Communications

Vernon Public Schools Again Beat State Average in Next Generation Accountability Results
Northeast, Skinner Road and Lake Street are Schools of Distinction

The Vernon Public Schools have again exceeded the state average and ranked No. 1 among the 36 K-12 Alliance Districts in the latest Next Generation Accountability System results. Vernon earned 73.3 points compared to the state average of 70.8 points. The results were released Thursday by the state Department of Education.

Three Vernon schools – Northeast School, Skinner Road School and Lake Street School – were recognized as “Schools of Distinction” because students showed significant growth and achievement year over year. Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time. Students start each year with different levels of knowledge. Growth shows how well a school is helping students learn.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students, families, teachers, staff and administrators, and demonstrate the Vernon Public Schools high standards and expectations,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “These results are even more remarkable considering the past five years of school disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and school shutdowns.”

The Next Generation Accountability System evaluates schools on 12 criteria, including: academic achievement, academic growth, assessment participation rate, chronic absenteeism, college and career readiness, being on track for graduation in ninth grade, graduation in four years, graduation in six years for high-need students, post-secondary entrance rate, physical fitness and arts access. Those 12 criteria break down into 23 metrics that provide school leaders with details about school and district performance.

The Vernon Public Schools beat the state average in 18 of those 23 metrics, and showed improvement in 17 of the 23, Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa said.

“We always want to do better, but these numbers are full of good news about our success in reaching our students and guiding them to reach their full potential,” Testa said.

Northeast School achieved School of Distinction designation for high growth for all students and high needs students in math.

Lake Street School was designated a School of Distinction for high growth among high needs students in math.

Skinner Road School was deemed a School of Distinction for the high performance and high growth of all students in math, high growth by high needs students in English Language Arts and math, and for being ranked in the top 10 percent of all schools in Connecticut.

This is the fifth straight year Northeast School has achieved School of Distinction status. Principal Dr. Brenda Greene said the key is making sure every student has what they need to continually do their best. “That intense focus creates an environment in which students meet their academic goals and achieve at an extremely high level.”

Lake Street School Principal Tracy Duenzl said the teamwork between families and teachers is essential. “All of our teachers worked really hard together to support student learning,” Duenzl said. “Families made sure students were at school, which enabled our teachers to make a sustained and focused effort on helping students move forward. We’re very proud of our students’ growth and achievement.”

Skinner Road School Principal Bryan Kerachsky said teachers and staff are dedicated and work hard to ensure Skinner Road is a school where students can do their best work and flourish.

“The students are the heart of the school and our staff is willing to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of each and every child,” Kerachsky said. “Our teachers forge tremendous relationships with our kids, allowing the kids to feel safe and secure. That allows us to focus on learning and getting better every day.”

Vernon Students Continue to Beat State Average in English Language Arts, Math and Science
Smarter Balanced Assessments show Vernon Students’ Steady Progress

Vernon Public Schools students have for the third straight year outperformed the state average in the latest Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessments.

The number of Vernon students attaining grade level expectations in English language arts and math continues to improve and exceeds the statewide average, according to the recently released results. The data also show that Vernon students have not only recovered from learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but rocketed ahead of the statewide average.

“Our student achievement is all about growth and our students continue to show growth in English language arts, mathematics and science,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “We are preparing our students for success in their lives beyond school, whether it be the workforce, the armed forces, vocational training or college. These scores demonstrate we are giving our students a strong foundation to help prepare them for the global economy.”

While test scores are an important measure of how students are doing, they tell only part of a school or district’s story. Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time. Students start each year with different levels of knowledge. Measuring growth in that knowledge shows how well a school is helping students learn.

“This is one piece of a larger picture, but it tells us that we are on the right track,” Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said.

More detailed statistics about student performance are expected to be released in October.

Over the past decade, Vernon students have demonstrated a steady increase in their mastery of English language arts, math and science.

“Since the 2018-2019 school year, the statewide average of students reaching grade level expectations has declined, while in Vernon the number of students who have reached or exceeded the standards has steadily increased and is well ahead of that state average,” Testa said.

Statewide, the number of students achieving grade level mastery declined from the 2017-2018 to the 2023-2024 school year, Testa said.

“When you look at Vernon you see a different picture,” Testa said. “You see an increase of over 8 percent in the number of students who are reaching grade level expectations in English language arts and nearly 16 percent in math.”

Vernon is No. 1 among the 33 Alliance Districts in English language arts and math and third in science.

Key to Vernon’s continued progress is a quality classroom curriculum that is aligned to standards, and quality instruction by Vernon’s teachers. The third essential element is intervention and support for students who are not reaching grade level.

“When you put those three ingredients together, you’ve got the secret sauce,” Macary said.

Ten years ago, Vernon was identified as one of the 30 lowest performing school districts in the state, Macary said.

