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Agenda BOE011414.doc

Colchester Board of Education Meeting

Agenda

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Time: 7:00 PM Place: Bacon Academy Library Media Center 1. Call to Order 2. Citizen Comments 3. Additions to the Agenda by the Board of Education 4. Citizens Comments on Additions to the Agenda 5. Approval of Minutes (Enclosures/Handout) 6. Communications/Correspondence 7. Celebrations

7.1 Colchester Citizen Provides Students with Dictionaries 7.2 WJJMS Office Professional Recognized for 26 Years of Service

7.3 Paraprofessional Recognized for Many Years of Service 7.4 JJIS Parent is Advocate for HOT Schools (Enclosure) 8. Administrative Reports

8.1 Superintendent’s Report 8.1.1 Collaborative for Colchester’s Children (Enclosures) 8.1.2 First Selectman’s Round Table Recap

8.2 Financial Reports 8.2.1 Monthly Budget Report (Enclosure) 8.2.2 Request for Budget Transfer (None this meeting) 8.2.3 Notification of Transfers (None this meeting) 8.2.4 Health Insurance Account (Enclosure)

9. Unfinished Business 9.1 Conclusions from Action-research Project (Handout) 9.2 GMO-Free/Organic Food Petition Update 9.3 WJJMS Capital Needs and Building Project

10. New Business 10.1 *Request for Leave of Absence (Enclosure) 10.2 *BA Student Success Plan Area of Focus (Enclosure) 10.3 *Donations (Enclosures)

10.4 *Field Trip (Enclosure) 10.5 Extension of Board Policy #3240 Tuition Fees (Enclosure) 10.6 *2014-15 Proposed School Year Calendar (Enclosure)

10.7 *New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) BA Core Values, Beliefs, & 21st Century Learning Expectations (Mission Statement) (Enclosure) 10.8 *BA Proposed Increase in Math Credits Required for Graduation (Enclosure) 10.9 *WJJMS-BA Integrated Science Testing Out Option (Enclosure) 10.10*Request for Additional Paraprofessional Hours (Enclosure)

Agenda BOE011414.doc

11. Chairman’s Report

11.1 Board of Education Session on Priorities and Goals 12. Committee Reports

None this meeting 13. Information Items (Enclosures)

13.1 Enrollment 13.2 AASL Publishes Lesson Plan by CES Media Specialist Maureen Schlosser 13.3 CES Stuff A Bus

14. Executive Session (Enclosures/Handouts for Board Members only) 14.1 *Request for Unpaid Leave of Absence

15. Adjournment

*Possible action item

Info Bulletin BOE011414.doc


Information Bulletin

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Time: 7:00 PM Place: Bacon Academy Library Media Center 1. Call to Order

Chairman Ronald Goldstein

2. Citizen Comments The Board of Education provides an opportunity for members of the public to comment on issues of importance to the Board of Education in accordance with Board Bylaw #9325.

3. Additions to the Agenda by the Board of Education

Additions may be added to the agenda upon a 2/3 vote to those members of the Board present.

4. Citizens Comments on Additions to the Agenda

If additions have been added to the agenda, the Board Chairperson provides an opportunity for citizen comments on the additions.

5. Approval of Minutes (Enclosures/Handout) Recommendation: To approve the minutes of the December 11, 2013 Tri-Board Special Meeting, the December 12, 2013 Board of Education Regular Meeting, and the January 6, 2014 Board of Education Special Meeting. Background: Included for the Board of Education approval are the minutes of the:

• December 11, 2013 Tri-Board Special Meeting • December 12, 2013 Board of Education Regular Meeting • January 6, 2014 Board of Education Special Meeting

6. Communications/Correspondence

Written correspondence to the Chairperson and/or Superintendent of Schools, received the night of the meeting, may be read by the Board Secretary with the authorization of the Chairperson if it comports with the Freedom of Information Act. Correspondence received in advance are included in the agenda packet and not read since they are available to the public.


7. Celebrations

7.1 Strategic Plan Goal #3: Students, staff, parents and community members will promote a positive school environment that fosters respect, safety, and a sense of belonging. • Colchester Citizen Provides Students with Dictionaries Background: Principal Deb Sandberg will introduce Fred Brown. Mr. Brown has generously given dictionaries to third grade students each year for the past ten years. He attended each school program celebrating Noah Webster’s birthday, handing out over 2200 dictionaries over the years. Mr. Brown also engaged the students by inviting them to select a word from the dictionary and tell why they chose the word, or use the word in a sentence. Then, using a lottery system, he would select one student’s entry and send the student a prize. Mr. Brown is also the Colchester Learning Foundation Board President.

7.2 Strategic Plan Goal #2: Highly effective staff will be hired, supported, valued

and retained. • WJJMS Office Professional Recognized for 26 Years of Service Background: WJJMS Principal Chris Bennett will introduce Kathy Hustus, former WJJMS Office Professional. Kathy began work in the Colchester Public Schools in November 1987 and retired December 2013, following a 26 year career serving and supporting the students and staff in our school system.

7.3 Strategic Plan Goal #2: Highly effective staff will be hired, supported, valued

and retained. • Paraprofessional Recognized for Many Years of Service

Background: Principal Watson will introduce CES paraprofessional Diane Zettervall who served the students of Colchester Public Schools for twenty years.

7.4 Strategic Plan Belief: Students, families, schools, and community are all responsible to ensure that every student succeeds, thrives, and contributes to our changing world. • JJIS Parent is Advocate for HOT Schools (Enclosure) Background: JJIS Principal Deb Sandberg will introduce Meghan Wildstein, parent of kindergartner Abigail and fourth grader Allison. Meghan wrote an excellent article “HOT is the Way” in support of Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools. The article was published in the fall issue of HOT Schools Network and is currently featured on the State’s DECD Office of Culture and Tourism HOT Schools website page. Ms. Wildstein also serves a Co-President of the JJIS PTO.

8. Administrative Reports 8.1 Superintendent’s Report

8.1.1 Collaborative for Colchester’s Children (Enclosures) Background: Early Childhood Coordinator Dr. Cindy Praisner will provide a PowerPoint presentation and update the Board on the work of the Collaborative for Colchester’s Children (C3) and its funding goals.


8.1.2 First Selectman’s Round Table Recap Background: Superintendent Jeff Mathieu will review with the Board the data which was presented and discussed at the First Selectman’s Round Table Drug Forum held on January 9, 2014.

8.2 Financial Reports 8.2.1 Monthly Budget Report (Enclosure) 8.2.2 Request for Budget Transfer (None this meeting) 8.2.3 Notification of Transfers (None this meeting) 8.2.4 Health Insurance Account (Enclosure)

9. Unfinished Business 9.1 Conclusions from Action-research Project (Handout)

Background: At their August 13, 2013 meeting, the Board approved an action-research project to be conducted by WJJMS SRBI Paraprofessional Katie Kehoegreen and asked that her findings be presented to the Board. Ms. Kehoegreen will present her conclusion on the effectiveness of instructional videos in a Tier III intervention mathematics setting. Her research project will be used to fulfill the requirements of the Educational Technology Master’s program at Eastern Connecticut State University.

9.2 GMO-Free/Organic Food Petition Update Background: On October 8, 2013, the Board was presented with a petition from the Bacon Academy Community Activism Class requesting that Colchester serve “GMO-free and/or Organic food alternatives in the Colchester school district cafeterias.” The Board acknowledged receipt of a GMO petition and authorized the Student Board members to research the feasibility of the request stated in the petition. Courtney Vitale and Mitchell Hallee have been working on the project and will present an update of their progress to date. 9.3 WJJMS Capital Needs and Building Project Background: Superintendent Mathieu and Chairman Goldstein will discuss ongoing WJJMS Capital Needs and the future of the Building Project.

10. New Business 10.1 *Request for Leave of Absence (Enclosure) Recommendation: To approve a one-day unpaid leave of absence for Ms. Linda Rubin. Background: Ms. Rubin has been a paraprofessional in the CES preschool program since 2004. Ms. Rubin has been an active mentor of the Robotics Team for the past six years and is requesting unpaid leave to attend their April field trip. Principal Watson supports the request and assures us that a qualified substitute will be available to provide support in the CES Preschool Program during her absence.


10.2 *BA Student Success Plan Area of Focus (Enclosure) Recommendation: To approve the modification of the BA Student Success Plan Area of Focus from requirement to recommendation. Background: Bacon Academy Guidance Counselors Tom Racine and Christie Williams-Kahn will explain the modifications being made to the Student Success Plan Area of Focus requirements which were approved by the Board at their February 8, 2012 meeting.

10.3 *Donations (Enclosures) Recommendation: To accept the following donations:

• Three rainbow looms from Mrs. Lynne Mancini for the benefit of the JJIS After School Club.

• $6 from the Mocksfield Family, $6 from the Smith Family, and $16 from the Snow family to benefit the JJIS grade five scholarship field trip student activity fund.

• $500 from an anonymous donor for the purchase of books for the BA English department.

10.4 *Field Trip (Enclosure) Recommendation:

To approve following field trips: • First Robotics Team 1699 to Boston, MA from April 10-13, 2014

10.5 Extension of Board Policy #3240 Tuition Fees (Enclosure) Background:

Superintendent Mathieu and Bacon Academy Principal Mark Ambruso will address the Board on expanding policy #3240. The policy states “The Board of Education will permit students from other school districts to attend the Colchester Public Schools when they can be accommodated in existing classes. The student, or caregiver/parent, or sending school district, will pay a tuition fee to be established annually by the Board of Education.” 10.6 *2014-15 Proposed School Year Calendar (Enclosure) Recommendation:

To approve the 2014-15 proposed school year calendar. Background: The proposed school calendar was developed by Superintendent Mathieu and the District Calendar Committee. 10.7 *New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) BA Core Values, Beliefs, and 21st Century Learning Expectations (Mission Statement) (Enclosure) Recommendation: To approve the proposed BA Core Values, Beliefs, & 21st Century Learning Expectations (Mission Statement.)


