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.
Update from the Waterford Board of Education
At the February 26th Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget with an increase of 5.3%. With approximately 95% of the proposed FY27 budget increase attributed to fixed costs (ie. salaries, benefits, tuition, transportation, and utilities), the proposed budget preserves reasonable class sizes districtwide and adds key non-certified positions in Information Technology and family outreach to address evolving student and community needs. The Board of Education Budget will go before the Town Board of Finance on March 23rd and the RTM on May 4th before final approval on May 13th . See page 8 for the podcast highlighting the budget process.
FY27 BOE APPROVED BUDGET
Hour of AI
All elementary students across Waterford Public Schools recently participated in the 2025 –2026 Hour of AI event (previously known as the Hour of Code). Part of a global movement that introduces students worldwide to the foundational concepts of computer science and artificial intelligence, this experience is designed to spark curiosity, challenge stereotypes about who can work in technology-related fields, and empower students to see themselves as creators, not just consumers, of technology.
Throughout the event, students engaged in hands-on, age-appropriate activities that encouraged problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity while building an early understanding of how emerging technologies impact their daily lives. By participating in Hour of AI, Waterford Public Schools continues to demonstrate its commitment to equipping students with essential 21st century skills. We recognize that regardless of the career paths our students ultimately pursue, their future success will increasingly depend on their ability to understand, adapt to, and thoughtfully engage with technology in an ever-evolving digital world.
INNOVATION
In this edition’s Innovation in Education spotlight, we’re proud to highlight the exceptional work happening every day at Waterford High School. From dynamic classroom experiences to forward-thinking programs that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond, WHS continues to foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and achievement. Through the dedication of our teachers and the enthusiasm of our students, innovation is not just a concept it’s a lived experience that is shaping bright futures across our school community.
Advanced Photography - Article/photos submitted by WHS Art Teacher Jackie Bono
This semester, our Advanced Photography course students culminated their learning with an authentic, real-world portrait assignment: photographing our Senior Superlative nominees for use at the March 18th Senior Superlative/Hypnotist Show night. Working in small teams, students were each assigned four superlative categories and were responsible for planning, styling, and capturing portraits that reflected the personality and theme of each award. Throughout the process, students applied a full range of studio lighting techniques learned over the course of the semester while strengthening their technical camera skills and creative decision-making. Just as importantly, they practiced professional communication by working directly with their “clients,” guiding each nominee through posing, expression, and confidence in front of the camera. This project celebrated creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, while giving students a meaningful opportunity to create work that will be shared and celebrated by the entire school community.
INNOVATION
WHS Advanced Biology - Article/photos submitted by
Ninth and Tenth Grade Biologists have been studying the evolution of Polar Bears in order to figure out what will happen to Arctic bear populations as their environment changes. We learned that for the first time, Black, Brown and Polar Bears have been observed together in the Arctic Circle. Students were tasked with making predictions about what may happen to bears as they compete for limited resources in the face of climate change. In order to help them formulate their predictions, students rotated through lab stations where they got to actually hold and manipulate real bear skulls, paws, claws and teeth! Students did an amazing job not only handling the samples, but working together to brainstorm which anatomical features make each different bear uniquely adapted to its lifestyle and habitat. Content aside, it was also incredible to see my students having so much fun comparing the size of the bear skulls to their own heads, debating who could outrun/fight a bear, and being genuinely curious about how different animals survive in the wild.
WHS Biology Teacher Colleen Carmack
INNOVATION
Article/photos submitted by WHS Business Teacher Alyson Woznicki
Ms. Woznicki’s Business 102: Marketing and Branding class collaborated with Chef Ramos’ Culinary classes to bring their food truck concepts to life by creating and preparing a signature dish from their menus. This hands world execution, transforming menu ideas into tangible products. By working together, students gained a deeper understanding of branding, product development, and customer experience while showcasing creativity, teamwork, and cross
INNOVATION
Advance Photography - Article/photos submitted by
WHS Technology Education Teacher Ed Torres
Students are developing proficiency in SolidWorks, an industry-recognized parametric design software, to create detailed parts and assemblies. Through this work, they build the skills needed to apply SolidWorks across the full design process and to validate their designs within assemblies. The class also collaborates with Electric Boat through a liaison program with WHS, providing students with meaningful real -world connections as EB professionals visit WHS to demonstrate how classroom learning translates directly to industry practice.
WATERFORD
The Waterford Board of Education recognized students from Waterford High School at the January Board of Education meeting as Waterford Wonders. The Waterford Board of Education began Waterford Wonders as a program to honor students deserving of special recognition for academics, accomplishments, exemplary character, going above and beyond and sometimes, for just being a “good kid”.
Boden Fagan is a student who exemplifies excellence not by staying within what is comfortable, but by intentionally seeking a challenge. He understands that real growth comes from pushing limits, embracing complexity, and fully committing to the work.
Early in his high school career, Boden showed a level of self-awareness and intellectual drive that immediately set him apart. Realizing he needed a greater challenge, he took the initiative to move himself into more rigorous coursework. He did so not for recognition, but because he wanted to think more deeply, wrestle with ideas, and truly engage in learning. Boden thrives on what his counselor describes as “cognitive friction.” He engages deeply with ideas, welcomes challenge, and contributes meaningfully to the learning around him because he is genuinely invested in the process.
