What do the “dog days” of Summer mean? The Old Farmer’s Almanac refers to a period of particularly hot and humid weather beginning July 3 and going through August 11. Sirius, the dog star, is the brightest star, if you don't count the Sun. Sirius is one star in a group of stars that form the constellation Canis Major, meaning “Greater Dog.” It's no surprise, then, that the nickname of this big, bold star became “the Dog Star.” It is characterized by summer's peak temperatures and humidity – just like the weather we have been experiencing in Danbury. But the dog days of Summer lead to special events such as the beginning of school on Tuesday, August 26 for grades 1-12, with kindergarteners beginning on Friday, August 29 for their first full day of school. School registration is in full swing for families new to Danbury. The Registration Center at the FACE Center at 49 Osborne St is open during the summer months and is looking forward to greeting families. We ask that any child planning to go to Danbury Schools register by August 8, to be able to attend the first day of school. More information on the registration process can be found at https://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/

The warm and muggy days bring forth an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies grown by local farmers. The Danbury Farmers Market is held Saturdays at Center City Danbury, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, rain or shine. The Market doubles SNAP benefits, hosts different activities for families, and you can take part in food demonstrations by the UCONN Extension Educators. Visit https://danburyfarmersmarket.org/ for more information.

Danbury WORKS is hosting Party on the Patio, an evening of celebration for school-aged children with school supplies, activities, music, and more on Thursday, August 14, from 4:30-7:30 pm. It is held at the Danbury Police Headquarters at 375 Main Street, and it is sponsored by many community organizations.

Danbury is full of resources, whether medical, food, new family support, playgroups, support groups, or listings of educational resources such as school, parent empowerment and courses, ages and stages of child development, the Danbury Library, adult classes, and legal services. There is something for everyone. The DPS Office of Family, School and Community Partnerships hosts one of the most complete lists of community activities. A guide can be downloaded at https://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/community-resources/.

Did you know that the Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC) supports students through one-on-one mentoring by matching a supportive and caring adult with a student to provide moral support and encouragement? The program’s main objective is to improve academic performance, attendance, behavior, attitudes toward school, self-esteem, and motivation. To become a mentor, contact the director at https://dsabcmentors.org/programs/.

Thank you to all readers that reached out to find out more about the Farm to School program at Danbury Schools, as I wrote about in the July edition of the newspaper. We are always looking for families to participate in our various learning opportunities. We are excited that Chartwells is the new food meals supplier for our school and has a vested interest in supporting farm-to-school initiatives. Please continue to reach out to me at the address below to talk about how to become involved.

Anne E. Mead, Ed. D., is the director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships for Danbury Public Schools. She can be reached at 203-830-6508 or by email at meadan@danburyu.k12.ct.us.