Seven middle school students from St. Mark School in Stratford recently qualified for the 2016 Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF). Jonathan Bushka, Christina deBenedetto, Ashlinn Derleth, Kelly DeRosa, Liam Millot, Anna Nemergut and Natalie Sciallo all earned medals of honor for their science fair projects.

Five St. Mark students were among the state finalists in this year’s 68th annual Fair. Their projects were recognized at an awards ceremony at Quinnipiac University on Saturday, March 19. The students earned awards which included trophies, cash prizes, and an invitation to complete in the Broadcom Masters, the premier science and engineering competition for middle school students.

The CSEF is an annual, statewide science and engineering fair open to all 7th through 12th grade students residing, or enrolled, in Connecticut schools and Fishers Island. An important objective of the program is to attract young people to careers in science and engineering while developing skills essential to critical thinking. St. Mark School has participated in the CSEF since 2011 and has produced finalists every year. In 2016, the school reached a “record high” in number of student finalists.

Student projects and awards:

Liam Millot (grade 7) Mud Power: How to Increase Power Output from a Microbial Fuel Cell, Second Honors CSEF Ribbon; Sustainable Resources and Practices Awards, Middle School Finalist, Medallion and Acrylic Trophy; Alexion Biotechnology Awards, Fourth Place, Biotechnology 7th grade trophy.

Jonathan Bushka (grade 7) The Effect of Caffeine on Plant Growth; Third Honors CSEF Ribbon.

Anna Nemergut (grade 8) Paws to Consider: Are Cats Left-Handed, Right-Handed or Ambidextrous?; Second Honors CSEF Ribbon.

Kelly DeRosa and Natalie Sciallo (grade 8) Sugar Uncovered: How the Enzyme Invertase Simulates the Hydrolysis of Sucrose, Revealing Hidden Sugars; First Honors CSEF Ribbon; Pfizer Life Sciences Awards, Finalist, Life Sciences Middle School Team, CSF Medallion & Acrylic Award; Petit Family Foundation Women in Science & Engineering Awards, Middle School Finalist, Life Sciences, Medallion and Acrylic Award; Meyerand Young Woman Scientist Awards, $300 cash, Middle School Life Sciences.

Christina deBenedetto and Ashlinn Derleth (grade 8) Music and Memory: Does Music have a Positive Impact on Alzheimer’s Patients; First Honors CSEF Ribbon; Pfizer Life Sciences Awards, First Place, Life Sciences Middle School Team, $100 each & trophy and Invite to Compete in Broadcom Masters.

St. Mark students Kelly DeRosa, Ashlinn Derleth, Liam Millot, Christina deBenedetto, Natalie Sciallo.

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The Stratford Public Schools in partnership with Junior Achievement, Mutual Security Credit Union, Sikorsky Financial Credit Union, People’s United Bank and other business and community volunteers will host the sixth annual Financial Literacy Week for Stratford students. At a national level, April has been designated as Financial Literacy Education Month and Stratford has chosen April 4 through 8 to celebrate Financial Literacy for all students in the Stratford Public Schools.

Governor Dannell Molloy and Mayor John Harkins proclaimed April as Financial Literacy Education Month for the Town of Stratford and encouraged all citizens to do their part in helping children prepare to be successful members of the local and global economy.

Also in 2011, President Obama issued a proclamation declaring April as Financial Literacy Education Month at a National level urging Americans to recommit to teaching our children about the basics of financial education.

Throughout the district, more than 7,400 students will spend part of their school day participating in hands-on Financial Literacy activities during this week. Teachers, administrators, and business and community volunteers will share their time and knowledge to teach important financial literacy concepts that will help children progress as future members of the workforce.

Community members are welcome to participate.

For more information, contact Diane Christiano, coordinator of Career & Technology Education, at christianod@stratfordk12.org.

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Throughout the month of February, Mutual Security Credit Union hosted an art display in its Stratford branch at 6580 Main Street featuring several pieces created by students at Chapel Street Elementary School. The artwork showcased in the branch allowed MSCU members to view the work of young artists in the Stratford community.

On Thursday, Feb. 25, the management and staff at the MSCU Stratford branch hosted a reception attended by the student artists and their families; as well as MSCU members, Chapel Street Elementary School teachers and Stratford BOE administrators.

“It’s wonderful to be able to recognize these students for their beautiful work,” said Alisa Telesco, branch manager. “It was a pleasure meeting all of these incredibly talented artists and their families and it was fantastic to see how proud the students were to see their works on display.”