“Today, that’s not the case,” Macary said. “Every child is growing academically, socially and emotionally, and the scores show that.”

Brian Stevenson named Vernon’s Teacher of the Year
VCMS Reading Interventionist Helps Students Achieve and Advance

Teachers are the backbone of democracy, instilling in students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and to be informed citizens, the curiosity they need to be lifelong learners and the creativity to find their ways in an ever-changing world.

For students who struggle along that journey, there are teachers like Brian Stevenson, a reading interventionist at Vernon Center Middle School. Stevenson’s eighth grade Boost Reading classroom is where kids who need a hand in reading and writing can find it. His colleagues say Stevenson is devoted to and demanding of his students and consistently achieves miraculous results.

Stevenson is Vernon’s Teacher of the Year, based largely on the recommendation of his colleagues, who are first-hard witnesses to his hard work and what his students achieve.

“All students find an overwhelming sense of place in Mr. Stevenson’s classroom,” colleague Michael Furey wrote. His students “consistently demonstrate a skill increase of two or more grade levels. Not only does he help students improve their reading levels, he also builds a community of readers that encourages reluctant readers to like, if not love, reading.”

Reading is the key to pretty much everything, Stevenson said. To take full advantage of the offerings at Rockville High School, and to be able to access information in general, strong reading skills are essential.
Stevenson said there is no typical student in his classroom.

“There is a wide variety of needs,” he said. “Some kids really want to do well but struggle. Others struggle with motivation or in seeing the value of reading. That’s a whole different challenge. But it’s a challenge I enjoy – motivating kids to see the value in their education.”

A lot of what Stevenson does is build relationships with students and establish that he cares about them and how they do.

“They need some tough love sometimes and to be pushed,” he said. And they know he will not accept easy answers such as “I don’t know” or a shoulder shrug. Instead, students know Stevenson is going to demand their best.

“They need to think and they need to be pushed to think,” he said. “If you work hard enough they start to see that you are on their side and on their team, that you’re there helping them and trying to help them succeed.”

Confidence building is also essential – pushing students to read challenging books. “When they finish a real 250 to 300 page novel, they’re like, ‘Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever done that before.’ Sometimes when that happens it starts to build their confidence. When you struggle, your confidence is hurt. When kids don’t think they can do the work, they defeat themselves before they even give it a shot.”

Stevenson said he works with students to find books that interest them and that they’ll enjoy. They may struggle, but they keep going. They find a character with which they can identify, or a topic they like.

Success is getting kids to grade level, or close, and seeing them succeed in their other classes, Stevenson said. Success in science or social studies can help students understand the value of what they are doing in Stevenson’s class.

The Vernon Public Schools track students to gauge their success in school. If a student struggles, interventionists in math and language arts are available to help. If additional assistance is necessary, more help is available.

“Our curriculum is aligned to standards, cognitively engaging for students and rigorous,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “If we find a student is not meeting grade level expectations, we get them the help they need to succeed. Interventionists are essential to helping our students move forward.”

“Brian is passionate about doing what is best for his kids and making sure he improves their performance in reading,” Vernon Center Middle School Principal David Caruso said. “He works really hard analyzing data, talking to teachers, and getting anecdotal information about what’s going on in the classroom so he can support the students in his classroom. We believe every student should be performing at grade level.”

Vernon Schools Welcome Students on Thursday
Convocation Marks Beginning of Year for Teachers, Staff

The Vernon Public Schools begin a new school year on Thursday, and teachers, staff and administrators are already hard at work preparing for students’ return.

On Monday, they came together at Rockville High School for the annual convocation to celebrate the new school year, hear praise for their successes in the classroom, honor veteran staff members, welcome 35 new teachers and be reminded of the important role they play in the lives of Vernon children.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary urged teachers to have high expectations of their students, to give students assignments that require them to think, to always strive for success, and to be the teacher they would want their children to have.

“Create a relationship with every student,” Macary said.

“Kids love teachers who care about them.”
The superintendent also praised teachers for their hard work, reflected in rising test scores for Vernon students. Math scores have increased dramatically since 2016, even as many districts saw scores decline during the pandemic.

“When everyone else fell, we continued to maintain our improvement and then go up,” Macary said.

Scores due to be released by the state Department of Education also contain good news for the Vernon Public Schools, Macary told teachers. English and math scores continue to increase, he said.

Vernon students have also earned National Blue Ribbon School designation from the U.S. Department of Education at Skinner Road School in 2023 and Northeast School is 2020. Northeast School has also been designated a School of Distinction by the Connecticut Department of Education the past four years. Maple Street School earned that distinction this year.

Board of Education Chairman Paul Grabowski thanked teachers for all of their hard work, and also acknowledged the challenges they face. He cited the problem of students using artificial intelligence to write assignments.

“These types of technologies are going to be a challenge and are not going away,” he said. “We need to figure out how to ensure our students become critical thinkers.”