Background: Principal Ambruso and Assistant Principal Hewes will present the proposed Bacon Academy Core Values, Beliefs, and 21st Century Learning Expectations. This proposal is part of an on-going review, required by NEASC, for Bacon Academy’s continued accreditation. BA will be submitting a Pre-Self-Study Report to NEASC, due on April 1, 2015, describing the process used to review and revise the school’s core values, beliefs about learning, and 21st century learning expectations to ensure they have met the standards set by NEASC. 10.8 *BA Proposed Increase in Math Credits Required for Graduation (Enclosure) Recommendation: To approve the proposed increase to four (4) math credits required for graduation, beginning with the Class of 2018 Background: The Bacon Academy Math Department is proposing a change in graduation requirements beginning with the Class of 2018. Current requirement is the successful completion of three (3) credits of Mathematics. Proposed requirement is for the successful completion of a minimum of four (4) credits and four (4) years of Mathematics. BA mathematics teacher Meaghan Kehoegreen will explain the rationale and review the adoption of new minimum standards for admission by the Connecticut State Universities. BA graduation requirements will remain at 25 credits.

10.9 *WJJMS-BA Integrated Science Testing Out Option (Enclosure) Recommendation: To approve the WJJMS-BA Integrated Science Testing Out Option as proposed. Background: BA Principal Mark Ambruso will explain a proposal to allow incoming 9th grade students to test out of the 9th grade Integrated Science curriculum by demonstrating competency of content knowledge and skill in order to advance to Level III Biology in their freshman year. 10.10 *Request for Additional Paraprofessional Hours (Enclosure) Recommendation: To approve the requested three (3) additional hours per day for a one-on-one paraprofessional. Background: An additional three (3) hours per day for a one-on-one paraprofessional are necessary due to a DCF placement and nexus change. The Budget Committee approved this request at their January 8, 2014 meeting.

11. Chairman’s Report 11.1 Board of Education Session on Priorities and Goals

12. Committee Reports None this meeting

13. Information Items (Enclosures) 13.1 Enrollment 13.2 AASL Publishes Lesson Plan by CES Media Specialist Maureen Schlosser 13.3 CES Stuff A Bus


14. Executive Session (Enclosures/Handouts for Board Members only)

14.1 *Request for Unpaid Leave of Absence

15. Adjournment

*Possible action item


Minutes

Date: Thursday, December 12, 2013 Rescheduled from Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Time: 7:00 PM Place: Bacon Academy Library Media Center Board Members Present: Ronald Goldstein, Donald Kennedy, Mary Tomasi, Brad Bernier,

Mike Egan, Mitchell Koziol, Michael Voiland Administration Present: Superintendent Jeff Mathieu, Principal Mark Ambruso at 7:50pm.,

Principal Chris Bennett, Principal Deb Sandberg, Principal Anne Watson, Director of Teaching and Learning Barbara Gilbert, Director of Pupil Services Kathy Shaughnessy, Chief Financial Officer Maggie Cosgrove, Board of Selectman Liaison Mike Caplet

1. Call to Order Superintendent of Schools Jeffry Mathieu called this meeting to order at 7:00pm.

2. Election of Officers Superintendent Mathieu called for Board nominations and election of a Chairman

Motion: D. Kennedy To nominate Ronald Goldstein for Chairman No other nominations were received.

Seconded by: M. Egan Vote: Unanimous Chairman Goldstein then called for nominations and election of Vice Chairman and Secretary. Motion: M. Tomasi

To nominate Donald Kennedy for Vice-Chairman No other nominations were received.

Seconded by: B. Bernier Vote: Unanimous Motion: D. Kennedy

To nominate Mary Tomasi for Secretary No other nominations were received.

Seconded by: B. Bernier Vote: Unanimous 3. Citizen Comments

None. 4. Additions to the Agenda by the Board of Education

Superintendent Jeffry Mathieu requested to remove part of item 8.3 (recognition of D. Zettervall) to the January Board meeting, add item 11.2 as an additional donation, add item 11.3 an additional field trip, add item 11.4 Old Bacon Academy rental agreement, add item 15.2 Executive Session to discuss pending litigation.

5.

Motion: D. Kennedy To remove item 8.3 and add items 11.2, 11.3, and 11.4 to the regular agenda, add item 15.2 to executive session as requested by Superintendent Mathieu.

Seconded by: M. Tomasi Vote: Unanimous

5. Citizens Comments on Additions to the Agenda

None.

6. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the November 12, 2013 Board of Education Regular Meeting were submitted for Board approval.

Motion: B. Bernier To approve the November 12, 2013 BOE regular meeting minutes as read.

Seconded by: D. Kennedy Vote: Unanimous

7. Communications/Correspondence

None received. 8. Celebrations

8.1 Strategic Plan Goal Result #1: Students will achieve the standards of our rigorous, research-based curricula. • CAPSS Superintendent Awards

Superintendent Jeff Mathieu introduced student recipients of the 2013 CT Association of Public School Superintendent (CAPSS) Award and shared their academic achievements, co-curricular and leadership activities with the Board. Being honored this year are Bacon Academy students Caroline Ladegard and Robert Maynard and William J. Johnston School students Abigail Eberle and Connor Groene. The students were also honored at the CAPSS Student Recognition Award Ceremony on the evening of November 6, 2013. Chairman Goldstein praised the students individually and presented each with a small gift on behalf of the Board.

8.2 Strategic Plan Goal #2: Highly effective staff will be hired, supported, valued and retained. • Technology Grant Awarded to Colchester

Superintendent Mathieu and the Board highly commended Director of Teaching and Learning Barbara Gilbert for being awarded a $540,712 technology grant from the State of Connecticut. The grant will be used to help support technology infrastructure improvements in our schools. The Board presented Ms. Gilbert with a certificate of excellence.

8.3 Strategic Plan Goal #2: Highly effective staff will be hired, supported, valued and

retained. • Paraprofessional Recognized for Her Many Years of Service

Principal Bennett recognized WJJMS paraprofessional Barbara Libby, though she was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Ms. Libby has served CPS students for 27 years and currently continues to dedicate her time as a volunteer in the classrooms of WJJMS.

8.4 Strategic Plan Goal #2: Highly effective staff will be hired, supported, valued and

retained. • Bacon Athletic Director Earns Elite Certification

Superintendent Mathieu recognized Bacon Academy’s Athletic Director Kevin Burke. Mr. Burke has been recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Association as a Certified Athletic Administrator. The association made the announcement November 19th, 2013 at its independent headquarters.

9. Administrative Reports

9.1 Superintendent’s Report 9.1.1 Performance Reports Director of Teaching and Learning Barbara Gilbert gave a detailed presentation of the school performance reports for Colchester, which were released on December 5. Principal Bennett and WJJMS students and teachers received additional accolades having received the highest classification rating. Mr. Bennett further stated it is a district wide celebration, as our education structure is a collaboration of many.

9.2 Financial Reports 9.2.1 Monthly Budget Report D. Kennedy briefly discussed the year to date budget report and further explained the fluctuation of transportation as it is dependent on student housing status. 9.2.2 Request for Budget Transfer (None this meeting) 9.2.3 Notification of Transfers (None this meeting) 9.2.4 Health Insurance Account

10. Unfinished Business 10.1 WJJMS Capital Needs and Building Project Chairman Goldstein discussed ongoing WJJMS Capital Needs and the future of the Building Project. Chairman Goldstein recapped latest developments which transpired from the Tri- Board meeting the night before. A Town Meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2014 to vote on amending the charge of the current Building Committee such that the Committee will move forward on a school-only project. All community members are encouraged to attend. 10.2 Personnel – Health Examinations Policy #4112.4/4212.4 - Second Reading The Policy Committee reviewed the existing policy and at the recommendation of School Physician Dr. Ann Milanese- supports the removal of tuberculosis screening and a health examination as requirements for employment at CPS.

Motion: D. Kennedy To approve the proposed revision to Health Examinations Policy #4112.4/4212.4.

Seconded by: M. Tomasi Vote: Unanimous

10.3 Use of Alcohol Detection Devices Policy/Regulation #5145.124 – Second Reading The Policy Committee is recommending allowing administration to authorize a designee to employ the use of both passive and/or active alcohol detection devices during a school-sponsored event at which an administrator will not be present. A designated CPS staff member would be approved to use an alcohol detection device.

Motion: D. Kennedy To approve the proposed revision to Use of Alcohol Detection Devices Policy and Regulation #5145.124.

Seconded by: B. Bernier Vote: Unanimous

10.4 Graduation Requirements Policy #6146 – Second Reading This policy is being updated to reflect current requirements for graduation. When the policy was revised April 13, 2010, it included changes which took place in 2011 and 2012. Those outdated items will be removed.

Motion: M. Egan To approve the proposed revisions to Graduation Requirements Policy #6146.

Seconded by: M. Tomasi Vote: Unanimous 11. New Business

11.1 Intent to Retire To accept the retirements of:

• Kathryn Noel is a kindergarten teacher at CES. She began teaching in CPS in January 1984.

• David Comas-Diaz is a Spanish teacher at BA. Mr. Comas-Diaz has taught at BA since August 2001.

• Sherrie Eguren is a grade 1 teacher at CES. She has taught at CPS since September 1989.

• Edwina Callaghan is a grade 1-2 combo teacher at CES. Ms. Callaghan has been teaching at CPS since August 1987.

• Carol Benson is a media specialist a JJIS. She worked as paraprofessional and then media specialist beginning September 1990.

Motion: M. Tomasi To accept the retirements of Colchester teachers: Kathryn Noel, David Comas-Diaz, Sherrie Eguren, Edwina Callaghan, Carol Benson.

Seconded by: B. Bernier Vote: Unanimous

11.2 Acceptance of Donations To accept the following donations:

• $5,000 to be used for teacher professional development for the benefit of CES students. The donor wishes to remain anonymous.

• $670 to the BA Life Skills Program from Ms. Dawn Fries. • $400 for sponsorship of the JJIS Lego Robotics Team from The Holdsworth

Group, LLC. • $17 to the JJIS After School Club Program from Ms. Jen Utz. • Hundreds of school furniture items including desks, tables and storage units from

S&S Worldwide. Motion: D. Kennedy

To accept the $5,000 donation to be used for teacher professional development for the benefit of CES students, anonymous donor.

Seconded by: M. Tomasi Vote: Unanimous Motion: M. Egan

To accept the $670 donation to the BA Life Skills Program, from Ms. Dawn Fries.

