Schools – Darien Answer Book

What does the Board of Education do?

Darien’s Board of Education (whose members are listed under Town Officials) proposes a budget to run the schools, oversees spending, sets policies and rules, hires the superintendent, approves administrators, adopts books and courses, negotiates staff contracts, and hears citizen appeals.

The board generally meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Board of Ed meeting room in the Board of Ed building, unless otherwise noted. The board’s meeting schedule and agendas are posted on the district Web site: darienps.org.

 

Where is the school district office?

The Darien School District administrative offices are at Two Renshaw Road, Darien. The offices are open from 8 to 4 each day. The general phone number is 656-7400. Donald Fiftal is the superintendent of schools. He may be reached at 656-7412 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Where are Darien’s schools?

Darien High School is at 80 High School Lane. Telephone: 655-3981, fax: 656-3631. Dan Haron is principal. He may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Middlesex Middle School is at 204 Hollow Tree Ridge Road. Telephone: 655-2518, fax: 655-1627. Debi Bocanfuso is principal. She may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Hindley Elementary School is at 10 Nearwater Lane. Telephone: 655-1323, fax: 655-7024. Dr. Anthony Timpanelli is principal. He may be e-mailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Holmes Elementary School is at 18 Hoyt Street. Telephone: 353-4371, fax: 359-2533. Geraldine Petrizzi is principal. She may be e-mailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Ox Ridge Elementary School is at 395 Mansfield Avenue. Telephone: 655-2579, fax: 655-9012. John F. Rechi is principal. He may be e-mailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Royle Elementary School is at 133 Mansfield Avenue. Telephone: 655-0044, fax: 655-9920. Neal J. Gallub is principal. He may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tokeneke Elementary School is at 7 Old Farm Road. Telephone: 655-9666, fax: 655-7084. MaryLee Fisher is principal. She may be e-mailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

What are the enrollments in each school?

According to the official Oct. 1 enrollment report, enrollments for the 2008-09 school year are: Darien High School, 1,253; Middlesex Middle School, 1,133; Hindley, 511; Holmes, 476; Ox Ridge, 494; Royle, 441; and Tokeneke, 419. The total is 4,727 students, including pre-kindergarten pupils. That is an increase of 1.3% or 62 students over the previous school year. 

According to a report from the Board of Education, elementary enrollment apparently reached its peak in 2006-07. The middle school is expected to reach peak enrollment in 2009-10, and the high school in 2014-15.

Historical data provided by the Board of Education on its Web site shows a fluctuating enrollment over the last 57 years. There were 2,825 students enrolled in the district in 1951 rising steadily to 5,156 in 1967. Enrollment stayed over 5,000 from 1963 to 1974, dropping steadily to 2,643 in 1990 before beginning a steady ascent to the present.

 

How big are the classes in Darien schools?

Guidelines for elementary class sizes are: K-1 20 to 22 students with a maximum of 23; 2-3, 21 to 24 students with a maximum of 25; 4-5, 22 to 25 students with a maximum of 26.

 

What are the hours of operation at each school?

Tokeneke, Hindley, and Royle Elementary schools are in session from 8:30 to 3; Ox Ridge and Holmes Elementary schools are in session from 8:55 to 3:25. Class is in session at Middlesex Middle School from 8 to 2:30, and at Darien High School from 7:40 to 2:20.

When there is a delayed opening school will begin: Darien High School at 9:10; Middlesex Middle School at 9:30; Hindley, Royle, and Tokeneke at 10; and Holmes and Ox Ridge at 10:25.

Emergency early dismissals are at: 10:30 at Darien High School and Middlesex Middle School; 11 at Hindley, Royle, and Tokeneke; and 11:30 at Holmes and Ox Ridge.

 

When are school holidays and vacations?

Schools for the 2008/09 year opened Aug. 28.

Holidays and vacations are:

• Labor Day, Sept. 1
• Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 30
• Yom Kippur, Oct. 9
• Staff Development, Oct. 10
• Election Day, Nov. 4
• Veterans Day, Nov. 11
• Thanksgiving recess, Nov. 27-28
• Holiday recess, Dec. 24-Jan. 2
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 19
• Presidents Day, Feb. 16
• February recess, Feb. 17-20
• Staff Development, March 16
• April recess, April 6-9
• Good Friday, April 10
• Memorial Day, May 25

The last day of school for students s planned for June 16. Next school year’s calendar is online at darienps.org.

 

What standardized tests to students take and in what grades?

Second- and third-graders take the Otis Lennon School Ability Test to determine eligibility for the district’s gifted program (Idea).

The Connecticut State Mastery Test is a state-mandated, criteria-reference test. It is given to students in third through eighth grade.

Eighth-graders take the math portion of the National Assessment of Educational Progress as well as the writing portion of the Educational Records Bureau Tests. Seventh-graders also take the writing portion of the test.

Ninth graders take a series of tests from the Educational Records Bureau.

The Connecticut Academic Performance Test is a state-mandated test given to 10th graders.

 

How did students perform on the Connecticut Mastery Test?

The Connecticut Mastery Test was given in March 2008. The percentage of students achieving proficiency level or above are as follows:

Third grade: math, 87%; reading, 82.2%; writing, 84.6%.

Fourth grade: math, 85%; reading, 82.7%; writing, 86.8%.

Fifth grade: math, 89.7%; reading, 91%; writing, 93%.

Sixth grade: math, 91.2%; reading, 90.7%; writing, 85%.

Seventh grade: math, 94.1%; reading, 93.8%; writing, 92.6%.

Eighth grade: math, 91.4%; reading, 88.9%; writing, 91.9%.

More in-depth information, including comparisons to other districts, is available online at darienps.org. Click on Board of Education and then “reports.”

 

What about the CAPT scores?

Tenth graders took the Connecticut Academic Performance Test in March 2008. The percentage of students scoring at or above state goal is as follows: math 85.2%, science 74.5%, reading 75.9%, and writing 87.2%. The overall composite score for the four tests was 322.8 out of a possible 400.

More in-depth information, including comparisons to other districts, is available online at darienps.org. Click on Board of Education and then “reports.”

 

What are the mean SAT scores for seniors?

The Class of 2008 achieved the following mean scores on the SAT: 573 reading/verbal, 588 math, 582 writing, for a total of 1744 out of a possible 2400. The total mean score in Fairfield County was 1742.

More in-depth information, including comparisons to other districts, is available online at darienps.org. Click on Board of Education and then “reports.”

 

How many students take AP courses?

Enrollment in AP courses at Darien High School continues to increase. In 2007-08, there were 429 students enrolled in 15 AP courses. The most popular were  U.S. History, Chemistry, European History, Environmental Science, U.S. Govt./Pol., English Literature/Composition.

A total of 376 students took the AP tests, which are scored from 1 to 5. Scores were as follows: 5 - 44%; 4 - 33%; 3 - 17%; 2 - <5%; 1 - <2%.

 

Did Darien have any National Merit finalists?

The Class of 2008 had three semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition and 25 commended scholars. 

 

What percentage of students go on to college?

More than 90% of seniors go on to higher education.

 

How do I register a child for school?

To attend kindergarten, children must be five years old by Jan. 1. Registration is at the elementary schools on designated days in late January and early February. Parents who do not receive a registration packet in the mail should call the secretary of the school their child will attend. Parents must bring their child’s birth certificate, immunization record, Social Security number, and proof or residency (parent’s driver’s license, for example).

For older children, call the school they will attend and speak to the secretary.

There is also information on the school district Web site. Visit darienps.org and follow the links.

 

What information do schools need to register a transferring student?

Transfer students will need proof of residency, a birth certificate, immunization records, school transcripts, and a physical exam.

 

What testing is given to preschool children?

The school district does not conduct routine testing of preschool children. However, if a child is referred by a parent or nursery school, they will be tested by a member of the school district’s special education department.

 

What sports are offered at the high school?

During the 2008/09 school year, Darien will field 64 athletic teams in 32 sports, including 33 at the varsity level, 20 at the JV level, and 11 freshman teams. According to the district, more than 70% of students participate in at least one sport each year.

Fall Boys

• Football (F, JV, V)
• Soccer (F, JV, V)
• Cross Country (JV, V)

Fall Girls

• Cheerleading (V)
• Field Hockey (F, JV, V)
• Soccer (F, JV, V)
• Cross Country (JV, V)
• Volleyball (F, JV, V)
• Swimming (V)

Winter Boys

• Basketball (F, JV, V)
• Indoor Track (V)
• Swimming (V), wrestling (JV, V)
• Ice Hockey (JV, V)

Winter Girls

• Basketball (F, JV, V)
• Cheerleading (V)
• Indoor Track (V)
• Ice Hockey (V)
• Gymnastics (V)

Winter Coed

• Squash (V)
• Skiing (V)

Spring Boys

• Baseball (F, JV, V)
• Track (V)
• Tennis (JV, V)
• Golf (JV, V)
• Lacrosse (F, JV, V)
• Volleyball (JV, V)

Spring Girls

• Softball (F, JV, V)
• Track V)
• Tennis (JV, V)
• Golf (JV, V)
• Lacrosse (F, JV, V)

Spring Coed

• Sailing (V)

The school colors are blue and white and the teams are known as the Blue Wave.

 

What extracurricular activities are offered?

High school clubs and activities, which are subject to change based on student interest, include:

• A Capella
• Art Club
• Athletic Training Program
• Band
• Blue Wave News/Video Production Club
• Buddy System
• BuildOn
• China Cares Club
• Community Council
• Composers Club
• Computer Club
• Crew Club
• Culture Club
• Current (literary magazine)
• Dance Team
• Dance, Dance, Revolution Club
• Darianus (yearbook)
• Darien Animal Welfare Group
• Debate Team
• Dodgeball Club
• Environmental Awareness Club
• Film Club
• Fishing Club
• French Club
• Free Thinkers Club
• Future Problem Solvers
• Gay Straight Alliance
• Guitar Club
• Invisible Children & Y.O.U.
• JETS
• Kids Giving Back
• Latin Club
• Math Team
• Model U. N. Club
• “Names” Program
• National Honor Society
• NEIRAD (school newspaper)
• Nutmeg Express
• Orchestra
• Photography Club
• Quidditch Club
• Robotics Club
• Rugby
• Sailing Club
• Saint Luke’s Lifeworks
• Ski and Snowboarding Club
• Spanish Club
• Squash Club
• Stage Crew
• Student Life
• Student Political Action Committee
• Technology Club
• Teen PeaceWorks
• Theatre 308
• Tri-M
• Tudor Singers
• Ukelele Club
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Weekend Alternatives
• Writing Center

 

Are there any afterschool programs?

For the lower grades, afterschool and vacation programs are offered by the Darien Nature Center (655-7459) and Darien YMCA (655-8228, ext. 331). The Y offers transportation from the schools to the Y.

 

How can I learn if school is canceled or delayed?

The school district says it will make every effort to decide by 5:30 a.m. if school is canceled or delayed. Parents may check the Web site darienps.org or listen to any of the following radio stations for details:

• WEBE/108FM
• STAR/99.9FM
• WICC/600 AM
• WLAD/800AM
• WCBS/880AM
• WDAQ/98.3FM
• WGCH/1490AM
• WNLK/1350AM
• WEFX/95.9FM
• WSTC/1400AM
• WKHL/96.7FM
• WTIC/1080/AM and 96.5FM

Cablevision 12; WTNH/Channel 8; Channel 3; WVIT/Channel 30; WNBC/Channel 4.

For e-mail notification, register at ctweather.com.

If school is delayed, each school’s start time will be pushed back 90 minutes. Early dismissal decisions are made by 9:30 a.m.

 

What is the Ed Alert program?

This is an emergency notification system that sends e-mails and text messages to parents and staff about urgent information within the schools such as emergency closings and delays, police notification about suspicious activity in the community, and other matters pertaining to immediate student welfare.

This is an opt-in program, meaning you must sign up for it. Visit online at darienps.org and click on Ed Alert.

 

What is the current school budget?

The 2008-09 budget is $66.4 million.

 

How much does Darien spend per pupil?

Darien’s estimated per pupil expenditure is approximately $14,047.

 

What is the salary range for teachers?

Salaries for the 2008-09 school year will range from a low of $43,607 to a high of $100,145 depending on education and years of experience.

 

What is the salary range for a school principal?

According to the administrators’ contract for 2008-09, principal salaries range from $149,335 to $165,082.

 

What is the superintendent’s salary?

Donald Fiftal is superintendent of Darien schools. He can be reached at 656-7412 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . His salary is $247,360.

 

What is special education?

Special education offers services for physically handicapped and learning disabled students.

 

How can I tell if my child needs special education?

Parents of children three to five years old who suspect their child may have a disability should call the district and speak to the preschool coordinator.

For children already in school, parents should call the school guidance counselor to discuss whether their child may need special education. Parents who disagree with a school’s determination may speak with Mrs. Robin Lawler Pavia, director of Special Education and Student Services, at 656-7451 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Are there other special education resources?

SPED*NET is the Special Education Network of New Canaan, a monthly forum for discussing special education and section 504 issues. It is an independent nonprofit organization. Information is available on the Web site spednet.org.

The Connecticut Birth to Three System is a state program that helps families meet the developmental and health-related needs of their infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities. For information, call the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000 or visit online at birth23.org.

 

Is there a program for gifted children?

The IDEA (Interesting Dimensions Extend Abilities) Program is offered to intellectually gifted children in first through ninth grade. Elementary-level students meet for 90 minutes a week in small groups. Middle and high school students participate as their class schedules permit. Students may be referred to the program by school staff or teachers. A selection committee reviews all nominations to identify students who fit the program criteria.

 

Is there a PTO?

Each of Darien’s schools has an active Parent-Teacher Organization. Call the individual school to find out who the officers are.

In addition, there is the Council of Darien School Parents, which functions as an umbrella organization for all the school PTOs. Representatives from each PTO meet monthly to share news from each school.

 

What is A Better Chance?

A Better Chance, also known as ABC, is a national program that provides academically talented minority students with access to good schools, both private and public, that they otherwise could not attend. Students live in a house on Brookside Road while attending Darien High School during the week. On two weekends each month, the students spend time with host families. For information, visit abcdarien.com.

 

What nursery schools are in town?

There are many nursery schools in town, with applications accepted in January for the following September. Most serve children three to four years old, but some accept children as young as two years old. Nursery schools include:

Darien Nature Center’s Nature’s Playroom, 120 Brookside Avenue, 655-7459, with morning and afternoon sessions children attend one day a week

Holly Pond School on the Darien YMCA campus, 2420 Post Road, 655-8228, offers morning and afternoon programs for members

First Congregational Church Nursery School, 14 Brookside Road, 655-3150/uccdarien.org, with morning programs

Methodist Family Center Preschool, 345 Middlesex Road, 655-7407, with morning and afternoon programs

NPC Nursery School, 2011 Post Road, 655-3223, offers morning programs with an option for an extended day as well as a transitional pre-K program for older four- and younger five-year-olds; preference is given to church members

Our Gang Nursery School, 26 East Lane, 655-3810, with programs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., including a regular kindergarten program

St. John Church of Darien Preschool, 1986 Post Road, 656-0548, offers morning programs

St. Luke’s Parish School, 1864 Post Road, 655-4067, offers morning and afternoon programs

St. Thomas More Happiness Preschool, 374 Middlesex Road, 655-6053, offers morning and afternoon programs four days a week, preference given to church members

 

What private elementary or secondary schools are in the area?

Pear Tree Point School (655-0030/ptpschool.org) 90 Pear Tree Point Road, is Darien’s only private school, serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Open houses for prospective students and their parents are held in the fall.

Other private schools in the area include:

The Long Ridge School (322-7693/longridgeschool.org) at 478 Erskine Road in Stamford, for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade

New Canaan Country School (972-0771/countryschool.net), 545 Ponus Ridge, serves beginners through ninth grade

Connecticut Friends School (762-986/CTFriendsSchool.org), 317 New Canaan Road in Wilton, serving kindergarten through eighth grade

Our Lady of Fatima (762-8100/olfrs.org), a Catholic school at 225 Danbury Road, Wilton for pre-school through eighth grade

St. Luke’s (966-5612/stlukesct.org), 377 North Wilton Road, New Canaan, for fifth through 12th grades

King & Low-Heywood Thomas School (322-3496/klht.org) at 1450 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, a day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade

 

Where can I take college courses nearby?

Norwalk Community College (857-7060) offers a degree program. Offering graduate and undergraduate courses are the University of Connecticut in Stamford (251-8400) and the University of Bridgeport (800-392-3582) with campuses in Stamford and Bridgeport.

 

Is there an art school nearby?

The Visual Arts Studio at the Darien Arts Center (655-8683/arts.darien.org) on Renshaw Road offers classes for children and adults in painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.

The Darien Community Association offers courses in drawing and painting. Call 655-9050 or visit dariendca.org.

The Silvermine Guild School of Art (966-6668/silvermineart.org) in New Canaan offers many types of classes for all ages.

Darien Continuing Education offers drawing, painting, and pottery classes. Visit dariencontinuinged.com for the schedule.

 

Are there any dance schools?

The Darien Dance Center offers more than 70 dance classes and workshops for all ages, toddlers through adults. Choose from modern, ballet, hip hop, jazz, or tap. Call director Bonnie Gombos at 655-8683 or visit arts.darien.org.

The Walter Schalk School of Dance offers jazz, tap, ballet, social ballroom dancing, creative tots, and kinder kids in Darien. Call 762-7508 or visit online at walterschalk.com.

The Darien YWCA (655-2535/ywca.darien.org) offers beginning ballet and Irish dancing for children.

Ballroom Magic at 25-13 Old Kings Highway (831-9382/ballroommagic.net) offers classes in ballroom dancing — swing, foxtrot, rumba, cha cha, mambo, waltz, etc. — for adults. There are also classes in ballroom dancing and etiquette for children.

Darien Continuing Education offers a number of dance classes. Visit dariencontinuinged.com for the schedule.

 

Is there a continuing education program?

Darien Continuing Education (656-7467) offers courses in adult education, arts, business, computers, dance, fitness, education, finance, health, home and garden, music and photography. Senior citizens 62 and older receive a 10% discount on tuition. Access the catalog online at darienps.org or dariencontinuinged.com.

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