Wallace Middle School

Seussical Jr.

2012-01-25T10:09:00.000-05:00

Don't Forget!

Wallace Middle School's Presentation

SEUSSICAL JR.

Friday, January 27th @ 7:00 PM

Adults $5.00 - Students $3.00

Saturday, January 28th @ 2:00PM

Adults $4.00 - Students $2.00

Wallace Girls Basketball Team Defeats Torrington

2012-01-23T15:01:00.001-05:00

Wallace Girls Basketball Team Defeats Torrington 41 to 34!

Wallace Middle School Announces the December, 2011, Students of the Month

2012-01-13T12:06:00.002-05:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful

Attitudes - Accepts responsibility

Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework

Safely - Follows school rules

December 2011
Yeshion House
6th Grade – Maniya Whyte
7th Grade – Marcus Patterson
8th Grade – Robelyse Mukidi
Hammond House
6th Grade – Karina Vargas
7th Grade – Raynard Doughty
8th Grade – Jayson Ponce
Huckins House
6th Grade – Ajay Timaul
7th Grade – Genesis Gomez
8th Grade – Justice Goulbourne
Physical Education/Health
1- Veronica Cruz - Yeshion
2- Megan Romaniello - Yeshion
ABA
1- Jana Oliveras - Hammond

Accelerated Academy Enjoys an International Feast

2011-12-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

The 6th grade accelerated academy classes shared an international feast on Thursday, December 22. Students in Yeshion House in Mrs. LeVasseur and Mrs. Gluz's classes brought food they prepared with recipes from Puerto Rico, Korea, Albania, Italy, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Macedonia, Ireland, Iraq, Jamaica, Ecuador, Uraguay, and Cape Verde.

In addition, students brought in objects from Portugal, Iraq, India, Ecuador, Bangladesh, and Scotland and shared different aspects of their heritage with their classmates.

Mrs. LeVasseur said the classes had ots to learn, and lots to eat for an overall great day.

Thanks to Accelerated Academy reading, language arts, and social studies teacher Mrs. LeVasseur for these photos.

2011 Holiday Concert Photos

2011-12-15T12:06:00.000-05:00

Under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, the band and drum line performed at the holiday concert in the Crosby auditorium on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Theater arts teacher Sue Smyth directed her students in sample performances of the school's upcoming performance of "Seussical."

Thanks to special education teacher Mr. Standish for these photos.

Drum Line Performs at Macy's Waterbury

2011-12-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

Under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, Wallace Middle School's Drum Line performed at Macy's on Friday, Dec. 2, where Santa from the Thanksgiving Day parade in New York was visiting. Thanks to Mr. Pontecorvo and our students for their dedication and for representing Wallace so well.

Wallace Middle School Students Reflect on the October Intervention

2011-12-05T19:37:00.000-05:00

From October 18 through October 20, Wallace Middle School teachers taught intervention lessons to students with specific academic needs and enrichment lessons to students who grasped concepts taught so far this year and were ready to apply them with hands-on lessons. Teachers' data on these interventions reflect growth among students in every group. Students reflect on those interventions in the above video. The slide show above depicts students involved in the various groups over the three days of 90-minute lessons.

Thanks to teachers Mr. Irrera, Ms. Capobianco, Ms. Nowacki, Ms. Pysh, Ms. Febles, Ms. Stango, and Mr. Likorama for contributing photos to the slide show.

Wallace Middle School's November Students of the Month

2011-12-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful

Attitudes - Accepts responsibility

Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework

Safely - Follows school rules

November Students of the Month

Yeshion House

6th Grade – Alexis Lee

7th Grade – Mavel Ortiz-Reyes

8th Grade – Dhimitri Stojko

Hammond House

6th Grade – Mabel Santos

7th Grade – Selena Soto

8th Grade – Jossalynn Harris

Huckins House

6th Grade – Madeline Pena

7th Grade – Egla Hasmillari

8th Grade – Sian Abrams

Foreign Language

1- Joshua Somma
2- Brianna Baker

Bilingual

1- Starly Garcia

Students Decorate Hallway for Winter

2011-11-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

From November 30, 2011

Before homeroom, students from Yeshion and Huckins houses decorated a third-floor bulletin board with paper snowflakes and a snowman. Students completed the work before classes and at home to help make the hallway look cheerful.

Wallace Pride Flies High November 23 Pep Rally

2011-11-25T20:45:00.021-05:00

Wallace Middle School celebrated the achievements of its students at its pep rally on November 23. Principal Don Rapuano said he wanted students to go home for Thanksgiving feeling good about themselves and their school. He began the rally by recognizing the school's generosity in collecting more than 4,000 cans in a little over two weeks.

Students who were involved in fall sports and other extracurricular activities--CPEP, the Origami Club, Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball--were recognized. The boys' cross-country team and the co-ed soccer team received awards for their undefeated seasons.

Also, those students who received straight 5s on their CMTs were called forward and recognized with certificates of achievement.

The school's dance club presented a Latin American dance they had choreographed and practiced after school. The dance was followed by a student-teacher volleyball game. The girls won, but the teachers kept them on their toes until the very end.

Under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, the band provided music throughout the rally, and the drum line entertained the school with a drum competition.

Thanks to parent liaison Gretchen Flaherty and eighth-grade Hammond House language arts teacher Patty Capobianco for contributing photos to this slide show.

Students Feast and Fold at Thanksgiving Celebration

2011-11-24T20:40:00.001-05:00

ELL teacher Mrs. Perez, with help from colleagues and students, provided a home-cooked Thanksgiving fiesta that her students shared on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the end of the day. Ms. Carlson's Read 180 students joined in the event seventh period, when children and adults alike tried their hands at origami by folding simple swans and then the more complicated turkeys.

Hammond House seventh grader Rayshon Siders, who is a skilled paper-folder, assisted by helping many students create the turkeys.

Thanks for Hammond House seventh grader Teresa Torres for these photos.

Wallace Collects More than 4,000 Cans for Food Bank

2011-11-23T06:56:00.000-05:00

Wallace Middle School students and staff collected more than 4,000 non-perishable food items for the Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries food bank. The schools' annual food drive ran from November 7 until November 22. Above: Students from the school's Student Leadership Team who gathered and boxed the food stand with school administrators before the food is taken to GWIM.

