Embedded Files
Family Newsletter
August 2026
Schoolwide Expectations:
Schoolwide Expectations:
R: Respect Others
O: Own Your Actions
A: Act Safely
R: Rise to Challenges
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Important Links:
2026-27 Stamford School Dates and Events
2026-2027 Student & Parent/Guardian Handbook_
Emails will be sent out to inform and/or remind families of upcoming weekly events.
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Schoolwide Expectations:
R: Respect Others
O: Own Your Actions
A: Act Safely
R: Rise to Challenges
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________🌟Welcome Back, Stamford School Families! 🌟
Hello, Stamford School Families:
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying these last few weeks of summer. While it's always bittersweet to see summer come to an end, there is something special about the excitement and anticipation that comes with a new school year. A fresh start brings new opportunities to learn, grow, build friendships, and create lasting memories.
Here at Stamford School, we've been busy preparing for your return. While we had to say goodbye to a few familiar faces over the summer, we are excited to welcome several outstanding new members to our staff. Each brings unique talents, experience, and enthusiasm, and I know they will be wonderful additions to our school community. Over the next few weeks, our teachers will return to prepare their classrooms, and together we'll put the finishing touches on another exciting school year. Our building has also received several much-needed updates over the summer, all with the goal of creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for our students. We are looking forward to another year of learning, growth, and helping every child reach their full potential.
Our Kindergarten through Grade 8 students will begin school on Monday, August 31, and we look forward to welcoming our Preschool students on Wednesday, September 9.
Whether your family is returning or joining Stamford School for the first time, we are so grateful to have you as part of our community. Stamford is a place where students are known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We are excited to continue this into a new academic year. As always, thank you for your partnership and trust. Together, we will make this another incredible year at "The Best Little School in the World!"
🏫 Our Mission: At Stamford School, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students are challenged, celebrated, and inspired. Our mission is to help every student grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, preparing them to be thoughtful, capable, and kind members of their communities.📚 Focus on Academic Growth: We are proud to share that our students made remarkable academic growth last year, and we are excited to build on that success! One of our greatest accomplishments was implementing our new phonics program in the primary grades. After seeing such outstanding results during our pilot last year, we are thrilled to continue expanding this work to ensure our youngest learners develop strong foundational reading skills.
This year, we will continue to implement our core reading and mathematics programs with fidelity, providing all students with high-quality, evidence-based instruction. We will also continue using data to guide instruction and provide targeted intervention and enrichment so every child has the opportunity to succeed.
We have high expectations for our students because we know what they are capable of achieving. With the continued partnership between our families, staff, and community, we are confident this will be another year filled with learning, growth, and celebration.
The sky truly is the limit, and we can't wait to see all that our students accomplish this year!
🍎 Pre-K & Kindergarten Orientation:
We will be holding a special Pre-K and Kindergarten Orientation to help our youngest learners and their families ease into the school year. This will be a great opportunity to meet the teachers, explore the classrooms, and get comfortable with the routines.
Pre-K Orientation will be held on Thursday, September 3, from 9:30-10:30 am.
Kindergarten Orientation will be held on Friday, August 28, from 2:30-3:30 pm.
More details will be shared soon, and a separate email will be sent to families who have registered for those grade levels.
📘 Getting Back Into the Swing of Things:
Here are a few fun and easy ways to help your child ease into school routines over the next few weeks:
Read Every Day: Whether it’s a bedtime story or a quiet moment in the afternoon, reading together makes a big difference.
Write About Summer: Journaling, sketching, or even making a comic strip about summer adventures helps warm up writing muscles.
Practice Math in Real Life: Cook, count, measure, or play games. Math is all around us!
Re-establish a Routine: Start adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times so the first few mornings back go a little more smoothly.
🚫 Squishy Toys & "Dumpling" Toys
Over the past year, we've noticed a significant increase in students bringing squishy toys, "dumplings," and other fidget-style toys to school. While these items may seem harmless, they have become a frequent source of distraction in classrooms, on the playground, and during transitions.
Research on attention and learning tells us that novel or highly engaging objects compete for a child's attention, making it more difficult to focus on instruction and complete academic tasks. In addition, these toys often become the focus of trading, sharing, comparing, or disagreements between students, taking valuable time away from learning. Our goal is to create classrooms where students are engaged with their teachers, classmates, and learning—not distracted by personal toys.
Beginning this school year:
Squishy toys, "dumplings," and similar toys should remain at home.
If a student brings one to school, it will be held in the office until the end of the school day, and the student may pick it up before dismissal.
If the same student brings one to school a second time, the item will be held in the office until a parent or guardian picks it up.
We appreciate your partnership in helping us minimize distractions and maximize learning time. Thank you for talking with your child before school begins about leaving these items at home. Your support helps us create a focused, positive learning environment where every student can be successful.
👋 Goodbyes and Hellos:
One of the most rewarding parts of being a principal is building relationships with an incredible staff. One of the most difficult parts is saying goodbye.
Like schools across the country, Stamford has experienced some staff turnover this summer. While change is never easy, it is a natural part of education. Research consistently shows that strong relationships and consistent staffing contribute positively to student achievement, school culture, and student well-being. Because of this, staff stability and consistency remain one of my highest priorities. My goal is to build a team that will grow together for years to come, providing our students with the stability they deserve.
This summer, we said goodbye to several valued members of our school family:
Maya Miller, Administrative Assistant to the Principal
Laura Jalinskas, Special Education Teacher
Michelle Chapman, Middle School Math and Science Teacher
Kayla Solomon-Lane, Third and Fourth Grade Teacher
Iris Faille, Special Education Paraprofessional
Each of these individuals made meaningful contributions to Stamford School, and we are grateful for the care, dedication, and commitment they showed our students. We wish them nothing but the very best in their next chapters.
While it is always difficult to say goodbye, change also brings new opportunities. New staff members bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and diverse experiences that strengthen our school community. Research on effective schools suggests that combining experienced educators with new talent fosters collaboration, encourages innovation, and leads to continuous improvement for students.
This year also brings exciting changes as Stamford welcomes many new families following the closing of Readsboro School. To best meet the needs of our growing student population while maximizing academic achievement, I carefully reviewed enrollment numbers, student needs, and instructional data before making classroom assignments. These decisions were made with one goal in mind: providing every student with the strongest possible learning environment.
Our classroom organization for the 2026–2027 school year will be:
Pre-School – Ms. Frances Busa
Kindergarten – Ms. Amy Maselli
Grade 1 – Ms. Kristy Sherman
Combined Grades 2 & 3 – Ms. Erica Legrand
Combined Grades 4 & 5 – Ms. Kelly Castell
Grade 6 Homeroom / Middle School ELA & Social Studies – Mr. Jacob Haver
Grade 7 & 8 Homeroom / Middle School Math & Science – Position currently being filled
We are also excited to welcome several outstanding new members to the Stamford School family:
Kali Bushey – Administrative Assistant to the Principal
Erica Legrand – Grades 2 & 3 Teacher (new to this position)
Kelly Castell – Grades 4 & 5 Teacher
Jacob Haver – Middle School ELA & Social Studies / Grade 6 Homeroom
New Middle School Math & Science Teacher – Coming Soon
Jackie Jacobson – Special Education Teacher, bringing extensive experience supporting diverse learners
Shannon Burns – Custodian
Jesse Lane – Special Education Paraprofessional
Lindsay Bleau – Special Education Paraprofessional
Stephanie Gouette – Physical Education Teacher
We are equally grateful to welcome back so many familiar faces who continue to make Stamford School such a special place:
Classroom & Student Support Staff:
Classroom & Student Support Staff:
Melissa Desjardin – School Chef
Seamus Connor – Interventionist
Kristie Henderson – Special Education Paraprofessional
Chelsea Brazeau – Special Education Paraprofessional
Elissa Fink – Special Education Paraprofessional
Kayla Holmes – Special Education Paraprofessional
Michelle Desautels – Special Education Paraprofessional
Dave Nichols – School Nurse, Health & Wellness, and Guidance
Specials:
Specials:
Ms. Lee – Music
Mr. Ross – Library
Ms. Saldo – Art
Student Services:
Student Services:
Ashley Porter – Occupational Therapy
Lisa Ives – Physical Therapy
Jenna Broda – Speech-Language Pathologist (Virtual)
Nicole Lord – Speech-Language Pathologist
I truly believe we have assembled an exceptional team of educators and support staff who care deeply about children and are committed to helping every student succeed. I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside such dedicated professionals, and I know our students will benefit from the knowledge, compassion, and enthusiasm each person brings to Stamford School every day.
As we begin this new school year, I couldn't be more excited about what lies ahead. Together, with our students, families, staff, and community, we will continue building on the tremendous growth we've already seen. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and support. It is truly an honor to serve as principal of The Best Little School in the World!