Seconded by: M. Tomasi Vote: Unanimous Motion: B. Bernier

To accept the $400 donation for sponsorship of the JJIS Lego Robotics Team from The Holdsworth Group, LLC.


Motion: D. Kennedy To accept the $17 donation to the JJIS After School Club Program from Ms. Jen Utz.

Seconded by: B. Bernier Vote: Unanimous Motion: B. Bernier

To accept the hundreds of school furniture items including desks, tables and storage units from S&S Worldwide


11.3 Field Trips

To approve following field trips: • BA Jazz Band/Jazz Choir to Boston, MA, February 8-9, 2014. • BA FCS careers trip to NYC Manhattan Fashion District January 10, 2014.

Motion: D. Kennedy To approve the field trip for BA Jazz Band/Jazz Choir to Boston, MA, February 8-9, 2014.

Seconded by: M. Tomasi Vote: Unanimous Motion: D. Kennedy

To approve the careers field trip for BA FCS to NYC Manhattan Fashion District on January 10, 2014.

Seconded by: M. Egan Vote: Unanimous 11.4 Old Bacon Academy Rental Agreement

The Bacon Academy Board of Trustees manages the operations in the Old Bacon Academy, Day Hall and the Nathaniel Foote/D.A.R. House in the historic district as well as the Senior Center. The Trustees have documented the costs of operating each of the buildings. The Board currently leases the first floor of Old Bacon Academy for its Alternative High School. The documented costs incurred by the Trustees exceed the rent being paid by the Board. Chairman Goldstein explained that the intention had always been to pay rent that would equal the Trustees’ costs of operating Old Bacon Academy. Chairman Goldstein requested authorization to amend the lease agreement such that the rent will be increased to once again match the documented operational expenses incurred by the Trustees. Board Member B. Bernier requested clarification that the rent will match only the “normal” operating costs, not costs for repairs (should they become necessary)

Motion: D. Kennedy To amend the lease agreement with the Board of Trustees such that the rent will equal the documented operational costs of the Trustees , and to authorize the Board Chair to execute and documents needed.

Seconded by: M. Tomasi Vote: Unanimous 12. Chairman’s Report

12.1 Liaison Assignments Chairman Goldstein affirmed two vacant liaison positions and encouraged strong continual communications between all liaisons and their assigned groups. The Chairman then confirmed each Board member and their individual liaison assignments. Following further discussion, Mike Egan and Brad Bernier are now

assigned as the new building committee liaisons and Mike Voiland will serve as the Park and Recreation and Youth Services liaison.

12.2 Committee Assignments Chairman Goldstein affirmed two vacant committee assignment positions. Mike Voiland is assigned to the policy committee and Mike Egan is now assigned to the personnel committee.

12.3 Scheduling of Discussion of Board Priorities and Goals The Board agreed on the date of January 25, 2014 at 9:00am. Location TBD.

13. Committee Reports

None this meeting

14. Information Items 14.1 Enrollment 14.2 2014 CT Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony 14.3 CT High School Honor Band Festival 14.4 Thank You from JJIS Regarding SRO Coverage 14.5 JJIS Thank You to First Sergeant Henderson re: Veterans’ Day Ceremony

15. Executive Session Motion: D. Kennedy

To go into executive session and invite Superintendent Mathieu and Director of Pupil Services Kathie Shaughnessy to the session.

Seconded by: B. Bernier Vote: Unanimous Executive Session was entered at 8:26pm. Chairman Goldstein took the Board out of executive session at 8:36pm.

15.1 Request for Extended Leave of Absence Motion: M. Tomasi To approve the extension of child rearing leave for Stephanie DeGaetano to the end of the 2013-14 school year. Seconded by: D. Kennedy Vote: Unanimous 15.2 Pending Litigation No action taken

16. Adjournment Motion: D. Kennedy To adjourn the meeting. Seconded by: M. Tomasi Vote: Unanimous Chairman Goldstein adjourned the meeting at 8:37pm.

Respectfully submitted, Shannon Tamosaitis Board Clerk

SCHOOL WIDE MURALPROJECT AT

JOHN C. DANIELS— Carroll Ryan, Magnet Resource Coordinator

Preparation for this school wide mural project began months before

student painting commenced, with a request for drawings from

grade K–8 students. How could they best visually depict the John C.

Daniels Interdistrict Magnet School for International Communica-

tions magnet theme? Our intention was to have our students draw

sketches of what inspires them about our school's magnet theme,

International Communication, which is comprised of 4 subthemes,

each a focus of study in the 4 corresponding marking periods:

• The World in My Backyard

• Where in the World

• Stewards of Our Planet

• Around the World in 60 Days

FALL 2013 • ISSUE 03HIGHER ORDER THINKING SCHOOLS NETWORKstrong arts arts integration democratic practice

Some 400 John C. Daniels Interdistrict Magnet School students worked collaboratively on this school wide mural project.

continued on page 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

School Wide Mural Project...Carroll Ryan

Alcott Honored as Outstanding...Holly Wrenn

A Father and Futurist...Garry Golden

Dynamic Program Opens Up...Tiffany Caouette

HOT Resources

Featured HOT ResourceBonnie Koba

HOT is the WayMeghan Wildstein

The President’s Committee...Tania Kelley

*Page 7

7.4

Alcott School has been honored by the

Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) as

Connecticut’s Outstanding Elementary School

of the Year 2013–2014. This award gives public

recognition to an outstanding CAS member

elementary school that deserves major recog-

nition for its exemplary programs in meeting

the needs of their students.

Over the past few years we have instituted

grade level Data Teams as well as Building Early

Intervention Teams. Reading instruction is

delivered on grade level and differentiated for

all students by teachers and reading specialists.

Teachers remediate math individually and in

small groups with the help of a math tutor. Our

Board of Education supports us with Profes-

sional Development on new expectations

yearly. Our teachers are presently creating ma-

terials to address the Common Core State Stan-

dards. Our expectation is that everyone can and

will achieve. Last year’s recognition of Alcott as

a School of Distinction “for highest progress and

highest overall performance” was confirmation

of the hard work that is being done on a daily

basis by Alcott students and staff.

For the last twelve years, the HOT Schools pro-

gram has been the catalyst through which

Alcott school involves parents and the commu-

nity. The personalization of the school environ-

ment occurs through the integration of the HOT

Schools Core Components – Strong Arts, Arts

Integration and Democratic Practice. These, we

believe, encourage the development of the

emotional and social needs of every student.

Student learning is self-directed and supported

by peers, parents and the community.

Each September students develop classroom

constitutions and then share them on Constitu-

tion Day during our Town Meeting. Students

follow a rigorous routine to become Student

Council representatives and through Alcott’s

Student Council student voice is heard. Student

classroom representatives bring forth peer

proposals for enhancing their school environ-

ment and building community connections. Our

student led Art and Editorial Boards select stu-

dent work to be featured at assemblies. Alcott’s

AV Club provides students with the opportunity

to be morning news crew announcers, assem-

bly emcees and technicians for sound and video

recording of school plays – thus further devel-

oping student voice.

The arts bring the school into the community

and the community into the school through

school wide projects. Alcott Elementary School

invites community members, service organiza-

tions, local police and fire departments to par-

ticipate in our students’ learning throughout

the year. Our staff participates in and supports

after school and community events. We

strongly believe that it is important to teach our

students the value of supporting their commu-

nity as well as their surrounding communities.

We are committed to strengthening the school-

to-home connection and regularly send out

parent surveys asking for school improvement

continued on page 5

Alcott Honored as Outstanding Elementary

FALL 2013 • ISSUE 03 2

“The Committee was impressed with

the collaborative and collective

approach to meeting the needs of

every student, with the use of assess-

ments to drive instruction and the

focus on the emotional and social

needs of all students.”

—Lorraine Giannini, CAS Elementary Honors

—and Awards Committee Chairperson

"The mural project does inspire me. I like to remember that we are all part of a bigger,

important purpose and all together.”—Isabel, Fifth Grade Student


School Wide Mural Project. continued

composites constructed by Mark from student

submissions. Students prepared the mural can-

vasses for painting in what would become a long

hard day! Excitement built as the students antici-

pated painting with smocks, brushes and as many

colors as they needed. As the students began to

paint I whispered to Mark, “Are they going to paint

this freehand?” “Yes,” he said. I had no idea!

Students excelled at this creative challenge and

moved ahead at a blistering pace from one round of

painting to the next, while remaining focused on the

task at hand: depicting our school magnet theme in

all 3 mural pieces.

Discussions were facilitated by Mark, Jessica

Messina, John C. Daniels’ visual arts teacher, and me

at various progress points to ensure that elements

such as communication symbols, details of people,

trees and buildings, etc., were depicted. Changing

from one group of painters to another was seamless

and work progressed without a glitch. Encourage-

ment and enthusiasm were two key ingredients of

this HOT process.

Student submissions poured in to Site Resource

Coordinator Karen Quinn and me! We were exu-

berant and overwhelmed by the response of well-

thought-out work received and we were excited to

share these student renderings with Connecticut

Office of the Arts Teaching Artist Mark Patnode.

Our first meeting with Mark involved a discussion

of our residency timeline, our school magnet

theme and a review of student submissions.

Mark’s first session with students from several

grades included displaying the submissions and

selecting those that would be used for the final

planning phase. Discussion groups were then held

to gain understanding about what the 3 mural

pieces should look like. More sketches followed.

Students then worked in teams to analyze mural

“There was a significant decrease

in behavior referrals during this school

wide arts residency.”

—Carroll Ryan, Magnet Resource Coordinator

A Father and Futurist Looksat Our Fears and Dreams

Anyone can tap their inner Futurist and run a little experiment. The

next time you are sitting among friends, family or strangers find a

way to prompt the group to talk about the future. Then, in your head

count the seconds or minutes that it takes for someone to connect

the fate of our future to education. Then watch for how many heads

nod in agreement. The most common dreams of a better future are

intertwined to our ability to teach and learn.

Where the conversation will split and individual positions become

entrenched – comes soon after. Some people may focus on rethink-

ing schools and empowering teachers. Positions will emerge around

informal learning and cultivating 21st century skills. Someone will

argue passionately for empowering learners through technology.

