Our Academic Program.

TSS believes that learning happens best and students progress faster in small groups. This approach enables teachers to tailor instruction at our independent school to the individual learning needs of each child while focusing on the strengths he or she brings to the classroom. Students who are elementary and middle school aged challenged with dyslexia, ADHD, auditory processing disorders, and other language-based learning differences can in time successfully transition to more traditional programs that fits his or her needs.

Students come to TSS to unlock their full potential. Instead of a one-size-fits-all philosophy, we focus on understanding how each student learns best. Then, into every classroom and every co-curricular activity, our expert faculty integrate literacy and executive function strategies that are grounded in scientific and educational research.

With a 4:1 student-to-faculty ration, there is no failure here because we focus on strengths as a foundation for learning. Our faculty are passionate about educating students with learning disabilities.

Each TSS student has the following academic programming every day.

Academic Programming

Tutorial

Tutorial class meets daily and focuses on the linguistic approach to reading. The students are assisted in acquiring an understanding and mastery of basic word patterns and applying structural analysis to decode and encode multisyllabic words. This multi-sensory approach to developing reading skills also incorporates active instruction in penmanship and reading fluency. Small group language instruction is also provided to foster the development of receptive and expressive skills.

Writing

Writing class provides the student with daily practice in various forms of paragraph development, sentence structure, and writing conventions. Emphasis is placed on developing the writing process and applying it to a variety of narrative and expository writing tasks. Structured composition work integrates grammar instruction as well as a systematic approach to applying editing and proofreading techniques. Penmanship and/or word processing skills are also emphasized.

Math

Math class meets daily for fifty minutes. Small group instruction is utilized in a structured mathematics program that emphasizes conceptual understanding and computation skills in order to further develop math reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Individual needs are assessed and remediation is provided to allow students to progress at their own rates. Practical applications and cooperative problem solving are also emphasized in this class.

Social Studies & Science Class

Social Studies & Science class is designed to provide the student with useful and practical background knowledge in each content area, as well as applicable study skills. The goal of the class is to teach content-related vocabulary, information gathering skills using primary and secondary resources, data recording, and interpretation skills. A multi-modal approach is utilized; incorporating textbooks, teacher instruction, and group work. Hands-on projects and activities are geared to the level and individual needs of the students.

Literature for Lower School Students, Grades 2-5

A wide variety of reading strategies are introduced in the Literature class to target the various levels of comprehension. Direct instruction and contextual vocabulary activities are utilized in order to further develop an understanding of spoken and written text at the word, sentence, and paragraph level. Various reading strategies and literary analysis exercises are provided to enhance comprehension and retention of the text read. Focus is placed on both narrative and expository texts throughout each term.

Humanities for Upper School Students, Grades 6-8

The main objective of the Humanities class is to support reading development while providing the student with useful and practical background knowledge. Various narrative and expository texts are introduced in order to further develop vocabulary, comprehension, and analysis skills. Material is carefully selected with consideration given to areas of interest and reading competency. This interdisciplinary class also incorporates class discussion, small- group activities, and enrichment projects to foster the development of study and research skills.

Our Approach to Executive Functions

The thought processes required to plan and direct activities, often known as executive functions are critical to student success. At TSS, all students are provided direct instruction in the development of these skills within their academic program. Through games and experiences, and thoughtful discussions, students develop a deeper understanding of what it means to inhibit, shift, initiate, monitor, sustain attention, regulate, and plan and organize; and why these skills are important in the learning environment. Through the integration of these skills across the curriculum students develop an awareness of their executive function strengths and challenges as well as strategies they can use to engage these skills in various learning tasks.

Our Faculty.

We only use pedagogical approaches that are grounded in scientific and educational research. All faculty at The Southport School are trained in structured literacy instruction.

All TSS faculty have undertaken, at minimum, the Classroom Educator coursework and through faculty mentorship. All reading instructors have received Classroom Educator training and/or certification from the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE), or are working towards or have received Associate Level certification.

Additionally, all reading teachers receive ongoing training and supervision from our on-site Orton-Gillingham Fellow. They are also trained in Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing Method® for Language Comprehension and Thinking.

