Today staff were treated to breakfast from The Tasty Yolk truck to kick their Friday off! It was our final surprise for Staff Appreciation Week. We are so glad to have had an opportunity to celebrate our hard working staff all week. Thank you to everyone who helped make this week possible. Our staff are truly un-BEE-lievable.
Posted 4 days, 4 hours ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Allyson Winzer, Speech and Language Pathologist at ACES Village School and this week’s Village Staff Connection. Allyson is known and recognized for her laughter, positive attitude, dedication to her students, creativity in service delivery, and her ability to lead a dynamic Speech Department as the ACES Internal Department Chair for Speech and Language. Allyson has been working as an SLP at Village School since 2014. She is completing her 10th year at ACES this school year! Allyson always knew she wanted to work in Special Education which eventually led her to finding the importance of Speech Pathology. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of locations but found a passion for the population that is served at Village School. She finds it rewarding to be able to help students find their voice and change their lives in that process. Allyson loves what she does and she works to support the future generation of Speech Pathologists by taking graduate students on a regular basis. She feels it is important to help foster and development the next generation of professionals. Allyson encourages everyone to consider the field of Speech Pathology as there is something for everyone to enjoy within the field. Outside of work Allyson enjoys spending time with her family and chauffeuring her children to their various activities. She also enjoys reading and going to the beach. Thank you, Allyson, for being a shining example of what it means to Show your Village PRIDE! We are grateful to have you on our team.
Posted 4 days, 16 hours ago
Today kicks off Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! There is no denying the staff at Village School are the best around. They work tirelessly every day to help the students achieve and meet success in all areas. The Village administration and PTO have planned several things to help show the Village staff how un-BEE-lievable we think they are! 🐝💙
The reveal of a revitalization of the staff lounge kicked off our week! The space may be small but it is what we have currently and provides a place for staff to take their breaks during the day. Administration made it a comfy place and stocked it with an ice machine, coffee machines, and of course snacks, coffee, candy and even some books.
Posted 1 week, 1 day ago
Thank you to everyone who supported the Bake Sale yesterday to raise funds for the ASRC Walk for Autism on May 19th. We raised $400 yesterday towards our fundraising efforts. Please consider donating to the ASRC Walk and support Team ACES in raising funds for this wonderful organization. You can do that by clicking here:
https://p2p.onecause.com/walk2024/team/aces-diversity-2
Posted 1 week, 3 days ago
Village Staff Connection: Stephanie Cozzolino (ABAT) has been selected as this week's Village Staff Connection. Stephanie has been an ABAT in the EIBI program at Village School for the past three years. Prior to working here, Stephanie worked at Chili’s in East Haven as the kitchen manager. During her time there she had opportunities to volunteer with the Special Olympics and worked with adults with disabilities who worked at Chili’s through supported employment agencies. Stephanie found that she really enjoyed working with this population and helping others. She determined that a change in her career path was what she needed! Since starting here, Stephanie is recognized by her colleagues for her work ethic, commitment to the students and colleagues, flexibility, and her compassion for all she works with. Stephanie noted that she loves being able to see a change in the students and know that she has had an impact in that change. She loves giving the students the love and attention they need and making them happy and achieving their goals. This is what drives her to come to work daily and also drover her to return to school. Stephanie is currently enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Goodwin College having found a passion for the work that OTs in the school setting do. She shared that through conversations with Patty Ryan-Haag, Stephanie made the decision to return to school for this purpose and she looks forward to completing her degree and working with students in that role. Outside of work and school, Stephanie enjoys going on hikes with her dog, checking out new restaurants, and sitting by the fire listening to music. Stephanie, thank you for all you do for our students and program. Your smile, positive attitude, and dedication is a wonderful example of what it means to show your PRIDE behavior!
Posted 1 week, 4 days ago
Congratulations to Priscilla Remington who has been selected as the ACES Teacher of the Year! This past Friday, Dr. Danehy and the ACES ELC members surprised Priscilla with the announcement that she had been selected as the recipient of this year’s honor from a highly qualified and deserving pool of nominees from across all ACES schools.