PTO Carnival

2011-11-21T09:35:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the PTO, which held a carnival in the cafeteria for Wallace families in October.

Thanks to parent liaison Gretchen Flaherty for these photos.

Eighth Graders Celebrate Halloween with the Boo Bash

2011-11-21T09:21:00.002-05:00

Thanks to parent liaison Gretchen Flaherty for these photos.

Wallace Middle School Announces the October, 2011, Students of the Month

2011-11-18T13:19:00.001-05:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful

Attitudes - Accepts responsibility

Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework

Safely - Follows school rules

October Students of the Month

Yeshion House

6^th Grade – Tasim Muca

7^th Grade – Christopher Robinson

8^th Grade – Ivette Torres

Hammond House

6^th Grade – Keara Rodriguez

7^th Grade – Agnieszka Rivera

8^th Grade – Peter Cardona

Huckins House

6^th Grade – Melanie Ciprian

7^th Grade – Jose Tejada

8^th Grade – Ashley Batista-Ortiz

Life Management

1- Eduardo Rivera

2- Kiyanna Martinez

BDLC

1- Mark Chapman

Connecticut General Assembly Honors Teacher of the Year Sharyn Lavoie

2011-11-07T20:07:00.000-05:00

State Rep. Selim Noujaim presents Teacher of the Year Sharyn Lavoie with a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly honoring her achievement on Thursday, October 27.

Wallace's Volleyball Team Gets Better and Better

2011-10-28T10:29:00.000-04:00

Under the direction of Coach Bandurski, Wallace's girls' volleyball team is getting better and better this year!

Thanks to Huckins House 8th-grader Yamelex Torres and other volleyball players for these pictures.

Wallace Soccer Team Defeats North End, 4 to 0, October 26

2011-10-27T08:03:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to our team!

Girls' Volleyball Team Plays Well

2011-10-25T11:20:00.000-04:00

Under the direction of Coach Bandurski, Wallace's girls' volleyball team won two out of three games at a match in the Crosby gym on Friday, October 21.

Thanks to Mr. Irrera for these photos.

Cross Country Team Runs to Raise Funds for Sweaters

2011-10-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

The Wallace-Run-a-Thon was a success on Friday. All the runners completed at least two miles during the event. Jurrel Racine and Edgar Nieves ran over six miles without a break. Ruby Rodriguez and Ryan Wilson ran six miles before stopping due to a lack of time. Good job to all the runners.

--Coach Thomas.

Wallace Soccer Team Defeats Swift, 2 to 1, October 21

2011-10-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

Under the direction of Coach Likorama, the Wallace Soccer Team defeated Swift 2-1 at a home game on Friday, October 21, 2011.

Students Browse the Fair

2011-10-14T11:55:00.000-04:00

Yeshion House's Sixth Grade Reading Teacher, Ms. Davino, brings her students to the Scholastic book fair in the school library to browse the books with other Wallace students. Parent Liaison Ms. Flaherty coordinates the annual event, which runs this year from October 13 to October 20.

Girls Volleyball Team Makes Wallace Proud

2011-10-13T20:26:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Huckins House 8th Grader Ashley Batista for these photos of the girls' volleyball team in action.

Thanks to Huckins House 8th Grader Ashley Batista for the photos.

Wallace Middle School Announces the September, 2011, Students of the Month

2011-10-13T11:53:00.001-04:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful

Attitudes - Accepts responsibility

Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework

Safely - Follows school rules

September 2011 Students of the Month
Justin ColonAngel RodriguezMicahyln VaichusMathew LominyMarena MelendezEdmarliz OrtizCrystal DavisChetra PermuulRafael CastroShukri BelicaMikal Dobbins
Thanks to Huckins House 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher Mr. Irrera for the photos.

Origami Club Folds Again

2011-10-12T20:22:00.006-04:00

The Origami Club began meeting again on Wednesday, October 5. The group meets every Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 337.

PBIS Pizza and Bingo Party for September PAWS Winners

2011-10-11T20:21:00.001-04:00

PBIS raffle winners from the Hammond House as well as from the Unified Arts department were honored Friday, October 7, with a pizza and bingo party in the student cafeteria. They are pictured above. Students from the Huckins and Yeshion houses were honored on Tuesday, October 11, with pizza and bingo.

(Unfortunately, the camera was not cooperating, and we have no pictures of the celebration on October 11. Apologies.)

Thanks to Yeshion House Guidance Counselor Mrs. Ferrari for these photos.

Graduation Photos

2011-06-20T11:41:00.000-04:00

Graduation photos will soon be available at www.lifetouchevents.com. Guests should use the password WALLMIDGRAD2011 to view the images.

Students Prepare a Greeting for Next Year's Students

2011-06-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

Wallace Middle School students in the Read 180 class along with students from other classes worked together to create a bright new bulletin board that will welcome students to their classes on the third floor.

Some Spirited People Show Their Colors

2011-06-17T21:21:00.001-04:00

Students wore hats as well as shirts in the school's colors of red and black on Spirit Day, which was Thursday, June 6. The range of styles and shapes of hat showed just how spirited our students are. It was a great day.

Selena Soto's Award-Winning Drug Awareness Essay

2011-06-16T09:57:00.001-04:00

Selena Main Soto, a sixth gradeer in the accelerated academy, was the second place winner in the sixth-grade category of the Elks Club's drug awareness essay contest earlier this year. (Click here for more about that contest.) Here she shares her essay:

Did you know that in 2008, 23 million people used drugs? Imagine how many use them now. Three examples of drugs that have been used are cigarettes, steroids, and cocaine.

A cigarette is a small roll of finely cut tobacco leaves wrapped in a cylinder of thin paper for smoking. Cigarettes are sold legally but can harm you and even kill you. They cause cancer, straining your heart, blocking blood vessels, heart attacks, strokes diseases, and etc.

Steroids are a type of organic compound that contains a specific arrangement of four cycloslksine rings that are joined together. Anabolic steroids can weaken the immune system. They can also lead to liver damage or cancer, even in younger people. They can permanently stop bones from growing, too.

Cocaine, a powerful addictive drug, is snorted, injected, or smoked. Cocaine usually makes the user feel euphoric and energetic, but it also increases body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Users risk heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, abdominal pain, nausea, death, and etc.

