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THREE KINGS MAKE A SPECIAL APPEARANCE
Biblical Figures Bring Gifts, Music, and
Mirth to 400 Children at Marin School
 Firefighters Ron Morales, Hipolito
Vega, and Chris Vega, donned traditional garb to portray the three
kings for this year's celebration.
About 400 children and
their parents packed the auditorium of Luis Muñoz Marin School last
Wednesday to celebrate Three Kings Day.
Three Kings Day, or
Epiphany, is a Christian feast day that commemorates principally the
visitation of the biblical Magi to the baby Jesus, carrying gold,
myrrh, and frankincense.
About 400 children and their parents gathered in
Marin's auditorium awaiting the appearance of the three
kings.
This year, the three
wise men were portrayed by firefighters Ron Morales, Hipolito Vega,
and his son Chris Vega, all clad in bright colorful
robes, greeted by children who could barely contain their
excitement. But soon all eyes shifted to the group of 800
presents collected by the mayor's
office, the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network, AMR, and Toys for
Tots in Stamford.
"The kids get a little education on
the purpose of the three kings and why we do the gift giving every
year," said Rick Cruz, vice president of the Greater Bridgeport
Latino Network, who contributed to organizing the toy drive. "What makes it all worthwile is
making sure all these kids get a little something."
Marin fifth grade students
Mariana Lopez and
Khaniya Riddick were delighted that the
three kings visited them this year. "It's nice of them to give us
presents," said Mariana.
The three kings greet an
enraptured audience before presenting children with
gifts.
Music filled the air during
the annual Three Kings Day
Celebration.
BRIDGEPORT SCHOLARS TAKE A “PEACE” OF THE PRIZE
Fairfield University Sponsors the “Poetry for Peace”
Contest
Five Bridgeport Public School students have penned prolific
poetry, and won top prizes in Fairfield University’s “Poetry for
Peace” contest. The University received over 700 poems from students
in grades K-8 in Bridgeport and Fairfield. Out of the 700 poems, 64
will be published. Those students will be invited to read their
works on Thursday, January 28th, from 6pm – 8pm at the
Kelley Center at the Fairfield University Campus. Free
copies of the book of poems will be distributed that night.
The “Poetry for Peace” contest was developed by Dr. Nels Pearson,
an assistant professor in the Department of English at Fairfield
University, as the community outreach component of a “Poetry for
Peace” initiative he designed. The 700 poems were reviewed by a team
including Dr. Pearson, Dr. Jerelyn Johnson (Assistant Professor of
Spanish), Dr. Kim Bridgford (Professor of English and Pulitzer Prize
nominated poet), and six undergraduate and graduate students of
Fairfield majoring in English and/or Education.
The scholars from Bridgeport Public Schools who won top prizes
are:
Grades K-2 Tier
*1st Place
Antonio Mc Phail
2nd Grade
Jettie S. Tisdale School
* 2nd Place:
Luis Campos
2nd Grade Black Rock School
* 3rd Place & Top Kindergarten Poem:
Brianna Walker & Carlos Rodriguez
Kindergarten
Jettie S. Tisdale School
*Top 1st Grade Poem:
Tambria Fleming
1st Grade
Classical Studies Academy
Grades 3-5 Tier
* 1st Place & Top 5th Grade poem:
Lilet Bowtun
5th Grade
Columbus School
*2nd Place & Top 4th Grade poem:
Kassandra Martinez
4th Grade
Columbus School
*Top 3rd Grade Poem:
Joelys Lopez
3rd Grade
Columbus School
Additionally, six scholars from Bridgeport also received the
honor of having their poems named as “Judges Favorite.”
Black Rock
School
Jordan Villette (2nd Grade)
Ethan Antoine (2nd Grade)
Classical Studies Academy
Willow Marks (2nd
Grade)
Ariana Matos (2nd Grade)
Savan Sajous (4th Grade)
Jettie S. Tisdale
School
Laquasha Johnson (2nd Grade)
HIGH-ACHIEVING
SCHOLARS
REAP
REWARDS
Bridgeport Public Schools and Fairfield Univeristy Team
Up to
Reward Bridgeport's Students Through Bridgeport's
Brightest Program
Bridgeport Public Schools in conjunction with
Fairfield University will reward city students for their
academic performance in the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and
Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) with the Bridgeport’s
Brightest Program.
“As part of our Jesuit mission, we are always
looking to encourage academic excellence not only with our student
body, but within our surrounding communities,” Senior Vice President
for Academic Affairs/Academic Vice President Paul J. Fitzgerald,
S.J.. “With this program, Fairfield University hopes to instill a
lifelong love for learning and academic achievement within all
students in the Bridgeport school system.”
"I would like to thank Fairfield University for
partnering with us to showcase the shining stars of the Bridgeport
Public Schools,” Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools Dr.
John J. Ramos said. “When a community comes together to support its
scholars, it can be sure to 'Expect Great Things' from them in the
future. I look forward to seeing how our program encourages our
scholars and am eager to watch them as they continue to reach for
the sky."
The Bridgeport’s Brightest Program is a partnership
between the Bridgeport Board of Education and Fairfield University.
The program is an effort to encourage and reward high achievement in
the two state tests as well as overall academic achievement by the
individual schools. The intent of the program is to recognize the
approximately 1,500 Bridgeport public school students who are CMT
and CAPT scholars.
These scholars, who range from elementary to high
school age, will be honored during the Fairfield University-Rider
University men’s basketball game on January 30. During
halftime of the contest, Fairfield University will recognize these
students and invite students who achieved excellence onto the court.
And, the individual school that had the greatest percentage of
increase in overall CMT scores will also be honored.
The program will continue beyond the January 30
celebration, as students who show an honor roll report card at the
Arena at Harbor Yard Box Office will receive free admission to
either the February 9, 13, or 26th
games.
BARNES & NOBLE HOSTS
BOOKFAIR FOR BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
CONTRIBUTOR
The School Volunteer Association of Bridgeport,
Inc.(SVA) donates thousands of books each year to classroom
libraries and individual students through their volunteer
programs. SVA relies on donations and grants to pay for these
books. On January 23, Barnes &
Noble Bookseller located at 1076 Post Road
in Westport is offering SVA a wonderful opportunity to receive a
percentage of all purchases made by supporters to add to this
effort.
If you are shopping in the Westport store, all you have to do
is mention that you are shopping to support SVA and at least 15%
percent of your purchase will be donated towards SVA.
There is no cost to participate - in fact, this SVA fundraiser
will occur during Teacher Appreciation Week (January 16th-24th) when
a 25% discount is also being extended to educators at all Barnes
& Nobles. Barnes & Noble Westport will also be hosting
an educator’s reception between 1:00-4:00 PM with refreshments,
give-aways and a chance to win prizes.
If you can help, SVA will be most appreciative, and readers and
tutors will receive wonderful new books to share with
students.
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