Letter: Greenwich Board Of Education Chair Looks Back On 2024

The following letter was submitted to Patch by Greenwich Board of Education Chair Karen Hirsh

Now that we have ushered in a new year, it is the perfect time to celebrate the many highlights and accomplishments of Greenwich Public Schools. Together, we reflect on the progress we’ve made and the exceptional moments that have shaped our community over the past year. As a comprehensive list of all the accomplishments of our students and staff would be far too long, so here are just a few highlights!

We are thrilled that eight of our elementary schools were celebrated as Schools of Distinction by the Connecticut State Department of Education; two of our elementary schools were ranked in the state’s Top 10 and Eastern Middle School was No. 2 in the U.S. News & World Report. Niche continues to rank GPS at the top, with GHS a standout high school in the state and country.

In addition, twelve Greenwich High School seniors were recognized as 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists.

This fall the sports season was hugely successful and we could not be more proud of our student athletes. Girls cross country won the FCIAC and CIAC state championships this year. Our boys soccer team won the FCIAC championship and girls swimming won the State LL Championship. All of the fall teams made postseason and our football won the State Championships! Fourteen of our senior student athletes participated in signing day and will participate in water polo, lacrosse, rowing, rugby, field hockey and football at their respective colleges next year. Go Cards!!

The Western Middle School fields have reopened and we are beyond excited for many generations of students, and our community, to use them and continue Greenwich’s tradition of excellence in so many sports.

We are also so grateful for our tremendous performing arts program. The fall production of Annie was spectacular and every seat was full in the Performing Arts Center at GHS for December’s two Candlelight concerts— the traditional grand finale performances of the Hallelujah Chorus were appropriately glorious.

Additionally, three Greenwich High School freshmen were named finalists in the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competition and were honored with notable recognitions.

Greenwich High School was named to the 2024 Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll, earning Gold distinction for its commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

GHS received the AP Access Award for providing all students the opportunity to participate in AP, including students of underrepresented populations. GHS has also reached Gold status in "College Culture" by empowering and supporting 66% of the class of 2025 to experience at least one AP course before graduating, Platinum status in "College Credit" by enabling 61% of the class of 2025 to earn college credit by earning an AP Exam score of at least a 3, and Platinum status in "College Optimization" by creating opportunities for 24% of the class of 2025 to take a total of five APs across their high school years, with an least one taken in ninth or tenth grade.

As we step into a fresh new year, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to the adventures that await in 2025. May this new year bring with it an abundance of health, happiness, and meaningful moments for us all.

Warmest wishes for a wonderful 2025,

Karen Hirsh
Chair, Greenwich Board of Education