Now you know the three of the world’s famous drugs. Which is cocaine, steroids, and cigarettes. Remember, these can kill you or cause serious and permanent injuries or damage to your body and your health.

--Selena Marin Soto

Super Eighth Graders Celebrate Success

2011-06-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

On June 7, Wallace's super eighth graders--students who have had no disciplinary referrals and have passed all their academic classes for three years--celebrated their success with family and Wallace faculty during a supper in the school cafeteria. Students from Crosby High School's culinary arts program prepared the very delicious meal.

Thanks to parent liaisn Mrs. Flaherty for the photos.

Wallace Eighth Graders Visit Southern Connecticut State University

2011-06-09T18:00:00.004-04:00

Several of Wallace's eighth graders visited Southern Connecticut State University recently to get a taste of college life and the possibilities that await them if they continue working hard in school and staying focused on their goals.

--Thanks to Huckins House guidance councilor Ms. Jordan for this photo.

The Wallace Family Participates in the Greater Waterbury Relay for Life

2011-06-06T20:54:00.000-04:00

Students, faculty, staff, members of the PTO, and our faithful parent liaison, Ms. Gretchen Flaherty, participated in the Greater Waterbury Relay for Life in support of the American Cancer Society the weekend of June 3. In addition, Wallace Middle School's cheer leaders, along with Crosby's, cheered on the cancer survivors and care givers, who made the first and second laps around the Crosby track at the opening ceremony on Saturday.

Eighth Graders Visit Holiday Hill

2011-06-04T10:53:00.001-04:00

--Thanks to Parent Liaison Gretchen Flaherty for these photos.

PBIS Student of the Month Breakfast Photos

2011-06-03T09:00:00.013-04:00

--Thanks to 8th Grade Huckins House Social Studies Teacher Ray Irrera for the photos in the album above.

Students who had been selected students of the month throughout the 2010-2011 school year and their parents participated in a breakfast hosted by the PBIS committee in the Wallace cafeteria on Friday, May 27. We had a full house of children and adults whose meal was accompanied by Mr. Irerra's slide show honoring Wallace's best kids. It was a great hour.

Wallace's Marching Band and Drum Line Perform 'The Star Spangled Banner'--and More

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, Wallace Middle School's band and drum line performed "The Star Spangled Banner" at a Memorial Day commemoration at Generali Elementary School earlier this month. Intervention Officer Jackie Davis captured the performance and created this video. Thanks to Mr. Pontecorvo, the band and drum line, and Ms. Davis for this inspiring moment!

Memorial Day Parade, 2011

2011-06-02T15:00:00.002-04:00

Under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, the Wallace Band and Drum Line participated in Waterbury's Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 29.

Thanks to David Hailstone's mom for the photos.

Yeshion House 8th Graders Complete Bridge Design Competition in Winning Style

2011-06-02T09:00:00.003-04:00

Yeshion House 8th graders completed the annual Bridge Design Competition in winning style. Using nothing but toothpicks, white glue, paper clamps, and a lot ingenuity, students designed and constructed some memorable bridges. Science teacher Mrs. Rusnov provided guidance on building codes, materials and construction techniques while math teacher Mrs. Camilleri showed students how to manage a $1.5 million project budget. This year's special guest judges were bridge engineers from the CT Department of Transportation who are currently working on the $23 Million Naugatuck River Bridge. They scored the students' bridges on the overall quality of construction, creativity and originality of their designs. They spoke very highly of the students' work and hopefully inspired some students to enter the engineering profession. Judging will continue and will include strength testing, overall project management, accounting, architectural drawings, adherence to building code and team camaraderie. The top 3 "Best of Show" winners will be announced next week and Mrs. Rusnov and Mrs. Camilleri will host a celebratory picnic for the winning teams.

--Mrs. Rusnov, 8th Grade Yeshion House Science Teacher

Sixth Grader Terrell Patterson: Why I am Proud to be an American

2011-06-01T20:19:00.000-04:00

Note: This is the essay MSAA 6th grader Terrell Patterson wrote for the Elks Club essay contest earlier this year (see previous post here). Thank you, Terrell, for sharing your work with us and for being a credit to Wallace Middle School.

I am proud to be an American because there is a working government, soldiers who would give their lives for their country, and citizens have fair rights.

America has a very successful government. They maintain freedom, democracy, school systems, laws, and try to keep peace with other countries. Freedom is being able to be free to do what you want to do, while still obeying the law. America is a democracy, which means that citizens over the age of eighteen can vote for who runs the government. in America, the government requires that everyone under the age of sixteen must attend school. This is why America is one of the smartest countries in the world. America has written laws, which is why they are followed. If these laws were not written nobody would follow them because there would be no evidence of their existence. Also, America is always trying to keep peace with other countries

America has many had working citizens who wake up early in the morning to go to work so they can provide for their families. Also, there are many soldiers who would give their life for America. That is why they are honored with Veteran's Day.

I am also proud to be an American because there are equal rights. Women and men are treated equally as we white and African American people.

Now you know why I am proud to be an American and live in the amazing country of America.

--Terrell Patterson, MSAA 6th Grade Student in the Yeshion House

CPEP Team Competes in Statewide Event in Hartford

2011-05-27T07:17:00.000-04:00

The Wallace CPEP team competed in a statewide event at the Hartford Convention Center on Saturday, May 21. The Wallace team won awards in five different events.

Mr. Stevents and Mr. Sirois thank Mr. Simms, Mr. Serrano, and Mrs. Mercado for their volunteer work throughout the day.

Thanks to Mr. Sirois for these photos.

Wallace Marching Band and Drum Line Visit Generali Elementary School on May 24

2011-05-24T20:48:00.002-04:00

Wallace Band and Drum Line had a great performance at Generali Elementary School during a Memorial Day ceremony on Tuesday, May 24. There were veterans there who raised the flag and fired a volley, and we played “The Star Spangled Banner.” We said the Pledge, and then we went to a cemetery next to the school and stood in silence to honor the memory of soldiers buried there. We also played a military march and “Rock-a-bye Baby.”

--Ashley Batista, 7th Grade, Huckins House

Thanks to 7th grade Huckins House student Ashley Batista and parent liaison Gretchen Flaherty for these photos.

