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Village Staff Connection: Lindsey Rutter (ABA Trainer) is this week’s Village Staff Connection! Lindsey was nominated by several of her peers for outstanding work both in and out of the classroom. Staff have commented that they would love to clone her! Lindsey is originally from Ohio. She has been interested in working with children ever since she was little, but her first jobs were doing assembly line work. ACES Village School is her first experience in the schools. When she first started at Village, everything was new to her including the special education population. While she was overwhelmed at first, once she started the trainings, she felt much better and knew Village was the place for her! She loves working with all of the students and particularly enjoys making all of the materials for the classroom. She loves CANVA (an application program for creating materials) and has been actively creating different materials before she even began working at Village. Outside of work, Lindsey recently became engaged on a trip to Disney World! She enjoys playing video games and watching wrestling as well as spending time with her cat, Joker. She is grateful for all of the support she receives at Village and especially from the room 16 staff! Thank you, Lindsey, for demonstrating what it means to have Village PRIDE!

Thank you to the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut for their book donation to Village School. The DS ACT Education and Outreach Committee is dedicated to ensuring that every school and library in Connecticut has access to books that promote understanding, acceptance, and advocacy for individuals with Down Syndrome. We are grateful to two of our families who proudly nominated ACES Village School to be a recipient of these two amazing books that our children will love.

Village Staff Connection: Karol Vece (Training and Support Interventionist) is this week’s Village Staff Connection! Karol was nominated by her colleagues for her dedication and ability to be a true team player. She strives to help every child learn and reach their highest potential and she supports her fellow teammates and helps to train new staff. Karol has a positive attitude and brings humor to the classroom. She is organized, detail oriented, and enjoys learning new instructional strategies to help students. Karol has been working at Village school since 2013; however, she has been a part of the Village community much longer than that! Karol’s sister attended Village School and she volunteered here as a high school student. Karol had a desire to know more about working with people and helping so that is what drove her to work at Village School and pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. Working at Village has opened her eyes to how many different components are included in the field of Special Education and all the varied ways children can learn. Over the years she has learned to think outside of the box to find new ways to reach students and help them connect with the learning. As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Karol is intrigued by finding ways to help students be ready for learning through helping them find ways to regulate. She loves to create a bond with students and her biggest reinforcement is seeing the students learn and grasp what she is teaching them. Now as a TSI, she also finds watching staff learn the skills she teaches them gives her great joy and pride. She sees how her new role is helping more students be successful by supporting the staff that are working with them. Karol has had a passion for this work for a long time and she credits her first-grade teacher with her initial desire to go into education. She hopes to expand her skill set and go back to school for either her Special Education teaching certification or her BCBA. Outside of work, Karol says that she lives at the gym. That is where you will find her every day as it gives her a way to relax and have some “me” time. Karol is also a dog mom and a loving wife. She shared that she loves working at Village School because she is able to experience a variety of classrooms and age groups as well as learn from her colleagues. She says that the people at Village work together, help each other out, and it all happens without words. It is a positive place to work with a lot of support. Thank you, Karol, for demonstrating what it means to have Village PRIDE!

Wishing our Village staff who participated in the Village Couch to 5K program led by Mimi Washington (ABA Trainer) luck today as they run in the ShamRock & Roll 5K in New Haven today!! Congrats to Mimi, Kathy, Colleen, Tom, Sharimar, KiKi, and Isiah!! ☘️🏃‍♀️

Dance Party and Larry Awards to end a freezing February!! Here’s hoping we can enjoy outdoor recess in March!!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month! Ms. Makayla's classroom (Room 3) has been learning about dental hygiene through books, videos, games and other hands-on activities. Ms. Danielle (Speech and Language Pathologist) and Ms. Makayla have been co-teaching to as part of this learning process. To encourage daily brushing, students are earning raffle tickets for brushing at home or school, with weekly "dental prize" drawings. There is also a morning brushing station within the classroom to support students in this process. Pictured here is one lesson where the class practiced brushing on a model and wrapped up their unit with certificates!

