Snow Elementary

Meet Kaitlynn Styles, a remarkable Psychology Teacher at Middletown High School whose impact extends far beyond academic instruction! Nominated by student Syeda Hussaini, Ms. Styles exemplifies how powerful the teacher-student relationship can be when built on genuine care and dedication. "Ms. Styles has truly transformed my life for the better," shares Syeda. "She has always been there for me, offering invaluable advice and unwavering support. Whether I needed help with schoolwork or personal issues, she was a person I could always turn to." Through her psychology teaching, Ms. Styles doesn't just share academic knowledge—she models the very principles of empathy, active listening, and meaningful connection that are central to the discipline. This authentic approach has made her "an incredible role model" who helps students grow both intellectually and personally. "She has not only helped me academically but also guided me in becoming a better person," Syeda adds. "Ms. Styles' impact on my life this school year is something I will always cherish." We're profoundly grateful for educators like Ms. Styles who understand that the most lasting lessons often happen in those moments of genuine human connection! ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

SAVE THE DATE: Our Cultural Kaleidoscope event at Beman Middle School is almost here! Join us for an evening celebrating diversity, wellness, and community connections on Thursday, May 22, 2025! DANCING | FOOD | ART | GAMES The early activities (5:00-6:30 PM) will prioritize our 21st Century program participants due to space limitations, but we welcome all Middletown families to join if space allows. Everyone is guaranteed seating for the spectacular Li Liu acrobatic performance beginning at 6:30 PM, which is open to the entire community. This FREE event celebrates Arab American Month, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Autism Acceptance Month. Beman Middle School 1 Wilderman's Way, Middletown, CT 06457 Thursday, May 22, 2025 Activities begin at 5:00 PM | Li Liu Performance at 6:30 PM Tag a friend and share this post to help spread the word! #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Meet Jennifer Krapf Birdsey, the extraordinary Cafe Lead 1 at Beman Middle School who's revolutionizing how we think about school nutrition! Nominated by Randall Mel, Director of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness Services, Jenn demonstrates that cafeteria leadership extends far beyond serving meals. "Jenn is an exceptional leader and a true asset to the Middletown Public Schools," shares Randall. "Her dedication, innovation, and passion have transformed Beman into a model cafeteria, recognized not only within our district but by state and national leaders." Through her creative initiatives like the Beman Food Critics, Jenn empowers students to have a voice in their dining experience, teaching valuable lessons about nutrition and advocacy along the way. Her commitment has even taken her to testify alongside students before state legislators in support of school meals! Jenn's impact proves that educational excellence happens throughout our buildings—not just in classrooms. Her work nourishes both bodies and minds, creating a culture where students understand the importance of good nutrition and community engagement. We're tremendously fortunate to have staff members like Jenn whose innovation and dedication create exceptional experiences for our students every day! ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Meet Akshara Sudhakar, a remarkable Snow School 5th grader nominated by her proud parents! This talented student recently earned second prize in the statewide CHET Dream Big Competition, receiving a $500 contribution to her college savings plan. Her literary talents also shined in Connecticut's Letters About Literature Contest, where she placed as a semifinalist among the top 10% of all submissions. As the sole representative from Snow School in the district’s Talented and Gifted program, Akshara excels academically and also showcases her diverse talents as a Berlin's Got Talent finalist and competitive Rubik's Cube solver with an impressive personal best of 31.78 seconds! Known for her positive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to help others, Akshara inspires her classmates through her hard work, kindness, and enthusiasm for learning. **** Know a remarkable MPS student deserving recognition? Nominate them here: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms #MPSFutureMakers #MPS4ALL