Wallace Participates in Language Arts Festival

2011-05-22T10:13:00.001-04:00

Three Wallace students participated in the district's Language Arts Festival at the Palace Theater on Friday, May 13. These students created original, authentic responses to literature based on the theme of friendship. Congratulations to Rezarta Kolludra, a sixth grader in the Huckins House, and Teisiah Lawrence and Elizabeth Angelicola, eighth graders in the Hammond House. These are the first students from Wallace to participate in the festival.

Huckins House sixth grader Rezarta Kolludra and her dad pause for a moment from practice before the Language Arts Festival at the Palace on May 13.

Hammond House eighth graders Teisiah Lawrence and Elizabeth Angelicola, who read and performed original poems at the Language Arts Festival at the Palace on May 13, pause for a photo at Wallace.

A Waterbury Youth Services' Excellence in Youth Award Goes to a Wallace Sixth Grader

2011-05-21T10:09:00.000-04:00

Waterbury Youth Services chose Huckins House sixth grade student Egla Hasmillari as a winner of one of its Excellence in Youth awards this year. She was nominated by language arts teacher Ms. Ann Grace Spizzoucco.

Seventh-Grade Wallace Student Places Third in Reading Competition

2011-05-20T10:07:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Felizaida Tejada, a seventh grade student in the Huckins House, who placed third among the 6th and 7th graders in the Gettysburg Address reading competition at the Waterbury Arts Magnet School April 14.

Eighth Grade Dance, 2011

2011-05-16T10:15:00.002-04:00

Thanks to parent liaison Gretchen Flaherty for these photos.

Drum Line and Band at Rock Cats Baseball Game, 5/5/11

2011-05-11T07:00:00.001-04:00

Under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, Wallace's drum line and band performed at the New Britain Rock Cats' home game on May 5, 2011. The group perform the "Star Spangled Banner" and other songs.

Thanks to Angela Jarvis Pontecorvo for the photos.

McEducators' Night

2011-05-10T10:17:00.000-04:00

Wallace Middle School's faculty and staff got together at the McDonald's near the Brass Mill Center on May 3 to serve up some fine American food and raise some money for the school.

Thanks to Ms. Flaherty for the photos.

Wallace Middle School Announces April Students of the Month

2011-05-09T06:59:00.000-04:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful

Attitudes - Accepts responsibility

Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework

Safely - Follows school rules

April Student of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Alexis Banlaki

Grade 7 – Aldi Ajce

Grade 8 – Joshua Melendez

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Rezarta Kolludra

Grade 7 – William Gomez

Grade 8 – Brielle Sanders

Hammond House

Grade 6 – Anxhela Myrtaj

Grade 7 – Andrew Vega

Grade 8 – Gabrielle Hooker

Art

Student 1 – Thaddaeus Vaichus

Student 2- Rayquane Dawkins

Bilingual

Student 1 – Kalil Garcia

Elks Club Honors Wallace Middle School Students

2011-05-06T13:51:00.002-04:00

Waterbury Elks #265
Drug Awareness
Poster/Essay Contest
“Not Now – Not Ever”
AND
Americanism Essay Contest
“Why I Am Proud To Be
an American”
Annual Awards Banquet
May 1, 2011

Congratulations to our
Wallace Middle School Winners
2nd Place Drug Awareness Essay 6th grade
Selena Marin Soto
3rd Place Americanism Essay Division I - 6th & 7th
Terrell Patterson
1st Place Americanism Essay Division II – 7th & 8th
Jolee Iannantuoni
Thank you Waterbury Elks for sponsoring this program

Earth Day Clean-up, 2011

2011-04-27T20:35:00.000-04:00

Students and teachers worked together after school on Tuesday, April 26, to clean up around Wallace and to plant flowers to perk up the entrance of our school. Thanks to all who participated!

Thanks to Ms. Cheezic for these photos.

Invention Convention Starts at Home and Moves on to Hartford

2011-04-08T07:07:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday, April 6th, 18 students from Wallace Middle School participated in the state-wide Science/Technology Education- Invention Convention Day for the first time. The event was held at the State Capitol, with students from throughout the state participating. The students worked extremely hard on their project invention ideas and had an opportunity to showcase them to State Senators and Representatives throughout the day. The Wallace students also had an opportunity to meet and greet Governor Malloy following his address to the students.

Wallace Announces the March Students of the Month

2011-03-31T10:58:00.002-04:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful

Attitudes - Accepts responsibility

Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework

Safely - Follows school rules

March Students of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Miguel Rivera

Grade 7 – Malia Rascoe

Grade 8 – Ashley Small

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Chetra Permaul

Grade 7 – Ani Haka

Grade 8 – Erick Rivera

Hammond House

Grade 6 – Janae Dillard

Grade 7 – Sebastian Corales

Grade 8 – David Gonzales

Music

Student 1 – Nylex Gray-Hussey

Student 2- Taevian Whitehead

Accelerated Academy

Student 1 – Victoria Kenneson

Faculty and Staff Form Relay for Life Team

2011-03-29T16:50:00.000-04:00

Wallace Middle School's Relay for Life team of faculty, staff, and PTO members has taken the name Lion's Pride. Please support this school-wide effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society by visiting our page on the society's Web site here and making a donation.

Origami Club Supports 'The Butterfly Project' with its Handiwork

2011-03-09T04:59:00.009-05:00

Students in Wallace Middle School's Origami Club who folded butterflies last week agreed to send their creations to the Holocaust Museum Houston (Texas) to be part of an exhibit called The Butterfly Project. The project will honor the 1.6 million children who died in the Holocaust.

"The butterflies will eventually comprise a breath-taking exhibition, currently scheduled for Spring 2013, for all to remember. The Museum has already collected an estimated 600,000 butterflies," according to its Web site.

The last, the very last,

So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow.

Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing

against a white stone....

Such, such a yellow

Is carried lightly ’way up high.

It went away I’m sure

because it wished

to kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in here,

Penned up inside this ghetto.

But I have found what I love here.

The dandelions call to me

And the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.

That butterfly was the last one.

Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.

(Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942. Born in Prague on Jan. 7, 1921. Deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp on April 26, 1942. Died in Aushchwitz on Sept. 29, 1944.)

CMT Spirit Day Photos

2011-03-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

As part of Wallace Middle School's efforts to gear up for the CMTs, we had a Spirit Day on Friday, march 4. Students wore the school colors of red, black, and white and were allowed to wear hats for the day. Spirits were high, and it was a great day.