🗓 What’s Coming Up?
I have linked our school calendar: 2026-27 Stamford School Events and Dates. You will notice that I have mapped out many events that are scheduled to occur throughout the year. These events include: Open House, Spirit Weeks, Literacy Night, and more. Some events, such as field trips, have not yet been scheduled, but our goal is to share information as promptly as possible.
As I begin my third year as principal of Stamford School, I continue to be inspired by the kindness, dedication, and support that make this community so special. It is a privilege to work alongside our incredible staff, partner with our families, and watch our students learn, grow, and discover their potential each day.
Please know that my door is always open. If you have questions, concerns, ideas, or simply want to connect, I encourage you to reach out. The partnership between home and school is one of the greatest strengths of our community, and together we can provide the very best educational experience for every child.
I am truly excited about the year ahead and all that we will accomplish together. Thank you for your continued trust, support, and commitment to Stamford School.
Here's to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year filled with learning, growth, and memorable moments.
With gratitude,
Julie Swanson
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Attendance Reminder: To best support our students as learners, they must attend school regularly. While missing a day here or there might seem insignificant, school absences can add up quickly. Missing just two days each month—excused or unexcused—can significantly impact a child’s academic achievement.
Some reasons for missed school days are unavoidable. Still, if your child is missing multiple days, especially a few days every month, it’s important to consider how this adds up in lost instruction time and its long-term effects on their education. In addition to attending school every day, students must arrive on time. Our school doors open promptly at 8:00 am each morning, and our daily announcements are made at 8:25. When students arrive late, they miss these important announcements. They may also miss academic activities that are key to starting the day in their classrooms. Being late also means missing out on opportunities to connect with their peers at the beginning of the school day.
Additional PTG News:
We need your partnership and involvement to ensure our students' success. This year, we are working to rebuild participation with our Parent-Teacher Group (PTG) to support our school community. We warmly invite all parents to be active members of our PTG. Every parent is already a valued member, and we encourage you to participate in activities that suit you and your family best. We'll hold monthly meetings to collaborate and support our students and school community. Our meetings will take place on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 7:00 PM in the School Library. Please join us for an evening of discussion, connection, and community-building! You're welcome to bring your children along. Our next meeting is yet to be scheduled.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures:
For the safety and efficiency of our drop-off and pick-up process, please remain in your vehicle at arrival and dismissal times, regardless of your child's grade level. Students riding the school bus are dismissed first, and carline dismissal begins once the bus departs.
Key Reminders:
Stay in your car to keep the carline moving and prevent congestion.
Allow staff members on duty to assist students in safely entering and exiting vehicles.
Morning Arrival Reminder: Please do not allow your child to exit the vehicle until you see staff members outside supervising. School doors do not open until 8:00 a.m., and there is no adult supervision available before that time. For your child's safety, students may not be left unattended.
Safety First: The well-being of our students is our top priority. Your cooperation helps ensure a smooth and secure process for everyone. Thank you for your support.
CORE Values: Windham Southwest Supervisory Union Mission and Vision Statement: Windham Southwest Supervisory Union creates pathways for our students to become powerful communicators, critical thinkers, and collaborators who use empathy and take responsibility for relationships, lifelong learning, and adaptability in our changing world. Stamford School prepares students with the essential competencies identified by our Portrait of Student Success Design Team. Our core values guide us as we ensure our students’ success.
The Stamford School prioritizes the following competencies:
ADAPTABILITY: Demonstrate agility, creativity, and flexibility in thoughts and actions to negotiate a range of different views, roles, and situations
COMMUNICATION: Articulate thoughts and ideas, listen and respond effectively, decipher meaning, and build on others’ ideas for a range of purposes and audiences
COLLABORATION: Build collective commitment and action to achieve group goals by leveraging strengths, defining roles, sharing feedback, seeking diverse perspectives, and debating respectfully
CRITICAL THINKING: Analyze and evaluate meaning, significance, and impacts using evidence and inference while considering multiple perspectives
EMPATHY: Listen to, engage with, and care for the feelings, emotions, and experiences of others by practicing awareness, consideration, validation, respect, and sensitivity
RESPONSIBILITY: Act honestly, demonstrate care, honor commitments, seek help, repair harm, resolve conflicts, and consider consequences for risks while contributing to the community and the greater good.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures:
School safety is our priority. Please review the following procedures to help us ensure the safe arrival and dismissal of all students.