Then others will surface the downsides of too much screen time and

digital experiences. From there the conversation often turns nega-

tive as fears of lack of resources and the distractions of real-world

political battles take over the group’s thinking.

I have tested this prompt conversation in countless settings both as

a father of young child (with another baby on the way) and also as

a professional futurist with clients from public and private sectors.

Doubts about the dream of creating a learning-focused culture run

deep. Some fears are rooted in the impact of bureaucratic priorities

for high stakes testing – other concerns around the perceived dehu-

manizing aspects of technology. As a father and futurist, I spend a

great deal of time trying to imagine how we might bypass these

fears.

There is risk in trying to place bets on the future or pick winners.

Any parent or teacher involved in schools realizes the challenge of

bringing about change and embracing new methods. Yet as a futurist

I detect one overwhelming emerging issue that might indeed move

us closer to the dream of creating more communities of lifelong

learners.

continued on page 5


“If we doubted our fears instead of

doubting our dreams, imagine how much

in life we’d accomplish.” —Joel Brown

HOT SCHOOLS DIRECTORY

Alcott Elementary SchoolWolcott

Columbus Magnet SchoolNorwalk

Gaffney Elementary SchoolNew Britain

High School in the CommunityNew Haven

Integrated Day Charter SchoolNorwich

Jack Jackter Intermediate SchoolColchester

John C. Daniels SchoolNew Haven

John Lyman Elementary SchoolMiddlefield

Kinsella Magnet SchoolHartford

Lincoln Middle SchoolMeriden

Martin Elementary SchoolManchester

Pleasant Valley Elementary SchoolSouth Windsor

Samuel Staples Elementary SchoolEaston

Worthington Hooker SchoolNew Haven

Bonnie KobaDirector

Amy GoldbasAssociate Director for Programming

Christopher EavesAssociate Director for Professional Development

Next Issue: Strong Arts at Kinsella Magnet

suggestions. Parents are invited to every school

function and they play an integral part in our

school wide projects.

Visiting artists give students and teachers another

outlet of expression and integrate academics with

the arts. Students studied Kathak, a classical Indian

dance form, with Connecticut Office of the Arts

Teaching Artist Rachna Agrawal, learned about

dance symmetry, baseball and history with Ve-

nessa Logan of the Boston Ballet (a former COA

Teaching Artist), wrote songs with Connecticut

Troubadours Thomasina Levy and Chuck Costa,

built an Indian Long House with Mark Patnode, and

performed Shakespearian poetry with Connecticut

Office of the Arts Teaching Artist Leslie Johnson.

These arts experiences give our students the op-

portunity to learn more about themselves and the

world while building their self-esteem.

It is the vision of Alcott Elementary School to, while

striving to meet District and State educational

standards, encourage students to be well-rounded

individuals of good character and citizenship. Our

being a Higher Order Thinking School has been

integral to achieving this vision and to being

chosen as Connecticut’s Outstanding Elementary

School for 2013–2014.

Alcott Honored as Outstanding continued

A Father and Futurist continued


The opportunity is bringing self-awareness to young

minds on the learning process itself. The enabling

force is an increase in new types of personal data

captured from learning experiences. New adaptive

learning platforms (e.g. Knewton) allow us to under-

stand in real-time how learners work through

problems, develop answers, ask questions and

collaborate, and point out to where they get stuck.

For aesthetic learning there are emerging ways to

sense feelings and emotional reactions, to capture

physical movements and other less tangible learning

processes. These new tools show us how, but the

debate will be centered on the why! Communities

of parents, teachers and learners will soon need

to update their assumptions on the role of data in

supporting a learner culture.

Fears over this new type of personal data run far

and wide across the educational community. Many

believe an expanded focus on data will lead to more

high stakes testing. There is also debate over what

should be measured and how it might impact the

development of the child.

To balance these concerns, we look to edupreneurs

and visionaries with very different dreams. They see

a generation empowered by more transparency and

stronger real-time feedback loops. They see an

opportunity for giving learners control over their

outcomes data as a way of destroying the political

debate over high stakes summative testing. Why

would we need to test at the end of the year when

we can see how the learner is progressing right

now? Why would we base a year of experience

around a single letter grade versus giving leaners

new ways of storytelling around how they have

grown? The vision is that this generation will be

ready to learn how they learn and surprise us with

creative applications of this knowledge.

There are many forces of change driving the future

of learning – but we can see the role of data-driven

experiences growing in the years ahead. No single

article or discussion will resolve fears and doubts

about this new lever for empowering the learner.

The best way forward is to commit to testing new

assumptions aligned with emerging capabilities and

social norms.

As a Futurist I recognize that any dream about

the future of education cannot be based on a

constraint-free utopia. There will be battles, stum-

bles and efforts gone awry. Yet I see social norms

shifting in this younger generation in a way that

could embrace new ways of thinking. As a Father,

my dream is that my children can then learn how

they learn and find teachers and mentors to help

drive their curiosity and learning outcomes.

Explore more: Knewton Adaptive Learning Platform; Experi-

ence API and Learning Records Store

Parents are a vital piece of any school. Their

support is extremely important to the success

of a school. Parents often see the products from

their children's experiences – performance as-

sessments, quizzes, book reports, and other

projects – but they rarely get to see the process

that goes into getting to that final product. So

what happens when a school has a teacher-

artist collaborative and they want parents in-

volved? You get a dynamic program that opens

up the HOT process in a transparent way.

During October and November, Pleasant Valley

Elementary School in South Windsor hosted a

Teacher Artist Collaboration (TAC) between

Connecticut Office of the Arts Teaching Artist

Chuck Costa and Mira Stanley and three class-

rooms – a second grade, a third grade, and a

fourth grade. Students and the artists planned

to write three songs in each classroom. The

songs were to be tied to social studies concepts

and the topic of community, beginning with a

song about the classroom community, growing

to a song about the school community, and

moving onto a song about the local South

Windsor and Hartford communities. As the

teachers and artists began their collaboration

on the planning day, they knew one of the goals

they had was to involve parents in the process.

Although the school is a HOT school and par-

ents and community members are very familiar

with the culminating projects from TACs, the

staff wanted to expose parents to the process

the students would experience, including the

brainstorming sessions that lead to the lyric

writing.

Parents were invited to participate in the 8 ses-

sions in each classroom and the three class-

rooms had a total of 12 parents participate,

most more than once. Jody Bemis, mother of a

second grade student, thought the process was

extremely valuable for her. “The artists facili-

tated the session but it was really the kids that

owned the content and outcome. And for the

kids to have such a tangible outcome that they

can be proud of was amazing to see.”

continued on page 9

Dynamic Program Opens Up the HOT Process


Mira Stanley, Chuck Costa and the students of Pleasant Valley Elementary School write lyrics.


HOT RESOURCES

YES YES GOOD

The heart of Teaching

CHERYL HULTEEN

YeS YeS gooD–The heart of Teaching

explores the poignantly compelling

and emotional portraits of students

and teachers who learn to: Say YES to

their creativity and ideas. Say YES to

the creativity and ideas of the people

they work with. And make each other

look GOOD.

Available through

Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Featured HOT Resource

Our featured read for this HOT Newsletter issue is YES YES GOOD:

ThE hEarT Of TEachING by Cheryl Hulteen, a long-time friend to HOT

Schools. An actor and educator herself, Cheryl has been a mover and

a shaker in the education world for many years – marrying the

intrigue and complexity of each profession to enlighten and spark

the other. Many HOT educators have experienced the joy of working

with Cheryl, a masterful teacher who expertly transforms the tenor

of a classroom to one of community by empowering learners - draw-

ing them in through communication and calculated spontaneity to

the world of YES YES GOOD. It struck me, in reviewing submissions

for this issue that Cheryl is indeed the edupreneur that Garry Golden

writes about in his article “A Father and Futurist Looks at Our Fears

and Dreams.” Cheryl beats a path encouraging teachers on the brink

of testing new pathways into the minds and hearts of their students

but who have hesitated doing so – for whatever reasons – to dare

to do so. If we don’t engage them we cannot teach them. YES YES

GOOD: ThE hEarT Of TEachING will have you laughing and crying just

a few pages in. Enjoy!

HOT is the Way

What is a Teacher Artist Collaboration (TAC)? Do we as parents fully

understand this term and are we aware of the integration of the arts

and academic subjects? As parents of a nine-year-old child, my hus-

band and I did not, nor did we know that arts integration would

allow our daughter to make extremely personal connections with

the academic curriculum. My husband and I have had the pleasure

of sharing in such connections over the past two years with our old-

est daughter and with Jack Jackter Intermediate School. Due to her

involvement with several artists, and especially Connecticut Office of the Arts Teaching Artists Leslie Johnson

and Betsy Davidson, she has honed her critical thinking skills, her ability to analyze herself in a self-portrait

which then allowed her to ask open ended questions of her classmates – driving forward conversation so

that the students would get to know one another better. During this period we started to notice that she

was making personal connections with certain subject matter, thus self-directing her learning. This is thrilling

for parents, as we know this can lead to life-long learning – something we wish for all of our children.

As a parent it is gratifying to have a child, a student, return home excited, eager and wanting to express

all the details of that day’s TAC. Writing plays, painting and otherwise exercising creativity helps

a child, a student, to develop leadership, passion, dedication and self-confidence. HOT is the way all

schools should be!


The President’s Committee on Artsand Humanities’ “Turnaround Arts Initiative”

and HOT Schools

NOTE from hOT Schools Director: The higher Order Thinking (hOT) Network is a community of practice that

engages educators in using the hOT approach, nationally recognized as an innovative way to develop, deepen

and expand effective practice in arts education, arts integration, school culture change, and leadership de-

velopment. certain schools are selected to participate in the hOT Schools Program but the hOT approach is

shared well beyond designated hOT Schools. roosevelt School in Bridgeport is one of 8 schools nationwide,

distinguished by the President’s committee on arts and humanities as a “Turnaround arts” school.

[turnaroundarts.pcah.gov] This initiative is a public private partnership designed to help narrow the

achievement gap and increase student engagement through the arts. roosevelt Elementary, while not a fully

participating hOT School, has been exploring the hOT approach as part of the Turnaround arts Initiative.

here is a glimpse into their experience.

