News / Press

ACES Welcomes Lily, a Second Highly Trained Facility Dog, to Support Students and Staff

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

(Hamden, CT – March 13, 2026) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is proud to welcome Lily, a highly trained facility dog donated by the nonprofit organization Puppies Behind Bars, to support students and staff at ACES Village School. Lily joins ACES’ beloved facility dog Heidi, expanding the agency’s commitment to student wellness, emotional support, and safe learning environments.

Lily will work daily at ACES Village School alongside her handler, Village School social worker Kim Roche, providing comfort, connection, and encouragement to students and staff throughout the school day. Her calm presence helps students regulate emotions, reduce stress, and build confidence as they engage in learning.

Like Heidi, Lily completed approximately 10,000 hours of professional training and socialization through Puppies Behind Bars, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that trains service dogs through a unique program pairing incarcerated individuals with professional trainers. This extensive preparation equips facility dogs to work in schools and other community settings to support emotional wellness and positive engagement.

ACES welcomed its first facility dog, Heidi, in December 2025. Partnered with ACES School Safety Officer Rich Simons, Heidi works through the ACES Center for SchoolSafety & Wellness, supporting students and staff across ACES schools, partner districts, and community initiatives throughout south-central Connecticut. Heidi previously served at a major Ivy League university in Connecticut, where she became a trusted presence promoting wellness and connection for students and staff.

The addition of Lily further strengthens ACES growing wellness initiative. While Lily’s primary role will be supporting the Village School community, she will also occasionally join Heidi in providing comfort and support at ACES programs, partner districts, and community events when needed.

“Facility dogs like Heidi and Lily play a powerful role in helping students feel calm, connected, and ready to learn,” said Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. “Their presence helps create environments where students feel safe and supported, which is essential for both learning and well-being. We are excited to welcome Lily to the Village School community and look forward to continuing to expand this type of support across our programs in the future.”

Through their presence in classrooms, counseling spaces, and school activities, these highly trained facility dogs help build trust, reduce anxiety, and bring moments of joy to students and staff alike. Together, Heidi and Lily represent ACES continued commitment to innovative supports that strengthen school communities and prioritize student wellness.

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About ACES:
Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex and Fairfield Counties. ACES serves school districts through innovative programs and services that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. ACES operates magnet, special education, and alternative schools, as well as providing a wide range of educational services including professional development, transportation, translation, and adult vocational programs. Learn more at www.aces.org.

ACES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF DR. WILLIAM A. RICE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

ACES Educational Center for the Arts to Host Connecticut Native and First-Ever “The Voice” Winner Javier Colón for Student Performance and Q&A

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

ACES Educational Center for the Arts to Host Connecticut Native and First-Ever “The Voice” Winner Javier Colón for Student Performance and Q&A

(Hamden, CT – February 2, 2026) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is excited to announce that ACES Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) will welcome Connecticut native and inaugural winner of NBC’s The Voice, Javier Colón, for a special on-campus visit on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The event will take place in the Arts Hall at ECA, located at 55 Audubon Street, and will provide students and staff with an unforgettable afternoon of music, storytelling, and inspiration.

Javier Colon, best known as the inaugural winner of NBC’s The Voice, will perform a 90-minute solo acoustic set followed by an interactive Q&A session designed to engage students in meaningful conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the realities of a career in the arts. Colon’s visit aligns with ECA’s mission to provide authentic, real-world learning experiences that connect students directly with working professionals in creative fields.

“At ACES, we believe that transformative education happens when students are given access to authentic, real-world experiences,” said Dr. Thomas Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. “Welcoming an artist of Javier Colon’s caliber to ACES Educational Center for the Arts allows our students to see what is possible when passion, perseverance, and creativity come together. This visit exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their dreams.”

The afternoon schedule will begin at 2:00 p.m. with remarks from the Bob Parker Foundation Fund from 2:00–2:20 p.m. Javier Colon’s performance and Q&A session will follow from 2:30–4:00 p.m.

“We are thrilled to welcome Javier Colon to ACES Educational Center for the Arts,” said Stefanie Savo, Principal of ACES Educational Center for the Arts. “Our students are deeply passionate about music and the arts, and having the opportunity to learn from an accomplished artist who has navigated both the creative process and the professional music industry is incredibly impactful. Experiences like this remind our students that their voices, stories, and talents truly matter.”

Born and raised in Connecticut, Colon has built a career rooted in authenticity and musical excellence. Beyond his national recognition, he is known for his commitment to mentorship, education, and inspiring the next generation of artists. His visit to ECA offers students a rare opportunity to connect with a successful artist who shares their regional roots and creative aspirations.

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex and Fairfield Counties. ACES serves school districts through innovative programs and services that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. ACES operates magnet, special education, and alternative schools, as well as providing a wide range of educational services including professional development, transportation, translation, and adult vocational programs. Learn more at www.aces.org.