Grabowski also pledged his and the board’s support to work with teachers to overcome the challenges they face.

Vernon Education Association President Peter Borofsky, a teacher at Rockville High School, told his colleagues that they are a team and that they should rely on each other.

“As we start the new school year, know you’re never alone,” he said. “We can tackle anything that comes our way, be it new teaching methods, trying to catch our students up on a daily basis, or just the ups and downs of what we do. Remember, it’s OK to ask for help, to lean on one another and to take things one step at a time.”

Vernon’s Teacher of the Year, Brian Stevenson, took the stage to loud applause. The Vernon Center Middle School reading interventionist was praised by his colleagues for his hard work bringing students to grade level in reading, and his commitment to helping his students succeed.

“Be the teacher your students want to come back and visit, the one that pushes them to be the best version of themselves, not only as a student but as a person,” he told his colleagues. “Be the one who holds them accountable for their actions, and who also picks them up off the mat and gives them another chance.”

Rockville High School Celebrates the Class of 2024

The Rockville High School Class of 2024, which began its high school years in the gloom of COVID-19, celebrated its graduation Wednesday evening, and then set off for all-night substance-free party. A huge crowd gathered in the courtyard at Rockville High School Wednesday and cheered the 224 graduating members of the Class of 2024 and the 212 who walked in the ceremony.

“No matter what life has thrown at you, you have embraced the challenges … and owned your failures, which ultimately led to your success,” Principal Jason Magao told the graduates. “You are a unique group of students in that I was not able to meet many of you until your sophomore year. I only knew many of you as ‘virtually present.’”

The class made the most of its time at Rockville High School, and is well-prepared for the future, Magao said. Some are headed to college, into the armed forces or into the work force.

“You are ready to discover, create, innovate and dominate,” he said. “My final request is that you challenge yourself every day to learn or create something new and inspiring because you are the future. You are going to be faced with things you never knew existed, but you have what it takes.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary also touched on the challenges the class faced during its freshman year.

“The last four years have been difficult ones for everyone in the world, but especially for you as seniors graduating today,” he said. “The one that I know for sure is that you persevered and demonstrated the attributes of our vision of the graduate – being a resilient individual.”

Salutatorian Katherine Larson, who will attend UConn in the fall, urged her classmates to speak up and to use their voices and intellect for good.

“We spend so much of our lives cutting out words and muting our message for the sake of complacency,” she said. “We avoid heartfelt discussions with our peers and skim the surface of our vocabularies to smooth conversation into its most shallow form.”

Valedictorian Natalie Crowley, who is headed to Amherst College, told the graduates that there are lessons from way back in kindergarten that remain valuable today: share everything, don’t hit people, clean up your mess, and look at what is happening around you.

She recalled an incident from kindergarten, when some classmates made fun of another student because she had a “My Little Pony” backpack they said was “babyish.” Like the girl with the backpack, Crowley said she liked to watch “My Little Pony.” But hearing those other kids pick on the girl made her no longer like the show.

“For the first time I chose not to look at the truth of who I was, out of fear,” she said. “Sometimes I wish my 5-year-old-self had been bolder and told those classmates that I too liked to watch “My Little Pony,” and that I had wanted that backpack.”

“Think back to your kindergarten-self,” Crowley continued. “Close your eyes and remember your first friends, your first day of school, and how it felt to do something you love. When was the last time you did that something? For the lucky ones it might have been yesterday, but for most it has been a pretty long time. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never lose who you were in kindergarten.”

When the diplomas had been handed out and the ceremony was reaching its end, Class President Ross Sutherland stepped to the front of the class. Sutherland, who will soon head off for Plebe Summer and transition from a civilian to a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md, stood before his fellow graduates and led them in moving the tassel on their graduation caps from their right to the left side, which signifies they are graduates.

And then he and his classmates tossed their caps into the air to the loud cheers of the crowd.

Rockville High School’s Top 10 Seniors Honor Teachers Who Played a Special Role in Their Lives

Rockville High School honored the top 10 graduating seniors on Monday, and each senior honored a teacher who had a special influence on them.

The annual Top 10 Lunch is a Rockville High School tradition that highlights high academic achievement and the special role that teachers play in students’ lives.

“We want to congratulate all of you,” Rockville High Principal Jason Magao told the scholars. “You are the epitome of our mantra – work hard, play hard, own it. We want to celebrate you and we want to say thank you for all of your accomplishments and all of your efforts. We are proud of you.”

Rockville High School Top 10 Scholars, seated, and the teachers they honored, who are standing behind them. Left to right: Katherine Ross and Amy Matyseck, Elisa Ortolani and Michelle Gonzalez, Aleksandra Elcsics and Heidi Stacer, Salutatorian Katherine Larson and Raymond Sinclair, Abigail Aggarwala and Brian Forte, Morgan Fischer and Paul Courtois, Valedictorian Natalie Crowley and Vicky Nordlund, Imaan Chaudhry and David Cruz, Jessica Borisov and Amanda Maskell, and Troy Enamait and Brett Distasio.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said the annual event is one of his favorites of the school year because it honors hard work and scholarship.

“No one is ever going to take this away from you,” he said. “You’re the top 10 of the Class of 2024 here at Rockville High School. It’s a major achievement. It’s not one you did in one day or one week. You did it over the last four years. We’re proud of what you’ve done and where you’re going.”

Class Valedictorian Natalie Crowley, who will attend Amherst College in the fall and plans to major in environmental studies, invited veteran creative writing teacher Victoria Nordlund to the lunch. Through Nordlund’s classes, Crowley said, she has become a successful writer, felt enjoyment and excitement about going to school, and learned about who she was and what she could do with her abilities.

“That’s something she really prides herself on, helping students be the best they can be,” Crowley said of Nordlund, who is retiring this year.

Salutatorian Katherine Larson, who will attend UConn in fall to study linguistics, invited one of Rockville High School’s newer teachers, band director Raymond Sinclair.

Larson, who played in the jazz, marching and concert bands, said Sinclair gave her lessons and invited her to come after school for additional practice sessions.

“During the marching band season last year, I had a solo and I struggled with it,” she said. “I felt really no confidence in my playing and I thought I was not the person to be doing the solo. He helped me through it. He had me stay after school and helped me practice. And he gave me the confidence to actually play my instrument the way I wanted to play. That has changed my ability to play so much. I feel so much more confident now.”

The other graduates shared similar stories about how their teachers provided extra assistance or inspired them with their love for their subject, their energy and enthusiasm in class, and their commitment to teaching all students.

Other members of Rockville High School’s Top 10 and the teachers they honored are:

• Abigail Aggarwala, who will attend Syracuse University and the fall, and social studies teacher Brian Forte.
• Jessica Borisov, who will attend UConn to study nursing, and English teacher Amanda Maskell.
• Imaan Chaudhry, who will study elementary education at UConn in the fall, and world languages teacher David Cruz.
• Aleksandra Elcsics, who plans to study marketing and visual media design at UConn, and art teacher Heidi Stacer.
• Troy Enamait, who plans to attend the State University of New York Cobleskill, to study cybersecurity, and soccer coach Brett Distasio.
• Morgan Fischer, who will attend Endicott College to study exercise science, and social studies teacher Paul Courtois.
• Elisa Ortolani, who plans to attend the University of New England to study marine biology, and math teacher Michele Gonzalez.
• Katherine Ross, who plans to attend the University of California San Diego, and English teacher Amy Matyseck.

Rockville High School graduation is Wednesday, June 12.

23 Earn High School Diplomas Through Vernon Regional Adult Based Education Program
VRABE Graduates Overcome Obstacles as They Achieve

Thursday night 23 men and women received their high school diplomas, an achievement that for some of them once seemed unattainable. But through commitment, hard work, perseverance, and support and encouragement from family and teachers and administrators in the Vernon Regional Adult Based Education program, they succeeded.

A large crowd at Rockville High School cheered the graduates, acknowledging that their achievement was all the more special because most had fulltime jobs and family obligations to juggle along with their studies.
Vernon Regional Adult Based Education Regional Director Melissa Iles called the graduation ceremony “a celebration of resilience, perseverance and achievement.”

The graduates “exhibited incredible dedication and determination, overcoming numerous challenges and obstacles” to earn their diplomas, she said. “They embraced opportunities for growth and self-improvement, proving that with hard work and determination any goal can be achieved.”

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said the VRABE program is something the Vernon Public Schools is proud to sponsor. It serves people from 14 towns and offers high school diploma programs, English as a second language classes, citizenship classes and a variety or other courses.

“In Vernon, our vision of the graduate is that they become critical thinkers, collaborators, communicators, resilient individuals and responsible citizens,” Dr. Macary said. “When I think of a resilient individual I think about perseverance, I think about dedication, commitment to excellence and really becoming a lifelong learner, and these individuals have successfully done that.”

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne told the graduates that the VRABE graduation is one of his favorite events of the year because the graduates have faced and overcome a variety of challenges and should be celebrated.

“What a great day,” he said. “I know the students sitting up here took a different route. You worked very hard to get to this day.”

Marcy Reed, a consultant with the state Department of Education, said for some taking that first step to return to school, to resolve to earn a high school diploma can be difficult.

“You did it. You carried it through,” Reed said. “Education is the key. Never turn away from a challenge and from the chance to advance yourself, learning something new and continuing your journey. It’s worth it and don’t stop here.”

A woman who dropped out of school at age 15, then earned her diploma last year through VRABE told graduates that completing her education with assistance and guidance from VRABE teachers changed her life.