Also in an effort to drum up enthusiasm for the CMTs, the PBIS and Leadership committees held a CMT slogan contest. Homerooms competed for an ice cream or pizza party. Yeshion House 8th Grade Science Teacher Mel Rusnov's homeroom won with:

We are the lions,

Hear us roar!

We can score

A four or more!

(Thanks to Hammond House 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher Patricia Capobianco for contributing photos to this slide show.)

Alice in Wonderland Onstage April 1

2011-03-07T20:55:00.002-05:00

Under the direction of theater arts teacher Susan Smyth, Wallace Middle School students will perform Alice in Wonderland for the public in the Crosby Auditorium on Friday, April 1, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 2, at 4 p.m. Tickets are $3 for children and $5 for adults on Friday and $2 for children and $4 for adults on Saturday.

Hammond House Eighth-Grader Jolee Iannanutoni is an Elks Essay Contest Finalist

2011-03-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

Jolee Iannantuoni, an eighth-grade student from the Hammond House, is also a finalist in the Elks essay contest in the 7th and 8th Grade Division.

Wallace Sixth Grader is a Finalist in Elks' National Essay Contest

2011-03-02T17:41:00.000-05:00

MSAA student Terrell Patterson shares the good news of his achievement with MSAA reading and language arts teacher Evelyn LeVasseur.

Terrell Patterson, a sixth grade student in the accelerated academy, came in as a finalist for the "Why I Am Proud to be an American" essay contest sponsored by the Elks' Lodge. He will be honored at a banquet on May 1st. His family will join him. He is pictured here with accelerated academy reading and language arts teacher Evelyn LeVasseur.

Wallace Announces February Students of the Month

2011-03-01T15:32:00.001-05:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful

Attitudes - Accepts responsibility

Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework

Safely - Follows school rules

February Student of the Month

2010-1011

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Alexyss Mosman

Grade 7 – Iris Correa

Grade 8 – Camille Dorset

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Richard Anderson

Grade 7 – Eileen Escobar

Grade 8 – Marilyn Orellana

Hammond House

Grade 6 – Raynard Doughty

Grade 7 – Lirjeta (Lily) Klenja

Grade 8 – Hugo Bravo-Rodriguez

Theatre Arts

Student 1 –Miglyza Medina

Student 2- Javen Harris

Accelerated Academy

Student 1 – Marlon Monts

Wallace Announces the January Students of the Month

2011-02-07T17:12:00.003-05:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful
Attitudes - Accepts responsibility
Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
Safely - Follows school rules

January Student of the Month

Yeshion House
Grade 6 – Sahil Saini
Grade 7 – Ashwin Nankoo
Grade 8 – Thaddaeus Vaichus

Huckins House
Grade 6 – Egla Hasimllar
Grade 7 – Shukri Belica
Grade 8 – Aaron Williams

Hammond House
Grade 6 – Rodney Samson
Grade 7 – Destin Trammell
Grade 8 – Mariela Ramos

Read 180/Literacy/CMT SkillsStudent 1 – Sheelan Mohammed
Student 2 – Andrew Vega

BilingualStudent 1 – Valery Montalvo

Wallace Cheerleaders Earn Spirit Award

2011-01-31T10:16:00.001-05:00

The Wallace Cheerleaders competed in their first cheer competition Saturday, Jan. 29. They did a great job representing Wallace Middle School and won the Spirit Award at the competition. This team began in November with nearly 80 percent of the girls having no cheer experience. They have worked hard in practices for 8 - 12 hours every week developing their skills and the routine. Their devotion to the sport and to representing the school is amazing! Please congratulate the team members on their success.

This is the first time Wallace has had a cheer team with the skill level to compete at a cheer competition. We will compete in one more competition at Plainville High School on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 19.

Please support the team, and if possible join us at the competition.

--Crystal Caouette

Wallace Announces the December Students of the Month

2011-01-05T10:00:00.002-05:00

December Student of the Month

Yeshion House
Grade 6 – Fredric Todd
Grade 7 – Deborah Vaichus
Grade 8 – Genesis Roman

Huckins House
Grade 6 – Donald Cianciolo
Grade 7 – Felizaida Tejada
Grade 8 – Martha Cruz

Hammond House
Grade 6 – Zareyah King
Grade 7 – Jayson Ponce
Grade 8 – Syed Naqvi

Tech. Ed.
Student 1 – Crystal Burke
Student 2 – Lillian Peccerillo

ABA
Student 1 – Kolyn Saunders

Wallace Middle School's Band and Drum Line Present Holiday Concert

2010-12-21T09:46:00.003-05:00

Music teacher Louis Pontecorvo directs the Wallace Middle School band and drum line at the school's annual holiday concert in the Crosby auditorium on the evening of Wednesday, December 16.

Thanks to Angela Pontecorvo for these photos.

Origami Club Decorates Wallace's Christmas Tree

2010-12-01T21:03:00.002-05:00

Members of Wallace's origami club decorated the school's tree in the main office after school on Wednesday, December 1. The students made all of the ornaments over the past several weeks and, in the process, mastered several fundamental origami folds.

After they completed their task, they shared a meal of deli sandwiches, courtesy of sixth grader Angie Molina's mom, and juice, chips, and cookies, courtesy of Mr. Rapuano, our building principal.

Wallace Announces the November Students of the Month

2010-12-01T09:48:00.003-05:00

November Student of the Month

Yeshion House
Grade 6 – Meilene Rivera
Grade 7 – Hannah Butler
Grade 8 – Meagan Mancini

Huckins House
Grade 6 – Georgina Loja
Grade 7 – Jaleesa Lugo
Grade 8 – Alexa Beisel

Hammond House
Grade 6 – Jordan Lewis
Grade 7 – Crystal Davis
Grade 8 – Valisha Reid

Physical Education/Health
Student 1 – Avarice Jacovino (health)
Student 2 – Chelsea Gonzalez (gym)

Accelerated Academy
Student 1 – Joelle Brophy

Wallace's Dancers and Cheerleaders Step up the School Spirit

2010-11-29T20:41:00.004-05:00

Our thanks to 8th grade Yeshion House science teacher Mel Rusnov for these video clips of our cheerleaders and dancers performing at the November 24 pep rally.