Priscilla is completing her 38th year at ACES Village School. While completing her degree in Special Education, Priscilla worked as an aide in Karen Martin’s classroom before graduating and moving into a Special Education Teaching position the following year. Priscilla shares that she would have never worked at ACES if it were not for her sister, Bridget. Throughout her years at Village School, Priscilla has made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues. She has a strong sense of dedication to the students, commitment to excellence, and growth mindset that has led her to a successful career.
Congratulations Priscilla on this well deserved recognition!
Posted 2 weeks, 1 day ago
Congratulations to the ACES Village staff who ran the Julia’s Run for Children 5K today. Julia's Run for Children celebrates the legacy of Julia Rusinek who dedicated her summers and her free time to working with (or on behalf of) underprivileged children. All proceeds from the event is going to benefit the LEAP program in New Haven.
This group of Village Staff completed a Couch to 5K program over the past month which was spearheaded and led by Mimi Washington (ABAT). Congratulations to all!!
Posted 2 weeks, 2 days ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Asia Barnes, Individual Aide in Room 19 (Ms. Angela’s room). Asia was nominated by her colleagues for the work she does not only with her assigned student but with all the students in the classroom. She is always willing to help in the classroom, goes above and beyond to assist everyone, and works to bring balance in the learning environment. Asia has been working as an Individual Aide at Village School for 3 years and she loves what she does. She shared that she is passionate about helping and impacting this community. Growing up, Asia was surrounded by family members who worked in this field with both her mother and her brother working in a group home setting. Asia found that she enjoyed interacting with the clients her mother and brother worked with and she began working with kids at a young age through the Boys and Girls Club. Eventually, Asia found herself working in a group home environment as well; however, her desire to work with children drove her to join the ACES team. When speaking with her, you can see that she loves the children and her ability to make an impact. Outside of work, Asia is a loving mother to two daughters and a 3-month-old puppy. Her days are filled with taking her children to dance, shopping and going to the park. Asia, thank you for your dedication, commitment, and excellence that you demonstrate daily. Thank you for being a great example of what it means to have Village PRIDE!
Posted 2 weeks, 4 days ago
Today is Administrative Professional's Day. Please join us in celebrating our office staff, Sallie and Mary. Mary joined our Village team in November of this school year. Sallie has been part of the Village family since 1987 and for the past 36 years she has been working hard each day showing her Village Pride! These two phenomenal women are the true backbone of Village School. They are the first voice and face that greets everyone as they enter the school. They are multitasking experts who thrive in the chaotic office environment. They are also the favorite people of many of our students who look forward to coming to visit them during the day. They have all the answers and when they don't they know where to find you the answer. They work together to maintain an orderly work environment that serves to support all staff, students, families, district representatives, transportation providers, and much more. Without them our school would not be as successful as it is. We are so grateful for all that they do each and every day.
Posted 2 weeks, 6 days ago
Village Staff Connection: This week’s Village Staff Connection is someone who is the definition of patience and kindness. Meet Becky Kerzner, ABA Trainer in Room 20 (Ms. Cindy and Ms. Angela). Becky has been working at Village school for 5 years. She started as an Individual Aide in the integrated pre-school program before switching to ABA Trainer in EIBI. Becky has been recognized by countless staff for her patience, her sense of humor, her dedication, and the manner in which she always treats all students and staff with kindness and respect. There is no doubt that the students love her and she loves the students! In speaking with Becky, she shared that she enjoys the work because she can see the difference she is making when she works with the students. She feels the connection she has with the students and she knows that what is happening here matters. For Becky it is all about the kids. This job is very rewarding and she doesn’t see herself doing anything else that would be as meaningful. Outside of work, Becky enjoys her quiet time at home. She loves to read and watch Netflix. For anyone looking to come work at Village School, Becky would advise them that every day is different and a new opportunity. She says that being open and patient is the key to success. Thank you Becky for all that you do to make Village School a great place to be! We appreciate you showing your Village PRIDE each day!
