Issuu

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WATERFORD Bringing the accomplishments and initiatives of the Waterford Public Schools to the Town, Community and beyond to create a Connection that will reinforce a strong commitment to coming together to educate the whole child. INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Class of 2026 2&3 Avery Point

Transition

Program Graduates Community Partnerships

Student/Staff

Recognition

In the Schools 7 CLMS

Walk-a-thon Promotion/ Graduation Links

Connection

PUBLIC

SCHOOLS

This year, Waterford Public Schools focused on a simple but powerful belief: when students feel they belong, they believe they matter. Guided by this vision, our schools worked intentionally to create systems and structures that foster connection, inclusion, and support for every student. Through programs such as Quaker Hill Connects to the Mental Health Fair at Waterford High School, we continued to build environments where students felt seen, valued, and connected. However, belonging was not defined by a single program or event. It was reflected in the daily work of our educators and staff who welcomed students, built meaningful relationships, celebrated successes, and provided encouragement during challenges. These intentional actions, combined with coordinated systems of support, helped ensure that every student had access to caring adults and opportunities to engage as members of their school community. As Superintendent Tom Giard shared at the start of the school year, "Belonging isn't a moment; it's a mindset." Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, that mindset came to life across Waterford Public Schools. While we are proud of the progress made, we remain committed to strengthening our culture of belonging so that every student continues to feel supported, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Scan or click on the images to gain an inside look into the amazing programs in Waterford Public Schools.

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Congratulations to the WHS Class of 2026

Danica Jasmine Agsalud  Ellie Jenna Alexander  Hayden Abbott Amsden-Fish  Sebastian E. Arias  Noran Arnaout  Sloan Christopher Arnold  Adam David Balfour  Denatto Anthony Barnhill  Christopher N. Barrera-Mejia  Titus Fenton Barricklow  Isabella Madison Baskett  Griffin Ian Bergamo  Regan M. Bernardo  Zack Scott Berry  Jennifer Anne Blankenship  Brianna Ashley Bliven  Alex Michael Boluch  Avery Allen Bonewicz  Arden Emily Bonnano  Liliana E. Bordner  Lucas R. Bourez  Alexander James Bousquet  Addison Augustina Brothers  Brennan Phelps Bunnell  ChloeSophia Butler  Jayden James Campisi  Skyla Rene Campisi  Tori Anna Campisi  Maria Monique Campo  Evan C. Chapel  Valerie Cheng  Jada Nicole Collins  Lilah Maria Colonis  Zoey Ann-Mae Cone  Evan Michael Conte  Jordyn Mackenzie Craig  Giann Bernard Cuadros Huarcaya  Aidan Dahl  DilanDahl  Sarah Elizabeth Davidson  Cecil Ray Davis  Vincent Edward DeAngelis  Scott M. DeBiasi  Camden James DelGrosso  Zoe Elizabeth Dell  Johan M. Deon  Arthur Dhervilly  Gabriella Dielli  Savien L. Dillon 

Isabella Rose Dioquino  Jordan Michael Dodd  Benjamin Stephen Dubicki  Ireland Taylor Dunican-Benoit  NikolaiBrayden Eldridge  Jenna R. Dunkerley  Rami Elhadhoudi  Miya L. Elliott  Oliver Miles Ellis  Trey Alexander Evans  Boden Patrick Fagan  Audra Leslie Fiano  Jessica Lynn Fielder  Trinity Paige Flynn  Hailey Lokelani Fusconi  Avery Ann Gelinas  Nola Emily Gessner  Michael A. Gialpis  Madison Elena Goldstein  Kian Michael Gordy  Hannah Marie Grant  Kayla Ocean Grant  Mason N. Griffin  Leigha James Griswold  Taylor Griswold  Diego I. Gutierrez  Zaya N. Haglund  Millie Reese Harris  Maria Hathaway  Ethan Matthew Haynes  Isabel May Henry  Madison Lee Heon  Alexander J. Herbert  Samara M. Holley  Dakota J. Hull  Sydney Elizabeth Hurrell  Ali Madeline Jennings  Joselyn Esther Jimenez Alvarez  Miles Raymond Johnson  Sawyer Ashlen Kempe  Alissa Marie Kempke  Emma Katelyn Kidd  Marielis Kooyip  Nayoung Chloe Kwon  Ava Sophia Lee  Bronson Giovanni Leone  Emma Kay Lutz  Shaun Micheal Marquand-Mazako  Zaydin Curtis Martinez 

