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Another Holiday Fair in the books and what a fantastic day it was! 🎄✨ Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, planned, baked, crafted, set up, cleaned up, and showed up. Your support and generosity make this tradition so special year after year. We are grateful for our incredible community… today was a great day! ❤️🎁 See you in 2026 for our first Holiday Fair in our new home on Bassett Road.
This week’s Village Staff Connection spotlight shines on Amanda Rivera, one of our dedicated Individual Aides. In addition to being an outstanding member of our team, Amanda is bilingual and uses this gift daily to support students and families across Village School. Amanda was nominated by two of her colleagues, who shared: “Amanda is quick to help everyone, including staff and parents. Her ability to translate for parents helps put them at ease. She is always so cheerful and caring”, and “Amanda is always happy and positive and willing to help with all students. Her happiness is contagious”. Amanda has been part of the Village community since 2020. Before joining our team, she ran a daycare out of her home, where she developed strong skills in supporting young children. When her sister-in-law took over the daycare, Amanda decided to bring her passion for working with children into a school setting and we’re so grateful she did! Although she describes herself as shy, Amanda shares that she feels completely at ease with the students she supports. She loves working with the children at Village and deeply appreciates the caring, collaborative staff she gets to work alongside each day. In her words, she “loves everything about the school.” Outside of work, Amanda enjoys cooking and going for walks. She especially loves preparing Spanish dishes and spending quality time with her two children, ages 10 and 18. Amanda and her family are also excited to welcome a new baby in April, a wonderful surprise addition to their family! Amanda, your warmth, kindness, and positivity embody Village PRIDE. We are so grateful for the care and joy you bring to our students, families, and staff every single day.
Are you ready for the Holiday Fair tomorrow?! Set-up is officially underway, and it’s already shaping up to be our best one yet! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we are so grateful for the incredible support from our families, staff, and community. We can’t wait to see you there and kick off this festive tradition together!
It is Holiday Fair week!! Only 4 more days until the annual Holiday Fair. Who will we see there?
This week’s Village Staff Connection spotlight shines on Jeffrey Wilkins, one of our dedicated Applied Behavior Analysis Trainer (ABATs). Jeffrey was nominated by a speech-language pathologist who shared, “Jeffrey is kind, patient, and hardworking with each student he works with. He has a positive attitude every day, and it’s clear that students enjoy working with him.”
We are thrilled to recognize Jeffrey for his strong work and commitment within our EIBI program! He is a constant example of hard work and flexibility, and always ready to take on any task with a smile. Students are naturally drawn to his positive and calming presence, which creates an environment where they can learn and thrive. Jeffrey recently celebrated his 6th anniversary with ACES on November 11, 2025! He first joined ACES after being encouraged by a nurse at a day program who saw his natural skills and potential. Beginning as an Individual Aide, Jeffrey’s dedication and motivation led him to advance into his current ABAT role, where he continues to make a meaningful impact every day. Jeffrey loves the friendly, welcoming atmosphere at Village and appreciates the daily smiles that fill the building. A lifelong learner, he values the opportunity to learn from students, colleagues, and families alike. Looking ahead, Jeffrey hopes to continue growing professionally and one day become a Behavior Technician at Village. Outside of school, Jeffrey enjoys running,having completed several 5ks as well as playing basketball. He’s also a self-proclaimed taco enthusiast (“tacos, tacos, and more tacos!”). Above all, Jeffrey appreciates how family-oriented ACES is and values the supportive environment that make Village such a special place.
Jeffrey, your dedication, positivity, and compassion truly embody Village PRIDE. We are so grateful for your commitment to our students and school community—thank you for making a difference every single day!
Our Annual Holiday Fair is next week!! We hope to see you there! Help us make this fair the most successful one yet!