Roosevelt staff during a HOT PD

During the weeklong 2013 HOT Schools Summer Institute (SI), the

Roosevelt Elementary School team worked from sun up to well

beyond sundown learning new ways to engage and empower our

Roosevelt students to support their academic and social progress.

We participated in sequential learning tracks and workshops that

emphasize the three core principles of HOT Schools – strong arts,

arts integration, and democratic practice.

Conference highlights included a wide variety of performances and

speakers. A notable one from Harvard University shared a website

featuring several videos entitled Illuminating the common core. The videos demonstrate, through

student exemplars, how arts integrated lessons can help students meet Common Core State Standards.

Additionally, we learned strategies such as instant assemblies, line up, timeline song, and fashion show

which we will demonstrate for parents during our weekly community gatherings. We had the chance to

make art and share ideas with other educators.

The team returned from the conference with a new attitude, inspired to demonstrate that learning should

be fun and creative. We formed an interdisciplinary planning team to assist classroom teachers and support

staff with integrating the arts into daily lessons. We are developing thematic units for each marking period

that are aligned with state standards and our district core curricula, and we are using an idea from the

HOT SI to develop a universal core vocabulary to be utilized and reinforced school wide. The targeted core

vocabulary words assist students with understanding the multiple applications of a given word across

disciplines. For example, we have created visual charts for words such as resting position, compose, and

tone. Students are beginning to think of these vocabulary words as concepts, and they are making

connections between these concepts in music and language arts, music and math, etc.

continued on page 9


Mrs. Bemis was not alone in her thoughts. The

feedback from parents was overwhelmingly posi-

tive. Parents had been asked to document the TAC

process – taking photographs, videos, and notes

were a few of their tasks. They also scripted the

questions used with students by the artists. Teach-

ers felt that this allowed the classroom teachers to

stand back and watch the process, freeing up their

ability to plan what they would do for extensions

when Chuck and Mira's sessions ended. The long-

range goal was to continue the song-writing

process throughout different curricular areas, and

the teachers didn't feel they could really step back

to plan that if they hadn't had help from parents.

For parents, though, their involvement was so

much more than scripting and note-taking.

Johanna Perkin, mother of a student in the TAC,

found that her involvement really helped her

understand the process the artists go through with

the students. “What struck me the most about the

HOT experience was the way the children openly

displayed their creative sides without any fear of

ridicule. Additionally, I enjoyed watching the chil-

dren work in a situation where there is no right or

wrong answer – where all ideas are given equal

weight and opportunity.”

Dynamic Program Opens Up HOT continued As the sessions ticked to a close, it was amazing

for the parents to see the pace at which the

process moved. "That moment when all their ideas

and facts about their classroom community came

together (and) the surprise and excitement in their

voices and faces when they realized that their own

words and their own ideas became a song right

then and there" was the most important moment

for Josie Nelson, parent of a fourth grade student.

For the staff at Pleasant Valley and other HOT

schools, it has always been a challenge to show

parents the process that is used to create wonder-

ful student performances, artwork, and other

masterpieces. The recent involvement in the TAC

at Pleasant Valley has set the stage for how to

involve parents in the future and open up the HOT

process for all to see. Kristy Perry, mother of a third

grade student, sums up the experience. “The col-

laborative effort of the artists in residence and

the students has been highly fulfilling to observe.

The students are actively engaged from the brain-

storming process to performing their final works.

This is a truly enriching program, and I know I

made the right choice of settling (here).”

Attending the HOT Summer Institute was both

exhausting and exhilarating! We look forward to

continue working with our HOT colleagues from

around the state, and implementing the HOT

Approach at Roosevelt School.

The President’s Committee continued

Chuck Costa and Pleasant Valley Elementary School students

From: Christopher Eaves [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 11:19 AMTo: Meghan WildsteinCc: Deb SandbergSubject: "HOT is the Way" is featured on the DECD Office of Culture and Tourism HOT Schools page. Meghan, Bonnie Koba, Director for HOT Schools, has chosen for your article "HOT is the Way" to be featured onthe DECD Office of Culture and Tourism HOT Schools page. Your article appears beneath "ParentPartners" in support of parent involvement in Higher Order Thinking Schools. http://www.ct.gov/cct/cwp/view.asp?a=3933&q=293712

Thank you and Happy Holidays! Best,Christopher______________Christopher EavesAssociate Director for Professional DevelopmentHigher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools

mailto:/O=COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS/OU=FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=MATHIEUJ

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ct.gov/cct/cwp/view.asp?a=3933&q=293712

Revised 10-29-13

along with a partnership to provide workshops for parents. Additionally, C3 was able to renew its partnership with Cragin and the Colchester Rotary Club to bring the Bookmobile back to neighborhoods in town beginning last spring. In a vehicle donated by Backus Hospital, book check-outs, book returns, library cards, and information about Early Head Start Services are provided.

The year was focused on the implementation of our $50,000 Early Literacy Partnership Grant. Professional development, new curricular materials, as well as coaching for school and community providers were major components of the grant this year. Additionally, School Readiness sites began using the CLASS tool for observations and growth. Direct efforts to identify and assist students with challenging behaviors were addressed through training for community

providers as well as the use of the BESS screening tool and the purchase of Second Step materials for preschool and CES classrooms. C3 concentrated on engaging families through its Family Resource Center programming, Family Liaison services to preschool families, and parent training on literacy. The grant also supported Cragin’s Every Child Ready to Read initiative through the purchase of more interactive materials in the children’s library

Joan O’Donnell

Board Chair

Staff

Shelly Flynn

Coordinator

Dawn LePage

Office Professional

Michele Morgan

Communication Coordinator

Cindy Praisner, Program

Accountability Coordinator

Kathy Slade

Program Coordinator

What’s New!

Obtained $40K Discovery grant to continue C3 work

Support from Town of Colchester with $5K in the BOS budget

Bookmobile is back on the road with a vehicle donated by Backus

Implementation of the Early Literacy Partnership grant begins

Bacon students design two new logos for Bookmobile and Early Literacy

Partnered with Parks and Recreation and Youth and Social Services to provide March into Wellness series

Family Resource Center programming and workshops begin in May

Focus on Early Literacy

The Power of Partnerships PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Partners from Colchester and Wethersfield put together a fantastic fundraiser called The Perfect Day. On August 19th of 2013, 56 golfers played 18 holes of golf on an award winning course at the Wethersfield Country Club. Happy hour and dinner in the Clubhouse followed, and the evening was capped off with a Texas Hold’Em poker tournament with over 30 card players. 20+ volunteers including kids

contributed their time. 50 sponsors and donors helped make the day a great success including several Colchester area business sponsors and donors. Monies were divided between Colchester and Wethersfield with each receiving $3,750! A huge thanks to Hathaway Financial Group and Massaro Wealth Management for spearheading this event to benefit young children and their families!

Annual Report July 2012 – June 2013

8.1.1

Revised 10-29-13

Did you know?

Colchester Public Schools calculates the Body Mass Index of children in grades K-3. Our rates for

overweight and obese

students are consistent with

those of the Chatham Health

District averages. One out of 5

children are overweight or

obese.

The Colchester Public Schools

did not complete its own

physical fitness tests for grades

one and two in 2012-13. New

physical fitness data from the

State have not been released.

We want Colchester children to be healthy.

We want Colchester children to be happy.

Did you know?

Our best indicators for happiness are:

A measure of need for

support- percent of K-3

students with multiple

discipline referrals.

A measure of economic

security and stress–

students eligible for

receiving free and reduced

lunch. The number of

children eligible in 2011-12

continued to climb to 393

students or 13.1% of the

student population.

We use the following indicators to see if we are getting results...

6.57.5 7.2

5.4 5.3

6.7

3.8

0.81.3

3.4 3.42.8 2.7

1.0

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Percent of K-3 Students with Two or More Discipline Referrals

Source: Colchester Public Schools

2-5 referrals 6+ referrals

Revised 10-29-13

We want Colchester children to be successful.

We want a Collaborative that is effective and strong.

Did you know?

Participation in a quality early

childhood program can help

prepare children for later

schooling and life. Through the

work of the School Readiness

Council and other C3 efforts,

the percent of children with a

preschool experience remains

high providing opportunities

for early foundational learning.

Academic success is measured

using the results of the third-grade Connecticut Mastery Tests in reading, writing, and math. Students

who score “at goal” demonstrate extensive knowledge and consistent performance on grade level

content. Our scores continue to show limited growth. Much of our Early Literacy Partnership Grant

was allocated to fund new curricular materials and professional development for teachers in the early

grades as part of an effort to increase student learning.

Did you know?

During 2012-2013, our part-time staff and volunteer members accomplished the following:

Obtained $199,645 in private and State grants to be used for building a stronger organization, subsidizing preschool tuitions, and providing programs and services to young children and their families.

Offered programs and workshops for families with young children through our new Family Resource Center partnership with TVCCA. 87 unique individuals participated!

Promoted fitness and fun through our Family Fun Day. Over 40 families participated in several physical activities and 40% of those surveyed said they would “change an action or attitude” as a result of their participation.

Strengthened our online presence through our website (over 1,200 sessions!) and facebook page.

Continued our partnership with the MOMs Club of Colchester/Lebanon to host the Preschooler’s Expo. About 155 individuals attended where they were able to receive information and participate in a free developmental screening.

Partnered with students from Bacon Academy to develop logos for our Early Literacy Initiative and the Bookmobile.

Subsidized tuition for 23 preschool spaces through our School Readiness grant.

Screened 70 three- and four-year olds through the work of CECP PreK team and the School Readiness/Discovery Council.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Writing 58.3 64.1 71.0 64.6 58.2 63.7 68.8 63.6

Reading 54.8 54.4 56.1 63.4 64.8 62.9 69.9 62.8

Math 60.5 61.9 64.5 72.5 63.5 58.6 82.1 65.6

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

Percent of Colchester Scoring at Least Goal on Third Grade CMTSource: Colchester Strategic District Profiles

Writing

Reading

Math

Revised 10-29-13

Partners with MOUs*:

C.A.S.T.L.E.