Teaching Faculty
Kari Anderson	Teacher	BS - Business Administration, California State University, Fresno Teaching Credential Work, California State University, Fresno MA - Education - Administration and Supervision. California State University, Fresno	Current Years at TSS: 1	Years in Education: 26
Aline Araujo	Teacher	BA - Roger Williams University, Elementary Education MS - Southern Connecticut State University, Remedial Reading & Language Arts Connecticut Certification Elementary Education, Grades 1-6	Current Years at TSS: 3	Years in Education: 8
Faith Aronson	Teacher	George Mason University MS Education - Southern CT State University Connecticut Certification - Marketing Education 7-12 Connecticut Certification - Elementary 1-6 Connecticut Certification - MS Math 6-8 Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy CPT, CNC, Health & Wellness Professional	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Education: 8
Megan Aversano	Teacher	BS - University of Connecticut MA - University of Connecticut Connecticut Certification in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6	Current Years at TSS: 24	Years in Education: 24
Justin Behn	Teacher	BS - University of Connecticut MA - University of Connecticut Connecticut Certification in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6	Current Years at TSS: 13	Years in Education: 13
Karin Bowman	Teacher	BA - University of Massachusetts MS Ed - University of Bridgeport Certified, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Education: 26
Melissa Brown	Teacher	BA - Sacred Heart University MAT - Sacred Heart University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut Certification: Remedial Reading/Language Arts K-12 Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator, Elementary Education K-6	Current Years at TSS: 23	Years in Education: 24
James Bruce	Teacher	BA - University of Oregon MS - University of Bridgeport	Current Years at TSS: 7	Years in Education: 11
Julia Cascio	Teacher	BA - Fairfield University MA - Fairfield University Provisional Educator Certificate	Current Years at TSS: 4	Years in Education: 4
Bianca Cenatiempo	Teacher	BS - Western Connecticut State University MA - Fairfield University Connecticut Certification: Health Education Pre-K-12 and Special Education K-12 Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 7	Years in Education: 12
Tricia Ciminera	Teacher	BA - Fitchburg State University, Early Childhood Education BS - Fitchburg State University, Sociology MS - Fairfield University, Teaching and Learning Connecticut Certification: PreK-12 University 6th Year - University of Bridgeport, Remedial Reading & Remedial Language Arts Connecticut Certification: Grades 1-12 Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Education: 22
Theresa Collins	Director Orton-Gillingham Academy Training & Instruction Tutorial Director	BA - Colgate University MS - State University of New York Fellow, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Education: 36
Sarah Crupi	Art Director Teacher	BS - Southern Connecticut State University MA - Boston University Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator, Art Education Pre-K-12 Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Education: 12
Brandon DeMunnik	Teacher Student Advisor	BA - University of Rhode Island MS - University of Bridgeport	Current Years at TSS: 23	Years in Education: 23
Kristin DuCharme	Teacher	BA - Sacred Heart University MAT - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification-Provisional Certificate K-6 Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy New Jersey CEAS K-6 (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing)	Current Years at TSS: 5	Years in Education: 13
Christine Filep	Teacher	BA - Fairfield University MAT - Sacred Heart University Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 24	Years in Education: 25
Janine Forry	Teacher Student Advisor	BS - William Paterson University CAS - St. Thomas Aquinas College MSED - Walden University Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 21	Years in Education: 23
Jeannine M. Gallagher	Teacher	BS - Marymount College -Tarrytown, Special Education MA - Fairfield University, Special Education Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator in Comprehensive Special Education K-12 Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator in Elementary Education K-6 Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Education: 14
Ashley Halkowicz	Teacher	BS - Sacred Heart University MAT - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Initial Certification: Professional Educator in Elementary Education 1-6	Current Years at TSS: 1	Years in Education: 1
Melanie Higgins	Teacher	BS - University of Connecticut MS - Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut Certification: Special Education Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 22	Years in Education: 22
Erin Johnson	Teacher	BA - Marist College MA - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6	Current Years at TSS: 3	Years in Education: 3
Catherine Morris	Physical Education Teacher	BSc.Hons, University of Surrey, London, UK AFPA, Certified Health and Wellness Coach American Association of Drugless Practitioners Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach National Academy of Sports Medicine, Youth Optimum Performance Specialist National Academy of Sports Medicine, Youth Exercise Specialist SAC, UK, Diploma in Sports Therapy NFHS, Certified Interscholastic Coach NFHS, Accredited Interscholastic Coach	Current years at TSS: 2	Years in Education: 32
Taylor Myers	Teacher	BA - Roger Williams University MA - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6 Classroom Educator, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators	Current years at TSS: 8	Years in Education: 13
Talya Oral	Teacher	BS - Texas Christian University, Early Childhood Education MS - Texas Christian University, Special Education	Current Years at TSS: 4	Years in Education: 4
Kylie Palmer	Teacher	BS - University of Dayton, Early Childhood Education Connecticut Certification: Early Childhood/Elementary Ed. N-3 and Special Ed. N-K	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Education: 2
Julie Papp	Teacher Student Advisor	BA - Boston College MA - Fordham University	Current Years at TSS: 19	Years in Education: 24
Joanna Quinn	Mindfulness and Movement Teacher	BA - Boston College MA - Fordham University	Current Years at TSS: 1	Years in Education: 5
Shelbey Roy	Teacher	BA - Iona College, Political Science MAT - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6	Current Years at TSS: 3	Years in Education: 3