Mutual Security Credit Union displayed the artwork of Chapel Street Elementary students during February.

Artwork of Chapel Street Elementary School students, Jonathan Faustin (top) and Jasmine Villa (bottom).

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First Class Cadet Jacquelyn Kubicko has received a 2016-2017 Fulbright U.S. Student Award to study ocean sciences in the United Kingdom. She will be representing the U.S. and the Coast Guard Academy as a cultural ambassador while pursuing a master of research at the University of Southampton, U.K.

As a Fulbright scholar, Kubicko will enhance mutual understanding between Americans and people in the U.K. and join over 100,000 Fulbright U.S. Student Program alumni who have undertaken grants since the program began in 1948. The Marine and Environmental Science major will be conducting research in physical oceanography with applications to climate change. By studying the ocean dynamics caused by climate change, Kubicko will contribute to international climate policy initiatives.

Kubicko previously received the Tomorrow’s Leader Laureate Award from Aviation Week magazine, and Board of Trustees List honors for displaying excellence in academic, military, and athletic performance. She also recently received orders to flight school.

As a cadet, Kubicko conducted research in the field of acoustic tomography aimed to image physical characteristics of the ocean in order to contribute to the accuracy of climate change and acidification models. During her junior year, she focused on analyzing how sound moves through seawater to measure ocean properties such as pH and temperature using passive acoustic techniques. The project was supervised by her instructor at the Academy, Lt. Christopher Verlinden, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

In the summer of 2015, Kubicko assisted with research to explore deep-sea hydrothermal vents off the coast of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and was supervised by Dr. Robert Ballard, noted for his discovery of the RMS Titanic. Her senior year research, supervised by Dr. Karim Sabra of Georgia Institute of Technology, involves developing methods of measuring temperature changes in coastal areas and under sea-ice.

Her undergraduate research has inspired her interest in pursuing further research in ocean sciences and has provided a solid foundation for continuing research on climate change. By developing models for analyzing ocean characteristics, she will be able to apply her undergraduate research findings and experience to the projects she was invited to undertake at the University of Southampton.

“I truly could not have asked for more than the opportunity to pursue my passion for science as a Fulbright Scholar, while serving my country, as a member of such a unique humanitarian organization,” said Kubicko.

First Class Cadet Jacquelyn Kubicko

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Stratford High School Drama Society will present South Pacific, the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical on Friday, April 1, at 7:30 and Saturday, April 2, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., in the school’s John F. Kennedy Memorial Auditorium.

All tickets are $10.

For more information call 203-380-6777, ext. 1234 or visit stratfordhigh.stratfordk12.org.

The musical, composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan, premiered in 1949 and was an immediate hit, running for 1,925 performances. The plot centers on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A secondary romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart. The issue of racial prejudice is candidly explored throughout the musical and is one that is especially relevant today.

“My character (Ensign Nellie Forbush) finds herself conflicted with her love for Emile and her misgivings against his first ‘mixed’ marriage and his children who are half French and half Tonkinese,” said senior Julia Barksdale. “It is a traditional musical with classic songs, and it’s still relevant and entertaining today.”

Senior Chris Smith agrees that the show does explore timely issues and that he was surprised that it deals with the issues it does. “I didn’t think that back in the time when the show first ran people were dealing with those issues.” Like Barksdale, this is Smith’s last show on the Stratford High School stage. “A big part of my four years at Stratford High has been the drama society.”

Chynna Sherrod, another senior soon to graduate, felt an affinity for her character “Bloody” Mary an islander who is “sassy” and constantly questions authority. “The show itself deals with racism and prejudice through working it into its plot to provide a thought provoking and entertaining time for the audience. In the end the characters find that the color of your skin doesn’t matter, what matters is the person who you are.”

“That race doesn’t matter is part of the message that the audience will walk away with,” said Lauren Holt, also a senior. She added that she was also surprised to find that message in the show.

Several of the show’s songs, including Bali Ha’i, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair, Some Enchanted Evening, There Is Nothing Like a Dame, Happy Talk, Younger Than Springtime and I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy, have become popular standards.