Village Staff Connection: Danielle Perrone (Special Education Teacher) is this week’s Village Staff Connection! Danielle has been a Special Education Teacher at Village School in the EIBI program since 2018. She was nominated by staff for “just being her” as well as her ability to always make sure students and staff in her room are set up for success and keeping everyone focused on their common goal. Danielle chose to become a Special Education Teacher due to her passion to want to be part of a student’s success. She loves working hands on with the students, building rapport with them, and watching them make progress. She feels lucky to be a part of all of that. Before she became a teacher, Danielle was a paraprofessional in the East Haven school system within their ABA program. She has a masters in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and a 6th year professional degree of advanced studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Danielle shared that she loves working at Village school because there is just a feeling that is present in the building that is hard to put into words. She says everyone who is here is there for each other, sticks together, and is here to do whatever they need to for the students. She said you can see this best during times of difficulties as whenever someone needs the support it is “all hands-on deck” and everyone does whatever they can to just help. Outside of work, Danielle is trying to rest before welcoming her second child in just a few short weeks. She is already the proud mom of an 18-month-old daughter and is looking forward to welcoming another girl into their family in March. She loves playing with her daughter, reading, and catching up on shows on Netflix. Danielle said that being a Special Education teacher is a rewarding job as you really have an impact on students but you have to have the heart and the drive for this work. Danielle, you certainly have both of those things. Thank you for all you do each day and for always showing your Village PRIDE!

Village Staff Connection: Cindy Murray (TAD) is this week’s Village Staff Connection! Cindy has been recognized for her consistent work with the students in her classroom and on her transportation assignment. She is always working with kids and puts in 100% effort at all times. Cindy has been working at ACES Village School for 23 years. She began as a daily substitute for two years before transitioning to an Individual Aide for a short period of time before landing in her TAD role. Cindy shared that she has always liked working with the students at Village School. Since her mother worked here for over 35 years, she had the opportunity to come to Village School to volunteer during her school vacations. During her time volunteering, Cindy found a love and passion for the students here. She enjoys being there for them through whatever they need. She said that the most important thing to her is showing them that someone cares and loves them. She does this by not only helping them in any way she can but also by having fun and joking around when it is appropriate. Cindy truly loves her job and is always willing to go above and beyond when asked. One thing that Cindy enjoys doing is translating for families when needed. She knows how important it is for families to get the proper communication they need in order to support their children and be part of the school community. Cindy says that all parents want to know exactly what is going on and when there is a language barrier that makes it hard so she is happy to translate and support them in that process. Outside of work, Cindy likes to cook and shop. She has been known to cook for her colleagues from time to time as well. Cindy is also busy as the mom of a teenager. When asked how to be successful at Village School, Cindy says there is no secret, you just have to show the kids that you care about them and that you love working with them. Cindy, thank you for all you do every day and always showing your Village PRIDE!

In music therapy, students from Ms. Melissa's Room (Room 23) performed in their very own drum circle to the music of Babatunde Olatunji, a Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist, and recording artist. Students learned about many different African instruments and incorporated these instruments into their drum circle. In celebration of Black History month, all students at Village School have had the opportunity to engage in learning several African songs, learned about what specific country they originated from, what language they are in, and the social impact each song has had on the specific African and African American culture.

Celebrating Black History Month through creativity! Our students have been exploring Black history and culture through various art projects. Learning about black history is important as honors achievements and contributions, recognizes challenges, and inspires a better future.

Village Staff Connection: Brittny Pika (Special Education Teacher) has been selected as this week’s Village Staff Connection. Brittny is a first-year teacher who has stepped into her role as an EIBI teacher with grace and professionalism after having worked at ACES Village School as an ABA Trainer while completing her teaching degree. Brittny has been nominated by her colleagues as they have been impressed with the activities she creates and how creating and engaged she is with her students. They also recognized her for the manner in which she has been able to prepare and present at PPT meetings including supporting and authentically including the families in on the process. Brittny decided she wanted to be a teacher when she was young. She says she always had the “baby touch”, in that whenever anyone had her hold a baby they would stop crying. Her first job out of college was at an ABA center and working in that environment solidified the deal that she wanted to work with kids as her career. Brittny enjoyed doing her student teaching here at Village as well as at Whitney High North. She credits her student teaching experience as well as being an ABAT for allowing her to learn to accept and embrace change. Brittny loves the students at Village School and is so grateful for all the support she receives. She referred to the support at Village school as “endless”. In her free time, Brittny enjoys cozy things like movies and books. She loves hiking and nature when the weather is nice. She is looking forward to continuing to work with her amazing students and watching their growth. Brittny, we are grateful that you are part of our team! Thank you for always showing your Village PRIDE!!

