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May 21, 2007
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Upcoming Events
Bridgeport Public Schools
Fine & Performing Arts Department
Presents the
26th All-District Concert
“Reflections of Bridgeport”
May 24 at 7pm
Klein Memorial Auditorium
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Bridgeport's Outstanding Teachers
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The Public Education Fund honors Outstanding Teachers
Pictured from left to right: Robert Francis - RYASAP, Marybeth Stickley - Classical Studies School, Jennifer Gilbert - Roosevelt School, Laurinda Rua - Central High School, Pandy Bandith - Webster School, Robert Greenberg - Columbus School, Linda Pillo - Columbus School, Robert Davis - High Horizons School, Frances Russell - Wilbur Cross School, & Ida Scott - Wilbur Cross School.
On May 8th, The Bridgeport Public Education Fund held its annual Teacher Recognition and Celebration Event at the Downtown Cabaret. Eight outstanding educators, nominated by their colleagues, were honored for their leadership in the field of education and their dedication to the children in the Bridgeport public schools. Each Outstanding Teacher received a Tiffany Crystal Apple, a letter from Congressman Christopher Shays, a letter of congratulations from Governor Jodi Rell, and a certificate for Excellence in Teaching entitling them to $1,000 of professional development.
Additionally, Robert Francis Executive Director of RYASAP, received the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Award for his work in the community that promotes the mission of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund. Mr. Francis received a handcrafted solid gold apple lapel pin.
Also, Marybeth Stickley, Principal of the Classical Studies Academy, received the George Bellinger Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership with parents, teachers and students. Ms. Stickley was presented for a check in the amount of $1,000.
Bassick Junior Wins Law Day Essay Contest
In addition to Hallen School’s participation in the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association’s Law Day Essay Contest, Bassick teacher RoseMary Goode’s Advanced Placement U.S. History class competed on the high school level. This year’s Law Day theme was “Issues Affecting the Rights of American Youth,” and Bassick junior Michael Marroquin won first place for his 1,000 word essay responding to the question “Does Establishing a Curfew Discriminate Against Young People?”
Michael was awarded $500 and received recognition along with all of the Law Day Essay Contest winners at an interfaith service at St. Augustine Cathedral.
“I was tremendously pleased to have a Bassick High School student win First Place for the second year in a row,” said Mrs. Goode. “I was so pleased that Michael’s [essay] was selected. He is a newly selected member of the National Honor Society, and a very focused young man. He’s an exemplary student.”
This is the second year that Mrs. Goode’s students have submitted entries in the Law Day Essay Contest and won first place. “We are proud, and it’s a good motivational tool to spur next year’s class!” Goode explained. Congratulations to Michael and all other Law Day Essay Contest winners!
Multicultural Magnet and Columbus School Students
Connect Through Video Conferencing
After learning about video conferencing in a professional development workshop, Multicultural Magnet second grade teacher Mrs. Carli Rocha-Reaes decided to launch a new, exciting project for her students. Her class has partnered with Columbus School teacher Mrs. Maria-Helena Fisher’s second grade bilingual class to bring about their own video conferencing. The classes have been connecting through the video conferencing system at least every other Friday, and have found great success.
The purpose of the using the video conferencing technology is to enhance the students’ creativity and diversity. Students have the opportunity to express themselves and their cultures, share their projects and receive prompt feedback while interacting face-to-face with students from the opposite class. “Every week my students look forward to connecting with Mrs. Fisher’s class,” said Mrs. Rocha-Reaes. “They prepare dances, jokes, talents, things they have learned in class, or anything they want to share.”
This project is a unique interactive experience that has helped students gain self confidents while fostering discussion and promoting a collaborative spirit in order to generate and share ideas. The teachers have also noticed the development of presentation skills and public speaking. “We are leading children towards being independent learners as they take charge of the topic to be presented during the video conference,” said Mrs. Fisher. Mrs. Rocha-Reaes also pointed to an added benefit gained through this project. “Students are not the only participants exposed to a new way of communicating’ us as teachers, and our schools, are also working collaboratively!” she explained.
With the continued success of the video conferencing system, Rocha-Reaes and Fisher hope to continue this project in the future, possibly one day connecting with other schools, districts, states, or even countries.
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