Claire Santacroce said she was bullied in in high school and that she was mentally unable to continue. She dropped out and spent two years sulking in her bedroom and thinking she was a failure.

When her grandfather died without seeing her graduate high school, she resolved to get her diploma. She learned about VRABE and enrolled so that her grandmother would see her graduate.

A VRABE teacher had told her, “There is no time limit to success.”

This August she is headed off to college and will be part of her school’s honors program.

“Never in a million years did 15 year old me think now 20 year old me would have graduated high school let alone go to college and become an honors student,” Santacroce said. “Thank you to VRABE … for helping me prove to myself I’m worthy of success in my life and that there is no time limit.”

Although 23 people collected their diplomas Thursday, this year 51 people earned their diplomas through VRABE. For more information about VRABE and its programs, please visit www.vrabe.com.

Vernon’s Skinner Road School Marks Farm to School Day with Bees and Lettuce Grown by Students

Wednesday was an extra special day at Skinner Road School Road School in Vernon. It was Farm to School Day and students learned about honey bees and other pollinators with beekeeper Drew Burnett of Drew’s Bees in Norwich, and sampled fresh local produce, including lettuce grown by the Skinner Road School garden club.

The day and the garden club's contribution were part of the Pollinators and Gardens project, which is funded by a CT Grown for CT Kids great from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Burnett even brought along bees for students to check out. They asked lots of questions.

For lunch Wednesday students enjoyed fresh strawberries from nearby Dzen Farms, watermelon, corn on the cob, crispy chicken sandwiches and a special treat of salad with lettuce grown the garden club.

Skinner Road students grew romaine lettuce in their greenhouse. Cafeteria staff mixed the romaine with hydroponic lettuce from Levo International in Bloomfield. And the salad was dressed with a pear vinaigrette the Garden Club members made from Drew’s honey, red wine vinegar, mustard, pepper and pear juice.

Kaylee Carlisle, the Vernon Public Schools Farm to School Coordinator, and Abby DuBois of the Put Local on Your Tray program from UConn Extension, handed the salads to kids and most took them and liked them. And Elizabeth Fisher, the Director of Food and Nutrition for the Vernon Public Schools, handed out fresh, plump strawberries to children who brought their lunch to school to ensure all students got to enjoy the strawberries.

It was a big thrill for the Garden Club members to have their fellow students eat the lettuce they grew.

“They are super excited about it,” said Alanna Colson, a school psychologist at Skinner Road and the Garden Club advisor. The students would water the lettuce twice a day, then got to go into the cafeteria kitchen to make the dressing they served.

Vernon’s Maple Street School Celebrates a Century
All Invited to 100TH Birthday Celebration on Thursday, May 16

Vernon’s Maple Street School will celebrate its 100th birthday this Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the school. (The celebration was originally planned for Wednesday but has been moved to Thursday because of the weather.)

All are invited to the celebration, called 100 Years of Memories, especially Maple Street alumni and former staff members.

“Maple Street School is a historic place that has graduated thousands of students,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “For 100 years it has had high expectations for teaching and learning. It continues that tradition as a School of Distinction, which is attributable to the hard work of its students, staff and families. I am proud of Maple Street School.”

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said Maple Street School has contributed much to Vernon.

“So many families have a special link to Maple Street School because as students they learned to read and write there, or had children who did,” Mayor Champagne said. “I am looking forward to celebrating Maple Street School and its many contributions to Vernon over the past 100 years.”

Principal Josh Egan said he views having the opportunity to lead Maple Street as a privilege.

“Maple Street School is a special place and our students and staff do great things every day,” Egan said. “I am proud to be the principal here and to get to work with families who are so supportive of what we do.”

The celebration will feature tours of the school, historic displays and artifacts organized by decade, and a performance by the Rockville High School Band, Egan said. A team of teachers and staff have been working more than a year to plan the celebration and prepare the exhibits. Items include a quilt, year books, newspaper articles and photographs.

“We have collected a lot of items that help tell the Maple Street School story,” Egan said. “It’s going to be a pretty impressive display.”

And of course, there will be birthday cake.

“To have a 100-year old school building is unusual these days,” Egan said. “It’s remarkable when you think about how many generations of students have come through Maple Street and how many Vernon families have been touched by this school. It really reinforces how special Maple Street School is.”

Despite its age, Maple Street is in great shape thanks to its custodians and maintainers.

Because parking is limited, people are asked to park near the New England Motorcycle Museum on West Main Street and board shuttle busses to Maple Street School.

Lake Street School Students Receive ‘Life Changing’ Eyeglasses from Vision to Learn
Overall, more than 800 Vernon Students Received Free Glasses

Friday was a life-changing day for some Vernon elementary school students who received eye glasses for the first time thanks to Vision To Learn, a non-profit that partnered with the Vernon Public Schools and the state Department of Education.