Kim Ruggiero	Department Head, Math Teacher	BS - Southern Connecticut State University MS - University of Bridgeport Connecticut Certification: Elementary and Special Education Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 27	Years in Education: 27
Marisa Scott	Teacher	BS- Salve Regina University Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6	Current Years at TSS: 5	Years in Education: 6
Laurie Strazza	Teacher	BA - Southern Connecticut State University BS - Southern Connecticut State University MA - Sacred Heart University Secondary Science Certificate Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 3	Years in Education: 8
Kylee Vitka	Teacher	BA – Southern Connecticut State University, Early Childhood Education Connecticut Certified, Early Childhood/Elementary N-3 and Special Education N-K	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Education: 3
Audra Whitmore	Teacher Student Advisor	BS - Saint Joseph's University MS - Saint Joseph's University Classroom Educator & Associate Level, Orton-Gillingham Academy Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner Wilson Reading System Level I Certification CT Certified: Provisional Educator, Elementary Education, Grades 1-6 CT Certified: Provisional Educator, Special Education, Comprehensive, Grades K-12	Current Years at TSS: 4	Years in Education: 7
Jessica Wyton	Teacher, Upper School Music Director	BA - Berklee College of Music MS - University of Bridgeport Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 4	Years in Education: 10
Clorasteen Wilson	Teacher	BA - University of Connecticut MS - University of Bridgeport Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6 Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 5	Years in Education: 5
Staff and Administration
Samantha Berg	Director of Student Enrollment Management	BS - Western Connecticut State University	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Profession: 16
Dr. Hallie A. Buckingham	Associate Head of School for Student Engagement Student Advisor	BS - Southern Connecticut State University MS - Southern Connecticut State University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University EdD - Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut Certification: Special Education	Current Years at TSS: 34	Years in Education: 34
Rick Fedeli	Facilities Support		Current Years at TSS: 4
Mario Fiallo	Director of Facilities	GED - Brian McMahon High School	Current Years at TSS: 23	Years in Profession: 35
Dr. Kathleen Gallagher	Associate Head of School for Administration Student Advisor	BA - College of New Rochelle MA - College of New Rochelle EdD - St. John Fisher College Connecticut Certification: Special Education Connecticut Certification: School Administration	Current Years at TSS: 29	Years in Education: 28
Jodi Hanna	Front Office Administrator Parent of Alumnus	BBA - Loyola University, Maryland MS - New York University	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Profession: 18
Lauren Jones	School Programs Coordinator	BA - University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Elementary Education MA - Southern Connecticut State University, Education	Current Years at TSS: 3	Years in Profession: 7
Melissa Kinyon, C.C.C./SLP	Speech-Language Pathologist	BS - Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Ithaca College MS - Communication Disorders, Emerson College ASHA Certified, CT Licensed	Current Years at TSS: 12	Years in Education: 32
Peggy Lewis	Chef	CDM - Auburn University	Current Years at TSS: 5	Years in Profession: 34
Maggie Macari	Chief Financial & Operating Officer COVID Response Coordinator	BS - Villanova University	Current Years at TSS: 11	Years in Profession: 37
Claire Millerick	Advancement Coordinator	BA - Quinnipiac University, Public Relations	Current Years at TSS: 3	Years in Profession: 4
Meghan Murtagh	School Counselor, Faculty Member	BA - The Pennsylvania State University MEd - Plymouth State University, School Counseling Certification K-12	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Profession: 6
Jimmy O'Hara	Facilities Support	Norwalk High School	Current Years at TSS: 1	Years in Profession: 16
Elizabeth “Zibby” Perkins	Chief Advancement Officer Parent of Alumna	BA - Syracuse University, English & Public Relations	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Profession: 26
Sharon Plante	Chief Technology Integrator Student Advisor	BA - Connecticut College MEd - George Mason University 092 Leadership and Administration - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator: Special Education: Comprehensive, Grades K - 12 Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy Wilson Reading System Level I Certification Co-Author - "Using Technology to Engage Students with Learning Disabilities"	Current Years at TSS: 19	Years in Education: 27
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers	Executive Director, The Southport School Founder & Executive Director, The CoLAB Senior Scientist, Haskins Laboratories Chair of Scientific Symposia, The Dyslexia Foundation	BA - La Salle University MBA - Rochester Institute of Technology DBA - Grenoble Ecole de Management Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy Affiliated Research Scientist at Haskin Laboratories	Current Years at TSS: 11	Years in Education: 24
John Robbins	Director of Student Programs Director of Summer Programs Student Advisor Faculty Member	BA - University of Colorado MA - Fairfield University University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut Certification: Special Education	Current Years at TSS: 24	Years in Education: 24
Jeffrey Ruggiero	Associate Head of School for Academics	BS - Southern Connecticut State University, Special Education MS - Southern Connecticut State University, Learning Disabilities University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University, School Administration and Supervision Connecticut Certification: Special Education K-12 Connecticut Certification: School Administration Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 32	Years in Education: 32
Susan Stefenson	Business Office	BA - Allegheny College MBA - Pace University, Finance	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Profession: 18
Anna Petruny	Nurse COVID Response Team	ADN- Sacred Heart University	Current Years at TSS: 1	Years in Profession: 1
Joyce Tracey	Accountant	BS - Towson University	Current Years at TSS: 7	Years in Profession: 14
Cadia Wiley	School Counselor Student Advisor Faculty Member	BS - John Carroll University MEd - Cleveland State University	Current Years at TSS: 5	Years in Education: 7