Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Schools topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wallace Middle students showcase music, student leadership as principal cites academic gains
Summary
Wallace Middle School students performed and student council members described clubs, testing incentives and leadership activities as Principal Basamo highlighted multi‑year academic improvements and facility upgrades.
Wallace Middle School students opened a May workshop of the Waterbury Board of Education with a lively band performance and a series of short student presentations about leadership and school life. Principal Mr. Basamo told the board the school has ‘‘made tremendous strides’’ on state accountability measures since joining the commissioner’s network and was removed from turnaround status in November 2024.
Basamo said Wallace posted double‑digit gains in English language arts and other subjects and noted that, ‘‘by the end of last year in every single category from the state department of education we were either proficient or exemplary.’’ He also described facility and program upgrades, including a renovated band room, a new culinary classroom and safety improvements to a drop‑off area.
Students from the Wallace student council spoke next. Seventh‑grade representative Angela Kandai said empowerment ‘‘isn’t just a word, it’s a feeling’’ and described student council‑led clubs and events that give students voice and practice in leadership. Student officers outlined clubs such as No Place for Hate, the aquaculture club and a student communications committee; student council members also described fundraising and testing‑incentive programs that helped pay for school events and field trips.
Jeremiah, a student council officer, said the group raises roughly $500 from dress‑down days and organizes a talent show slated for June 5 to boost school community and recognition. Commissioners praised the students’ presentations and the band; Commissioner Roco Orso called the students ‘‘amazing’’ and a reason to attend workshops at school sites rather than only meeting in district offices.
The presentation closed with the principal and board members recognizing staff during teacher appreciation week and inviting the public to upcoming school events, including a May 16 car show and a career day.
The board did not take formal action on the school’s presentation itself; the session was informational and intended to highlight student work and recent academic data.