Pep Rally Slide Show

2010-11-29T07:15:00.004-05:00

Thanks to 8th-grade Huckins House social studies teacher Ray Irrera for these photos of our November 24 pep rally and student-teacher soccer game. Thanks, also to 8th grade Hammond House language arts teacher Patty Capobianco for the group shots.

Wallace Drum Line Performs at Pep Rally

2010-11-27T20:39:00.004-05:00

Thanks to music teacher Louis Pontecorvo and the Wallace Drum Line for performing at the pep rally on Wednesday, November 24.

Wallace Family Collects 5,771 Canned Goods in Food Drive

2010-11-23T18:25:00.006-05:00

The Wallace Middle School family collected 5,771* non-perishable food items during its November food drive. The total was almost twice last year's. John West, the food pantry coordinator for Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, said the need for food in Waterbury has almost doubled in the past year, so the food pantry greatly appreciates the generosity of the Wallace family.

"I heard that students even collected food for their neighbors, and that shows some real commitment--and we appreciate it," Mr. West said when he came to Wallace Tuesday, Nov. 23, to help collect the food.

He came in a van--which came in handy because the school bus that came to collect the food wasn't big enough to hold all the donations.

Thanks to seventh-grade Huckins House science teacher Robin Davitt for coordinating this annual event, and thanks to all who contributed to this successful initiative. Thanks, also, to Mr. Rosa for helping to take pictures!

*That number rose to 6,000 by Wednesday, November 24! Click here to read about it in the Republican-American.

State Rep. Selim Noujaim Visits Wallace Middle School Students

2010-11-16T10:16:00.004-05:00

Rep. Selim Noujaim recently spoke about his job as a state legislator with Mrs. Samuel's 8th grade class at Wallace Middle School. Rep. Noujaim stressed the importance of education, hard work, and dedication to a task as integral to his success in both business and while representing the 74th District at the Capitol. After the formal talk was over Rep. Noujaim answered questions (click here for the rest of the story on Re. Noujaim's Web site.)

Ms. Bruno's Social Studies Students Visualize 9/11

2010-11-07T10:43:00.003-05:00

(Click on image to enlarge it.)

Thanks to parent liaison Gretchen Flaherty for this powerful photo collage.

Wallace Middle School Announces the October Students of the Month

2010-11-03T21:24:00.004-04:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful
Attitudes - Accepts responsibility
Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
Safely - Follows school rules

Wallace Middle School's October Students of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Joshua Somma

Grade 7 – Derick Chacon

Grade 8 – Phalen Smith

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Brenden Fernandes-Ellis

Grade 7 – Tapaynga Hummel

Grade 8 – Kevin Corcoran

Hammond House

Grade 6 – Agnieszka Rivera

Grade 7 – Shayssa Ortiz

Grade 8 – Stacy Lopez
Foreign Language

Student 1 – Gabriel Corea

Student 2 – Melinda Pattonelli

BDLC

Student 1 – Sharleen Zayas

8th Grade Students Enjoy Boo Bash

2010-11-02T20:33:00.005-04:00

Wallace Middle School's 8th grade students celebrated Halloween together on Friday, October 29, during the annual Boo Bash in the cafeteria. Thanks to the teachers and parents who volunteered to make the event a special night for our students.

Thanks to Ms. Capobianco and Ms. Flaherty for the photos.

Wallace Middle School Announces September Students of the Month

2010-10-12T20:39:00.001-04:00

September Student of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Hazheen Selevany

Grade 7 – Crystal Burke

Grade 8 – Josh Rogers

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Hector Canelo

Grade 7 – Anastacio Acevedo

Grade 8 – Douaa Abdulrazak

Hammond House

Grade 6 – Brandon Rodriguez

Grade 7 – Peter Cardona

Grade 8 – Almando Scott

Life Management

Student 1 – Sophia Vega

Student 2 – Ashanah Cox

Bilingual

Student 1 – Rosimar Lopez

2010-10-10T19:38:00.001-04:00

The Origami Club met for the first time on Wednesday, October 6. Eighteen children met and folded a bouquet of flowers that they gave to the main office to greet members of the Wallace family as well as visitors. Club members also folded flowers to take home and share with their families.

Returning folders Zach (Hammond House), Ramon (Yeshion House), and Bernaldo (Huckins House) worked with new club members to help them learn the folds and successfully create their first figure.

Ramon showed the group how to fold the swan, and all three club veterans helped the newcomers master the challenging reverse fold so they could create sailboats from squares of paper.

The club meets again on Wednesday, October 20, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 337.

Summer Reading

2010-06-29T15:48:00.001-04:00

Waterbury Public Schools has published reading lists for middle and high school students here. Have a look!

8th-Grade Graduation Photos

2010-06-17T15:13:00.002-04:00

Click here and enter the password WMSGRAD10 to view photos of the eighth-grade graduation.

Super 8th Graders Banquet

2010-06-11T08:57:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Carrie Swain for these photos of the Super Eighth Grade Banquet.

Eighth-Grade Awards

2010-06-09T20:46:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Carrie Swain for these photos of the eighth-grade awards ceremony.

Fuel Up to Play 60: Yogurt Taste Test

2010-06-04T12:00:00.001-04:00

Health Teacher Donna Phoenix's students recently participated in a yogurt taste test as part of Fuel Up to Play 60.

-Thanks to Ms. Phoenix for these photos.

Talent Show Photos

2010-06-02T10:08:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Carrie Swain for this video clip of the May 19 Wallace Middle School talent show.

Rapuano House 8th-grade student Dallas Swain performs at the May 19 Wallace Middle School talent show.

We'd like to add more photos to this post. If you can contribute images, please bring them to Room 337.

Timberwolf Ryan Gomes Plays Ball with Wallace

2010-06-01T07:10:00.002-04:00

Waterbury native and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Ryan Gomes lent his strength to the faculty team during the Student-Faculty basketball game at Wallace on Friday, May 28.

Eighth-Grade Students Enjoy Semi-Formal Dance

2010-05-29T17:13:00.002-04:00

Wallace Middle School's eighth-grade students enjoyed a semi-formal dance on Friday, May 21.

Thanks to Huckins House 8th-Grade Reading Teacher Sharyn Ogrodnik and Rapuano House 8th-Grade Student Dallas Swain for the photos.