Posted 1 month, 2 days ago
Don’t miss out on ordering the 23-24 School Yearbook!
Posted 1 month, 4 days ago
The students and staff of Village School enjoyed learning and watching about the solar eclipse together yesterday. We hope everyone took an opportunity to see this amazing sight!
Posted 1 month, 5 days ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Michele Crumb, Special Education teacher in Room 6 at Village School. Michele has been recognized by several colleagues and staff in the school as someone who goes above and beyond every day for the students. Michele is known as a “workaholic” and is often the last one in the building each day. Her co-lead, Seth Mulhall (BCBA) shared that he has learned a great deal from her leadership and she is a great partner in the classroom. Michele joined the Village School team two years ago after having worked for over 20 years in another Special Education facility. She shared that she loves teaching at Village and is glad that she made the decision to come here. Michele has always known she wanted to be a special education teacher. She found a passion in working with students who are trying hard to communicate what they need and she has a passion to find the way to support them and individualize the approach for each student. Michele strives to help the students gain lifelong skills and independence to assist them as they become young adults. Michele also holds her BCBA which has broadened her perspective on the field. She shares that the team perspective and approach to the work here at Village School has been something that she has appreciated and found to be successful for kids. Outside of work, Michele is as active as she is at work. She is someone who enjoys working with her hands and is currently working on the construction of a new house through actually participating in the building and construction. She is the proud parent of three children and her eldest daughter just got engaged! She is also a new puppy mom! Michele, thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and families on a daily basis. Your dedication to excellence is felt by all who interact with you.
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Cristina Goncalves, Teacher Assistant Driver in Room 24 (Ms. Judy). From the moment Cristina started at Village School at the end of October, she immediately had a positive impact on the students at Village School. Cristina was nominated by many staff who have had the opportunity to work alongside her and recognize her dedication, ability to take initiative, her work ethic, and her heart for the students of Village School. In speaking with Cristina, she shared that she was seeking a job that allowed her to work with children and use her experience from being a mother and grandmother to make an impact. She is grateful to have found that environment and feels that her assigned classroom is her “calling”. She said that she enjoys the students and all that they are able to achieve. Cristina recognizes that the students can do great things if we give them the support in reaching those goals and hold them to high expectations. Cristina said that finding ways to assist them in expanding their abilities through whatever means necessary is fascinating to her. She loves to explore different ways to help the children express themselves such as using eye gaze, switches, art, and more. Through watching the growth the students make it has helped her to grow as a person as well. Growing up in Portugal with two sisters, Cristina identifies the love that she was raised with and that is what she brings to work each day with her. She enjoys staying active by doing a lot of things including kick boxing. Cristina is also an avid reader and a family woman who enjoys spending lots of time with her family. Cristina, thank you for all that you do each day to show your Village PRIDE and ensure that our program meets the needs of all of our students.
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Village Staff Connections: Layne Cappas (Individual Aide) started working at Village School last spring and immediately made a positive impact within the program. She was nominated as this week’s Village Staff Connection due to her spirit, positivity, and her dedication to making a difference in the lives of the students at Village School. Layne has always enjoyed working with children and through conversations with a family member she realized Village School was the logical place for her to bring her talents. Prior to starting at Village, Layne felt the joy of making a difference in the lives of families and individuals with disabilities through her work as a Disney Princess. There was one young girl that she especially took the time to connect with and the mother made sure to let her know that she made a difference in both of their lives. Layne shares that she loves working at Village school and seeing the love that the staff have for the kids and that the kids have for the staff. She has experienced how hard our students work across all classrooms and the pride their feel when they accomplish great things. Layne is “friends” with Larry the Lion and she loves to see the joy and motivation Larry brings for the students. Outside of work, Layne is a mother first and foremost to her daughter, Bella, and she enjoys going on nature hunts with her and spending time with her. Layne is also very artistic and creative. She particular enjoys writing but she is also known for her exceptional drawing skills. Layne is known for her bubbly and energetic spirit and always strives to make those around her smile. Layne, thank you for all you do every day to show your Village PRIDE!
