Farm Hill Elementary

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

📷 Quick reminder that Spring Pictures are tomorrow, Wednesday, April 23, 2025! All students will have their picture taken, even if payment is not sent in ahead of time.

👀 Peek at the week for April 21: April 21 - Grade 5 field trip to Mystic Seaport April 23 - Spring Pictures April 23-24 Kindergarten registration (by appointment only) April 25 - Grade 2 Field Trip

Pasta Dinner and PJ day Good afternoon! Thank you for the wonderful response for the Pasta Dinner fundraiser. At this time, we can no longer accept orders. Again, thank you to all of you that responded! Also, I am pleased to report that students have filled all our buckets as part of our PBIS incentive. They have earned a pajama day on Friday April 11. Please remember no slippers and pajamas should be appropriate for school. Thank you!

❤️ Farm Hill Community: Please register for the 2025 American Heart Association Hoops/ Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser which ends 4/25/25. Contact Mr. Serra with any questions. Serrac@mpsct.org

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

🍝 Please help support the fifth graders' end of year celebrations. The money raised from this fundraiser will go towards their end of the year trip/party, their promotion ceremony, free yearbooks for all students, class tee-shirts and so much more. The fifth graders would love to serve you dinner and sell you some raffle tickets for some really great prizes. All food is donated this year by Farm Hill families, the Latina Family, Illiano's, Mondo's and Big Y. It is sure to be a tasty evening, and the best part is that you don't have to worry about dinner for the night!! Hope to see you there!

Here is our latest and greatest Farm Hill News Broadcast. We will be taking a break from Broadcasts for a few weeks due to testing. Enjoy! https://drive.google.com/file/d/15QmaU_4gKaxjB5QAj9ej6DyUF0vp6yEo/view?usp=sharing

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

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

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

Today your students learned about CREATIVITY and how to be a LIFE LEARNER. “I use my imagination to create something unique.” “I love to learn. I read and ask questions about the world.” Log on to MYBOOSTER.COM to watch the story unfold! Don't forget about our nightly challenge! The grade with the highest sign ups will get to see the Booster Team get Ice Bucketed! Go to MYBOOSTER.COM tonight to register and help our school!

Students and families, we have a new nightly challenge! The grade with the highest sign ups will get to see the Booster Team get Ice Bucketed! Go to MYBOOSTER.COM tonight to register and help our school!

It’s not too late to sign up!⏰🚨We’re so close to reaching our $15,000 goal, but we need your help to get to the finish line! Sign up at MyBooster.com today. ✅Just a few minutes of your time can make a BIG difference! 🙏#makeadifference #supportourschool DON'T FORGET it's FREE to sign up and your child will get a Dude Perfect Special Edition Key Chain!!! Need help? Contact your child's teacher or Miss Brooke

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

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

Today our students learned about TRUSTWORTHINESS, “I tell the truth and keep my promises.” Our students are so excited, thanks for helping make our fundraiser great! 🙌🏼 3/17 Nightly Challenge Winners: 4th GRADE!!!! 3/18 Nightly Challenge: The grade with the most new donations will earn Kahoot Mania with the Booster Team!

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