 OSW student Anjali Alvarado and grade 5 GN student Laymi De La Torre for being chosen to represent Waterford. We are pleased to announce that grade 5 student Laymi De La Torre has once again secured her spot as the New London County Winner in the CT Fire Prevention Poster Recognition Program. Laymi was honored at an Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill. This is the second year in a row that Laymi has secured this honor. Laymi’s 2024 artwork was chosen to represent October, which is Fire Prevention month, in the 2024 calendar.
Forty-seven students from Waterford High School were inducted into the WHS World Language Honor Society on March 13, 2025.
8 French students, 11 Latin students, and 28 Spanish students inducted
In the month of March, Waterford Public Schools celebrated Youth Art Month, a vibrant and inspiring celebration across the schools, highlighting the creativity and artistic talents of students at all grade levels. Throughout the month, schools displayed artwork in hallways and classrooms as well as at the Waterford Public Library and Town Hall. The celebration not only recognized students’ artistic achievements, but also emphasized the important role the arts play in education, self-expression, and cultural connection. Youth Art Month is always a joyful reminder of the imagination and potential thriving within each student.
Thank you to the students below who visited Town Hall to view their artwork on display.
Gr 2 QH
Gr 2 QH
Waterford Music
The Connecticut Association of Schools annually awards the Outstanding Arts Award to two seniors from all Connecticut high schools who excel in the arts and possess qualities of scholarship and leadership. Congratulations to our Waterford High School 2025 recipients Sofia Fioravanti and Ceceilia
Waterford Public Schools hosts a series of wonderful music concerts each year that truly showcase the talent and dedication of its students and educators. From the lively energy of elementary school choirs to the polished performances of high school jazz bands and orchestras, each concert is a celebration of musical growth and creativity. Please see below for an inside look into a few of these memorable experiences that inspire both performers and audiences alike.
The Waterford High School Dance Club performance on March 7th and 8th was a dazzling display of talent, expression, and hard work that left audiences inspired and impressed. Months of rehearsals culminated in two unforgettable evenings featuring a wide range of dance styles from contemporary and hip-hop to ballet and cultural pieces each telling its own unique story. The student dancers captivated the crowd with their energy, precision, and emotion, performing choreography that reflected both creativity and discipline. More than just a show, the performance celebrated the power of movement and the vibrant spirit of the school’s arts community.
Career Day at Clark Lane Middle School proved to be another exciting event for students as they explored a wide range of careers and future possibilities. Held on March 19th, this event provided a time for community members and local professionals to share insights about their careers. Presenters included medical professionals, business owners, Town of Waterford police officers and librarians, WPS electricians and HVAC personnel, as well as college coaches and genealogists. Students gained a better understanding of the education and skills needed for various professions. This event encouraged students to start thinking about their goals and interests while connecting classroom learn-
The month of March was marked as Board Member Appreciation Month. To thank our board members for their dedi t d i d diligent efforts to help our students notecards designed with student art work. See below for some of the talented works of art provided by our Art Department.
Waterford Public Schools
Pat Fedor, Board of Education Chairperson
Thomas W. Giard III, Superintendent 15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford , CT 06385
Phone: 860-444-5852
Fax: 860-444-5870
Contact: Caroline Whittaker - Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent E-mail: cwhittaker@waterfordschools.org
The Superintendent’s Proposed budget, approved by the Waterford Board of Education on February 21st, represents a 2.13% budget increase for FY 20. This budget meets all of the Waterford Board of Education’s statutory obligations and mandates with the goal of not compromising rigor in the high
Waterford Public Schools is a community of learners that fosters and supports high aspirations, ensuring every student acquires the skills and knowledge necessary to be a responsible citizen, prepared to contribute and succeed in an ever-changing world.
Stay Connected…
WPS Website - Visit www.waterfordschools.org for up to date BOE, school and event information.
BOE meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month. For the complete schedule of meetings, go to the BOE section of the WPS Website.
Download the WPS App to ‘stay abreast’ of all the happenings at our schools.
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