The cast of the production includes (in order of appearance): Chynna Sherrod (Bloody Mary), Didi Anekwe (Bloody Mary’s Assistant), Zach Kenney (Captain George Brackett), Justin Gendron (Commander William Harbison), Clarissa Rotonto (Dinah), Christopher Smith (Emile de Becque), Shyla Caserta (Ensemble), Trish Rotonto (Ensemble), Bay Tait (Ensemble), Missy Unrynowski (Ensemble), Maia Dufane (Ensign Bessie Noonan), Brianna Rotonto (Ensign Connie Walewska), Abbie Joy (Ensign Cora MacRae), Dakota Benson (Ensign Janet MacGregor), Lauren Holt (Ensign Lisa Minelli), Julia Barksdale (Ensign Nellie Forbush), Maggie Walsh (Ensign Nellie Forbush), Paige Hoydick (Ensign Pamela Whitmore), Rebekah Wargo (Ensign Sue Yaeger), Phoebe Lindsey (Henri/Ensemble), Mason Murray (Jerome), Sam Rivera (Lead Nurse Lt. Genevieve Marshall), Caeley Ott (Liat), Evan Fernandes (Lieutenant Buzz Adams), Sam Noccioli (Lieutenant Joseph Cable), Jeremiah Domschine (Marine Corporal Hamilton Steeves), Gabriella Dufane (Ngana), Matthew Pond (Professor), Dan Vilarinho (Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey), Barry Libowitz (Seabee Luther Billis), Jake Russomano( Seabee Morton Wise), Jackson Royal (Seabee Richard West), William Jenkins (Seaman James Hayes), Anthony Silva de Sousa (Seaman Quale/Marine Staff Sgt. Hassinger), Zach Smith (Seaman Tom O’Brien/Marine Sgt. Kenneth Johnson), Olivia Murray (Shore Patrol), and Michael Holt (Stewpot [Carpenter’s Mate 2nd Class George Watts]).

The production’s stage crew includes Connor Anderson, Kaitlin de Friesse, Zach Dillon, Zachary Gottlieb, Joseph Green, Eyliana Hernandez, Pugs LaPuglia, Megan Leonard, Jennifer Melo, Rudy Miller, Darla Moss-Clarke, Gabby Olexovitch, McKayla Owen, Chloe Pappas, Emily Pappas, Brianna Pensanti, Danielle Peterson, Summer Reid, Mackenzie Rivera, Rachel Scott, Zack Toth, Madison Winter, and Emily Luciano.

The production staff includes, Producer and Vocal Director Jeff Leinen; Technical Director Mike Rich; Costumes by Susan Barksdale and Nancy Zychek; Props  Zoe Kenney; Hair and Make-up Hannah Rotonto; Stage Director Kevin Miller; Choreographer Meghan Daly and Pit Orchestra Director Mark Ryan.

For more information visit stratfordhigh.stratfordk12.org.

Sam Noccioli, Clarissa Rotonto, Julia Barksdale, Chris Smith, Maggie Walsh (front) work on a scene.

Chris Smith and Julia Barksdale practice a musical number.

Sam Noccioli, Maggie Walsh, Chris Smith, Kevin Miller (stage director), Julia Barksdale (kneeling) run through a scene from the show.

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The Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter of Fairfield County will be hosting an afternoon tea to celebrate Founders Day on Saturday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Roger Sherman Inn in New Canaan.

Cost is $38 per person.

To RSVP, visit fairfieldco.kappaalphatheta.org/page/payments via Paypal, or mail check to Kristin Selvala, 90 Country Club Road, New Canaan, 06840.

Fabulous hats encouraged.

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A few good volunteers are needed as tour guides to help Stratford 4th graders experience the beach and marsh on field trips.

There will be about 12 field trips, each lasting about two hours. Participation at all is not mandatory.

The trips are in May until mid-June.

Activities include exploration, field identifications, catch and release of crabs, snails, and fish, plus simple interpretations of the importance of our coastal ecosystem.

Focus will be on areas of the intertidal zone, a saltmarsh creek, and the upper marsh.

Candidates will work with an experienced guide.

If you like working with kids, nature, fun, sun, and don’t mind a little mud, then this may be a rewarding experience that you won’t forget.

For more information contact Joe at longbeachvols@gmail.com, or Tina Senft-Batoh at cbatoh@townofstratford.com.

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The Stratford Public Schools in collaboration with the Governor’s Prevention Partnership Program invite those interested to learn how to become a “MENTOR” or brush up on Mentoring Skills at an Information and Training Session April 7, from 2:30-4 p.m., at Stratford High School, 45 North Parade.

RSVP by April 1 to Diane Christiano, coordinator for Career and Technology Education, 203-385-4281, christianod@stratfordk12.org; or Cheryl Hewitt, mentoring coordinator, Stratford High School, 203-381-2013, hewittc@stratfordk12.org.