Colchester Board of Education

Colchester Board of Selectmen

Colchester Elementary School PTO

Colchester Parks and Recreation

Colchester Youth & Social Services

Cragin Memorial Library

TVCCA

UCFS

William W. Backus Hospital

* Memorandum of Understanding

Grantors:

William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund

Connecticut State Department of Education

Visit us online at:

www.colchesterC3.org

Like us on

facebook!

Thank you to our supporters!

We need you! Contact Cindy Praisner at [email protected] to find out how you can help!

Financial Information for 2012-2013

Expenses Total: $236,252 Monetary Revenues Total: $236,253

Collaborative for Colchester’s Children

315 Halls Hill Rd

Colchester, CT 06415

860.537.0717

*Carryover includes $12,500 for a Sustainability Consultant

1/7/2014

1

Investing in the Early Years: How do we get from here to there?

An update on C3

8.1.1

An update on C3 and its funding goals.

A community partnership working to improve the lives of Colchester’s youngest citizens and their families.

What Does Readiness Look Like?

Knowledge Languageg

Ability to TakeDirections

g g

Phonemic Awareness

Good Physical Health

Ability to Work with Others

Ability to Regulate Behavior

1/7/2014

2

What Does “Un-Readiness” Look Like?

Chronic HealthChronic HealthConditions

Retention/Remediation

IncreasedSocial Services

Lower paying jobs

Special Education

Juvenile Delinquency

IncreasedJail Time

Economics ~ Neuroscience ~ Education

Invest in the Early YearsInvest in the Early Years

1/7/2014

3

Making Investments In People

How We Typically Invest Return on Investment

What C3 is doingEarly Learning

GroupsProfessional

DevelopmentParent Workshops and Special Events

What we are doing

p

Early Literacy

p

Collaboration with Partners

23 School Readiness Slots

p

InformationResource

0-5 years ~ 932 + K-3 ~679 = 1,611 children (NESDEC 12/17/12)

Family Liaison for SR families

Bookmobile

1/7/2014

4

Financial Sustainability

Budget Overview for 2014-2015

Expenses* 173,073

Salaries and Stipends

Tuition

Programming

Technology

Supplies and Misc

Known Income* 131,000

School Readiness grant

Quality Enhancement Grant

Discovery Grant

Additional requirement of a $55,000 local cash match for the Discovery Grant.

iscovery Grant

Anticipated Gap

* Listed in order from the bottom up

1/7/2014

5

Solutions we are pursuing Business Support Need lead

Solutions we are pursuing

Fundraiser Hire on commission only basis?

Implementation funds: CES PTO and Colchester Learning Foundation Individual donations made easier/more awareness

Board of Education Continued support

Board of Selectmen Continued support

Questions or comments?

For more information, please contact

Cindy Praisner, Early Childhood Coordinatory y

860.537.0717

[email protected]

www.colchesterc3.org

UNEXPENDED/TOTAL BUDGET REVISED YTD UNENCUMBERED PERCENT

OBJECT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION BUDGET TRANSFERS BUDGET EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BALANCE NOTES USED 40111 CERTIFIED PERSONNEL SALARIES 18,529,429 18,529,429 6,835,611.18 11,523,114.93 170,702.89 1 99.140111 CERTIFIED DAILY SUBSTITUTES 260,000 260,000 88,890.14 0.00 171,109.86 34.240111 STIPENDS 319,686 319,686 117,265.18 81,719.37 120,701.45 62.240112 CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL SALARIES 4,876,112 4,876,112 2,105,781.67 2,549,451.65 220,878.68 1 95.540112 CLASSIFIED DAILY SUBSTITUTES 75,000 75,000 27,149.10 0.00 47,850.90 36.240113 ADDITIONAL STAFF HOURS 30,574 30,574 27,866.98 0.00 2,707.02 91.140130 CLASSIFIED OVERTIME 31,500 31,500 16,736.78 0.00 14,763.22 53.141210 EMPLOYEE RELATED INSURANCE 5,573,488 5,573,488 2,820,746.46 2,728,762.44 23,979.10 2 99.641220 SOCIAL SECURITY 350,798 350,798 151,776.00 0.00 199,022.00 2 43.341221 MEDICARE 347,669 347,669 128,168.27 0.00 219,500.73 2 36.941230 PENSION 232,214 232,214 90,782.04 0.00 141,431.96 2 39.141250 UNEMPLOYMENT 60,880 60,880 5,688.00 440.00 54,752.00 2 10.141260 WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE 164,957 164,957 121,383.00 40,469.00 3,105.00 98.141290 OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 199,991 199,991 178,318.52 0.00 21,672.48 89.242323 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING & SAFETY EQUIPMENT 0 0 64.75 0.00 (64.75) 3 100.042535 POSTAGE 24,550 24,550 12,837.99 0.00 11,712.01 52.342611 INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES 251,318 251,318 189,830.46 22,878.49 38,609.05 84.642613 MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 66,226 66,226 36,074.89 0.00 30,151.11 54.542614 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 25,400 25,400 9,147.66 0.00 16,252.34 36.042641 TEXTBOOKS 131,734 131,734 115,806.19 10,880.65 5,047.16 96.242642 LIBRARY BOOKS 17,000 17,000 14,913.34 1,996.61 90.05 99.542643 PERIODICALS 3,557 3,557 2,488.53 29.00 1,039.47 70.842690 OTHER SUPPLIES/MATERIALS 222,670 222,670 116,721.39 22,687.28 83,261.33 62.643320 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 41,040 41,040 9,046.90 2,080.00 29,913.10 27.143322 INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS 20,095 20,095 5,766.50 170.00 14,158.50 29.543323 PUPIL SERVICES 172,252 172,252 61,325.00 21,855.00 89,072.00 48.343510 PUPIL TRANSPORTATION - REGULAR EDUC 1,137,992 1,137,992 558,004.89 593,679.41 (13,692.30) 3 101.243510 PUPIL TRANSPORTATION - SPECIAL EDUC 841,430 841,430 301,641.50 542,866.14 (3,077.64) 4 100.443511 TECH TRANSPORTATION 146,741 146,741 49,950.25 46,935.12 49,855.63 66.043580 TRAVEL 42,171 42,171 15,267.77 1,364.00 25,539.23 39.443810 DUES AND FEES 65,839 65,839 49,758.88 0.00 16,080.12 75.644203 LEGAL 100,000 100,000 19,668.50 0.00 80,331.50 19.744330 OTHER PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL SERVICES 186,174 186,174 81,287.45 17,921.99 86,964.56 53.344340 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES 48,660 48,660 25,035.00 23,625.00 0.00 100.044520 PROPERTY INSURANCE 65,970 65,970 49,382.60 16,071.00 516.40 99.244521 LIABILITY INSURANCE GENERAL 47,353 47,353 37,413.75 9,996.25 (57.00) 3 100.144522 LIABILITY INSURANCE TRANSPORTATION 1,264 1,264 953.25 317.75 (7.00) 3 100.644540 ADVERTISING 2,500 2,500 917.78 0.00 1,582.22 36.744550 PRINTING 20,910 20,910 12,339.86 6,068.80 2,501.34 88.044561 TUITION - VO-AG 103,896 103,896 39,600.00 39,600.00 24,696.00 76.244561 TUITION - PUBLIC 959,211 959,211 355,760.03 569,284.67 34,166.30 4 96.444562 TUITION - PRIVATE 491,482 491,482 231,857.24 436,336.11 (176,711.35) 4 136.044563 TUITION - SAP OTHER 112,962 112,962 15,137.22 0.00 97,824.78 4 13.444566 TUITION - MAGNET SCHOOLS 234,248 234,248 201,687.00 0.00 32,561.00 86.1

COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLSYEAR TO DATE BUDGET REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

8.2.1

UNEXPENDED/TOTAL BUDGET REVISED YTD UNENCUMBERED PERCENT

OBJECT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION BUDGET TRANSFERS BUDGET EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BALANCE NOTES USED

COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLSYEAR TO DATE BUDGET REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

44590 OTHER PURCHASED SERVICES 43,967 43,967 40,809.72 105.00 3,052.28 93.144610 CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION 100,084 100,084 84,091.93 4,931.31 11,060.76 88.944815 SOFTWARE LICENSING & SUPPORT 169,442 169,442 117,357.60 30,162.78 21,921.62 87.145411 WATER/SEWER 55,722 55,722 12,920.76 0.00 42,801.24 23.245530 TELEPHONES 35,379 35,379 15,443.11 4,562.52 15,373.37 56.545620 HEAT ENERGY SUPPLIES 441,513 441,513 74,734.25 0.00 366,778.75 16.945622 ELECTRICITY 735,732 735,732 334,929.00 0.00 400,803.00 45.545623 PROPANE 800 800 0.00 0.00 800.00 0.045626 GASOLINE - MAINTENANCE VEHICLES 7,350 7,350 565.38 0.00 6,784.62 7.745627 TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIES 225,000 225,000 53,658.59 0.00 171,341.41 23.846410 RECYCLING 31,300 31,300 11,209.00 0.00 20,091.00 35.846420 CLEANING/REPAIRING MAINTENANCE 72,895 72,895 29,326.19 5,049.01 38,519.80 47.246430 EQUIPMENT CONTRACTS - OFFICE 161,806 161,806 66,553.59 59,605.14 35,647.27 78.046430 EQUIPMENT CONTRACTS - FACILITIES 113,461 113,461 50,755.94 378.00 62,327.06 45.146431 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 2,200 2,200 171.09 0.00 2,028.91 7.848730 INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT 10,140 10,140 4,396.00 0.00 5,744.00 43.448731 NON-INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT 59,500 59,500 47,941.20 14,428.52 (2,869.72) 3 104.848733 FURNITURE & FIXTURES 3,000 3,000 812.10 0.00 2,187.90 27.148734 OTHER CAPITAL OUTLAY 4,700 4,700 0.00 0.00 4,700.00 0.050700 TRANSFER TO DEBT SERVICE FUND 165,120 165,120 165,120.00 0.00 0.00 100.0

TOTAL 39,076,054 0 39,076,054 16,446,645.34 19,429,822.94 3,199,585.72 91.8

Purchase orders for goods and services are issued throughout the school year.

(1) Vacant positions exist as of 12/31/13(2) Employee benefit amounts reflect only actual expended amounts to date.(3) Pending budget transfer(4) Special Education expenditures subject to reimbursement from Excess Costs grant

SCHEDULE 1

E. Gallupe 1/7/2014 1:38 PM

FINAL

BEGINNING BALANCE 7/1/13 107,958.66

DEPOSITS:BOE PAID 2,441,704.96CO-PAY EMPLOYEES 341,166.80RETIREES 105,662.15COBRA 1,583.18INTEREST 15.82TOTAL DEPOSITS 2,890,132.91

EXPENSES:CLAIMS 2,019,939.58NETWORK ACCESS FEES 136,360.11ADMIN FEE 258,629.67HSA EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION 6,300.00DRUG & RETENTION SETTLEMENT 0.00OPEB 0.00TOTAL EXPENSES 2,421,229.36

ENDING BALANCE 576,862.21

AVERAGE MONTHLY CLAIMS 487,912.72 (Includes claims+admin fee) (Based on a 13 month average)

AVERAGE MONTHLY RESERVE 1.18

AS OF: NOVEMBER 2013HEALTH INSURANCE RESERVE ANALYSIS

COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION

8.2.4

SCHEDULE 3

E. Gallupe 1/7/2014 1:38 PM

REVENUES EXPENSES MONTHLY YTDBOE CO-PAYS TOTAL CLAIMS/FEES ADMIN SETTLEMENT HSA OPEB TOTAL BALANCE BALANCE

BEG BALANCE 107,959Jul-13 908,682 50,841 959,523 545,975 51,207 0 0 0 597,183 362,340 470,299Aug-13 150,000 34,009 184,009 495,477 50,777 0 0 0 546,255 (362,245) 108,053Sep-13 454,341 113,264 567,605 354,238 52,126 0 600 0 406,964 160,641 268,694Oct-13 454,341 130,371 584,712 375,645 52,608 0 3,600 0 431,853 152,859 421,553Nov-13 474,341 119,943 594,284 384,964 51,911 0 2,100 0 438,975 155,309 576,862Dec-13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 576,862Jan-14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 576,862Feb-14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 576,862Mar-14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 576,862Apr-14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 576,862May-14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 576,862Jun-14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 576,862

TOTAL 2,441,705 448,428 2,890,133 2,156,300 258,630 0 6,300 0 2,421,229 468,904

MONTHLY AVERAGES:DEPOSITS 578,027EXPENSES 484,246

CONTRIBUTION TO RESERVE 93,781

AS OF: NOVEMBER 2013HEALTH INSURANCE MONTHLY SUMMARYCOLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION

E. Gallupe 1/7/2014 1:38 PM

Jul-03 Aug-03 Sep-03 Oct-03 Nov-03 Dec-03 Jan-04 Feb-04 Mar-04 Apr-04 May-04 Jun-04 Jul-04 Series2 223,373 193,417 183,743 217,050 199,592 211,606 243,648 248,770 248,454 300,452 209,890 238,168 298,592 Series1 207,000 207,780 205,815 209,428 207,893 211,421 216,857 221,359 223,067 229,816 225,107 228,699 251,668

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

AMO

UN

T

COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION 13 MONTH MEDICAL CLAIMS TREND HISTORY (PAID CLAIMS AND NETWORK ACCESS FEE)

BUDGET YEAR 2002/2003

Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Series2 433,093 466,792 539,772 452,224 357,822 437,654 455,709 422,228 545,975 495,477 354,238 375,645 384,964 Series1 476,936 473,386 485,002 476,565 462,051 447,838 452,226 457,189 468,391 465,714 448,221 448,882 439,353

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

AMO

UN

T

COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION 13 MONTH MEDICAL CLAIMS TREND HISTORY (PAID CLAIMS AND NETWORK ACCESS FEE)

Excludes Administrative Costs

HEALTH ACCOUNT NOVEMBER 2013

BEG.BAL. INCOME INT.INC. EXP. MO.END BEG.BAL INCOME INT.INC. EXP. MO.END COMBINED

BOE BOE TOWN TOWN BALANCE

6/30/2012 107,958.66$ 161,741.01$ JULY 959,520.47$ 2.04$ (597,182.65)$ 470,298.52$ 107,610.67$ 3.05$ (75,494.96)$ 193,859.77$ 664,158.29$ AUGUST 184,005.95$ 3.48$ (546,254.52)$ 108,053.43$ 107,447.96$ 1.42$ (67,258.92)$ 234,050.23$ 342,103.66$ SEPTEMBER 567,603.33$ 1.84$ (406,364.34)$ 269,294.26$ 108,407.76$ 3.90$ (52,787.26)$ 289,674.63$ 558,968.89$ OCTOBER 584,708.35$ 3.36$ (428,253.07)$ 425,752.90$ 108,017.13$ 3.63$ (77,272.65)$ 320,422.74$ 746,175.64$ NOVEMBER 594,278.99$ 5.10$ (436,874.78)$ 583,162.21$ 108,577.55$ 3.84$ (70,447.41)$ 358,556.72$ 941,718.93$

TOTAL 2,890,117.09$ 15.82$ (2,414,929.36)$ 583,162.21$ ** 540,061.07$ 15.84$ (343,261.20)$ 358,556.72$ *** 941,718.93$

AVG.MO.EXP (482,985.87)$ (68,652.24)$

RESERVE

BOE ** 1.21

TOWN *** 5.22

COMBINED RESERVE 1.71

MAGGIE WASICKI - FINANCE DIRECTOR

1

What is the State Definition of the Student Success Plan?

0 Individualized, student‐driven plan that will be developed to address every , p p ystudent’s needs and interests to help every student stay connected in school and to achieve postsecondary educational and career goals.

0 The SSP will begin in the 6th grade and continue through high school to provide the student support and assistance in setting goals for social, emotional, physical and academic growth, meeting rigorous high school expectations, and exploring postsecondary education and career interests.

0 The Student Success Plan and supporting structures such as student portfolios and academic/personal records should be electronic and portable following the student from school to school and district to district.

0 The Student Success Plan encompasses Academic, Career and Social, Emotional and Physical Development.

Connecticut State Department of Education – Last modified 5/28/2013

10.2

2

FOCUS AREA as part of the Student Success Plan

(“SSP”)

0 Starting with the class of 2016, students were required to select a Focus Area or College Career Pathway Career Cluster by the end of 9th grade.

What is a Focus Area?Education & Training

Careers in planning, managing and providing education and training i d l d l i iservices, and related learning support services.

Required Credits Additional Options (Must take a minimum of 1.0 credit

from the following courses)Early Childhood (.50) English 12 (1.0) Minimum of 1.5 credit from the following: Lifespan Development (1.0) Preschooler (.50)

Physical Education Sociology Community Activism Practical Computing Business CommunicationPreschooler (.50)

Middle Childhood (.50) Teen Issues & Relationships (.50) Psychology (.50)

Business Communication Creative Writing AP Statistics U.S. History Contemporary Issues Geography AP Human Geography World Language Civics

3

FOCUS AREA SURVEY RESULTS

5

2. Recommended only as a tool to support the course selection process 95.74 % (47)

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Summary of Parent Feedback

0 1 High School is a time to explore a variety of career0 1. High School is a time to explore a variety of career interests and elective options.

0 2. Making the focus area a graduation requirement puts too much pressure on freshman students.

0 3. Freshman year should be a time to adjust and transition to high school.

6

School Counseling Student Success Plan Recommendations

0 Focus Area will be used during all individual planning meetings as a tool to help guide course selection rather than a graduation requirement.

0 The College Career Pathways Program will continue tobe a voluntary option for all students.

3240 Business/Non-Instructional Operations Tuition Fees The Board of Education will permit students from other school districts to attend the Colchester Public Schools when they can be accommodated in existing classes. The student, or caregiver/parent, or sending school district, will pay a tuition fee to be established annually by the Board of Education. Tuition fees shall be set by using the most recent Net Current Expenditure Per Pupil (NCEP) available for the district of Colchester as established by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Tuition rate as follows: BA, WJJMS, JJIS, CES: Full time rate CES Half-day Kindergarten One-half the full-time rate Special Education Annual tuition to be determined based on level of

services needed. Courses Outside Regular School Hours A tuition fee may be charged when a course is offered outside the regular school hours. Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes 10-24b Fee when course offered outside regular school hours 10-33 Tuition in towns in which no high school is maintained 10-34 Approval by state board of incorporated or endowed high-school or

academy 10-35 Notice of discontinuance of high school service to nonresidents 10-220 Duties of Boards of Education 10-253 School privileges for children in certain placements, non-resident

children and children in temporary shelters. 10-266 Reimbursement for education of pupils residing in state property Policy adopted: February 13, 2001 COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS Policy revised: March 12, 2013 Colchester, Connecticut

10.5

Colchester Public SchoolsSchool Year Calendar 2014-2015 DRAFT

AUG/SEPT 2014 FEBRUARY 2015M T W T F M T W T F18 19 20 21 22 21-22 New Teacher Training - No School25 26 27 28 29 25 Convocation/Staff Meetings - No School1 2 3 4 5 26 Teacher Training - No School 2 3 4 5 6

24 8 9 10 11 12 27 First Day of School 18 9 10 11 12 1315 16 17 18 19 1 Labor Day - No School 16 17 18 19 20 16-17 Winter Vacation - No School

22 23 24 25 26 23 24 25 26 27 Winter Vacation includes Presidents' Day (16)29 30

OCTOBER 2014 MARCH 2015M T W T F M T W T F

1 2 3 13 Columbus Day - No School 2 3 4 5 6 2 - No School for Students21 6 7 8 9 10 14 - No School for Students 21 9 10 11 12 13 - Regional PD/Teacher Training

13 14 15 16 17 - PreK-5 Parent Conferences 16 17 18 19 2020 21 22 23 24 - Gr. 6-12 AM Vertical Team Meetings 23 24 25 26 2727 28 29 30 31 - Gr. 6-12 PM Parent Conferences 30 31

NOVEMBER 2014 APRIL 2015M T W T F 4 - Election Day / No School M T W T F3 4 5 6 7 - Regional PD/Teacher Training 1 2 3 2 Parent Conferences - Shortened Day(Proposed)

10 11 12 13 14 11 Veterans Day - No School 6 7 8 9 10 3 Good Friday/Start of Passover - No School16 17 18 19 20 21 26 Shortened Day 16 13 14 15 16 17 Spring Vacation

24 25 26 27 28 27, 28 Thanksgiving Recess - No School 20 21 22 23 2427 28 29 30

DECEMBER 2014 MAY 2015M T W T F M T W T F1 2 3 4 5 18 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8

17 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 1522 23 24 25 26 23 Shortened Day 18 19 20 21 2229 30 31 24-31 Holiday Recess - No School 25 26 27 28 29 25 Memorial Day - No School

JANUARY 2015 JUNE 2015M T W T F M T W T F

1 2 1-2 Holiday Recess - No School 1 2 3 4 55 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 10-11 Shortened Days

19 12 13 14 15 16 9 15 16 17 18 19 11 Last Day of School if no Snow Days

19 20 21 22 23 19 Martin Luther King Day - No School 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 181 29 30

Student Holiday / No SchoolShortened Day for Students Inclement weather days will be made up at the end of the school year.New Teacher AcademyTeacher Training The last two (2) days of the school year are shortened days for students.