Vision To Learn provided a vision screening to every Vernon Public Schools student, and then a full vision exam to those who had trouble seeing. More than 800 students received a free pair of eyeglasses.

Students at Lake Street School were the final group to undergo screenings and exams and on Friday received their glasses at a special assembly. Each student stepped up to have their glasses placed on their face and then got their first look at themselves in a mirror. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary joked with a few students and asked how many fingers he was holding up. When they answered correctly they got a high five.

Lake Street Principal Tracy Duenzl expressed her gratitude to Vision To Learn.

“Thank you for providing our students the ability to see clearly, some for the first time,” she said.

One of those students, third-grader Harper Boyajian, said her new glasses have had a dramatic impact on her life.

“I had a headache before I got glasses and now it’s gone,” Harper said. “My vision was super blurry and I really couldn’t see anything. Having glasses means I can see more and it will just be the best.”

Fourth grader Jackson Weeks told a similar story. “Since I sit in the back of the class, I couldn’t really see the board at the front of the room and that made it harder to learn,” Jackson said. “Now that I have glasses it’s a lot easier to see farther away and I can read stuff that I could not read before. I think these glasses are going to help me do better in school.”

Jason Weeks, Jackson’s dad, said he was surprised to learn his son needed glasses.

“He gets his annual physical and nothing had come up,” he said. “Then paperwork came home from school that said he’d be a candidate for glasses.” He said he’s grateful for Vision To Learn and the Vernon Public Schools’ participation. And Jackson is very excited to have glasses.

“He loves reading so I know he’ll put the glasses to good use,” Weeks said.
Dr. Macary signed on early to bring Vision To Learn to Vernon and allocated $50,000 in federal pandemic aid for the program. He thanked the organization for what it has done to help Vernon students, especially since more than a quarter needed glasses.

“This program has meant a lot to me, personally,” Dr. Macary said. “Just as every student deserves to have paper and a pencil, food and transportation, they deserve the right to be able to see well. If they can’t see, how are they going to learn?”

Dr. Macary said he is looking for grants or a charitable organization to continue that funding so that Vernon children can continue to benefit from Vision To Learn.

Other Vision To Learn supporters include the Dalio Education foundation, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.

Former UConn and Connecticut Sun star Morgan Tuck attended Friday’s program and told students that a player going into her 15th year in the WNBA just began wearing glasses.

“She couldn’t see the basket as well as she thought she should,” Tuck said. “So, you guys are ahead of the game. That’s why today is really important for you guys.”

Statewide, Vision to Learn has provided vision screenings to more than 13,000 students, conducted about 4,600 eye exams and provided eye glasses to 3,168 kids, said Sabrina Davis, Vision To Learn’s Connecticut Program Manager. For students who already have glasses, Vision To Learn provides an eye exam to make sure their prescription is up to date and a second pair of glasses.

After the ceremony, students lined up to have Vision To Learn Optician Christie Agee custom fit their glasses.

Vernon Public Schools Mark National School Breakfast Week with Healthy, Nutritious Breakfast Treats

It’s a special week in the Vernon Public Schools as the Food & Nutrition Services Department celebrates National School Breakfast Week, which shines a light on the critical role of breakfast in helping students learn, develop and do their best in school.

Director Elizabeth Fisher and her staff developed a menu to get children excited about breakfast in order to increase participation in the free breakfast program at each Vernon public school.

“Breakfast is an important part of a child’s day,” Fisher said. “It has been shown that students who eat breakfast have improved academic performance, attention and behavior at school. So, this week and every week, we are encouraging our students to join us at breakfast.”

Monday morning at Lake Street School Fisher, cafeteria manager Michelle Theriault and assistant manager Trish Andreoli were sampling a special treat to encourage more students to enjoy breakfast: frozen yogurt pops made with Greek yogurt, blueberries and granola. It was a huge hit and children snatched up every yogurt pop.

“Let us know what you think about when you come back for lunch,” Andreoli told students as she handed out samples. “They’re so good.”

One student replied, “I know I’m going to like it.”

Andreoli, who greeted every child by their first name as they came through the line, impressed one little girl when she told her that she made the granola. “Really?” the wide-eyed student replied.

Providing children with a healthy breakfast can be a challenge for some families, especially those on tight budgets and with busy morning schedules.

“I love having breakfast available at school because some families don’t have access to breakfast at home or are running late,” Lake Street School Principal Tracy Duenzl said. “The other issue is that some students are not quite hungry enough to eat breakfast when they are at home, but when they get to school they are hungry.”

It is a lot for families, especially those with multiple children, to get everyone up and ready for the day and out the door, Duenzl said.

“We have high expectations for our students and need them to be ready to work hard,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “We know that children who arrive at school hungry may not be ready to learn. A healthy breakfast at school evens the playing field and ensures all students are ready to focus, learn and move forward.”