Larissa A. Martins Christos Matsas Quinn Nicole Miller Riley Elizabeth Miller Aneeb Burhan Mirza Riley Christopher Montana Lacey Emelia Montanari Arissa Rose Moore Laura Mrruku Lucy Jane Mullen Dominic Michael Munsell Cameron Joseph Murch Colton Maxfield Murch Viviana R. Muriel Onyx Emerson Myers Caleb A. Nichols Evalyse Mylee Gutierrez Jamus Lee Olsen Luke Aaron Olson Tristan Lee Olson Alaina Margaret Pafias Gabriella G. Pagano Maria Paloka Puja Pantha Evthokia Sophia Papathanasiou Orion Aindreaus Parrott Cole Anthony Graham Peckham Sophie E. Perkins Alexander Picardi Charles Carroll Pinkham Lauren Elizabeth Piotrowski Owen Magdiél Merillo Portillo Victoria Reyes Natali Reynoso Jenay Eléna Rosado Jett Julian Michael Rothan Jillian Rose Saad Leah Faith Sanders Grace Elizabeth Schlink-Rockwell Brodie James Scott Alexander J. Seltzer Colby Thomas Sheehan Jameson Presley Smith Maya Grace Smith Cara Rosemary Margaret Sollima Cassandra Nicole Soucy Parker Joseph Spencer Madeline Kate Stchur Audrey Melissa Steward

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Benjamin O. Stewart Colleen Megan Michael Sturm Cameron C. Surprenant Thomas Hargreaves Tattersall Julian O. Teel Evalyn R. Tesler Ava Therrien Brady Matthew Thibeau Sadie E. Tiven Marco James Tonucci Tenzin Topjong Wynonna Don-Hau Tuang Ava Jeanne Tucker Michael Richard Turner Jr. Missael Urena McKayla Valentin-Hunt Gavin Vincent Valentine Lily Ann Valentino Gabriel Dean VanOverloop Elijah Jamal Vaughan Madison M. Vernotzy Lucas Brian Vincenti Kasin James Vose Ava Rae Waddington Lucy Katherine Walker Thomas Richard Weir III Riley Christopher Wertz Luke Douglas Westkott Bruce Richard White Haken Gunner White Albert Keith Wilson Adyson Emma Jean Wiseman Lincoln Alexander Wright Greyson Elizabeth Wrightington

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Celebrating Achievement: Senior and Underclassmen Awards Waterford High School recently celebrated the outstanding achievements of both our senior and underclassmen students during our annual awards ceremonies. These events recognized students for their academic excellence, leadership, character, service, artistic and athletic accomplishments, and commitment to their school community. We are proud to honor the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of our students, whose hard work reflects the excellence found throughout Waterford High School. Congratulations to all award recipients for their remarkable accomplishments and the positive impact they have made both in and out of the classroom. Please see below for links to the awards ceremonies as well as details on the Senior scholarships received.

The WHS Senor Awards and Scholarships Ceremony was held on June 4, 2026. We are very proud of our Seniors - their hard work, commitment to excellence and support of our community is greatly appreciated. ⧫ Total Amount of Awards: $128,000 ⧫ Total # of Awards: 165 ⧫ Total # of Recipients: 117 ⧫

CAPSS Student Awards At the April Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Giard had the privilege of recognizing students who received the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) Student Awards. One student, WHS Senior Zack Berry, was unable to attend on that evening. At the May 28, 2026, Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Giard had the opportunity to recognize Zack for this prestigious honor, celebrating his accomplishments and outstanding contributions. Please scan the QR code to read Zack’s bio as well as the bios of the other recipients. The CAPSS Superintendent’s Student Award is a reflection not only of individual achievement, but also of character, perseverance, and integrity. Waterford Public Schools is proud to celebrate our CAPSS Superintendent's Student Award recipients and the impact they have made within their schools and beyond.

The Connection ⚫ Summer 2026 ⚫ www.waterfordschools.org

Pathways to Success: Empowering Students Through Vocational Readiness

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It was a beautiful day on the University of Connecticut Avery Point campus as Waterford Public Schools proudly celebrated two outstanding Transition Program students, Isabella Diglio and Peter Hynek, on the completion of their vocational studies. The Waterford Transition Program, serving students ages 18–22, provides meaningful opportunities for young adults to develop workplace readiness skills, increase independence, and prepare for successful futures through community-based learning and vocational experiences. Located on the UConn Avery Point campus, the program offers students a unique environment to grow academically, socially, and professionally while building connections within the community. During the celebration, students, families, and staff gathered to honor Isabella and Peter for their accomplishments, perseverance, and personal growth. Throughout their time in the program, both students worked diligently to strengthen their work readiness skills, build confidence, and develop greater independence. Their success reflects countless moments of learning, determination, and achievement. Please see their Graduate Reflections below: I had different job experiences, and I enjoyed working at Goodwill and Waterford Carelot. Those are my favorite because I love to organize inventory and I loved working with kids. I learned many different skills, such as building a resume, practicing interview skills, and using menu math. ~ Isabella Diglio

I learned life skills in budgeting, cooking, nutrition, laundry, and exercise routines. To prepare for future work practiced interviewing, resume building, work readiness, and the job application proves…One of my biggest accomplishments is my participation in the Youth Leadership Forum in Storrs, CT. Most importantly I have learned that working hard and being kind will take me through life. ~ Peter Hynek

This year, two Waterford High School seniors, Onyx Myers and Tenzin “Toppy” Topjong, assisted Central Office as part of their educational experience focused on building life and workplace skills. Through handson opportunities and meaningful responsibilities, these students gained valuable experience in a professional setting while developing the confidence, communication, and organizational skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Throughout the year, Onyx and Toppy assisted with a variety of office tasks, interacted with staff members, learned workplace expectations, and strengthened their independence. Their positive attitudes, willingness to learn, and dedication made them an important part of our Central Office team. The Connection ⚫ Summer 2026 ⚫ www.waterfordschools.org

Waterford Community Partnerships

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The Waterford Rotary recently recognized students in all of the Waterford Public Schools who have exemplified leadership qualities as well as community service. One student from each elementary school, one student from each team at Clark Lane Middle School, and one student from each grade level at Waterford High School received the Rotary Student of the Year Award. Four WHS Juniors received the Rotary Scholar Award. Many thanks to the Waterford Rotary for continuing to invest in our students.

See page 8 for information on the Clark Lane Middle School Walk-a-thon - an annual event that celebrates giving back to the community.

More than 200 fourth and fifth grade students from Waterford’s elementary schools participated in the 2026 Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Recognition Program, creating artwork that promoted this year’s theme, “Fire Prevention Everyone/ Everyday.” The program, coordinated through the Waterford Fire Marshal’s Office, encourages students to share important fire safety messages through creativity and art. Fourth grade student Donny Brody of Great Neck Elementary School and fifth grade student Kaylani Haye of Oswegatchie Elementary School were selected as Waterford’s finalists. Kaylani’s poster went on to earn top honors for New London County, and she will be recognized at the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Program Luncheon. We congratulate Kaylani, Donny, and all of our students for their outstanding participation and creativity.

