Village Staff Connection: This week’s Village Staff Connection is someone who is the definition of patience and kindness. Meet Becky Kerzner, ABA Trainer in Room 20 (Ms. Cindy and Ms. Angela). Becky has been working at Village school for 5 years. She started as an Individual Aide in the integrated pre-school program before switching to ABA Trainer in EIBI. Becky has been recognized by countless staff for her patience, her sense of humor, her dedication, and the manner in which she always treats all students and staff with kindness and respect. There is no doubt that the students love her and she loves the students! In speaking with Becky, she shared that she enjoys the work because she can see the difference she is making when she works with the students. She feels the connection she has with the students and she knows that what is happening here matters. For Becky it is all about the kids. This job is very rewarding and she doesn’t see herself doing anything else that would be as meaningful. Outside of work, Becky enjoys her quiet time at home. She loves to read and watch Netflix. For anyone looking to come work at Village School, Becky would advise them that every day is different and a new opportunity. She says that being open and patient is the key to success. Thank you Becky for all that you do to make Village School a great place to be! We appreciate you showing your Village PRIDE each day!
Posted 5 days, 10 hours ago
The students and staff of Village School enjoyed learning and watching about the solar eclipse together yesterday. We hope everyone took an opportunity to see this amazing sight!
Posted 1 week, 1 day ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Michele Crumb, Special Education teacher in Room 6 at Village School. Michele has been recognized by several colleagues and staff in the school as someone who goes above and beyond every day for the students. Michele is known as a “workaholic” and is often the last one in the building each day. Her co-lead, Seth Mulhall (BCBA) shared that he has learned a great deal from her leadership and she is a great partner in the classroom. Michele joined the Village School team two years ago after having worked for over 20 years in another Special Education facility. She shared that she loves teaching at Village and is glad that she made the decision to come here. Michele has always known she wanted to be a special education teacher. She found a passion in working with students who are trying hard to communicate what they need and she has a passion to find the way to support them and individualize the approach for each student. Michele strives to help the students gain lifelong skills and independence to assist them as they become young adults. Michele also holds her BCBA which has broadened her perspective on the field. She shares that the team perspective and approach to the work here at Village School has been something that she has appreciated and found to be successful for kids. Outside of work, Michele is as active as she is at work. She is someone who enjoys working with her hands and is currently working on the construction of a new house through actually participating in the building and construction. She is the proud parent of three children and her eldest daughter just got engaged! She is also a new puppy mom! Michele, thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and families on a daily basis. Your dedication to excellence is felt by all who interact with you.
Posted 1 week, 5 days ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Cristina Goncalves, Teacher Assistant Driver in Room 24 (Ms. Judy). From the moment Cristina started at Village School at the end of October, she immediately had a positive impact on the students at Village School. Cristina was nominated by many staff who have had the opportunity to work alongside her and recognize her dedication, ability to take initiative, her work ethic, and her heart for the students of Village School. In speaking with Cristina, she shared that she was seeking a job that allowed her to work with children and use her experience from being a mother and grandmother to make an impact. She is grateful to have found that environment and feels that her assigned classroom is her “calling”. She said that she enjoys the students and all that they are able to achieve. Cristina recognizes that the students can do great things if we give them the support in reaching those goals and hold them to high expectations. Cristina said that finding ways to assist them in expanding their abilities through whatever means necessary is fascinating to her. She loves to explore different ways to help the children express themselves such as using eye gaze, switches, art, and more. Through watching the growth the students make it has helped her to grow as a person as well. Growing up in Portugal with two sisters, Cristina identifies the love that she was raised with and that is what she brings to work each day with her. She enjoys staying active by doing a lot of things including kick boxing. Cristina is also an avid reader and a family woman who enjoys spending lots of time with her family. Cristina, thank you for all that you do each day to show your Village PRIDE and ensure that our program meets the needs of all of our students.
Posted 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Village Staff Connections: Layne Cappas (Individual Aide) started working at Village School last spring and immediately made a positive impact within the program. She was nominated as this week’s Village Staff Connection due to her spirit, positivity, and her dedication to making a difference in the lives of the students at Village School. Layne has always enjoyed working with children and through conversations with a family member she realized Village School was the logical place for her to bring her talents. Prior to starting at Village, Layne felt the joy of making a difference in the lives of families and individuals with disabilities through her work as a Disney Princess. There was one young girl that she especially took the time to connect with and the mother made sure to let her know that she made a difference in both of their lives. Layne shares that she loves working at Village school and seeing the love that the staff have for the kids and that the kids have for the staff. She has experienced how hard our students work across all classrooms and the pride their feel when they accomplish great things. Layne is “friends” with Larry the Lion and she loves to see the joy and motivation Larry brings for the students. Outside of work, Layne is a mother first and foremost to her daughter, Bella, and she enjoys going on nature hunts with her and spending time with her. Layne is also very artistic and creative. She particular enjoys writing but she is also known for her exceptional drawing skills. Layne is known for her bubbly and energetic spirit and always strives to make those around her smile. Layne, thank you for all you do every day to show your Village PRIDE!
Posted 3 weeks, 5 days ago
It's Scholastic Book Fair Week! There are so many wonderful books to choose from! Every purchase benefits our school!
Visit our Book Fair Home Page for more information:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/acesvillageschool
Posted 4 weeks, 2 days ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Jackie Corcoran, Social Worker in our Village-EIBI program and this week’s Village Staff Connection. Jackie joined the Village team this fall, but prior to coming to Village, Jackie was a Social Worker for four years within a clinical setting and 11 years within the public school setting in West Haven. Jackie’s experiences both at the clinical level and within the school system have enabled her to be highly successful within her first year here at Village. She was nominated by her colleagues as someone who puts her heart into everything she does, is positive, has a caring and approachable demeanor, is always willing to help out, is knowledgeable and truly cares about the kids and the kids adore her. Jackie has found a new home at Village school and shares that she enjoys watching the staff work and have fun with the kids. She appreciates the interdisciplinary approach that Village School provides and how everyone is working together towards a common goal: what is best for kids. She feels that the culture at Village School fosters that work. Jackie shares that education has always been important to her family and she turned to a career in social work when she found an interest in helping children find ways to access their education. Outside of work, Jackie is a proud mother to a teenager and she also loves her dog, Frodo. Jackie enjoys travelling, history, and has a love for the arts and theater. She is very happy that she came to Village School and she has enjoyed getting to become a part of the work family here. Jackie, thank you for all that you do and for always showing your Village PRIDE!
Posted 1 month, 2 days ago
Are you ready Village School students, families and friends? The Scholastic Book Fair will be here from March 18th -22nd! Stay tuned for more information!
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago
Village Staff Connections: Mike Meszoros is known to many at Village School as “Big Mike” and was nominated for this week’s Village Staff Connection by many of his colleagues. Mike is a valued member of the Village Behavior Technician team and brings a great positive attitude to the job on a daily basis. He works hard to form relationships with students and staff in order to support them through challenging times. Staff nominated Mike due to his positivity and ability to always be there when you need him no matter what. He can even be counted on for a great dance battle with Larry the Lion (which Mike will win hands down!). Mike is approaching his 6th year anniversary with ACES next week. Starting at Village School as an Individual Aide, Mike then grew within the organization to move into the role of an ABA Trainer at Village School in the EIBI program before advancing into the role of Behavior Technician first with Behavior Services serving our area districts and then transferring back to Village School at the start of this school year. Mike shared that he has a sense of pride in seeing the students succeed in their programs and being able to express themselves. He identifies that building the trust with the students is important as once you do that, they will turn to you when needed as they know you are in their corner. Working in education is a “family thing” for Mike having grown up with two parents who worked in schools. Mike shares that he learned a great amount from his mother who worked with students with Autism as well as his father who was a high school security guard. Through them he developed an appreciation and understanding for best practices which set him up for success as he started in this field. Outside of work, Mike enjoys playing softball, coaching baseball (including his son’s t-ball team), and spending time with his family as much as possible. When asked why he works at Village School, Mike shared that he loves being at Village because it is a family knit and welcoming environment. The staff are great and everyone is here for the kids and each other. The Village staff always step up and help each other out which is a great thing about being at Village and why he was excited to return this year. Mike, thank you for always showing your Village PRIDE each day. Your smile and positive attitude is infectious!
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago
Nothing like Larry and a dance party on a Friday!!
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago
This past week ACES Village School partnered with Quinnipiac University to raise money for Connecticut Children’s Hospital. Village School enjoyed a fun filled spirit week that culminated with a big dance party and Ice Cream truck! We raised over $1000 to help CT Children’s! GO ACES VILLAGE !!!
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Village Staff Connection: Marci Rizzo is this week’s Village Staff Connection! Marci has been working at ACES Village School since 1994. Her colleagues nominated her due to her willingness to go above and beyond on a daily basis for the benefit of the students at ACES Village School. Not only does Marci do this through supporting student academic and therapeutic achievement in the classroom, but she can also be counted on for lending her creative talents when needed. Marci loves the kids and she always had a passion to work in education. She shared that she values the family atmosphere of ACES Village and indicated that through some of her toughest times in her life it was those at Village school who were there to support her. Outside of work, Marci is an avid animal lover and volunteers at the Animal Rescue. She enjoys doing crafts which plays a large roll in the work she does here at Village. She uses her artistic ability to see what may be needed to enhance the programming for students and then makes the vision become a reality. During the beginning of COVID Marci created hundreds of masks that she then donated to students, staff, and local hospitals. She also has worked on sensory motor pathways, developing the annual trunk or treat, and more for the students at Village. When asked what advice she would give to someone looking to get into the field of special education Marci would let them know that it is very rewarding and to always look for the success in each day. Marci, thank you for all that you do for Village School and for being a great example of what it means to show your Village PRIDE!
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Wendy Staschke, Special Education Teacher in Room 9. Wendy was nominated by numerous staff at Village School for her ability to connect with students and drive them to be their best versions of themselves. If you have had a chance to meet Wendy, you will agree that she is a shining example of what a Special Education teacher at Village School represents. She has been making a difference in the lives of children at ACES Village School for 39 years and counting. Wendy started her career at Village School as a TAD before transitioning to a Planning Aide as she completed her teaching degree. After receiving her degree, Wendy started her successful career as a Special Education Teacher at Village School. When asked what drives her to do the work each day, Wendy shares that she loves walking into her classroom to see her students each morning. Wendy truly believes in every one of her students and holds high expectations for each of them. She knows that if she sets high expectations and supports her students, they will achieve great things! In speaking with Wendy, she shares that throughout the years there have been many changes in education but the thing that remains constant are the people who are in it for the children and come to work daily to help them grow and succeed. Wendy continues to have passion for the work as she recognizes that each student is a gift and she sees the impact that she has on their lives. Outside of work Wendy enjoys reading and being outdoors. She loves to spend time with all of her family and also go completely “off the grid” whenever she can. Wendy is a shining example of what it means to show your Village PRIDE!! Wendy, thank you for all that you do for our students and our school. Your dedication and excellence is recognized and appreciated by all who interact with you.
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Isiah Miller (ABA Trainer) this week’s Village Staff Connection! Isiah has been nominated for this recognition due to his dedication to students, willingness to always lend a helping hand, and commitment to bring new ideas and innovations to the Village program. Isiah began his journey as an Individual Aide at Village four years ago and quickly moved into the role of ABA Trainer. Isiah shared that he has a passion for the work because he sees how he is helping students and creating a better quality of life for them and their families. He loves to see the growth the kids make but he recognizes that he has also grown a lot as a result of his work at Village. Isiah loves working with kids and it is something he has done since he was in middle school when he began volunteering at his church. Outside of work, everyone who knows Isiah is aware that he is obsessed with the WWE (maybe someday we will see him as part of it!). He also enjoys hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and being outside in nature going on hikes. Isiah said that Village is special to him because of the connections he has made as well as the culture and climate at the school that allows ideas to be brought to the table and be heard. Isiah is always willing to bring new ideas to the table and provide ways to implement the ideas as well. Last year, Isiah identified that a school yearbook would be a great addition to our program. He saw a need to create memories for the students and also provide a way for families to see what is happening during the school day. Isiah presented this idea and has been leading the work on the 2023-2024 Village Yearbook. We cannot wait for the finished product later this spring! Isiah, thank you for being an example of what it means to show your Village PRIDE!!
Posted 2 months, 1 day ago
ACES Village School will have a two hour delay on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. School will open for students at 10:30am. Please note that we will continue to follow our normal Wednesday 1:00pm dismissal time. The Special Someone Brunch scheduled for tomorrow will be postponed until Friday, February 16th.
Posted 2 months, 3 days ago
ACES Village School will be closed Tuesday, February 13, 2024 due to the expected winter storm.
Posted 2 months, 4 days ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Doug Brown, Planning Aide in Ms. Wendy’s room (Room 9). For over 37 years, Doug has been someone who the staff and students at Village School count on in numerous ways. He is known for his ability to connect with students in a way that helps them reach their full potential both academically and socially. But more than that, Doug is valued for his kindness, humor, and generosity. He can always make you laugh no matter what and he is the first to offer support when you need it. Doug shared that he takes great pride in knowing the difference he makes with the students and the progress is visible. He receives gratification from the work he does daily. He further shared that the students are what motivates him to continue the work after all of these years. Not only is Doug a valued member of the Village community, he is also a proud Army Veteran having served with the K9 Military Police overseas. Doug, thank you for all that you do at Village School and how you exemplify what it means to show your Village PRIDE!!
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
What a great week at ACES Village! We partnered with Quinnipiac University to raise over $1000 for CONNECTICUT CHILDRENS HOSPITAL! We are so proud of all of our students and staff for participating. We ended our spirit week by having a dance party with an ice cream truck! Thank you to the Quinnipiac Ice Cats for dancing with us!Quinnipiac University CT Childrens Medical Ctr QTHON
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Taylor Moore, Speech and Language Pathologist at Village School. Taylor became a Speech Pathologist for her desire to give kids a voice and help them communicate with others. Three years ago, she was looking for a work environment where she could do this work with students and feel excited about the difference she was making. This brought her here to Village School where she has been doing just that since she started. Taylor was nominated by staff for her positive attitude and dedication to all students. Taylor is known for her ability to form connections with staff and students that helps to drive the learning forward. In addition to this, Taylor has been a driving force behind our fundraising efforts to support the Q-Thon for Connecticut Children’s Medical this week. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys cooking, working out, and coaching soccer. You may also find her dancing to her favorite Taylor Swift song! Taylor, thank you for all that you do at Village School and how you work to be an example of Village PRIDE!!
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Larry the Lion visited classrooms on Friday to recognize and celebrate students who were selected for the month of January for working hard and demonstrating PRIDE behavior! We love how all Village students are working hard at demonstrating what it means to Show your Village PRIDE. Congratulations to all the selected students. Larry will be back at the end of February to recognize more students!!
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Today kicks off our QTHON Spirit Week Fundraiser for Connecticut Children's Medical Center! Village School is teaming up with Quinnipiac University to participate in a spirit week fundraiser and mini dance marathon. All proceeds will go directly to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center which provides services to many children (including many children from ACES Village School).
Monday: PJ day
Tuesday: Hat Day
Wednesday: Mismatch and Crazy Hair Day
Thursday: Favorite Character or Sports Jersey Day
Friday: School Color Day (wear blue and yellow for our dance-a-thon with students from Quinnipiac University!)
Donate to our team here:
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Village Staff Connections: Whitney Anderson (ABA Trainer) has been nominated by her colleagues for our Village Staff Connection as she is a daily example of what it means to show your Village PRIDE. Whitney treats all students with respect, is collaborative with staff, and is known for her kind and calm nature. Whitney has had an influence on students at Village School for the past 11 years starting as an Individual Aide and now within her current role as ABA Trainer. She shares that what she loves most about working at Village School are the connections she has made and the family dynamic. This is what brought her back to Village after a short departure. What she finds the most rewarding is seeing the work she does come through the students as they progress. Whitney has a passion for working with children which has led to her enrollment in school to obtain her Early Childhood Special Education degree. When she is not making a difference here, Whitney takes pride in being a mother and her family. This pride has led to her volunteer work with an advocacy group based in Hamden called the Black Mommas Matter Alliance. The Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) is a Black women-led alliance that centers Black mamas and birthing people to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice. With all that she does, Whitney has still found time to start a new hobby recently: crocheting! Whitney, thank you for the excellent work that you do here at Village and in our community. We appreciate all you do and how you show your Village PRIDE!
Posted 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Due to inclement weather, Village School will have a two hour delay on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. School will open for students at 10:30am. Please note that we will continue to follow our normal Wednesday 1:00pm dismissal time. Travel safely!
Posted 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Village Staff Connections: It is hard not to see the positive impact John Silveira (BCBA Room 12) has on the Village School community. That is probably why he received countless nominations from his colleagues and has been selected as this week’s Village Staff Connection. John is known for many things including his hard work, the way he always goes above and beyond, how supportive he is of everyone at all times, and of course his humor and jokes! However, the most important aspect is that John always puts the students first and will never stop working to make them successful. John has been with ACES for 11 years and has served as a ABA Trainer, Behavior Technician, Lead ABA Trainer, and is currently a BCBA in the Village-EIBI program. He shares that seeing the students be proud of themselves for something they have been working hard to accomplish is what he loves most about the job. John also says that watching the staff build relationships with the kids and seeing everyone smile brings him joy each day. He loves that at Village School, people just show up for each other when needed. No matter what everyone is there to help and support each other so that the kids are successful. Outside of work, John is the proud father of two daughters and he enjoys spending time with them and his wife (who is a Speech Pathologist at ACES SAILS). John’s advice for anyone looking to get into this field is that “it is easy when you love it”. Village is lucky to have John as part of our team. Thank you for always showing your PRIDE each day!
Posted 2 months, 4 weeks ago