Derby Public Schools
Pictured above – Robbie Trainor - District Business Manager, Marc Russo, Principal – Irving School, Sherry Lia – Para Union President, Colleen Ezzo – Labor Relations Representative for UPSEU and Morgan M – 1st Grade Student at Irving School
The following press release was sent by Derby Public Schools:
The Derby paraeducator union met recently and voted to donate $3,000.00 to support Irving Elementary, Little Raiders University and Bradley Elementary school Playgrounds. Paraeducator Union Representatives were on hand to present a $1000.00 check to each of the three schools.
Colleen Ezzo, Labor Relations Representative for the United Public Service Employees Union, shared that “UPSEA is proud to represent Derby Paraeducators. This donation to each of 3 Derby School Playgrounds exemplifies our members’ dedication and commitment to improving the lives of the students they support, both in and out of the classroom!”
In the words of Sherry Lia, Para Union President, “Giving back to our students is always a gift in itself.”
“The big playground with swings, slides, and monkey bars is so fun. Recess is better now than in Kindergarten. If we made another playground with all of those things for the little kids, it would make their school day great!” said Morgan M., 1st Grade, Irving School.
“We are very grateful every day for our amazing Paraeducators and their generosity is a testimony to where their hearts are, always putting kids first,” said Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr., Superintendent of Schools.
“The recent donation by our paraprofessionals is just one more example of how they continually impact our school system in such a positive manner. Their level of generosity will go a long way towards improving the life of countless children. We are grateful for their contributions,” said Jim Gildea, Chairman of the Board of Education.
Eric Lazowski, Bradley School Parent and Coordinator of the Bradley School Playground Project said, “ I think it’s amazing that the Paraeducator’s Union took interest in helping the cause for The Bradley School Playground Project along with Irving’s and LRU’s new playgrounds. This is an initiative that started off with trying to help one school and has morphed into helping ALL Derby schools… which is a win for everyone in The City of Derby and the surrounding community. As head of the Bradley project, I sincerely appreciate their help and the support of everyone who has reached out to donate.”