ACES Chase Academy to Host Two STEAM-Focused Expos Celebrating Student Innovation

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

ACES Chase Academy to Host Two STEAM-Focused Expos Celebrating Student Innovation

(Hamden, CT –January 21, 2026) - ACES Chase Academy in Waterbury is excited to welcome families, educators, community partners, and supporters to two engaging, STEAM-focused expos that will showcase the innovative work of students across multiple grade levels. As part of the school’s commitment to project-based learning, these events taking place in January and February highlight students' creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as they tackle real-world challenges through science, engineering, and invention.

On Monday, January 26, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., the Grade 7 & High School Science and Engineering Expo will take place at the ACES Chase Academy Theater (snow date: Friday, January 30). Seventh-grade students, along with select high school participants, will present original science and engineering projects developed in alignment with the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF). CSEF is a statewide competition that encourages students in grades 7–12 to pursue independent research and STEM exploration. Students will present projects at various stages from early question development to initial experimental design and may be considered for submission to the statewide competition later this spring. Their work will also be featured during ACES Chase Academy’s annual STEAM Night on April 23rd.

Then, on Tuesday, February 24, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. (snow date Friday, February 27), the Grade 6 Connecticut Invention Convention Expo will offer a platform for sixth-grade students to present their original inventions. As part of their year-long STEAM Expeditions coursework, students have been developing solutions to real-world problems through the Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC). This internationally recognized program fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in youth. Projects range from early-stage concepts to fully developed prototypes, with select inventions eligible for statewide recognition in the spring and inclusion in the April STEAM Night.

“These expos are more than just a showcase of student work; they are celebrations of creativity, perseverance, and the problem-solving mindset that we nurture every day at Chase,” said Dr. Frank LaBanca, Principal of ACES Chase Academy. “When students identify challenges that matter to them and use STEAM skills to develop solutions, they gain the confidence and capability to be tomorrow’s innovators.”

Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES, added, “Events like these embody the mission of ACES, empowering students to think critically, solve complex problems, and take ownership of their learning. We are proud to support Chase Academy’s commitment to cultivating innovation and student voice through experiential education.”

Visitors are encouraged to stop by at any point during the event windows, engage with students, ask questions about their process and ideas, and see firsthand how ACES Chase Academy is cultivating the next generation of thinkers, makers, and leaders. All are welcome to attend, and no RSVP is required.

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex and Fairfield Counties. ACES serves school districts through innovative programs and services that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. ACES operates magnet, special education, and alternative schools, as well as providing a wide range of educational services, including professional development, transportation, translation, and adult vocational programs. Learn more at www.aces.org.

ACES Chase Academy Principal Featured in National STEM Publication

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

ACES Chase Academy Principal Featured in National STEM Publication

(Hamden, CT – December 8, 2025) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is proud to announce that Dr. Frank LaBanca, Principal of ACES Chase Academy and a resident of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, is a contributing author in the newly released book STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st Century Graduate, AESA Edition. Published in collaboration with 21stCentury Ed and the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), the book features voices from educational leaders across the country who are innovating STEM learning at the regional level.

STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st-Century Graduate, AESA Edition is available now for download on Amazon. To purchase, scan the QR code below or search the title on Amazon. The collection features insights from educational leaders nationwide including Dr. LaBanca and offers a national blueprint for advancing sustainable, equitable STEM education.

In his chapter titled "Creating Systems and Coherence to Support Project-Based Learning in STEAM," Dr. LaBanca offers a grounded and practical look at the critical infrastructures needed to support authentic project-based learning (PBL) experiences in real-world school settings. Drawing on his extensive background in STEAM education and leadership, Dr. LaBanca details how success in PBL is not the result of adopting a trend or framework alone, but of building strong systems, aligning visions, and fostering a culture of coherence throughout schools.

“When 21stCenturyEd invited me to contribute, I immediately knew I wanted to write about systems and coherence, the often unseen but essential structures that make high-quality project-based learning sustainable,” said Dr. LaBanca. “PBL doesn’t thrive because someone uses a new tool. It thrives when leaders align their vision, teachers collaborate meaningfully, and students are supported with structures that allow them to explore, create, and innovate with purpose.”

The book serves as a blueprint for educators, school and district leaders, ESAs, and community partners nationwide, providing guidance on expanding equitable access to high-quality STEM education, strengthening community and industry partnerships, and aligning workforce development with K–12 innovation.

Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES, also commented on Dr. LaBanca’s achievement, stating, “Dr. LaBanca’s contribution reflects the heart of our mission at ACES. To lead with innovation and to create systemic supports that help all students succeed,” he said. “We are proud to see his thought leadership featured on a national platform.”

STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st Century Graduate, AESA Edition is now available through 21stCenturyEd and AESA. Educators, district leaders, and community partners interested in sustainable STEM and STEAM learning models are encouraged to explore this timely and inspiring collection of essays.

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About ACES:

ACES Welcomes Heidi, a Highly Trained Facility Dog, to Advance Wellness and School Safety

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

ACES Welcomes Heidi, a Highly Trained Facility Dog, to Advance Wellness and School Safety

(Hamden, CT – December 4, 2025) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is excited to welcome Heidi, a fully trained facility dog, to the ACES Security Team. Partnering with her handler, School Safety Officer Rich Simons, Heidi brings a powerful presence rooted in comfort, connection, and emotional support to ACES schools and programs across south-central Connecticut.

Trained by Puppies Behind Bars, a nationally recognized nonprofit based in New York, Heidi completed more than 10,000 hours of intensive instruction to prepare for her role as a facility dog. Her advanced training equips her to support a wide range of individuals in school, community, and therapeutic settings.

From 2020 through late 2025, Heidi served at a major Ivy League university in Connecticut, where she played a vital role in promoting student and staff wellness. She became a trusted and beloved presence, offering a consistent source of calm and connection. In addition to her university work, she supported students and educators in neighboring schools and community organizations, helping foster safer and more emotionally supportive environments.

As of December 1, 2025, Heidi officially joined ACES, where she is already making a positive impact across multiple programs and learning environments. She supports students in regulating emotions, assists during transitions and crisis moments, and contributes to outreach initiatives and professional development focused on wellness and trauma-informed care.

“Heidi brings calm, connection, and compassion into every room she enters,” said Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. “Her impact goes far beyond comfort, she helps students and staff feel safe, seen, and supported. We are proud to have her as a member of our wellness team.”

“Heidi exemplifies our commitment to holistic wellness,” added Rich Simons, her handler and School Safety Officer. “Whether she's supporting a student in crisis or simply offering a quiet moment of connection, Heidi makes a difference every day.”

When off duty, Heidi enjoys hiking, swimming in local ponds and the ocean, and playing fetch in the yard with her little sister, Libby, a certified therapy dog.

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex and Fairfield Counties. ACES serves school districts through innovative programs and services that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. ACES operates magnet, special education, and alternative schools, as well as providing a wide range of educational services including professional development, transportation, translation, and adult vocational programs. Learn more at www.aces.org.

ECA Visual Arts Department Presents: Soft Systems Student Exhibition at City Gallery

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

ECA Visual Arts Department Presents: Soft Systems Student Exhibition at City Gallery

(North Haven, CT – November 24, 2025) Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is proud to announce that the ACES Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) will host Soft Systems, an evocative student exhibition presented by the Visual Arts Department. This curated collection of sculptural works will be on view from December 5, 2025, through January 2, 2026, at City Gallery in New Haven, with an Opening Reception scheduled for Sunday, December 7, from 1–3 PM.

Soft Systems feature the innovative and thought-provoking creations of ECA high school visual arts students who have explored the expressive and structural properties of fiber and nontraditional materials. Employing techniques from traditional textile construction to experimental material manipulation, the students’ works invite viewers to reimagine softness as both a tactile and conceptual tool.

The pieces reflect systems of organization found in the natural world, cellular growth, bodily forms, tension grids, and stretch into the abstract, where materials fold, stretch, and hold space in unexpected ways.

“Soft Systems is a beautiful representation of our students' courage to experiment, question, and create from a place of deep inquiry. This exhibition exemplifies the ECA philosophy, where young artists work shoulder to shoulder with professional artists, shaping not just artwork, but ideas. It’s a celebration of transformation, texture, and thought,” said Stefanie Savo, Principal of ECA.

The ECA Visual Arts Department, grounded in material exploration and professional mentorship, offers over thirty-six foundation and special topics courses annually. These span media such as sculpture, printmaking, video, photography, interdisciplinary media, 4D digital fabrication, and more.

The Soft Systems exhibition is free and open to the public.
Location:
City Gallery
994 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Gallery Hours: Friday–Sunday, 12 PM–4 PM, or by appointment

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex and Fairfield Counties. ACES serves school districts through innovative programs and services that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. ACES operates magnet, special education, and alternative schools, as well as providing a wide range of educational services including professional development, transportation, translation, and adult vocational programs. Learn more at www.aces.org.

ACES Launches New Collaborative Preschool Autism Program at Perry Hill School in Shelton

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

ACES Launches New Collaborative Preschool Autism Program at Perry Hill School in Shelton

(Hamden, CT – October 2, 2025) Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is proud to announce the launch of ACES Perry Hill Nest (Nurturing Early Support and Transition) at Perry Hill School in Shelton. This regional preschool initiative delivers intensive, individualized early intervention for children with autism and related disabilities in a nurturing, language-rich environment.

After hearing from ACES' districts along the Naugatuck Valley, as well as Shelton, and meeting with those districts' Superintendents and Special Education Directors throughout last spring, we are excited to share that ACES is partnering to open a new collaborative preschool ABA program at Perry Hill School. The program will be fully staffed with ACES specialized professionals, including a full-time Speech and Language Pathologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Teacher, to provide evidence-based, high-quality, and effective early intervention. Our team is committed to doing whatever it takes to meet each student’s individualized needs. This effort is being conducted in conjunction with Cooperative Educational Services (CES) in Trumbull, of which Shelton is a member district.

What sets ACES Perry Hill Nest apart is its collaborative, embedded model, placing a specialized early childhood program within a public elementary school. This collaborative opportunity offers students access to extensive resources while allowing them to remain connected to their own communities and hometowns. Our mission is centered on creating pathways that return students to the general education setting at an earlier stage, with the ultimate goal of ensuring lasting success.

“Our team is excited to partner with Shelton Public Schools to bring this innovative model to the community,” said Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. “ACES Perry Hill Nest represents the best of what early childhood intervention can offer; an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that gives every child a stronger start.”

To maximize developmental gains during this pivotal stage, the program features a full-time Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), a certified special education teacher, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), and one-to-one Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in each classroom. With small group sizes and both morning and afternoon sessions, ACES Perry Hill Nest provides a deeply personalized and supportive experience for students and their families.

Transportation is provided by Shelton Public Schools for local residents, and the program is also open to preschoolers from surrounding districts.

The successful launch of the ACES NEST program was made possible thanks to the collaborative leadership of Kevin Keating, Carrie Hartman, and Cindy Ratchelous, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in bringing this initiative to life.

This program also reflects the growing regional collaboration among Valley school districts, including Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, and Naugatuck, who are working together to expand access to high-quality special education services and early intervention.

By embedding intensive services in a real-world learning environment and working closely with families and school staff, ACES Perry Hill Nest aims to build a strong foundation for each child’s transition to kindergarten and beyond.

For more information visit www.aces.org. School system staff only can make a student referral by clicking here.

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex and Fairfield Counties. ACES serves school districts through innovative programs and services that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. ACES operates magnet, special education, and alternative schools, as well as providing a wide range of educational services including professional development, transportation, translation, and adult vocational programs. Learn more at www.aces.org.

ACES Announces its Participation in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP)

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

For Immediate Release August 27, 2025

The Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) announces its participation in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) for school year 2025-26. All students enrolled at the schools listed below may participate in the breakfast and lunch program at no charge.

Household applications are not required to receive free meals, but alternate income forms may be distributed by the school to collect household income data for other programs that require this information. The CEP is part of the federally funded National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

All students will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge at the following sites:

ACES the Bridge
ACES Center for Autism Spectrum & Development Disorders
ACES Chase Academy
ACES Mill Road School
ACES Village School
ACES Whitney Academy
ACES Whitney High School North
ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School

Persons interested in receiving more information should contact:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES)
370 James Street, Suite 303, New Haven, CT 06513
203-498-6800

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

ACES at Chase Renamed to ACES Chase Academy

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

ACES at Chase Renamed to ACES Chase Academy

(Hamden, CT – August 6, 2025) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is proud to announce that its interdistrict magnet school formerly known as ACES at Chase has officially been renamed ACES Chase Academy. The name change marks a milestone in the school’s evolution as a leading STEAM-focused academy serving students from districts across the region.

Located on the former Chase Collegiate School campus in Waterbury, ACES Chase Academy currently serves students in grades 6 through 10, with a planned expansion to grades 6 through 12 by 2027. As a public interdistrict magnet school, ACES Chase Academy provides students with a rigorous, project-based learning environment that emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

“The shift to ACES Chase Academy signals our deepening commitment to STEAM education,” said Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. “This name better reflects who we are today, a forward-thinking learning community where students solve real-world problems through science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math.”

“This name change represents our growth as a future-focused academy where students engage in real-world learning through STEAM,” said Dr. Frank LaBanca, Principal of ACES Chase Academy. “We are proud of what our school stands for and the name ACES Chase Academy communicates that clearly.”

In recognition of its innovative curriculum and student achievement, ACES Chase Academy has earned multiple national honors, including designation as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for 2024–2025. The school was also recognized by Magnet Schools of America in 2024, affirming its status as a model for high-quality magnet programming.

For more information about ACES Chase Academy, including enrollment opportunities and program details, please visit www.aces.org.

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex and Fairfield Counties. ACES serves school districts through innovative programs and services that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. ACES operates magnet, special education, and alternative schools, as well as providing a wide range of educational services including professional development, transportation, translation, and adult vocational programs. Learn more at www.aces.org.