Earlier this week, students at ACES Village School celebrated the 100th day of school! Students spent some time reflecting on how much they’ve learned and grown and they had some fun along the way. Here’s to even more learning ahead!

ACES Village Families gathered today to celebrate love, friendship, and connection at our Valentine’s Special Someone event! It was heartwarming to see the joy on everyone’s faces as they spent quality time together, creating special memories. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make this event so memorable!

Today, the staff and students of ACES Village School proudly wore red to support National Wear Red Day! Together, we’re raising awareness for heart health and the importance of taking care of our hearts. Every beat matters! ❤️

Village Staff Connection: Myriah Fappiano (Individual Aide) has been selected as this week’s Village Staff Connection. Myriah was recognized as she is always willing to assist others, help with classroom tasks, takes her responsibilities seriously, and is instrumental in the growth of her assigned student. Myriah was looking for something different in her work life and her sister suggested working at ACES. Myriah attended the Holiday Fair in 2018 and immediately recognized that Village School was where she wanted to work. In January of 2019, Myriah began working at Village. She never worked with kids before so she did not know what to expect; however, after the past five years working here, Myriah shares she has found a job she loves. Myriah truly loves the students, her relationships with her colleagues and the bonds and friendships she has created at Village School. Her largest motivation is helping her students grow and excel. She says that it is not always an easy job but it is very rewarding. Myriah indicates that having patience, being able to remain calm and not being quick to getting flustered are keys to success when working with children. Outside of work, Myriah spends a lot of time with her 9 year old daughter and her family. She loves to watch her daughter play softball as well as spending time with her family outdoors kayaking, fishing, and exploring nature. She also enjoys “diamond painting”. Myriah is an animal lover and has a yellow lab and a cat. When asked what it is like to come to work every day at Village School, Myriah shared that it is a lot of fun and there are a lot of laughs. She is always driven by the team and that everyone is here working together for the kids. She says that it truly does take a village and watching the students succeed is an amazing thing to be a part of. Furthermore, she shares that she wouldn't be the IA she is without the love and support from previous and current teachers and mentors. Myriah, we are grateful for all that you do and for always showing your Village PRIDE!!

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day! This is a special day when people wear red to raise awareness about heart disease, which affects many people, especially women. By wearing red, we show support for heart health and remind everyone to take care of their hearts with healthy choices. You can contribute to the efforts by wearing RED tomorrow!

Due to the expected storm, ACES Village School will be closed Thursday, February 6, 2025. Stay safe!

ACES Village School will have a two hour delay today (Monday, February 3, 2025). School will open for students at 10:30am. Travel safely!

What better way to end the month than with a dance party and our Larry PRIDE awards!!!🏅

Village Staff Connection: Tamara Jimenez (ABA Trainer) has been selected as this week’s Village Staff Connection. Tamara was recognized for her ability to work with challenging behaviors, being a classroom mentor to new staff, maintaining high levels of performance in her instruction, and always stepping forward to assist in any way she can. Tamara began working in the ACES ACCESS program in 2017 where she worked for two years before transitioning to Village School as a TAD in the EIBI program where she continued to develop her skills which led her into her current role as an ABA Trainer. Tamara’s brother is a graduate of the EIBI program at Village School and she saw firsthand his growth and how wonderful the school was for him and their family. That is why she wanted to come work here to make that difference in the life of someone else. She shares that once you start working here, you cannot help but get attached to the students. She loves seeing them succeed. Tamara recognizes that forming a connection with the students is critical. In addition to the students, her relationship with her coworkers motivates her daily. She says they are all a team and they work well together in all types of situations. She says it really does take a “village”. In addition to all her work inside the classroom, Tamara is someone who can always be counted on to help translate for families in order to provide better access. She shares that she sees what the language barrier does and she enjoys helping to bridge that gap for families. Outside of work, Tamara loves hanging out with her three cats and helping her husband with his business in masonry and construction work. She has also really enjoyed getting more involved with the extra-curricular activities at Village School like the annual Holiday Fair. Tamara, we are grateful for all that you do and for always showing your Village PRIDE!!