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If you ever worry about gas prices or burning fossil fuels, consider a wind-powered car made with Life-Saver wheels. Students at Flood Middle School created these mini autos during their recent STEM Night held in the school’s gym.

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. In an effort to promote interest in these vital areas, the Stratford middle school hosted an evening of hands-on STEM activities. About 150 students, family members, and teachers participated in a variety of fun problem-based experiments using calculus, scientific principles, math, and robotics.

Some students were enthusiastically calculating angles and weights for constructing the most efficient paper airplane that would out-fly their competition. Others used physics skills to determine the minimum number of pennies that could sink a cargo ship. Other groups were trying to beat student-developed computer games, while wind-powered Life-Saver cars scooted across the gym floor, and remote-controlled robot vehicles picked things up and put them down.

“A majority of jobs will be opening in these STEM areas, and we want our students to be prepared to enter careers in these fields,” said Flood technology teacher, Casey Gray. Gray, with help from math teacher, Mike Golinski, organized and executed the educational evening.

“This is an amazing accomplishment for our first STEM Night,” said Flood principal, Lea Ann Bradford. She plans to make it an annual event.

Flood Middle School students participate in STEM Night at the school.

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Stratford High School culinary students recently treated seniors to a gourmet luncheon at the Baldwin Center. 

SHS student Helen Calderon serves Virginia Ventulett and Virginia Tope with a smile.

SHS student Jordan Gordon talks with center members, Nancy Carlson and Linda Tortorelli.

Stratford High School culinary students

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The Stratford Library recognized members of their Read Around Stratford club recently.

The club, sponsored by the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund, read a total of 104,731 pages this year.

Participants included Addison Barber, Riley Cook-Jimenez, Julianne Gonzalez, Kaitlyn Marcus, Tyler Marcus, Kyle Cardinelli, Zara Wong, Ryan Chay, Jonathan Wong, Hailey Fry, Chiaja Norde and Abigaelle Brutus.

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Ben Albano Racing has announced the fourth annual kart race to benefit Project Yellow Light, an organization that promotes awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. Greenwich teens Austen Albano, a junior at King in Stamford, Will Jeffery and Quentin McDermott, a senior and junior at Brunswick School, and Maggie Montague, a junior at Greenwich High School are organizing the race and signing up participants from high schools throughout Fairfield, Conn. and Westchester, N.Y. counties. The race will take place Friday, April 22, at 7 p.m., at Grand Prix New York, which has hosted each of the previous three years, at 333 North Bedford Road in Mt. Kisco, N.Y.

Teams of 2 to 5 drivers will race to complete the most laps in the 90-minute endurance race.  Entry fees of $100 per team are fully tax-deductible, and all proceeds go directly to the Project Yellow Light Hunter Garner Scholarship, thanks to the generosity of local corporate sponsors, which include Teddy’s Transportation of Norwalk, Petro Home Services in Stamford, and Fresh Green Light in Greenwich. Paraco Gas, based in Rye Brook, N.Y., is the lead sponsor for the race and has supported this event for two consecutive years. Paraco CEO Joe Armentano commented, “With over 100 vehicles on the road, we are committed to helping ensure that the roadways are safe and are pleased and proud to help lead the effort, raising awareness among teens in our area.”

Since its inception in 2012, this event has experienced increased success each year, both in terms of awareness and funds raised. “We are so delighted with this wonderful event established by Ben Albano, his family and friends.  The race grows each year and with it, its reach to warn youths of the dangers of distracted driving,” said Julie Garner, co-founder of Project Yellow Light. “This grass-root effort has been significant in terms of raising awareness as well as funding for the Project Yellow Light Hunter Garner Scholarship.” Ben Albano is a racecar driver and student at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He created the Race for Project Yellow Light while a student at Greenwich High School, where he was an active in the community in raising awareness for the dangers of distracted driving.

To sign up to race, or for more information, contact Austen Albano at aalbano@klht.org, Will Jeffery at wjeffery@brunswickschool.org, Quentin McDermott at qmcdermott@brunswickschool.org or Maggie Montague at margaret.montague@greenwichschools.org.