2010-05-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

At the Veterans' Memorial near Generali Elementary School on May 24, the Wallace Middle School band and music teacher Mr. Pontecorvo played the "Star Spangled Banner" to remember what our soldiers have done for us. After, we said the Pledge of Allegiance to show our respect to these people. Next, soldiers gave speeches and fired a volley to commemorate those who had died in service to our country. Lastly, we went to the cemetery and did our prayers and played more music.

--Photos and Post by Ashley Batista (6th Grader, Huckins House)

Positive Behavior Support Committee Hosts Breakfast for Wallace's Students of the Month

2010-05-26T17:17:00.003-04:00

Parents and other loved ones of Wallace Middle School's students of the month joined these exemplary children for a breakfast hosted by Wallace Middle School's Positive Behavior Support Committee on Friday, May 21.

Yeshion House 8th Grade Science Students Become CT DOT Bridge Inspectors for a Day

2010-05-22T20:06:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Rusnov's 8th grade science students took a trip to a $24 million bridge construction project in Naugatuck. CT DOT managers, engineers, inspectors, and contractors hosted 30 lucky students at the Route 63 bridge crossing the Naugatuck River and MetroNorth Railroad. With hardhats in place, the students saw crane operators, steel workers, framers,and concrete specialists at work. Richard Symonds, the CT DOT Project Manager, described the very complex nature of the job, including its design, materials of construction, costs, methods of construction, use of contractors and inspectors and job safety.

The students are in the midst of a bridge design competition facilitated by Mrs. Rusnov and math teacher Mrs. Camilleri. Hopefully, the students were inspired by seeing the real thing and will bring design innovations back to their model bridges. Winning bridges will be announced in June.

To close the day, students had a relaxing lunch at McDonald's and for some reason didn't seem too anxious leave!

-Mel Rusnov

Wallace Announces the April Students of the Month

2010-05-17T10:05:00.001-04:00

Wallace Students Visit Southern Connecticut State University

2010-05-16T16:20:00.002-04:00

Forty Wallace Middle School eighth-graders, along with guidance counselors Ms. Brown, Ms. Jordan, and Ms. Formato, visited Southern Connecticut State University on Friday, May 14. Teachers Ms. Banks and Ms. Ogrodnik also accompanied the children.

-Jennifer Formato

Wallace Middle School Remembers Luis Vega

2010-05-09T21:44:00.002-04:00

Luis Vega Jr.

Wallace School student

WATERBURY — Luis Vega Jr., 14, of 29 Boxwood Court, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Waterbury Hospital.

Luis was born Aug. 18, 1995, in Waterbury, a son of Luis Vega Sr. and Katty DeJesus, both of Waterbury. He was a student at Wallace Middle School and was a true Boston Red Sox fan. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving young man who will be missed by all who knew him and will never be forgotten.

Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Joaquin and Moises, in addition to many, many family members.

Service and calling hour will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Chapel Memorial Funeral Home, 35-37 Grove St. Burial will be private.

Click here for obituary.

The Wallace Family is collecting cash donations for the Vega family. Please give whatever you can to your homeroom teacher.

Wallace Welcomes Next Year's Sixth Graders

2010-05-08T12:48:00.002-04:00

Wallace Middle School's faculty and staff welcomed next year's sixth graders to the school during an orientation in the student cafeteria on Thursday, May 6. Building Principal Dr. Louis Padua and House Principals Donald Rapuano, Gary Huckins, and Jack Yeshion introduced families to various aspects of the school. The Drum Line, performing under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, impressed our future students and their families with a performance of some several cadences.

Mr. Dizenzo's Students Turn Themselves Inside Out

2010-05-03T13:50:00.001-04:00

Students from Mr. Dizenzo's class turned themselves inside out. Mrs. Thurston undertook a fantastic project with our 7th grade science students. The students traced their bodies and labeled their internal organs. They also matched up similar facial characteristics. They posed with their clones and we almost could not tell them apart. Mrs. Thurston would not join in the picture, but she deserves a lot of credit for developing and implementing this lively learning activity.

-Mr. Dizenzo

Wallace's FOCUS Students Encounter Justice System

2010-04-30T08:24:00.003-04:00

Eighth grade FOCUS students witnessed, firsthand, the workings of the judicial branch of government when they visited the Grand Street Courthouse on Thursday, April 29. US Marshall Preziosa gave students a tour of the lock-up and various court rooms. Judge Adelman, Public Defender Green, and State's Attorney Davenport met with the students, shared overviews of their roles and responsibilities, and answered questions. The visit ended with students' observing actual court proceedings of the criminal court.

-Ms. Porzio

Wallace Students Mark Earth Day with Hard Word

2010-04-27T20:50:00.001-04:00

Wallace Middle School students worked for two hours on Thursday, April 22, to clean up the grounds around the school and to plant flowers. Thanks to the students and Wallace faculty and staff for cleaning up our campus and planting so many beautiful flowers in pots near the front doors.

Wallace Middle School Announces the March Students of the Month

2010-04-04T19:00:00.001-04:00

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful
Attitudes - Accepts responsibility
Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
Safely - Follows school rules

Wallace Middle School's March Students of the Month

Huckins House
6th Najae Collins
7th John Currier
8th Kristie Mitre

Rapuano House
6th Ian Rozyn
7th Eric Simmons
8th Ronzel Coates

Yeshion House
6th Aldi Ajce
7th Jeremy Olan
8th Cesilie Diaz

Unified Arts (Health Education)
Lionel Dawkins

Accelerated Academy
Monisha Nadisan

Solar Systems Galore In Yeshion House's 8th Grade Science Class

2010-04-01T08:24:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Rusnov's 8th grade science students went "to infinity and beyond" to create models of the solar system. Students grabbed styrofoam, wire, wood, clay, rice crispie treats, frosting, paint, cardboard, pins, string and more to show the arrangement of planets around the sun. One model literally towered over the others and included LED lights. Saturn's rings were shown in particularly creative fashion. Congratulations to those students who so successfully combined art and science!

Dr. Louis Padua: Educator of the Year

2010-03-27T21:55:00.000-04:00

The Exchange Club of Waterbury, Connecticut, named Wallace Middle School building principal Dr. Louis Padua educator of the year at the club’s Dr. Lawrence J. Shea Awards Banquet March 23.

