The Waterbury Public School district joined other environmentally-conscious school districts from around the country by switching to propane-fueled school busses to transport most students this year. The 149 new yellow Durham Transportation busses are distinguishable by white roofs and extended engine compartments, as well as “propane” markers in several locations on the sides and back of the bus. They have already begun travelling around the city of Waterbury, as drivers familiarize themselves with the busses and their new school bus routes.

Two new centers that will offer enhanced services for parents and the community officially opened for business on Thursday, July 29, 2016. The new Office of Early Education, located at 30B Church Street, combines several preschool services in one location, including the district's prekindergarten program, School Readiness, and screening services for preschool children who may qualify for special assistance for learning or other disabilities. The Family and Community Engagement Center (also known as F.A.C.E.) is located on the first floor of the Chase Building (236 Grand Street). F.A.C.E. brings together services for families looking for more information about the school district. A new family room includes four computers available for parents and guardians to use to access Progress Book, the district's parent portal for individual student progress, Naviance and other resources for families.     

Twenty nine parents were honored at this year's Parent and Community Leadership Conference, held at the Naugatuck Valley Community College on May 20, 2016. The full day conference event, which included a keynote speech byDr. Michele Femc-Bagwell Director- CommPACT Community Schools Collaborative and Faculty in the Educational Leadership Department, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut and workshops by Waterbury Public School staff, GEAR Up, the Waterbury Police Department and other community organizations. The full-day event was co-sponsored by the Waterbury Public Schools, NVCC, GEAR Up, CommPACT Community Schools Collaborative, Waterbury Hospital and Bridge to Success. Click here for more information and photographs. 

Students were honored from throughout the district on May 17 and May 18 during the annual Superintendent's Student Recognition Awards ceremonies. Students in grades pre-K through 5th were honored the first evening. Students in 6th through 12th grade and adult education were honored on the second evening. Click here for photos and list of winners on May 17 and May 18. 

Twenty-nine teachers from throughout the district were honored at a ceremony at the Mattatuck Museum on May 25, 2016, and Ann Grace Spizzoucco, a sixth grade English Language Arts teacher from Wallace Middle School, was named this year's Waterbury Teacher of the Year. Click here for photos from the event.   

Get the latest version of the 2016-2017 school calendar, updated May 9, 2016 by clicking here. 

April 28, 2016 -  Waterbury's very own Jahana Hayes was named NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR during a broadcast of CBS This Morning. Congratulations go to Mrs. Hayes, along with best wishes for a wonderful reign as National Teacher of the Year. To view additional information about Mrs. Hayes' journey, please click on 2016 Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes.