Daniela Brighenti Photo
Maciel-Andrews at the schools system awards ceremony.
As part of her weekly routine, parent Yury Maciel-Andrews walks the halls of East Rock Community School, scouting for teachers and staff who might need her help for “anything.”
“I see it as taking stress off the teachers,” Maciel-Andrews said. This year she helped compose new bylaws for the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization.
While in many instances such work might go overlooked, in New Haven parents get the chance to be recognized for their contributions each year.
On Tuesday afternoon at John S. Martinez School, the New Haven Public Schools recognized Maciel-Andrews and two other parents at its annual T.A.P.S. (Teachers, Administrators, Parents, Support Staff) awards ceremony. The event, which has been held annually for over two decades, highlights award recipients from across all 48 schools in the district, including parents who have shown outstanding commitment to their school communities and its members.
“These are folks who may not stand in front of the classroom, but are also educators of our students,” said Tomas Reyes, chief of staff for Mayor Toni Harp, who helped present awards to the parents.
After the ceremony, Maciel-Andrews said she has been active in the school community since her son James Maciel-Andrews, now a seventh-grader, first entered preschool. Part of her contributions include helping sponsor events such as Black History Month and book fairs.
Maciel-Andrews said parents need to participate more in their kid’s schooling, showing their support for both the children and the staff.
“I call it pro-bono, skill sharing,” Maciel-Andrews said. “And it’s enjoyable for me, and the kids get to see me at school. I love my kids and being part of their lives.”
Harries greets the crowd at the Martinez School.
Kamairi Cooper, who attended New Haven Public Schools himself and now is the parent of two students in the district, was similarly recognized for his work in the district. Cooper volunteered at Conte West Hills the last two years. One of his biggest contributions was the development of a basketball program for seventh and eighth grade male students.
And parent Lori Brigham, another awardee, has dedicated her time in the last nine years at a variety of schools, helping design costumes for school theater groups, advocating for school funding, as well as organizing numerous fundraisers.
“It’s not just me,” Maciel-Andrews said. “I’m one of the parents being recognized [today], but there are more parents that deserve this recognition.”
The teachers who took home awards were: Sidia Atencio of John C. Daniels (bilingual teacher); Debbie Barton of Wilbur Cross (school counselor); and Sean Clayton of Hillhouse (science teacher).
Three administrators were honored as well: Jaime Ramos, assistant principal of Fair Haven School; Larry Conaway, principal of New Light; and Imma Canelli, deputy superintendent.
Additionally, eight support-staff employees were recognized for their work: Tom DeLucia, custodian at Edgewood; Richard Conrad, literacy tutor at Clinton Ave.; and Alicia Goyenchea, Pre‑K at Mauro-Sheridan.
The two community partners who won awards were: Gear Up at SCSU; and philanthropist Wendy Hamilton.
Lastly, two innovative teams were also honored: the Hill Central Leadership & Teacher Team and the HSC Teacher Leader Culture Team.
“There is no moment in the district calendar that affirms more what [NHPS] is about,” schools Superintendent Garth Harries said of Tuesday’s event. “You are the people that make education happen in New Haven.”
Students in the Martinez choir sang two songs at the ceremony.
Though students themselves did not receive awards, they also showed their school spirit, helping set up the cafeteria and singing as part of the school choir for those attending the ceremony.
Congratulations to all of the honorees for their efforts, from various angles, to advance education and youth opportunities in the NHPS.