Stamford schools extend partnership with Intempo

Stamford Public Schools announced it will extend its partnership with music-based Stamford nonprofit Intempo.

The group offers classical and intercultural music education to the district’s “new arrivals” classrooms, which are designed for students new to the United States with a limited understanding of the English language.

New arrivals students take part in music, art and physical education programs like any other student, but the partnership with Intempo adds an extra enrichment element into the students’ school year. The program, which has expanded since 2021 through a two-year grant from Impact Fairfield County, is made possible through direct support from the school district and in-kind

donations to Intempo.

The nonprofit has provided music programs to SPS classrooms since 2019.

“We are making every effort to bring visibility to the children who are newcomers in our town, and what better way to help them learn a new language than through something positive such as singing and making music together,” said Angélica Durrell, Intempo founder and CEO, in a press release from SPS. “Music is a third-language for them and Intempo faculty is pleased to support the district and classroom teachers in accelerating their English language acquisition.”

Last year, more than 200 students participated in the specialized music program in Stamford and Norwalk.

“Stamford Public Schools has had a long partnership with Intempo,” said Monica Lahiri-Hoherchak, coordinator of English learners for SPS, in a press release. “The programs have aligned their enriching music experience to the topics that students are already focusing on in the new arrivals classroom. This allows students to use the same vocabulary in multiple ways.”