At Lake Street School Monday morning, word had spread that there was a special treat with breakfast and more and more students headed to the cafeteria. Andreoli had to step back into the kitchen to prepare more food for the kids and Fisher took over handing out the frozen yogurt pops, which were made with local Greek yogurt from Hastings Farm in Suffield and lightly sweetened with honey from Drew’s Honeybees in Norwich.

Fisher got an early review from a first grader named Amelia, who walked back to the cafeteria to tell the staff how much she liked breakfast. “I really love the yogurt,” she said. “I like the toppings and sprinkles on the bottom and the yogurt tastes good.”

Participation in the breakfast program is less than lunch participation and Fisher and her team are working to counter that.

“We offer a nutritious breakfast every day and we want more kids to take advantage of that,” she said.

On Tuesday, students at Vernon Center Middle School sampled tropical parfaits with Hastings Farm vanilla yogurt and homemade granola. And on Thursday, VCMS students will try tropical smoothies.

“Our goal every day is a healthy and enjoyable meal for our students,” Fisher said. “ We want them to have the energy to learn and we hope they’ll try new things, be open to different foods and develop healthy nutrition habits that will serve them well long after they leave school.”

Vernon’s Lake Street School Again Rated Among Connecticut’s Best by U.S. News & World Report

For the second time in three years, U.S. News & World Report magazine has rated Vernon’s Lake Street School as one of the best in Connecticut. Long known for rating colleges and hospitals, in 2021 U.S. News began ranking elementary and middle schools across the nation.

Lake Street School was 60th out 560 schools in 2021 and for 2024 is ranked 54th of 545 Connecticut elementary schools.

The magazine’s ratings are based on math and reading proficiency as measured by state assessments as well as how students perform compared to expectations. Lake Street students performed “well above expectations” in math and reading.

“A high-quality curriculum and teachers and administrators with high standards bring about these kinds of results,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “None of this happens, however, without a strong partnership with families. Parents play an essential role in their children’s education. When students, teachers, staff and parents are focused on learning, the sky is the limit.”

Lake Street School Principal Tracy Duenzl said she and her colleagues could not be happier to have achieved the ranking again. Like in all Vernon schools, students at Lake Street are engaged, challenged every day to do their best work, taught to think critically and collaboratively and to grow into life-long learners.

“At Lake Street School, we focus on doing what's best for kids by working together as a team,” Duenzl said. “Our students and families are our top priority and are well supported by Vernon Public School. We work hard
to help our students learn and grow.”

It’s been an exciting fall in the Vernon Public Schools. Lake Street School is only the latest school to be honored for its students’ achievements.

Skinner Road School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. And Northeast and Maple Street schools were designated as “Schools of Distinction” by the Connecticut Department of Education. And district-wide, Vernon Public Schools students beat the state average on the Next Generation Accountability Results and were ranked No. 1 among alliance districts and in Vernon’s District Reference Group.

“In Vernon we have a strong curriculum and teachers who are focused on helping students grow academically,” Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa said. “If a student struggles, we have interventionists to help that student get back on track to meeting their full potential.”

Board of Education Chairman Paul Grabowski said the performance of a community’s public schools says a lot about a city or town.

“The Board of Education and Vernon community are immensely proud of the hard work our students, faculty, staff, and administrators have put in to earn this ranking,” Grabowski said. “The strong performance of Vernon schools reflects our town’s commitment to education, and the Board of Education’s focus on creating an environment where high expectations and achievement are the norm. We know our teachers and administrators work hard to challenge Vernon students so that they are successful in school and life. The recognition by U.S. News & World is well deserved.”

Vernon Board of Education Earns ‘Board of Distinction’ Designation for Eighth Straight Year

The Vernon Board of Education was recently honored as a “Board of Distinction” by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) at the organization’s annual convention.

The award recognizes boards of education that work effectively as teams, a trait CABE says is shared by boards that exhibit the most effective leadership. The Board of Distinction award only goes to Boards of Education that are consistently top performers in CABE’s annual review process. This is the eighth year in a row that Vernon’s board has received this award. Only 17 districts statewide have achieved such recognition over that time.

“The Vernon Board of Education consistently goes above and beyond in its work to ensure Vernon’s students have a demanding curriculum, great teachers and grow academically each year,” said Patrice McCarthy, CABE’s executive director. “A smoothly-operating board that works together as a team and that is focused on student achievement creates a school environment where great things happen each day.”

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary, who was honored as “Superintendent of the Year” for 2023 by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, said serving on a Board of Education is one of the most important responsibilities a person can take on. There is an enormous time commitment, much to learn and digest and myriad decisions to make.

“Vernon has a board of education that is committed to investing the time necessary to understand the challenges we face,” Dr. Macary said. “At the same time, the board sets high standards of teaching and learning for all students.”

