Green Acres Principal Considine Gives Inspiring and Heartfelt Speach
Good afternoon! I’m Tracey Considine, and I have the absolute honor of serving as the Principal of Green Acres Elementary School—a place where curiosity thrives, and every student’s potential shines.
Before becoming Principal, I had the privilege of serving as the Language Arts Coordinator for North Haven for seven years—a role that deepened my love for education and our incredible community. Green Acres holds a very special place in my heart—not only as an educator, but also as a proud parent of a Green Acres graduate. When I say this school is a magical place, I’m not just speaking professionally—I mean it with every bit of personal truth and gratitude.
Green Acres Elementary School, located in North Haven Connecticut is a small school with a big heart. With a population of approximately 400 students, Green Acres Elementary School proudly educates children in Pre-K through grade five. At Green Acres Elementary, our relentless spirit drives everything we do — it's the foundation of our excellence and the heartbeat of our success.
A Title I school, Green Acres Elementary School has been recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction five times since 2016. Ongoing collaboration with district curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, teachers and administrators has enabled the students at Green Acres Elementary School to obtain consistent high achievement on the Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessment.
What makes Green Acres Elementary School so special and unique? All you have to do is step inside the front doors and you will be enveloped into a warm and positive climate that fosters a strong sense of belonging and community. A place where mistakes are made, where challenges big and small are conquered, and every day begins and ends with a smile. We focus on showing good citizenship, celebrating the diversity of our Green Acres family and giving back to the community at large.
Green Acres Elementary School is a community with a growth mindset where students and staff work hard each day to reflect and learn. A dedicated staff that works tirelessly to foster a kind, caring and well-rounded community of learners. Hard-working, compassionate and dedicated teachers who leave no stone unturned when it comes to educating the whole child.
Consistency is the key ingredient to the excellence that has been achieved at Green Acres. Each day, students and staff strive to be their very best. Our dedicated teachers deliver high-quality, purposeful instruction that is rigorous, engaging, and thoughtfully differentiated to meet the needs of every learner.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Our culture of excellence is built through strong partnerships among students, families, teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators, and instructional coaches. With a shared growth mindset and unwavering support, our Green Acres community empowers every student to reach their highest potential.
Grounded in the Connecticut Core State Standards, Green Acres Elementary School teachers provide consistent, daily instruction in all academic areas. Using data from district assessments to make informed decisions, teachers purposefully plan and implement instruction that is rigorous and differentiated according to the needs of each student. Teachers plan and implement daily, targeted small group instruction in Language Arts and Math. District curriculum coordinators meet weekly with the Green Acres Elementary School teachers to offer professional development and review curriculum.
Students at Green Acres Elementary School have access to a variety of resources. Monthly data team meetings allow for analysis of student growth and performance. Reading and math interventionists provide tier II and tier III support through Scientific Research Based Interventions.
Guided by our Soaring Hawk’s promise to be kind, respectful, responsible and safe citizens, students and staff at Green Acres Elementary School focus on showing good character. With North Haven Public Schools' Vision of the Graduate work at the forefront, Green Acres Elementary school focuses on the core competencies and character traits outlined in the Vision of the Graduate.
At Green Acres Elementary School, we believe in children first. As a community, parents and teachers, we vow to work together to help our students achieve their potential and create lifelong learners. At Green Acres Elementary School, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life.
Green Acres really is the place to be—now more than ever! They say it takes a village, and what an incredible village we have. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire community.
With the inspiring leadership of Patrick Stirk and the unwavering support of Melinda McKenna, Green Acres continues to thrive—empowering students and staff to reach new heights every day.
A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, curriculum coordinators, and administrators—past and present—who helped make this outstanding honor possible. We did it together!
Finally, I would like to take a moment to honor the remarkable leadership of Dr. Robert Cronin, who we sadly lost last spring. Dr. Cronin began his tenure as Superintendent of North Haven Public Schools in 2011 and served with distinction until his retirement in 2019. With Melinda McKenna by his side, together they guided our district through years of growth, innovation, and progress. I have no doubt that he’s smiling down on us today, proud of what this community has accomplished.