Many staff member of Wallace Middle School attended the event to show their respect and appreciation for all that Dr. Padua does for the Wallace community. It was a well-deserved honor.

The following professional biography of Dr. Padua comes from the program booklet.

Educator of the Year

Dr. Louis Padua

Wallace Middle School

Louis A. Padua is a lifelong resident of the city of Waterbury. He attended Merriman Elementary School, Wallace Middle School, and Crosby High School. In 1986, he earned a bachelor of science in education from Central Connecticut State University. He began his teaching career in the Waterbury School District in September, 1986. He has taught at North End Middle School, Maloney Elementary School, and Kennedy High School. In 1996, he was appointed principal of Alternative Programs for the City of Waterbury. He took over the Alternative Program with 40 students and four teachers. During his tenure as principal of the alternative program, the program grew to more than 350 students and 24 teachers. In 2003, he was appointed principal of Wallace Middle School. He has served as principal of Wallace Middle School for the past six years. He earned a doctoral degree in educational leadership in 2006.

Proponent of Alternative Education

As the administrator of the alternative programs, Dr. Padua worked with the Board of Education and Central Office staff to gradually increase the number of students in alternative programs. When he took over the alternative school in 1996, it served 50 students. When he completed his tenure there in 2003, the alternative programs were serving more than 300 students. The support that Dr. Padua received from fellow administrators and the Board of Education when running these valuable programs was evidence that he provided strong leadership in the area of alternative education. He has always had a sincere desire to provide "at risk" students with programs that can assist them in becoming productive members of society.

Principal of Wallace Middle School

Dr. Padua has also enjoyed tremendous success in his current position as principal of Wallace Middle School. He has the largest middle school in the district with more than 1,350 students. He supervises more than 100 teachers and support staff. Under his tenure, Wallace has seen improved CMT scores and student discipline. He has enjoyed tremendous success in providing a safe and orderly learning community for the students and faculty. Wallace is the largest middle school in the district, and it has produced the highest performing cohort of 8th graders in the past six years.

Trainer of Data Driven Instruction

Furthermore, Dr. Padua is a State Certified Data Driven Instruction Trainer. He serves on the Waterbury School District Improvement Team and is instrumental in representing the district middle schools in developing and implementing changes to improve student achievement at the secondary level. His knowledge of Data Driven Instruction and Making Standards Work has been a valuable asset to the entire school community.

A Community Leader

Dr. Padua contributes his time to many professional activities: at his school, at professional meetings, at civic meetings, and at state conferences. More recently, he served on the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Commission on truancy. He has extensive knowledge of educational issues and has often been chosen to represent the Waterbury School District in many community and educational forums.

Dr. Padua is a dedicated, hardworking individual who has great pride in the work he does to improve the lives of children in our community. His work ethic is exceptional; he models for teachers and students the importance of respect, honesty, work ethic, and individual responsibility. Dr. Padua is highly respected by his colleagues for his knowledge of education and his passion for challenging the school community to achieve higher levels of success. Las year, Dr. Padua's school was the only school in our District Reference Group (DRG) of its size to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). More recently, his school led the Waterbury School District in ten areas of improvement on the Connecticut Mastery Test. His expertise in Data Driven Instruction practices is an important skill that school districts throughout the nation are desperately looking for. Based on these facts and his experiences in the Waterbury School District, Dr. Padua is the most qualified individual for the position of outstanding educator of the year.

Click here for more photos from the Exchange Club event.

Waterbury's Water Pollution Control Manager Speaks to Wallace 8th Graders

2010-03-22T15:00:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Rusnov's 8th grade science class had a very special visitor last week. Mr Denis Cuevas, General Manager, Water Pollution Control, City of Waterbury, spoke to the students about the engineering profession and his own experiences as a civil engineer. He is a licensed professional engineer and the first Hispanic to hold this prestigious position for the City of Waterbury. Mrs. Rusnov, who worked as a biologist and civil engineer for more than 25 years before joining the staff at Wallace, thought the students would benefit from meeting this accomplished professional who also happens to be a graduate of Crosby High School. After describing his education at UConn and his 15 years as an engineer, Mr. Cuevas encouraged the students to study math and science, set high goals for themselves, and work hard to achieve those goals. He fielded many questions and generously offered to make himself available for questions and engineering career guidance. We are very thankful that Mr. Cuevas took time from his busy work day to visit Wallace.

Three Wallace Students are Essay Contest Finalists

2010-03-17T12:34:00.001-04:00

February 25, 2010

Dear Dr. Padua:

The Waterbury Elks Lodge #265 is pleased to inform you that your school had a student who is a finalist of the Division I (5th & 6th grades) and two students in the Division II (7th & 8th) Essay Contest "The American Dream: What Is it?" Their essays were sent to the state contest for judging.

We are having an awards presentation dinner April 30, 2010, at which time a Savings Bond will be presented.

Congratulations to your students:

6th grade: Ani Haka
8th Grade: Anabela Gomes, Aujanique Nichols

Respectfully,
Patrick Kelly
Exalted Ruler

Note: There were 281 Total Division 1 and Division II essays this year.

Wallace Middle School Announces February Students of the Month

2010-03-15T15:00:00.000-04:00

Wallace Middle School's February Students of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Ashwin Nankoo

Grade 7 – Ambria Payne

Grade 8 – Jennifer Diaz

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Miglyza Medina

Grade 7 – Maegan Peterson

Grade 8 – Tyler Zuraitis

Rapuano House

Grade 6 – Ruby Rodriguez

Grade 7 – Lisa Khan

Grade 8 – Belman Soto

Physical Education

Student 1 – Jason Kennedy

Student 2 – Samantha Marcotte

Bilingual

Student 1 – Juanita Londono-Pedraza

Teacher Vincent Dizenzo Sends his Thanks for Supporting the Penguin Plunge

2010-03-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to update you all on my Penguin Plunge. It was a great day. I raised over $2600 for the Special Olympics, $500 of which was from the generous staff here at Wallace Middle School. Saturday was a beautiful day and the water temperature was a balmy 38 degrees. I walked in, unlike most people who ran. Then I hung out for a bit, I was the last person out of the water. I figured everyone should get their money's worth. I have a few pictures if anyone is interested.

Have a fantastic Friday and a great weekend. Thanks again.

Vincent Dizenzo