Amity 2025-2026 Budget Approved, Staff Honored, Key Updates

Budget Approved for 2025–2026

On behalf of the Amity Board of Education, I would like to thank our community for their continued support. The 2025–2026 Amity Regional School District budget was approved by voters in all three towns, with a total vote count of 943 in favor and 346 opposed. The approved budget reflects a 2.93% increase over the current year and provides critical investments in new teaching positions in high school math and multilingual learner support, an additional late bus for middle school students, updated student and teacher laptops, and both short- and long-term facilities improvements.

Recognizing Excellence in Amity

The Board is proud to recognize two outstanding staff members for their contributions to the Amity community. Kelly Stoner, of the Finance Department, is this year’s Award of Excellence recipient. Kelly is known for her positivity, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to supporting students, families, and colleagues – often from behind the scenes. Jeremy Iverson, English and Visual and Performing Arts teacher at Amity Regional High School, has been named 2025 Teacher of the Year. Over his 19 years at Amity, Jeremy has inspired students and colleagues alike through his leadership in educational technology, his work in media and journalism, and his mentorship of future educators. Both honorees will be celebrated on Monday, June 9, 2025, during a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by a formal presentation at the Board of Education meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the ARHS Lecture Hall.

Board Adopts New School Climate Policy

In response to new state legislation, the Board recently adopted the Connecticut School Climate Policy. Full implementation is planned for July 1, 2025. Work is already underway to establish building-level school climate committees, develop communication plans for families and staff, and explore the implementation of a unified student behavior reporting system. This policy emphasizes the importance of restorative practices, and the district is creating a professional development plan to ensure staff are well-equipped to support a safe, inclusive, and positive school environment.

Portrait of the Graduate Day

On April 24, members of the Amity community had the pleasure of watching juniors from the Class of 2026 present their Portrait of the Graduate (POG) reflections. These presentations highlighted how students embody the five POG characteristics through their academic work, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth. Staff from all three Amity schools, as well as guests from the BOW elementary districts, attended. Feedback from attendees was shared with students the first week of May. This first POG Day was a tremendous success, and presentations will continue for any students who were absent on the original date.

Global Issues Symposium at AMSO and AMSB

On May 9, seventh grade students from both middle schools shared their Global Issues research with peers, families, and friends. Topics ranged from women’s rights and global warming to space debris and mental wellness. The students’ thoughtful presentations and research required application of the attributes of the POG and reflected the depth of their curiosity and commitment to understanding the world around them.

"The Little Mermaid" Earns Nine Sondheim Nominations

Amity’s spring musical, The Little Mermaid, received nine nominations in this year’s Stephen Sondheim Awards, including our 16th consecutive nomination for Best Musical. Categories included lighting, sound, costume design, stage management, direction, choreography, ensemble, student orchestra, and Best Musical. Congratulations to the ensemble, crew, orchestra, and directors Rob and Andrea Kennedy. Winners will be announced on May 17 at the Shubert Theater in New Haven.

Parent Workshop on Cyberbullying and Mental Health

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Amity’s Pupil Services Department will host a parent webinar on May 28 from 6:45–8:00 p.m. The session, titled Cyberbullying: Helping Children Navigate Digital Technology and Social Media, will be led by Drs. Amanda Nickerson and Stephanie Fredrick from the University at Buffalo. This is part of an ongoing series of workshops supporting families across the BOWA districts.

Graduation and Stepping Up Ceremonies

We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our students at the end of the school year.

• Commencement for the Class of 2025 will take place on June 10 at 4:00 p.m. at the William E. Sim Athletic Complex at Amity Regional High School.
• Middle school Stepping Up ceremonies are scheduled for June 11 at 9:00 a.m. at both middle school campuses.

Thank You to Our Graduating Student Board Representative

Since 2019, the Board has welcomed student representatives as non-voting members. These students bring invaluable perspective to our work. Sophia Messina, who joined the Board in 2023, has served with distinction. In addition to her role on the Amity Board, Sophia also served on the Connecticut State Board of Education as a student representative. We thank Sophia for her insight, leadership, and service to the Amity community and beyond.