ACES - Area Cooperative Educational Services
Village Staff Connection:
This week’s Village Staff Connection spotlight shines on Claudia Lungarini, one of our outstanding Special Education Teachers. We are thrilled to recognize Claudia, who has been a wonderful addition to Village School! Her presence has been a true blessing to both students and colleagues. Claudia is highly organized and efficient in every aspect of student learning. She is a strong advocate for her students, ensuring that their needs are met on a day-to-day—and even moment-to-moment—basis. She embraces each student’s unique strengths and differences, creating a classroom environment that is supportive, inclusive, and full of meaningful learning opportunities. Claudia’s journey into education began while working at a daycare, where she discovered her passion for teaching after seeing children’s growth and behavioral momentum firsthand. Deeply committed to working with students with disabilities, Claudia previously served as a Special Education Resource Teacher in Newington and later as a Special Education Teacher in a behavior program in Chaplin. Outside of school, Claudia enjoys going to the gym, sewing, drawing, and reading, she even once made an entire pair of pants from scratch with thread! Since moving to the area from Vernon, she has been exploring local parks and enjoying time outdoors. Claudia also loves spending time with her family and friends, especially when they cook together. At Village, Claudia appreciates the wide range of services and supports available to students, as well as the fun, engaging activities that enrich their school experience. She finds great joy in watching her students grow each day and in seeing the friendships they build with one another Claudia, your dedication, creativity, and compassion truly embody Village PRIDE. We are so grateful that you are part of our Village family!
Yesterday, our own Mimi Washington (ABA Trainer) completed her 4th New York City Marathon! This is an incredible accomplishment that spans over a decade of dedication and grit! She first took on the NYC Marathon in 2013, returned in 2018, again in 2023, and now in 2025, proving that determination truly has no finish line. Mimi is always the one cheering others on in their running (and life!) journeys so today, it’s our turn to cheer for her! 👏💙 Let’s celebrate this amazing milestone and the inspiration she brings to everyone around her!
This month, Village School welcomed doctoral students from Quinnipiac University’s Physical Therapy program for a rich, hands-on learning experience. Guided by Quinnipiac Professor Michelle Broggi and our incredible Physical Therapy team of Kathy Hassen-Stack, Heather Silver, Kristyn Boscarino, and Ashlie Kipperman, the visiting students spent two afternoons engaging in hands-on examination, evaluation, and intervention sessions with our learners.
These future physical therapists, nearing the completion of their doctoral studies, gained invaluable exposure to working with students who have complex medical and developmental needs which is an experience rarely found in traditional training settings. At the same time, our own PTs benefited from the collaboration by sharing their expertise, reflecting on their practice, and engaging in dialogue with emerging professionals who bring fresh perspectives and new ideas from evidence based learning.
This type of partnership strengthens both programs: it builds the skills of future clinicians while deepening our own team’s professional growth. Most importantly, it celebrates Village School as a place where innovation, learning, and compassion come together to advance the field and enhance the care we provide to our students every day.
As we continue to plan for our new home on Bassett Road, we are actively working to enhance our partnerships with local universities to expand these meaningful experiences and deepen our engagement in this important work.
Happy Halloween from Village School! Eveyone is in the spirit today enjoying a special day. Have fun and be safe this evening. 🎃🍫
Village Staff Connection: Ashlie Kipperman (Physical Therapist) is this week’s Village Staff Connection. Ashlie was nominated by a parent for the incredible care and dedication she brings to her work each day. The parent shared, “We have had the blessing of having an amazing physical therapist for our girl. She goes above and beyond for her always. She is so attentive, loving, caring, and supportive. We love you so much and are grateful to have met you.” Ashlie joined Village School in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience and heart. She began her career as a Physical Therapist in 2016, working across nearly every setting the field offers. Interestingly, PT wasn’t her original plan. She was pre-law until a life-changing car accident left her struggling to walk. The care and encouragement she received during her own recovery inspired her to shift paths and dedicate her career to helping others regain their strength and independence. Today, Ashlie feels fortunate to work with students from ages 3 to 22 as she works at both Village School and Whitney Academy. She enjoys supporting students as they grow both physically and developmentally. She says she still gets goosebumps seeing their progress and knowing she played a part in it. When asked what she likes about working at ACES she shares that “it’s a village, a family. You don’t get to go many places and work with this many therapists, all sharing their knowledge and passion for helping kids. It’s rare and so special.” Outside of school, Ashlie is a proud mom of two and an avid bowler. It’s actually how she met her husband! Ashlie was a Division I collegiate athlete in bowling and remains active in the bowling community, serving in both state and national USBC leadership roles and attending national conventions by invitation. Ashlie your compassion, professionalism, and commitment is a great example of Village PRIDE. Thank you for all that you do each day. We are so grateful to have you as part of our Village family!
Join us in congratulating our very own Colleen Moylan, Speech Pathologist, who completed her first-ever marathon this past Sunday! Colleen crushed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. This is an incredible achievement that showcases her determination, strength, and perseverance. We are so proud of you, Colleen!
Our Unique Curriculum theme this month is Science Fairs, and Room 4 is bubbling with discovery! From car racing to bubble painting, magnets to potions, and sink-or-float tests, Ms. Sandy’s young scientists are experimenting their way to wonder!
This week’s Village Staff Connection spotlight shines on Livia Talamelli, one of our exceptional EIBI ABATs. Livia was nominated by several of her colleagues, who shared: “Livia is kind, hardworking, collaborative, and a great addition to the EIBI behavior team. She approaches each of her students’ individual needs with care and consideration. Livia also exhibits a positive attitude toward all situations.” “Livia never hesitates to step in to help and is respectful of her students and fellow staff. She has a kind heart, which is reflected in her work with students and the relationships she builds with them.” Livia joined Village School in March 2024, bringing experience from West Haven, where she worked with special education students. She was drawn to Village by our strong sense of community and collaborative environment. Livia shared that the supportive atmosphere and the fact that so many staff members stay for years make Village a truly meaningful place to work and a place where people genuinely care about children and their growth. Currently, Livia is on track to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and will be taking her certification exam soon. We are so proud of her continued professional growth and wish her all the best as she takes this next step in her career. Outside of school, Livia enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. She loves nature, going for walks, working in the yard, and traveling to new places. With the holidays approaching, she’s especially looking forward to making new memories with family. Livia’s calm presence, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication have a profound impact on both students and staff. We are so grateful that you are part of the Village family, Livia—thank you for the positivity and care you bring to our school community each day.
Don’t forget to RSVP for this FUN event!!
This week’s Village Staff Connection spotlight shines on Ann McAdams, one of our exceptional Special Education Teachers. Since joining Village School last year, Ann has quickly become an integral part of our community, known for her warm smile, positive energy, and unwavering dedication to her students. Before joining Village, Ann spent 10 years as a Special Education Teacher in the Wallingford Public Schools. Teaching has been her lifelong calling, one she embraced from an early age. Ann finds deep joy in watching children grow, especially when she helps them engage in tasks and activities that others might see as out of reach. Her favorite part of working at Village School is being surrounded by colleagues who share her passion for learning and her commitment to children. She values the strong sense of purpose and collaboration that defines the Village team, and she approaches each day with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference. Ann especially enjoys working with complex learners, celebrating every small victory as the meaningful milestone it truly is. Outside of school, Ann loves spending time with her husband and two sons, one of whom now attends our Village PreK class, giving them the special gift of extra time together. In her free time, Ann enjoys hiking and attending Renaissance Fairs, with her favorite one located right here in Connecticut. This weekend, she’s excited to celebrate Halloween with some safe trick-or-treating and a bit of festive jousting! Ann, your smile, dedication, and heart embody true Village PRIDE. We are so grateful that you chose to be part of the Village family and continue to make a difference every day in the lives of our students.
Some of our classrooms recently had the opportunity to take part in a fun and educational handwashing lesson led by Michelle Miller, a parent of a student in Room 3. Through her work at a local Unilever, Michelle and her team have been visiting schools to teach students about the importance of clean hands and healthy habits. Students learned about different types of germs and bacteria, how quickly germs can spread, and why proper handwashing matters. The highlight of the lesson was using a black light to see the germs on their hands before and after washing. A powerful (and glowing!) reminder that good hygiene helps keep everyone healthy.
This week the ACES Internal Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists had an opportunity to participate in a professional learning session that was part of a grant funded by the ACES Education Foundation .
This one-day training provided physical and occupational therapists with a comprehensive understanding of the fascial system’s role in postural alignment, neuromuscular function, and overall body connectivity. Participants explored both gross and subtle fascial connections and learned practical assessment and treatment techniques that can be directly applied in school-based settings.
This workshop deepened clinical skills, enhanced therapeutic outcomes, and supported the complex needs of our diverse student population. By integrating myofascial release strategies, therapists can help reduce discomfort, improve engagement, and foster pain-free participation which are key elements for promoting student success in the learning environment.
Thank you to the ACES Education Foundation for their support and appreciation to Usha and Marcus for their wonderful instruction on this day! Everyone is looking forward to the second part of the training which will occur on October 22nd.
Village Staff Connection: Angela Green (Special Education Teacher) is this week’s Village Staff Connection. We are thrilled to highlight and recognize Angela, who has been an integral part of the Village School family since 1999. Angela’s dedication and compassion shine through in everything she does. She was nominated by a parent who shared, “She has a warm heart, kind, thoughtful, attentive, and caring. We love her dedication and big heart. We love and appreciate all you do for our baby girl.” Angela’s journey into education began unexpectedly when a neighbor encouraged her to consider teaching because of her natural way with children. One summer job with CREC changed everything and she fell in love with the population she now serves and never looked back. For Angela, the joy comes from seeing growth in her students and knowing how those small steps make a big difference for families. As she says, “You’re going to have tough days, but the reward in the end makes it all worth it.” Outside of work, Angela treasures time with her family. She and her husband have two beautiful daughters who both attend UCONN. She loves spending time with her sister and mom, going on day trips, trying new restaurants, and exploring new places. She also enjoys cooking and yes, according to her husband, shopping! Someday, she hopes to fulfill her dream of traveling to Ireland. When asked what keeps her at Village after all these years, Angela didn’t hesitate: it’s the people. She shared that Village feels like her second home. It is a place filled with supportive colleagues, lasting friendships, and a shared purpose. “You’re not just friends here,” she said. “You’re family.” Angela, your kindness, dedication, and heart embody true Village PRIDE. We are so grateful for the joy and care you bring to your students and to our entire community each day.
"On Wednesdays we wear PINK!"! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and at Village we are proud to show our support by wearing pink each Wednesday and raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. By joining together in something as simple as wearing pink, and by contributing to our schoolwide fundraiser, we are helping to raise both awareness and vital funds for research, support, and education. Yesterday our hallways were filled with pink to support a great cause. Even Dr. William Rice (ACES Assistant Executive Director) supported the cause on his visit to Village School.
Mark your calendars: our Holiday Fair is happening on Friday, November 21st!
We’re aiming to make this year’s event the best one yet, and we’d love your help to make it happen! You can get involved by donating raffle items, contributing to the food area, volunteering your time, or simply joining us that evening to enjoy the fun and show your support.
Village Staff Connection: Trevor Teixeira (Individual Aide) is this week’s Village Staff Connection! Trevor has made a positive impression and impact as he wraps up his very first year at Village School. Trevor was nominated for the caring, supportive way he works with students each day, always stepping in to help staff and students without hesitation. He has quickly become a valued team member who brings positivity, laughter, and a steady presence to the classroom. Trevor joined Village last October bringing with him experience from having younger cousins and a natural ability to connect with kids. Over the course of the year, he has learned a great deal about supporting students with different needs, especially in moments of de-escalation. He shared that one of the best feelings is knowing he’s helped a student turn their day around which is something that lifts his own mood as well. Outside of school, Trevor enjoys playing soccer and basketball, training in martial arts, and spending time with his two dogs, a Husky-Pitbull mix and a Boxer-Shepherd. His long-term goal is to work in corrections, but for now, we are so glad he is part of our Village family. Trevor’s kind spirit, dedication, and support of both students and staff show every day what it means to demonstrate Village PRIDE!
To all of our Village Family past and present: This Sunday October 5th at 9:30am join the West Haven Special Olympics team for Ryan’s Walk at Bradley Point in West Haven. Ryan is a former Village School student and this annual walk is held in his memory. All proceeds benefit Team West Haven.
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