What makes Boden especially remarkable is how seamlessly he balances this academic rigor with excellence across very different arenas. On the athletic field, he is a four-year varsity soccer player and a respected captain determined, disciplined, and deeply committed to his team. And yet, beyond the field, Boden’s talents take on an entirely different form.
Boden is an extraordinary musician. As a double bassist, he serves as Principal Bass in Waterford High School’s highest orchestra, a leadership role earned through exceptional skill and consistency. He has been selected multiple times for the All New England Orchestra and was recently accepted to the prestigious Altschuler Summer Music Institute in Italy an honor that places him among the top young musicians selected to train with renowned faculty and professional artists on an international stage.
He has also earned acceptance to the New England Music Festival for three consecutive years and has been named one of the top bassists in the Connecticut All-State Orchestra.
In addition to these accomplishments, Boden remains grounded and deeply committed to others. Alongside his academic, athletic, and musical pursuits, he dedicates his time to supporting our Unified Physical Education classes, working alongside students with special needs. It is easy to shine in one’s own spotlight; it takes true character to step into the background and help others shine and Boden does this quietly and consistently.
Those who know him best speak of his humor, humility, and kindness. He elevates every space he enters, whether it is a classroom, a rehearsal hall, or a team setting. As he looks ahead to a future in criminal justice and federal law enforcement, Boden already embodies the integrity, perspective, and leadership that this work demands.
Boden Fagan is a Waterford Wonder because he challenges himself, leads with integrity, and uses his talents to strengthen the community around him. He represents the very best of Waterford High School.
Congratulations to Boden on this award and for setting such a powerful example for all of us.
~Kirk Samuelson, Principal Waterford High School
WONDERS
Wynonna is the kind of student who quietly but powerfully embodies what this award represents. She does not seek attention or recognition, yet her impact on those around her is profound and lasting. Through her compassion, dedication, and empathy, Wynonna exemplifies our district’s mission and reminds us that leadership often reveals itself through kindness and service.
Throughout her four years at Waterford High School, Wynonna has been deeply involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. She played freshman and JV volleyball during her first two years at Waterford High School and has been a dedicated member of our String Orchestra throughout all four years. Her musical leadership is especially noteworthy serving as co-principal of the Second Violin section during her junior year and currently as co-principal of the First Violin section as a senior. In these roles, Wynonna leads with humility, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the success of the entire ensemble.
She is also a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Best Buddies, and she volunteers her time each week helping care for elementary students during her church’s Sunday School program. These commitments reflect not only her talents, but also her genuine willingness to give her time and energy in service of others.
At the core of who Wynonna is, however, is her compassion especially for children. Wynonna has a deeply rooted desire to support and care for others, which has shaped her goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist. Originally aspiring to become a pediatrician, she realized that this path would allow her to combine her interest in the medical field with what she values most: providing emotional comfort and support to children during difficult moments. Her experiences as a camp counselor, working in a daycare, and forming meaningful connections with children through her church have only strengthened this calling. In every conversation, it is clear that Wynonna genuinely finds joy in being a source of calm, reassurance, and care for young people.
Wynonna is also deeply dedicated to her learning. She approaches her academics with discipline, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand the material at a deeper level. She manages her time effectively, challenges herself thoughtfully, and engages in her studies with consistent focus and purpose an intentional approach to learning that consistently sets her apart.
Perhaps one of Wynonna’s most defining qualities is her empathy. As the daughter of immigrants from Burma, Wynonna grew up in a household that prioritized maintaining her family’s native language. Early on, this created challenges as she worked to fully understand English. Rather than viewing this experience as an obstacle, Wynonna has allowed it to shape her perspective and deepen her understanding of others. Today, she is keenly aware of classmates who may be facing similar challenges, and she consistently offers support making sure others know they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Through her involvement in Best Buddies and her everyday interactions, Wynonna builds connections rooted in kindness, patience, and respect. She is the kind of student others naturally trust and turn to a steady, compassionate presence who strengthens our school community simply by being herself.
Wynonna Tuang is a Waterford Wonder because she leads with heart, purpose, and empathy. She represents the very best of Waterford High School, and we are incredibly proud to honor her with this award.
~ ~Kirk Samuelson, Principal Waterford High School
Tune in to the latest episodes of the district podcast, WPS: Excellence in Action! In Episode 3, Superintendent Giard is joined by WPS IT Director Mark Geer for an inside look at how the District is working to keep our students safe in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. Then in Episode 4, Superintendent Giard breaks down the district’s budget development process sharing how funding decisions are made, the priorities that guide them, and how this work supports students and schools across the district.
District Podcast - WPS: Excellence in Action
Thanks to a generous donation from the UConn/URI Navy STEM Program, Clark Lane Middle School has received six underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) kits to support hands-on learning in its Grade 8 Robotics class. Students will use the kits to design and build underwater robots in preparation for the upcoming SeaPerch competition in March. Through the process, students develop valuable technical skills including soldering, wiring, waterproofing electronic components, and structural construction. Additional information about the SeaPerch competition will be shared in a future edition of The Connection.
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
Waterford Public Schools is a community of learners that fosters and supports high aspirations, ensuring every student acquires the skills and knowledge necessary to be a responsible citizen, prepared to contribute and succeed in an ever-changing world.
Stay Connected…
WPS Website - Visit www.waterfordschools.org for up to date BOE, school and event information.
BOE meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month. For the complete schedule of meetings, go to the BOE section of the WPS Website.
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