Thank you to Dr. William Rice (ACES Assistant Executive Director of Operations) who visited Village School today to be a guest reader during our library time. The students loved having you!

Village Staff Connection: Janna Joyner (Individual Aide) has been selected as this week’s Village Staff Connection. Janna’s colleagues from her classroom have nominated her for her willingness to go above and beyond to support her colleagues and the students daily. Janna is always positive and willing to go the extra mile. She has been making an impact with her assigned student and through her warm personality brings positivity to everyone. Janna started at Village School a year ago and is happy to be part of the Village community. Janna shared that she has always had the drive to work with children with support needs. Growing up she watched as her mom worked in this field and Janna admired what she did. Picking up on that, Janna wanted to also make a difference and developed a passion for working in this profession. Prior to coming to Village School, she worked in a call center but she knew she always wanted to do something that was more meaningful and she finally decided to take the chance to come to ACES Village School. Janna says that the smile on the student faces is what brings her joy. She loves seeing the progress they make and knowing that she had a part in that brings her a sense of purpose. Outside of work, Janna has a two-year-old daughter whom she loves to read books to. Janna is also a “gamer” and enjoys going on line and playing games with people she has met all over the world. Janna, we are grateful for all that you do and for always showing your Village PRIDE!!

Today, staff embraced a dynamic Professional Learning Day focused on growth and innovation! We explored growth mindset strategies and setting high expectations for student success during the morning session. The afternoon saw staff participating in a variety of sessions led by colleagues. Together, we dove into learning related to Art Therapy, Canva, Artificial Intelligence, psychological safety, chair yoga, and Signed Exact English. Together, we’re growing our professional capacity to better support and positively impact every student! Thank you to Nishele Nicholson (ABAT), Chris Jones (IA), Priscilla Remington (Special Education Instructional Coach), Kristen Peck (Assistant Principal), Dr. Jessica White (PDSI), Rosie Giannetti (PDSI) for sharing your expertise with us this afternoon.

With all of this cold weather, we needed an In School Snow Day with pajamas, movies and popcorn!!☃️❄️🍿

Village Staff Connection: Natalie Cerrone (Speech and Language Therapist) has been selected as this week’s Village Staff Connection. She has been recognized for her ability to craft engaging sessions for the students, being supportive at all times, and brightening up the classroom for everyone there. At the end of this school year, Natalie will be celebrating her 25th year at ACES. Over her time with ACES, Natalie has worked at both Village School and Mill Road School. Currently, she works with students in the EIBI program. The story behind how Natalie became a Speech Pathologist is a unique and funny one. One day when she was a sophomore in high school, her teacher had asked the classroom what field of work their families were in. A classmate of Natalie shared that a sibling was a Speech Pathologist. This intrigued Natalie so she looked to see what that was. As someone who was always getting in trouble for talking too much, Natalie thought this would be the perfect field for her! She has a true belief that every individual has the capacity to communicate and our job is to figure out how to help them access that communication. She loves being a part of that process and sees how as technology grows and changes we have more ways for students to communicate. Natalie says that “there’s no place like ACES” and she loves working here at Village School. One of the things she loves most about Village School is the manner in which the community celebrates what others may see as small victories. She has seen that is not something that happens everywhere the way it does here. Outside of work, Natalie keeps busy with her two children. She enjoys going to the gym, hosting events, cooking, and spending time with friends. She has also taken her love for accessing communication to her community. Natalie is working with her local Park and Recreation Department to place communication boards and AAC within the community activities. Natalie, thank you for always showing your Village PRIDE!!