Arrival and Dismissal:
Bus: If your child rides the bus, please try to have your child at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Stress the importance of waiting off the road for the bus to stop and moving away immediately when leaving the bus. Like the Stamford School, buses transporting Stamford School and high school students are NUT-FREE ZONES. On the bus, we expect children to follow the following rules:
When the bus moves, all students will remain seated in the forward position with feet out of the aisle.
Throwing of any objects is not permitted.
Students must keep all extremities inside the bus.
Yelling, excessive noise, or foul language will not be permitted.
No smoking of any kind on the bus.
Do not litter; properly dispose of trash at the front of the bus.
No eating or drinking on the bus.
Any destruction to the bus is considered vandalism.
Drop-Off
If you bring your child(ren) to school, please drop them off at the front of the school at a point that does not interfere with the entry or exit of the buses. Parents/guardians should stress safety and be vigilant as their children exit the vehicle. Drop-off is between 8:00-8:15 am, and school begins at 8:25 am. If your child wants to eat breakfast here, please have them arrive before 8:25 am. ALL parents must remain in their vehicle and cue behind other cars. Unless directed by staff, no one should drive around another vehicle in the drop-off/pick-up line or pass a school bus in the parking lot. Due to safety concerns, parents/guardians can no longer park on the lawn and walk across the dismissal queue. Reminder: The front driveway is one-way; all individuals must follow the posted signs and staff directions.
Early Dismissal
Parents/guardians who need their child(ren) dismissed early or to take a different route home must send a note indicating the time and person who will pick them up. Regularly scheduled school early dismissals will always be released at 11:30 a.m. for grades K-8 and 11:00 a.m. for preschool.
Student Attendance:
Student Attendance:
Regular school attendance is essential to the total education of the student. Regular attendance is one of the most significant factors affecting school success. Time in class is vital to the growth and development of each student, and time lost will limit the opportunity for uniform instructional interaction and support. Parents are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their children attend school regularly.
By improving attendance and encouraging punctuality, we hope to achieve the following:
Improve scholastic performance by staying current with academic assignments.
Create and maintain a positive school culture.
Place responsibility for attendance and punctuality on the part of the students and their parents.
Develop habits in students that are beneficial skills for both post-secondary educational experiences and future employment.
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Email addresses for all staff members are: first-name.last-name@wswsu49.org
Ms. Julie Swanson: Principal; julie.swanson@wswsu49.org
Ms. Kali Bushey, Administrative Assistant to the Principal
Ms. Jackie Jacobson, Special Education Teacher and Case Manager
Ms. Frances Busa, Pre-School Teacher
Ms. Amy Maselli, Classroom Teacher Grades K
Ms. Kristy Sherman, Classroom Teacher Grades 1
Ms. Erica Legrand, Classroom Teacher Grades 2-3
Ms. Kelly Castell, Classroom Teacher Grades 4-5
Mr. Jacob Haver, Middle School ELA & Social Studies (grades 6-8)
TBD, Middle School Math & Science (grades 6-8)
Dave Nicol, Nurse, Guidance Counselor, Health and Wellness Teacher
Mr. Seamus Connor, Academic Intervention
Ms. Lorelie Haneke (Ms. Lee), Music Teacher K-8 (1 day/week)
Ms. Kamaree Saldo, Art Teacher K-8 (1 day/week)
Mr. Bob Ross, Research/Library/Media
Ms. Stephanie Goulette, PE Teacher (1 day/week)
Ms. Melissa Desjardin, School Chef
Mr. Shannon Burns, School Custodian
Ms. Chelsea Brazeau, Special Education Paraprofessional
Ms. Kristie Henderson, Special Education Paraprofessional
Ms. Kelly Holland, Special Education Paraprofessional
Ms. Michelle Desautels, Special Education Paraprofessional
Ms. Elissa Fink, Special Education Paraprofessional
Ms. Kayla Holmes, Special Education Paraprofessional
Mr. Jesse Lane, Special Education Paraprofessional
Ms. Lindsay, Special Education Paraprofessional
Ms. Jenna Broda, Virtual Speech and Language Pathologist (P/T)
Ms. Nicole Lord, Certified Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant (In-Person)
Ms. Ashley Porter, Occupational Therapist
Ms. Lisa Ives, Physical Therapist
Ms. Ashley Blevins, Special Education Case Manager
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