Community Service
Villa Maria School is an active, integrated member of the Stamford community. Students participate in activities that support the community and conduct fundraisers for select charities, such as the American Heart Association and Lower Fairfield County Food Bank. In particular, they have a close association with residents of Scofield Manor, a senior managed care facility. Residents are invited monthly to enjoy activities with the children.
Activities such as these help build a stronger community, encouraging students to respect individual differences and strengths and foster acceptance. Villa Maria values the diversity of our community and believes these opportunities enrich students’ school experiences, expand their perspectives and sense of responsibility to the broader community, and promote confidence and self reliance for their future roles in society.
The school welcomes community participation in school events, such as Open Houses and presentations by well known speakers. Community workers visit every year. Members of the local fire station bring their equipment and share their knowledge with students every fall. Local police representatives visit during Red Ribbon Week to reinforce the importance of remaining alcohol- and drug-free. Students make field trips to local museums. All teachers are invited to attend the Connecticut Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (CACLD) conference, which is held every October in Stamford. We are honored that Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj, Villa Maria’s Executive Director, received the Shining Star Award from the CACLD.
Students frequently enter, and win prizes in, local contests. During all these activities, the students are given an opportunity to relate lessons learned and make connections to the community and the mission of the school.