Meet Jillian Kellogg, Theatre Arts and 12th Grade English Teacher at Middletown High School. She also serves as the Middletown Performing Arts Center (MPAC) Director. Nominated by parent Kelly Reynolds, Ms. Kellogg demonstrates how educators can touch lives both in and beyond the classroom.
"My daughter was struggling with several classes and of course her teachers were responsive but Jillian Kellogg went above and beyond in response to my request for help," shares Kelly. "Her email brought happy tears to my eyes and when I read it to my daughter she cried and said 'I just love her'!"
Ms. Kellogg's willingness to work with her students and show genuine care and compassion exemplifies the profound impact educators can have. Through both her academic teaching and artistic leadership, she creates spaces where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to overcome challenges.
We're incredibly fortunate to have educators like Ms. Kellogg who understand that teaching is as much about connecting with hearts as it is about developing minds.
*****
Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms
#MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers
Middletown Teachers, THANK YOU.
Thank you for leading each day with heart, purpose, and resilience. You ignite curiosity, build confidence, and guide our students through a changing world.
Every decision you make shapes a life. Every lesson you teach plants a seed of hope. You are the heart of Middletown Public Schools.
We are endlessly grateful.
#MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers
đź“· Quick reminder that Spring Pictures are tomorrow, Wednesday, April 23, 2025! All students will have their picture taken, even if payment is not sent in ahead of time.
đź‘€ Peek at the week for April 21:
April 21 - Grade 5 field trip to Mystic Seaport
April 23 - Spring Pictures
April 23-24 Kindergarten registration (by appointment only)
April 25 - Grade 2 Field Trip
Pasta Dinner and PJ day
Good afternoon!
Thank you for the wonderful response for the Pasta Dinner fundraiser. At this time, we can no longer accept orders. Again, thank you to all of you that responded!
Also, I am pleased to report that students have filled all our buckets as part of our PBIS incentive. They have earned a pajama day on Friday April 11. Please remember no slippers and pajamas should be appropriate for school.
Thank you!
❤️ Farm Hill Community: Please register for the 2025 American Heart Association Hoops/ Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser which ends 4/25/25.
Contact Mr. Serra with any questions. Serrac@mpsct.org
Substitute Teachers & Support Staff Job Fair
When? Thursday, April 10, 2025; from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Where? Middletown Board of Education, Conference Rm. A, 311 Hunting Hill Avenue, Middletown, CT 06457
Questions? Contact: Lisa O'Neill at LONeill@ESS.com or 860.310.8461
🍝 Please help support the fifth graders' end of year celebrations.
The money raised from this fundraiser will go towards their end of the year trip/party, their promotion ceremony, free yearbooks for all students, class tee-shirts and so much more.
The fifth graders would love to serve you dinner and sell you some raffle tickets for some really great prizes. All food is donated this year by Farm Hill families, the Latina Family, Illiano's, Mondo's and Big Y. It is sure to be a tasty evening, and the best part is that you don't have to worry about dinner for the night!! Hope to see you there!
Here is our latest and greatest Farm Hill News Broadcast. We will be taking a break from Broadcasts for a few weeks due to testing. Enjoy!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15QmaU_4gKaxjB5QAj9ej6DyUF0vp6yEo/view?usp=sharing
TONIGHT (Wednesday, March 26, 2025): Be part of something truly transformative! Scarlett Lewis brings her Choose Love Movement to Middletown at 7PM. Learn how these principles will shape our schools next year. Snow School Auditorium, free admission. Books available for purchase.
#MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers
Join us as we welcome Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, on Wednesday, March 26 at 7PM at Snow School.
After losing her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook tragedy, Scarlett transformed her grief into a powerful movement of nurturing, healing, and love. As we prepare to become a Choose Love district in 2025-26, don't miss this inspiring opportunity to hear her story.
