Wilson School principal reports gains in student engagement, lower suspensions and new family supports

Mr. Theriel, principal of Wilson School, told the Waterbury Board of Education on April 3 that the school has made “nice gains” in culture, family engagement and student behavior during his second year at the building.

The principal said the school is completing a painting and beautification project, installing two new water bubblers, adding safety locks on gates and expanding student leadership opportunities such as an ambassador program and partnerships with Waterbury Career Academy. "Where Mr. Theriel goes, improvement follows," Commissioner Van Stone said during the meeting in praise of the principal's work.

Wilson’s principal described classroom configurations and supports: four prekindergarten classrooms, four kindergarten classrooms, multiple combined first- and second-grade classes, and departmentalized fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms for English language arts and math. The school operates one co-taught pre-K and one co-taught kindergarten, and two behavioral classrooms (one for K–1; one for grades 1–2). The principal also described a program of recess buddies and teaching mentors supplied by Waterbury Career Academy students and said two foster grandparents now volunteer regularly.

On student outcomes, the principal presented year-to-year comparisons for behavior and academic-screening measures. She said in 2021–22 Wilson had nearly 60 total suspensions (in- and out-of-school) and that number fell into the thirties last year; she said the school is on track to reduce suspensions again this year. For midyear academic screenings the school showed increases in the number of students in the “green” performance band; the principal said midyear 2024–25 scores have already surpassed midyear 2023–24 by about 10 students. She cautioned reading scores remain “very flat” and that rising performance will require more work.

The principal reported Wilson ran 93 play groups this year that served 35 families from across Waterbury. She said the school is experimenting with attendance incentives on half-day Wednesdays and other strategic dates to reduce chronic absenteeism, which remains “not exactly” where she wants it. The school reported hiring 13 teachers who were new to Waterbury or new to teaching, and the principal credited community partners — including a local ice-cream truck donor and corporate clothing donations — for supplemental support.

Board members asked how often family surveys are sent; the principal said surveys are sent quarterly. Commissioner Latoya Arley asked that question specifically and the principal confirmed the quarterly cadence.

Wilson’s principal closed by asking the board if students and staff could perform a song; the board allowed the brief performance before the meeting moved on to other agenda items.

The school’s presentation was made during the regular April 3 meeting and included public discussion from several commissioners; no board action was required or taken on the principal’s report.