Should extraordinary events cause the district to not be able to meet mandated instructional time, the Board of Education may alter vacation periods.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:The Colchester Board of Education does not knowingly condone discrimination in any form in admission or access to, or treatmentor employment in, its programs or activities.

Inquiries regarding compliance, including receipt and investigation of any complaint alleging discrimination may be directed to:Katherine Shaughnessy, Director of Pupil Services, Phone 860-537-3103, or in her absence,Jeffry Mathieu, Superintendent Of Schools, Phone 860-537-7208

10.6

CORE VALUES, BELIEFS, & 21st CENTURY LEARNING

EXPECTATIONS

With its proud history and rich traditions, Bacon Academy promotes a family-like

partnership of students, staff, parents, and community.

Because we value

Respect, Responsibility, Achievement, Safety, and Compassion

We have a responsibility to

Create a cohesive and nurturing environment

Connect, involve, and engage in learning

Collaborate and communicate effectively

Respect diversity and encourage individual goals

Provide a rigorous and authentic educational experience

Foster citizenship and community partnerships

21st CENTURY LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

1. Networkers

Communicate effectively

Collaborate and interact with the community

2. Well-Rounded Citizens

Contribute to their community through service learning

Pursue diverse experiences

Seek global perspectives

3. Self-Directed Learners

10.7

Investigate, pursue, and articulate learning and career goals

4. Critical Thinkers

Exhibit ingenuity in solving complex problems

Support positions and substantiate claims using a variety of sources

Read, analyze, and synthesize information

5. Users of technology

Advance learning objectives

Demonstrate responsible digital citizenship

Produce high quality work

Utilize all available tools to improve efficiency

Bacon Academy Math Department is proposing to increase graduation requirements beginning with the Class of 2018. Current requirements are the successful completion of three (3) credits of Mathematics. Proposed requirements are for the successful completion of a minimum of four (4) credits and four (4) years of Mathematics.

CSU Admission 2015 Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut State Universities, plan to strengthen academic admission standards for students beginning with the 2015-16 academic year, in subjects including math, science, social studies, world language, STEM, humanities and the arts.

Expect More. Achieve More.

A stronger educational foundation for all students in Connecticut - regardless of where they live, their economic circumstances, or their post-graduation plans - is vitally important. It is an effort that will take the cooperation and collaboration of parents, educators, community leaders, elected officials and students themselves.

Put simply, students and their families should expect more from their schools, and educators should expect more from their students. Experience tells us - time and again - that when expectations are raised, achievement tends to follow.

Defining New Standards for Admission and Success

The Connecticut State Universities have adopted new minimum standards for admission beginning with the incoming freshmen of 2015 at Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. These standards reflect the requirements of today's competitive global economy, the societal and workplace needs for critical thinking skills and core competencies, and the increased role of technological know-how in all aspects of life.

By raising the bar on requirements for admission to the four state universities, the universities are committed to supporting a quality education for all Connecticut students. The new standards are consistent with the state's revised requirements for high school graduation, as approved by the state legislature and State Board of Education.

Greater emphasis on college preparation and college completion is in the best interests of our students, state and nation.

10.8

New Requirements

The new requirements for admission to the four CSUS universities include:

• 4 years of English including composition

• 4 years of Mathematics including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra 2 and a fourth year in an algebra-intensive course such as trigonometry or statistics and probability

• 3 years of Science including at least one year in a life science and one year in a physical science, with two laboratory courses recommended

• 1 year elective course in one of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects

• 3 years of Social Studies including at least one year in U.S. History and the equivalent of one-half year in civics and American Government

• 2 years of World Languages required, 3 years recommended (may be met by demonstrating competency at the second-course level)

• 1 year in a Humanities elective subject

• 1 year of coursework in the arts

http://www.ct.edu/admission/2015#requirements

The William J. Johnson Middle School-Bacon Academy Academic Collaborative for the Testing Out Option for Freshmen Science

Introduction and Criteria

The Bacon Academy science department, in collaboration with the William J. Johnson Middle School, has created a program to enable students to test out of the 9th grade Integrated Science curriculum by demonstrating competency of content knowledge and skill. If successful in meeting the competency criteria, these students will be placed in Level III Biology during their freshmen year. In order to be advanced to Level III Biology in the freshmen year, any interested 8th grade student must meet all of the

following criteria and deadlines. Parental overrides do not apply as this is competency-based acceleration and not a course level change.

Criteria

• current enrollment in Algebra I while maintaining an 85 average

• taking the Integrated Science final examination and passing with a minimum of 77%*

• writing of a timed letter of personal intent and motivation for "testing out". This will be used as a sample of the student's writing ability.

• score 234 (or 80th percentile) on the 8th grade Math NWEA during the spring

• score 235 (or 80th percentile) on the 8th grade English NWEA during the spring

• submission of one full graded laboratory report that had been completed during 8th grade*

Timeline

March 27-31 Testing Out option concept presentation at WJJMS; study guide distribution

April 28th Submission of full lab report and NWEA scores to Bacon Academy Science Department Teacher Leaders

May 1st Administration of Integrated Science final examination (100 multiple choice) at Bacon Academy

(After school) Administration of timed letter of intent (30 minutes) at Bacon Academy

Addendums*

Those students pursuing the testing out option will be given a 9th grade Integrated Science study guide to help them organize their preparations for taking the final examination. The average required to test out is based on the average level III mid-term score from 2013 final exam.

10.9

A submitted laboratory report must feature the following information:

• a title identifying the independent and dependent variable

• relevant background information with an hypothesis

• an appropriately organized data table

• graphical analysis of data

• a thorough conclusion with data analysis and supported validity statements The lab will be evaluated by the Bacon Academy Science Department Teacher Leaders using the Bacon Academy lab report rubric. A copy of the rubric is included in this packet

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have read and understand the deadlines and criteria necessary to meet the requirements for testing out of integrated science. I understand the decision of the Bacon Academy Science Department Leaders is final and cannot be overridden.

________________________________________________________________________ Student signature

Parent/Guardian signature

NESDEC Projected 12/17/12

Grade Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June

77 PreK 59 59 59 61 62158 K 161 158 160 160 160162 Grade 1 165 164 161 161 162165 Grade 2 170 173 166 166 166562 Subtotal 555 554 546 548 550 0 0 0 0 0

194 Grade 3 196 195 194 197 196218 Grade 4 222 221 219 220 220197 Grade 5 198 198 198 200 200609 Subtotal 616 614 611 617 616 0 0 0 0 0

204 Grade 6 198 197 196 196 196230 Grade 7 229 230 230 230 230247 Grade 8 242 240 239 241 242681 Subtotal 669 667 665 667 668 0 0 0 0 0

208 Grade 9 207 205 204 203 203203 Grade 10 208 208 209 210 211221 Grade 11 224 224 224 226 226260 Grade 12 271 263 265 265 262892 Subtotal 910 900 902 904 902 0 0 0 0 0

2744 Grand Total 2750 2735 2724 2736 2736 0 0 0 0 0

Colchester Public SchoolsEnrollment 2013-2014

13.1

Colchester Elementary SchoolClass 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Subtotal Total

PreK 20 42 62Kindergarten 19 21 21 21 18 20 19 21 160Grade 1 20 21 19 20 20 19 21 22 162Grade 2 21 20 21 21 22 21 20 20 166Total 550

Jack Jackter Intermediate SchoolClass 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Total

Grade 3 22 22 22 22 21 23 22 21 21 196Grade 4 21 23 23 22 20 23 22 23 22 21 220Grade 5 22 23 21 23 22 22 23 22 22 200Total 616

William J. Johnston Middle School Class 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Total

Grade 6 21 20 19 20 18 20 19 19 21 19 196Grade 7 23 24 23 22 22 23 27 23 21 22 230Grade 8 25 24 23 26 24 23 25 23 25 24 242Total 668

Bacon Academy Total

Grade 9 203Grade 10 211Grade 11 226Grade 12 262Total 902

Grand Total 2736

High School class sizes are not reported in this manner as they vary with every course.

Colchester Public Schools 2013-2014 Class Size by Grade - January 2014

12/23/13

Colchester Students Stuff-A-Bus

The Colchester Elementary School students collected an amazing 1,099 pounds of food

for Colchester’s food bank. On Friday the children, one by one, loaded the school bus filling

each seat. With the tremendous outcome of donations, nearly double from last year, staff had

to help load the bus. M&J bus drivers, Greg Cordova and his two elves, Kelley Harvey and Laura

Davidson, washed the bus and donated their time for this event. The drivers danced and

played loud festive music for the children. The children participating in the event showed great

excitement as they sang along to the music.

The loaded bus was driven to the Town Hall where it was greeted by Colchester Public

Schools Board Chairman, Ronald Goldstein and Barbara Gilbert Director of Teaching and

Learning. Mr. Goldstein and Ms. Gilbert assisted Youth and Social Services employees, Jennifer

Sloat, Lyn Marra, and Ashlee Denny unload the gifts and deliver them to the food bank.

13.3

colchester board of education · connecticut state universities. ba graduation requirements will...

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