About Project Yellow Light

Project Yellow Light is a national scholarship competition designed to bring about change, in partnership with the Ad Council, Mazda, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Organizations for Youth Safety and U-Haul. Applicants have a clear mission: encourage peers to develop and embrace safe driving habits.  For both the high school and college contests, the first-place winners receive a scholarship in the amount of $5,000, second-place finishers receive $2,000, and third-place finishers receive $1,000. A new billboard scholarship contest was launched on March 1 to complement the video competition with designs due on May 1, 2016. Winners for both competitions will be announced in Times Square at a press event hosted by Clear Channel.  Information for both video and design competitions can be found at projectyellowlight.com. Project Yellow Light was founded in memory of Hunter Garner – a 16-year-old with a dry wit, wicked sense of humor, interesting creative mind, who loved music, running, and had lots of friends from all walks of life. Hunter died in a car crash on June 10, 2007 at the age of 16.

In 2015 AJ Racing finished with the top time: Mark Tompkins, Addison Albano, Kyle Bronzo, Justin Tompkins, Angelo Curro and Austen Albano.

Racers competing in the 2015 Race for Project Yellow Light at Grand Prix New York Racing.

Racers celebrate at the 2015 Race For Project Yellow Light at Grand Prix New York Racing.

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The Stratford Public Schools and Town of Stratford Community Services is sponsoring the annual Movin’ On Up program for rising sixth grade students and their families at Flood Middle School on Wednesday, April 20 and at Wooster Middle School on Wednesday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m.

Movin’ On Up explores the social and emotional transitions that occur when students make the move from elementary to middle school. Students and families are invited to attend.

For more information and to register, contact Lindsay Mazzarella, 203-385-4095 or lmazzarella@townofstratford.com.

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On Friday, April 22, The Watermark at 3030 Park will host their second annual community health fair, in conjunction with their ongoing internship program with Sacred Heart University. The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the continuing care retirement community, located at 3030 Park Avenue on the Bridgeport-Fairfield town line.

For the past three months, two dozen students from Sacred Heart University’s exercise science and pre-physical therapy programs have been working alongside Cindy McGuire, fitness director at The Watermark, to learn more about health and fitness as it relates to seniors of all activity levels.

As part of their internship, the students were tasked with coordinating a community health fair; this year’s event will consist of more than 20 stations, including health and wellness tests like balance, speed and grip as well as vendors including massage therapists and local dieticians.

“Our residents have really enjoyed working with this group of students over the past few months; they’ve impressed me with their interest in learning more about senior health and fitness, and I am excited to see how they translate what they’ve learned into the upcoming health fair,” said McGuire.

In addition to residents at The Watermark, seniors and their families in Greater Bridgeport are encouraged to attend; for more information, contact The Watermark at 3030 Park at 203-374-5611.

For more information on The Watermark at 3030 Park and the programs and activities offered to residents and guests, visit their website and Facebook pages.

Last year, Sacred Heart University exercise science students presented their final project, a fitness health fair, for residents of the Watermark in Bridgeport. — Photo by Tracy Deer-Mirek.

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The first annual Special Olympics Connecticut Shorts for Sports® Dress-Down Day will take place at workplaces and schools across the state on Friday, May 20.

Participants will be granted the privilege of wearing shorts (or jeans or casual attire) to the office or school that day in exchange for their $5 donation to Special Olympics Connecticut. Each will receive a Shorts for Sports® sticker as a thank you and to show others they support Special Olympics.

To get your company or school involved, email specialolympicsct@soct.org or call 203-230-1201, ext. 270 for details. We recommend you contact the human resources director at your company or principal or student activities director at your school to organize this fundraiser.

About Special Olympics Connecticut

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for close to 13,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners – their teammates without disabilities.

Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 170 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for all people, on and off the playing field. (soct.org)

Partner Sponsors: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Dream Ride, ESPN, Eversource Energy, Law Enforcement Torch Run, NBC Connecticut, TD Bank, United Technologies and WWE.

Year-Round Suppliers: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Campus Customs, The Coca-Cola Company, Connecticut Portable Storage/PODS, Crystal Rock Water and Coffee Company, Dunkin’ Donuts, Graebel Moving Services, LLC, Guida’s Milk and Ice Cream, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Marcus Communications, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Community Service and WORX.

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Junior Achievement of Western CT and business volunteers from Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, FedEx and Better Packages shared their time and knowledge to teach important financial concepts in Stratford classrooms on Friday, April 8, Financial Literacy Day.

Junior Achievement volunteers delivered its $ave USA Program to Bunnell and Stratford High School students in grades 9-10 and grade 6 students in all Stratford elementary schools teaching young people lessons that lead to long-term financial security.

