Danbury's Western CT Academy for International Studies Chosen as CAS Elementary School of the Year

Press release:

The Connecticut Association of Schools has selected Western Connecticut Academy for International Studies in Danbury as the 2014-2015 CAS Elementary School of the Year. AIS Elementary is truly a collegial learning community that serves approximately 400 children from Kindergarten through grade five. AIS continually lives up to its mission of developing socially responsible global citizens who use technology to access the world.

When notified of the award, Principal, Dr. Helena Nitowski, was ecstatic to hear they were selected. “It has been the most amazing day here at AIS! We feel so fortunate to have been selected as the CAS Elementary School of the Year. There are so many great schools here in Connecticut, and we share this recognition with all of them. The entire process has been a great experience from initially, working with the staff to complete the application and then preparing for the site visit. Later, the ability to truly work as a school community where students, parents, staff, and administration came together for a common goal was a “winning” experience in itself. To be recognized by CAS was beyond what we had expected. Thank you for this incredible journey!”

Chosen from among a number of Connecticut elementary schools, AIS clearly distinguished itself as a consummate elementary school. Criteria considered throughout the evaluation process included an educational program conducive to the needs of all students; student opportunities that go beyond the typical school day; educational programs that are consistently reviewed and improved; an atmosphere that welcomes participation from all constituencies; an active role in the community; and strong parent-school involvement. AIS Elementary demonstrates all of these qualities in various ways.

Their International Studies theme is centered on the concept of peace and their role as peacekeepers in the world. Their day begins with reciting the AIS Peace Pledge in both English and Spanish. Their emphasis on international studies and world languages facilitates critical thinking and broadens mastery of the district curriculum. At the academy, students learn to be environmentally aware through participation in activities such as food composting in their cafeteria, community garden activities, school and home recycling efforts, and bonds with organizations. The focus is for students to be part of the larger community. Students are encouraged to be risk takers who are allowed to explore their ideas in a safe and supported environment. The respectful relationship between parents, staff, and community is a bridge that joins them in the common goal of challenging and nurturing the growth of each and every child.

The overwhelming show of support by the parents, staff, and students, and their numerous references to their “safe, supportive, exciting, and innovative school” confirms that collaboration results in success for students. They take great pride in their school and continually focus on student learning as its main priority.

Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Helena Nitowski, the school has provided educational programs conducive to meeting the needs of all of its students. The school’s sense of community, their outstanding programs, their level of academic achievement, and the overwhelming positive feeling one enjoys at AIS Elementary School has made it the choice of the Connecticut Association of Schools Outstanding Elementary School of The Year Award. Western Connecticut Academy for International Studies Elementary Magnet School will receive their award at the Connecticut Association of Schools Recognition of Excellence in Education Celebration held at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on November 19, 2014.

About the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) – The Connecticut Association of Schools is a non-profit organization located in Cheshire that serve’s Connecticut’s K-12 public and parochial schools in all areas of inter-school activity. CAS has emerged as an informed leader in Connecticut’s educational system, providing services to Connecticut’s schools in areas ranging from academics to athletics. The association represents over 1,100 schools in the state.

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