Meet Jillian Kellogg, Theatre Arts and 12th Grade English Teacher at Middletown High School. She also serves as the Middletown Performing Arts Center (MPAC) Director. Nominated by parent Kelly Reynolds, Ms. Kellogg demonstrates how educators can touch lives both in and beyond the classroom. "My daughter was struggling with several classes and of course her teachers were responsive but Jillian Kellogg went above and beyond in response to my request for help," shares Kelly. "Her email brought happy tears to my eyes and when I read it to my daughter she cried and said 'I just love her'!" Ms. Kellogg's willingness to work with her students and show genuine care and compassion exemplifies the profound impact educators can have. Through both her academic teaching and artistic leadership, she creates spaces where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to overcome challenges. We're incredibly fortunate to have educators like Ms. Kellogg who understand that teaching is as much about connecting with hearts as it is about developing minds. ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Middletown Teachers, THANK YOU. Thank you for leading each day with heart, purpose, and resilience. You ignite curiosity, build confidence, and guide our students through a changing world. Every decision you make shapes a life. Every lesson you teach plants a seed of hope. You are the heart of Middletown Public Schools. We are endlessly grateful. #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Meet Addyson "Addy" Irizarry, the exceptional Campus Security Officer at Middletown High School whose presence transforms hallways into spaces of connection and belonging! Nominated by Cindy Culp, Addy demonstrates how security work can be deeply rooted in relationship-building and genuine care. "Addyson (Addy) is always smiling in the halls. He always shows kindness and love towards his fellow co-workers and the students at MHS," shares Cindy. This positive energy creates an atmosphere where students feel both safe and valued—a critical foundation for learning. Walking the halls of MHS, Addy makes it his mission to ensure "that everyone is seen and heard," greeting each student he encounters. With "a heart of gold" and "the biggest sense of humor," he brings warmth and laughter to the school community, turning everyday interactions into meaningful moments of connection. Addy's dedication extends beyond the school day, as he can be found "at almost every after school event making all visitors feel welcome at MPS." This commitment to community-building enhances the entire school experience. We're incredibly grateful for staff members like Addy who understand that true security comes not just from protocols, but from creating environments where everyone feels they truly belong! ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Substitute Teachers & Support Staff Job Fair When? Thursday, April 10, 2025; from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Where? Middletown Board of Education, Conference Rm. A, 311 Hunting Hill Avenue, Middletown, CT 06457 Questions? Contact: Lisa O'Neill at LONeill@ESS.com or 860.310.8461

We are hiring! Mark your calendar for April 28, 2025! From 4-6PM, we're hosting a Job Fair at Beman Middle School with immediate opportunities for certified educators. Walk in with your resume, walk out with a potential job offer! RSVP today, using the form linked below. We're excited to meet you! https://tinyurl.com/JobFairMPS

TONIGHT (Wednesday, March 26, 2025): Be part of something truly transformative! Scarlett Lewis brings her Choose Love Movement to Middletown at 7PM. Learn how these principles will shape our schools next year. Snow School Auditorium, free admission. Books available for purchase. #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Our Family Climate & Culture Survey is open through March! Your anonymous feedback helps make our schools better for everyone. Complete a separate survey for each child at different schools. Click the link to participate and help shape our future: https://www.middletownschools.org/page/mps-culture-and-climate #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Join us as we welcome Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, on Wednesday, March 26 at 7PM at Snow School. After losing her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook tragedy, Scarlett transformed her grief into a powerful movement of nurturing, healing, and love. As we prepare to become a Choose Love district in 2025-26, don't miss this inspiring opportunity to hear her story. This event is FREE and open to all families and district employees! All are invited and encouraged to attend. Details here: https://www.middletownschools.org/article/2096879 #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Meet Jim Gaudreau, the extraordinary Principal of Lawrence School whose leadership creates a warm, welcoming educational community! Nominated by grandparent Olga Johnson, Mr. Gaudreau demonstrates how powerful presence and personal connection can transform a school environment. "Mr. Gaudreau is an exceptional principal. He knows the names of every student, and he stands outside every morning and greets not only the students, but any parent that gets out of their vehicle with their child," shares Olga. This dedication to personal connection sets the tone for the entire school culture. "To see the joy on our granddaughter's face when she talks about Mr. Gaudreau makes us know that he is absolutely in tune with the students, and he makes each day at school amazing," Olga adds. This impact on students' daily experience reflects the essence of exceptional educational leadership. We're incredibly fortunate to have principals like Mr. Gaudreau whose dedication creates environments where students and families feel "happy and secure" in their educational journey! ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Recently, Connecticut Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker met with MHS students to hear their perspectives on diversifying education. Leaders from GIFTS, Men of Excellence, and Educators Rising shared thoughtful insights and ideas on shaping Connecticut's educational future. Their voices matter—click the link to learn more: https://www.middletownschools.org/article/2094665 #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Meet Susan Velardi, an exceptional fourth grade teacher at Bielefield Elementary School who's making learning a joyful experience for our Bobcats! Nominated by Jessica Vollono, a Bielefield community member, Mrs. Velardi exemplifies the dedication that makes elementary education so powerful. "Mrs. Velardi goes above and beyond for her students. She always knows the right things to say or do to brighten their day!" shares Jessica. These daily moments of connection and encouragement create the foundation for student success both academically and emotionally. In her classroom, Mrs. Velardi creates an environment where students feel supported, understood, and inspired to realize their innate brilliance. Through her thoughtful interactions and genuine care, she's building confidence in our fourth graders that will serve them well beyond their elementary years. We're truly fortunate to have educators like Mrs. Velardi who Jessica rightfully describes as "an amazing asset!" ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Our Family Climate & Culture Survey is open through March! Your anonymous feedback helps make our schools better for everyone. Complete a separate survey for each child at different schools. Click the link to participate and help shape our future: https://www.middletownschools.org/page/mps-culture-and-climate #MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers

Meet Robert "Bobby" Bissell, a Campus Security Officer at Middletown High School who proves that true security comes from building relationships. Nominated by a colleague who has witnessed firsthand how Bobby transforms the school environment through positivity and personal connection. "Bobby is positive and encouraging every day to every student. Calls them by name," shares his nominator. This intentional approach makes a profound difference—as one student told him directly, "he makes her day." What might seem like small interactions are actually powerful moments that shape our students' educational experience. When learning of his nomination, Bobby's response revealed his dedication: "I hope I am not the anonymous one because this, to me, is an honor and I'd love to know who recognized how I have connected with these kids over the last few years... I made it a point to do so when I was hired." We're grateful for staff members like Bobby who understand that security isn't just about protocols—it's about creating an environment where students feel seen, known, and valued every single day. ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms

Meet Pam Loh, a TESOL Teacher at Middletown High School who's making a profound difference for multilingual learners across all four grades! Nominated by one of her students who simply stated: "Mrs. Loh is a teacher who helps people to speak another language." Learning a new language opens doors to opportunities, and Mrs. Loh holds those doors wide open for her students every day. As one of just two TESOL teachers at MHS, Mrs. Loh brings exceptional expertise to our students with her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Saint Joseph. Now in her third year, she's already made significant contributions through her skills in ESOL, assessment protocols, and educational technology, creating a supportive environment where students thrive on their language journey. We're fortunate to have educators like Mrs. Loh who empower our students to find their voice and succeed! ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms #MPSFutureMakers #MPS4ALL

Save the Date! Join us for a special celebration honoring Women's History & Black History Months on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1-3 PM at Beman Middle School. Enjoy poetry, music, and historical presentations, including special performances by Middletown High School's GIFTS (Girls Inspired for Total Success) and others. This community event celebrates our rich diversity and shared history. RSVP using the link in our bio or here: tinyurl.com/HistoryEventMarch29

Meet Amy Barron, the extraordinary School Psychologist at Spencer Elementary who's elevating student success at MPS! Colleague Pam Ingersoll nominated Amy for her contributions to the Spencer School community. "Amy is one of the most gifted school psychologists I have ever met," shares Pam. "Her counseling sessions with students are always thoughtful; filled with visuals and tailored precisely to what each student needs." Always available for staff, parents, and outside providers, Amy's dedication to our school community shines through in everything she does. According to Pam, Amy's skill at writing integrated evaluations is "second to none," making her an invaluable resource for many at Spencer Elementary. We're fortunate to have dedicated professionals like Amy in Middletown Public Schools—going above and beyond for our students every single day! ***** Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms