Ansonia Schools Off To Good Start, Education Commissioner To Visit

ANSONIA — The theme for the 2019 – 20 school year is emblazoned in white across the navy T‑shirts that were provided to staff as they entered the lobby of Ansonia High School on Aug. 26, two days prior to the opening of school: ​“We Are Ansonia Strong.” For the more than 250 teachers, administrators and support staff who reported back to work, it was a welcome relief and a positive start to the school year. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph DiBacco said he hoped that Ansonia staff liked the shirts, as well as his invitation to wear them on the first Friday of every month this year. It was clear that the staff liked the shirts; just about everyone wore them on Aug. 27 for the second day of Professional Development.

Mat Hough, president of the Ansonia Federation of Teachers, wrote a Letter to the Editor about the T‑shirts. ​“For me, Ansonia Strong has a deeper meaning. It represents the struggles we have been through, yet how far we have come in the last year,” Hough wrote. He heralded the many new teachers and other staff hired over the summer, including six elementary teachers, five middle school teachers, an assistant principal and a school secretary. 

Dr. DiBacco said the top priority of the Ansonia Board of Education this summer was to reduce class size and get staff positions restored. As applause rang out in the AHS auditorium on Aug. 26, he added, ​“Thank you for your patience and your belief in what we could do. We truly worked hard to address what we lost.”

Dr. DiBacco, in welcoming back the staff, announced that the ​“We Are Ansonia Strong” shirts were in memory of the late Dom Golia, Ansonia’s Food Service Director, who ​“wanted to make sure that everyone was part of the team.” 

It was two of Mr. Golia’s friends and colleagues who came up with the slogan and design of the T‑shirt. Vin Pastore, the district’s Network Director, and Bob Evans, the Director of Facilities, worked behind the scenes with Dr. DiBacco to ensure that the shirts gave a clear and positive message. 

“I was proud to be part of this,” said Mr. Pastore, who said it was one of the best things he has done in the five years he has been in the district. ​“It was all very positive. People were excited to get something and to feel appreciated. I’m looking forward to the road ahead, and I hope we do more things like this.”

Dr. DiBacco said there will be more surprises in the months ahead, especially for increasing opportunities for students. Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, who was appointed as the Commissioner of Education earlier this month, will be visiting the Ansonia school district in October. Dr. DiBacco is eager to show Dr. Cardona what our schools have to offer – and what the district needs, such as a new middle school.

“I have never been more excited and energized about anything in my professional career,” he said of the work that has taken place since July 1. ​“We have a phenomenal team and we are getting stronger every day … My number one goal is to honor the strong foundation that has been laid and contribute to the immense pride of the Ansonia community.”