For example, the high school students learned about types of loans, credit and examined different credit choices. Working in pairs, they were exposed to five different scenarios where they decided whether or not to purchase items using credit and planned on how to pay for them.

Governor Malloy and Mayor Harkins proclaimed April as Financial Literacy Education Month for the Town of Stratford and encouraged all citizens to help children prepare to be successful members of the local and global economy.

About Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and commu­nity volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work and career readiness and entrepreneurship. For more information about JAWCT or to volunteer, visit jawct.org or call 203-382-0180.

Barbara Keegan of Wells Fargo, works with a sixth grade class at Second Hill Lane Elementary School during Financial Literacy Day.

Matthew Seitz from J.P. Morgan Chase, participates in Financial Literacy Day at Bunnell High School.

Dean Gorton of Wells Fargo teaches the JA $ave USA program to students at Nichols Elementary School on April 8.

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A panel discussion of professionals will discuss how and why police make decisions about using deadly force on Monday, April 25, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., at the Housatonic Community College LaFayette Hall Atrium. The event is free and open to the public.

How and why police make decisions about using deadly force will be discussed by Sgt. Tom Wolff, Stamford PD., Detective LouBella DeBrum, Shelton PD, Cpt. Roderick Porter, Bridgeport PD, and Assist. Chief Anthony Cuozzo, Orange PD. Participants include instructors who train police officers in making decisions about the use of deadly force.

The event is sponsored by the HCC Criminal Justice Department and the One Book, One College Program which has explored the issues raised in the book, We are Called to Rise throughout the college for the past few weeks.

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St. James Drama Club presents The Blabbermouth, The Puff Monster and The Wolf, three topsy-turvy stories from the Ukraine Saturday, May 7, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 8, at 2 p.m., in the school gym, 50 Harvey Place.

Admission is $5 for children and adults.

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Named to dean’s list

Audrey R. Law, class of 2019, Bunnell High School graduate, was named to the fall semester dean’s list at at St. Lawrence University.

Inducted into honor society

Emily Sarnecky was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society at Delaware Valley University during the spring 2016 semester.

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Chapel Street Elementary School students will get to take part in team building activities like this one at Nature’s Classroom. The kids will get an overnight trip after Principal Carla Armistead was able to reschedule the educational field activity for May 31 and June 1. — Contributed photo

Sixth graders at Chapel Street Elementary School will get to take an overnight trip to Nature’s Classroom after all.

Chapel Street Principal Carla Armistead was able to successfully reschedule the trip to the Litchfield County campground for May 31 and June 1. Armistead and four to five parents will serve as chaperones for the overnight trip. Those parents will have to undergo background checks before going on the trip, Armistead said Tuesday.

Parents who want their children to take only an extended day trip will have that option as well, with two Chapel Street teachers participating in the daylong outing.

Armistead and Stratford Board of Education Chairman James Feehan talked with about 20 parents at the school on Monday about what was to come and telling them that Armistead was able to make a second change to the trip.

The overnight trip is able to happen because Armistead volunteered to be part of the overnight trip, which has been planned by Chapel Street teachers in previous years.

“I just felt like I wanted to be able to give my students an opportunity to go as well,” said Armistead, noting that students in other Stratford elementary schools have taken part in Nature’s Classroom overnight trips as well.

The cost of the single-day trip is $80 per student. The overnight trip will be $139 per student. Armistead said the school will look to assist families of students who are unable to afford the cost. She’s hoping that all 67 Chapel Street sixth graders will be able to attend at least one portion of the trip.

“I’m pleased and the parents are very pleased,” Armistead said of the meeting.

Many parents of Chapel Street students were upset that the original trip, set for April 28 to May 1, was changed from an overnight trip to a single-day event and that they had not been told about the modification. Chapel Street teachers opted out of being chaperones in October following allegations that a former teacher’s aide and tutor at the school had an inappropriate relationship with a student. The teachers had said they felt uncomfortable doing an overnight trip.

Feehan said Monday that Armistead deserves credit for looking into ways to solve a difficult situation.

“Everywhere there was a roadblock, she tried to remove it,” Feehan said. “She’s a person who really cares about the kids and the parents.”

Feehan added that he may join the kids on a portion of this year’s trip.

Scott Farrington-Posner, a member of the town’s Zoning Commission and a parent of two Chapel Street students, also praised Armistead for her work.

“I give her a lot of credit, and she went above and beyond to try and rectify this,” Farrington-Posner said.

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