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Waterford Wonders

Congratulations to Quaker Hill Elementary School grade 5 student Olivia Batista who was recognized at the May 28th Board of Education Meeting as a Waterford Wonder. Olivia was selected for her exemplary character and for being a good role model for her peers. Quaker Hill Elementary Principal Chris Discordia delivered the following words at the Waterford Wonders presentation. Olivia Battista - “Olivia is a kind, caring, and dependable student who approaches her work with responsibility and pride. She consistently goes out of her way to support her classmates and teacher, always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether she is organizing the morning lunch count or assisting a peer, Olivia quietly takes initiative—not for recognition, but because she knows it is the right thing to do. In the classroom, Olivia is an active and engaged learner. She participates thoughtfully in discussions, asks questions to deepen her understanding, and isn’t afraid to make mistakes— because she recognizes that growth comes from trying. She is a strong self-advocate and understands that learning is a partnership. What truly sets Olivia apart is her positivity. She comes to school each day with a smile, and her cheerful spirit lifts those around her. She is deeply respected and well-loved by her peers, serving as a role model who lives out the Quaker Hill motto: Say YES to Respect—for others, for her school, and for herself. Olivia Battista represents everything this award stands for. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the positive impact she has on our school community. Congratulations, Olivia, on being named a Waterford Wonder!”

Waterford Board of Education Honors Retirees On June 25, 2026, the Waterford Board of Education will celebrate staff members who retired or will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. We are thankful for the years of service that the following staff dedicated to the Waterford Public School district and students. We wish them well in retirement! WHS •

Ann Denise Boguszewski

•

Lauren Benoit

CLMS

GN •

Linda Brailey

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Linda Stenz

OSW •

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Devon Bushey

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Lindsay Loguidice

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Lauren McKenna

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Tracie Drabinski

Traci Susi

District •

Caroline Whittaker

The Connection ⚫ Summer 2026 ⚫ www.waterfordschools.org

In the Schools...

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WHS Students Make a Global Connection Through the Memory Project Members of the Waterford High School National Art Honor Society recently used their artistic talents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children across the globe. As part of their commitment to sharing art beyond the classroom, students participated in the Memory Project, a nonprofit organization that connects artists with children around the world who have experienced significant hardship. This year, WHS students created personalized portraits for children in Cambodia, providing each child with a unique keepsake to cherish. Through photographs supplied by the organization, students carefully crafted hand-drawn portraits designed to celebrate the individuality and spirit of each child. The project not only allowed students to develop their artistic skills but also fostered empathy, compassion, and global understanding. Check out the video of the children receiving their portraits - https:// vimeo.com/memoryproject/cambodia2026

Marine Science Day in WPS

Students from across Waterford Public Schools recently enjoyed a day of hands-on environmental learning during the district’s annual Marine Science Day at Waterford Beach. The event transformed the shoreline into an outdoor classroom where students explored marine ecosystems, environmental stewardship, and coastal science through a variety of engaging activities. The day featured interactive learning stations led by Waterford Public Schools staff, more than 80 Waterford High School student volunteers, and community partners including Project O, Connecticut College, Millstone Power Station, Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum, U.S. Navy Divers, and the Alewife Cove Conservancy. Through these experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of the natural world while connecting classroom learning to real-world scientific exploration.

CLMS Walk-a-thon

On May 22, 2026, students and staff at Clark Lane Middle School came together for the school's Annual Walk-A-Thon, raising funds for several local charities while celebrating community, generosity, and learning. Following a shortened academic schedule, students spent the afternoon walking a designated route around the school campus. This year's event supported The Cactus Jack Foundation, the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, and Friends of Waterford Music. In addition to promoting philanthropy, the Walk-A-Thon provided students with an opportunity to apply real-world mathematics skills as they calculated fundraising totals based on pledges per mile and individual donations. The event was a tremendous success, raising $40,000 for the designated charities. Check out The Day Article, Waterford middle school students raise $40,000 for local nonprofits , for more information on this impactful day.

The Clark Lane Middle School Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The event can be viewed on the CLMS YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/t2Cdy_p-PJ8? feature=share

The Waterford High School Class of 2024 Graduation will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The event can be viewed on the WHS YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/ti869N7ORhk?feature=share

Waterford Public Schools Deb Roselli Kelly, Board of Education Chairperson Thomas W. Giard III, Superintendent 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford , CT 06385 Phone: 860-444-5852 Fax: 860-444-5870 Contact: Caroline Whittaker - Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent E-mail: cwhittaker@waterfordschools.org

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