This event is FREE and open to all families and district employees! All are invited and encouraged to attend. Details here: https://www.middletownschools.org/article/2096879
#MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers
Our Family Climate & Culture Survey is open through March! Your anonymous feedback helps make our schools better for everyone. Complete a separate survey for each child at different schools. Click the link to participate and help shape our future:
https://www.middletownschools.org/page/mps-culture-and-climate
#MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers
Today your students learned about CREATIVITY and how to be a LIFE LEARNER. “I use my imagination to create something unique.” “I love to learn. I read and ask questions about the world.” Log on to MYBOOSTER.COM to watch the story unfold!
Don't forget about our nightly challenge! The grade with the highest sign ups will get to see the Booster Team get Ice Bucketed! Go to MYBOOSTER.COM tonight to register and help our school!
Students and families, we have a new nightly challenge! The grade with the highest sign ups will get to see the Booster Team get Ice Bucketed! Go to MYBOOSTER.COM tonight to register and help our school!
It’s not too late to sign up!⏰🚨We’re so close to reaching our $15,000 goal, but we need your help to get to the finish line! Sign up at MyBooster.com today. ✅Just a few minutes of your time can make a BIG difference! 🙏#makeadifference #supportourschool DON'T FORGET it's FREE to sign up and your child will get a Dude Perfect Special Edition Key Chain!!! Need help? Contact your child's teacher or Miss Brooke
Meet Susan Velardi, an exceptional fourth grade teacher at Bielefield Elementary School who's making learning a joyful experience for our Bobcats! Nominated by Jessica Vollono, a Bielefield community member, Mrs. Velardi exemplifies the dedication that makes elementary education so powerful.
"Mrs. Velardi goes above and beyond for her students. She always knows the right things to say or do to brighten their day!" shares Jessica. These daily moments of connection and encouragement create the foundation for student success both academically and emotionally.
In her classroom, Mrs. Velardi creates an environment where students feel supported, understood, and inspired to realize their innate brilliance. Through her thoughtful interactions and genuine care, she's building confidence in our fourth graders that will serve them well beyond their elementary years.
We're truly fortunate to have educators like Mrs. Velardi who Jessica rightfully describes as "an amazing asset!"
*****
Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms
#MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers
Recently, Connecticut Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker met with MHS students to hear their perspectives on diversifying education. Leaders from GIFTS, Men of Excellence, and Educators Rising shared thoughtful insights and ideas on shaping Connecticut's educational future.
Their voices matter—click the link to learn more: https://www.middletownschools.org/article/2094665
#MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers
Today our students learned about TRUSTWORTHINESS, “I tell the truth and keep my promises.”
Our students are so excited, thanks for helping make our fundraiser great! 🙌🏼
3/17 Nightly Challenge Winners: 4th GRADE!!!!
3/18 Nightly Challenge: The grade with the most new donations will earn Kahoot Mania with the Booster Team!
Meet Robert "Bobby" Bissell, a Campus Security Officer at Middletown High School who proves that true security comes from building relationships. Nominated by a colleague who has witnessed firsthand how Bobby transforms the school environment through positivity and personal connection.
"Bobby is positive and encouraging every day to every student. Calls them by name," shares his nominator. This intentional approach makes a profound difference—as one student told him directly, "he makes her day." What might seem like small interactions are actually powerful moments that shape our students' educational experience.
When learning of his nomination, Bobby's response revealed his dedication: "I hope I am not the anonymous one because this, to me, is an honor and I'd love to know who recognized how I have connected with these kids over the last few years... I made it a point to do so when I was hired."
We're grateful for staff members like Bobby who understand that security isn't just about protocols—it's about creating an environment where students feel seen, known, and valued every single day.
*****
Do you know an MPS employee who deserves recognition? Use the link in our bio or here to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/MPSComms
Our Family Climate & Culture Survey is open through March! Your anonymous feedback helps make our schools better for everyone. Complete a separate survey for each child at different schools. Click the link to participate and help shape our future:
https://www.middletownschools.org/page/mps-culture-and-climate
#MPS4ALL #MPSFutureMakers