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago
It's Scholastic Book Fair Week! There are so many wonderful books to choose from! Every purchase benefits our school!
Visit our Book Fair Home Page for more information:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/acesvillageschool
Posted 1 month, 4 weeks ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Jackie Corcoran, Social Worker in our Village-EIBI program and this week’s Village Staff Connection. Jackie joined the Village team this fall, but prior to coming to Village, Jackie was a Social Worker for four years within a clinical setting and 11 years within the public school setting in West Haven. Jackie’s experiences both at the clinical level and within the school system have enabled her to be highly successful within her first year here at Village. She was nominated by her colleagues as someone who puts her heart into everything she does, is positive, has a caring and approachable demeanor, is always willing to help out, is knowledgeable and truly cares about the kids and the kids adore her. Jackie has found a new home at Village school and shares that she enjoys watching the staff work and have fun with the kids. She appreciates the interdisciplinary approach that Village School provides and how everyone is working together towards a common goal: what is best for kids. She feels that the culture at Village School fosters that work. Jackie shares that education has always been important to her family and she turned to a career in social work when she found an interest in helping children find ways to access their education. Outside of work, Jackie is a proud mother to a teenager and she also loves her dog, Frodo. Jackie enjoys travelling, history, and has a love for the arts and theater. She is very happy that she came to Village School and she has enjoyed getting to become a part of the work family here. Jackie, thank you for all that you do and for always showing your Village PRIDE!
Posted 1 month, 4 weeks ago
Are you ready Village School students, families and friends? The Scholastic Book Fair will be here from March 18th -22nd! Stay tuned for more information!
Posted 2 months, 6 days ago
Village Staff Connections: Mike Meszoros is known to many at Village School as “Big Mike” and was nominated for this week’s Village Staff Connection by many of his colleagues. Mike is a valued member of the Village Behavior Technician team and brings a great positive attitude to the job on a daily basis. He works hard to form relationships with students and staff in order to support them through challenging times. Staff nominated Mike due to his positivity and ability to always be there when you need him no matter what. He can even be counted on for a great dance battle with Larry the Lion (which Mike will win hands down!). Mike is approaching his 6th year anniversary with ACES next week. Starting at Village School as an Individual Aide, Mike then grew within the organization to move into the role of an ABA Trainer at Village School in the EIBI program before advancing into the role of Behavior Technician first with Behavior Services serving our area districts and then transferring back to Village School at the start of this school year. Mike shared that he has a sense of pride in seeing the students succeed in their programs and being able to express themselves. He identifies that building the trust with the students is important as once you do that, they will turn to you when needed as they know you are in their corner. Working in education is a “family thing” for Mike having grown up with two parents who worked in schools. Mike shares that he learned a great amount from his mother who worked with students with Autism as well as his father who was a high school security guard. Through them he developed an appreciation and understanding for best practices which set him up for success as he started in this field. Outside of work, Mike enjoys playing softball, coaching baseball (including his son’s t-ball team), and spending time with his family as much as possible. When asked why he works at Village School, Mike shared that he loves being at Village because it is a family knit and welcoming environment. The staff are great and everyone is here for the kids and each other. The Village staff always step up and help each other out which is a great thing about being at Village and why he was excited to return this year. Mike, thank you for always showing your Village PRIDE each day. Your smile and positive attitude is infectious!
Posted 2 months, 6 days ago
Nothing like Larry and a dance party on a Friday!!
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
This past week ACES Village School partnered with Quinnipiac University to raise money for Connecticut Children’s Hospital. Village School enjoyed a fun filled spirit week that culminated with a big dance party and Ice Cream truck! We raised over $1000 to help CT Children’s! GO ACES VILLAGE !!!
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
Village Staff Connection: Marci Rizzo is this week’s Village Staff Connection! Marci has been working at ACES Village School since 1994. Her colleagues nominated her due to her willingness to go above and beyond on a daily basis for the benefit of the students at ACES Village School. Not only does Marci do this through supporting student academic and therapeutic achievement in the classroom, but she can also be counted on for lending her creative talents when needed. Marci loves the kids and she always had a passion to work in education. She shared that she values the family atmosphere of ACES Village and indicated that through some of her toughest times in her life it was those at Village school who were there to support her. Outside of work, Marci is an avid animal lover and volunteers at the Animal Rescue. She enjoys doing crafts which plays a large roll in the work she does here at Village. She uses her artistic ability to see what may be needed to enhance the programming for students and then makes the vision become a reality. During the beginning of COVID Marci created hundreds of masks that she then donated to students, staff, and local hospitals. She also has worked on sensory motor pathways, developing the annual trunk or treat, and more for the students at Village. When asked what advice she would give to someone looking to get into the field of special education Marci would let them know that it is very rewarding and to always look for the success in each day. Marci, thank you for all that you do for Village School and for being a great example of what it means to show your Village PRIDE!
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Wendy Staschke, Special Education Teacher in Room 9. Wendy was nominated by numerous staff at Village School for her ability to connect with students and drive them to be their best versions of themselves. If you have had a chance to meet Wendy, you will agree that she is a shining example of what a Special Education teacher at Village School represents. She has been making a difference in the lives of children at ACES Village School for 39 years and counting. Wendy started her career at Village School as a TAD before transitioning to a Planning Aide as she completed her teaching degree. After receiving her degree, Wendy started her successful career as a Special Education Teacher at Village School. When asked what drives her to do the work each day, Wendy shares that she loves walking into her classroom to see her students each morning. Wendy truly believes in every one of her students and holds high expectations for each of them. She knows that if she sets high expectations and supports her students, they will achieve great things! In speaking with Wendy, she shares that throughout the years there have been many changes in education but the thing that remains constant are the people who are in it for the children and come to work daily to help them grow and succeed. Wendy continues to have passion for the work as she recognizes that each student is a gift and she sees the impact that she has on their lives. Outside of work Wendy enjoys reading and being outdoors. She loves to spend time with all of her family and also go completely “off the grid” whenever she can. Wendy is a shining example of what it means to show your Village PRIDE!! Wendy, thank you for all that you do for our students and our school. Your dedication and excellence is recognized and appreciated by all who interact with you.
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Isiah Miller (ABA Trainer) this week’s Village Staff Connection! Isiah has been nominated for this recognition due to his dedication to students, willingness to always lend a helping hand, and commitment to bring new ideas and innovations to the Village program. Isiah began his journey as an Individual Aide at Village four years ago and quickly moved into the role of ABA Trainer. Isiah shared that he has a passion for the work because he sees how he is helping students and creating a better quality of life for them and their families. He loves to see the growth the kids make but he recognizes that he has also grown a lot as a result of his work at Village. Isiah loves working with kids and it is something he has done since he was in middle school when he began volunteering at his church. Outside of work, everyone who knows Isiah is aware that he is obsessed with the WWE (maybe someday we will see him as part of it!). He also enjoys hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and being outside in nature going on hikes. Isiah said that Village is special to him because of the connections he has made as well as the culture and climate at the school that allows ideas to be brought to the table and be heard. Isiah is always willing to bring new ideas to the table and provide ways to implement the ideas as well. Last year, Isiah identified that a school yearbook would be a great addition to our program. He saw a need to create memories for the students and also provide a way for families to see what is happening during the school day. Isiah presented this idea and has been leading the work on the 2023-2024 Village Yearbook. We cannot wait for the finished product later this spring! Isiah, thank you for being an example of what it means to show your Village PRIDE!!
Posted 2 months, 3 weeks ago
ACES Village School will have a two hour delay on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. School will open for students at 10:30am. Please note that we will continue to follow our normal Wednesday 1:00pm dismissal time. The Special Someone Brunch scheduled for tomorrow will be postponed until Friday, February 16th.
Posted 3 months, 1 day ago