Two Vernon elementary schools, Northeast and Maple Street, were named Schools of Distinction by the Connecticut Department of Education. Skinner Road School was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School, one of only four in Connecticut to receive that honor.

“We are proud of what our students have achieved over the past year,” Dr. Macary said. “And we expect even greater things as we move forward.”

Former Board of Education Chair Anne Fischer praised her former colleagues for their devotion and commitment. Serving on a board is much more than attending a meeting once or twice a month, she said. Board members serve on multiple committees, and serve as liaisons to schools and committees. “The board works collaboratively and is focused on what is best for Vernon students, and what makes our schools and community stronger,” she said.

Newly elected Board of Education Chair Paul Grabowski said that in his short time on the board he has learned the board is a team that is focused on continual improvement in the Vernon Public Schools.

“We are all on the same page, along with Dr. Macary and Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa, in getting the most out of our students,” he said. “A strong focus for the board and Dr. Macary is our ‘Vision of the Graduate.’ We want every Vernon student to experience success in a career or secondary education and to be a critical thinker, a collaborator, a communicator, a resilient individual and a responsible citizen. I am grateful to CABE for recognizing the Vernon Board of Education’s commitment and our belief that all children can learn and achieve using a whole child approach.”

Vernon Students Sample Locally-Sourced Foods as Food and Nutrition Department expands Cafeteria Offerings
New Farm to School Coordinator introduces local, healthy good options

Since her arrival as the Vernon Public Schools Director of Food and Nutrition in August 2018, one of Elizabeth Fisher’s goals has been to get locally-grown foods into school cafeteria meals. She made connections with local farmers through UConn’s Extension’s “Put Local on Your Tray” program and worked with cafeteria staff on healthy foods made from scratch with locally-sourced ingredients.

That ongoing effort took a giant leap forward this school year with the hiring of Kaylee Carlisle, the Vernon Public School’s first Farm to School coordinator.

“Local foods are fresher, more flavorful and good for our students,” Fisher said. “In the process we can support local farmers. And now with Kaylee, we have someone who can solely focus on local foods.”

The Food and Nutrition Department’s goal is to ensure Vernon students have good nutrition so that they are ready to learn.

“Kids need food in their bellies to learn,” Fisher said. “We want to make sure kids are ready to learn and that they succeed in school so they can become productive members of society.”

Using locally sourced foods also presents opportunities to expand students’ palates, and that is part of Carlisle’s mission.

“We try to do some unusual foods,” Fisher said. “We did radishes, something most kids had never tried. We just recently did kale and added it to strawberry-banana smoothies and the middle school kids loved it. We called them lucky green smoothies.” (No trickery was involved. The kids knew they were eating kale.)

Other recent locally-sourced cafeteria offerings included tomato salad and broccoli and cheddar soup.

Carlisle’s work is more than finding local foods for the cafeterias. She educates Vernon school children about healthy local foods and takes samples to schools for children to taste test during their lunch periods.

During a recent visit to Vernon Center Middle School, Carlisle was handing out samples of apple pie granola made with local apples and honey and lots of kids were eager to try it.

“I tell the students what I have and where the local product is from,” Carlisle said. She then asks the students to give her feedback. At the middle school there were three ratings: love it, like it and I tried it. Most responses fell into the love it or like it category.

As Carlisle wheeled her cart around the cafeteria, students eagerly reached out for samples. Several kids’ eyes went wide with delight when they took a bite. One boy loved it so much he followed Carlisle around the cafeteria to get more apple pie granola.

“I love it,” 7th grader Javon Wharton declared. “The honey and the granola, they’re perfect. I want more.”

The apple pie granola got rave reviews at each school Carlisle visited. Some students asked for recipe cards or for Carlisle to email their parents the recipe.

Carlisle has become known at the elementary schools and students are excited to see her.

“The kids are really enthusiastic and want to know what I have when I visit their school,” she said. Elementary school students tend to be more adventurous in trying to new things, she said.

“I had one little girl ask me to come to her school every day,” Carlisle said.

The goal is to get kids to try different foods. If they try something and decide they don’t like it, that’s OK. “Our message is that it is important to try new things,” she said.

Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary Named Connecticut Superintendent of the Year

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary has been named 2024 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS).

Dr. Macary, who has been Vernon’s superintendent since October 2015, has focused on working closely with parents, teachers, staff, the Board of Education and town leaders to improve Vernon Public Schools and steadily increase student performance in measurable ways. That work has shown results.

This fall Vernon residents learned that Vernon Public Schools exceeded the state average in 18 of 23 metrics in the state’s Next Generation Accountability Results. Vernon was also No. 1 among Alliance Districts and in its District Reference Group.

Two elementary schools, Maple Street and Northeast, recently achieved “School of Distinction” status while a third, Skinner Road School, was named a “National Blue Ribbon School” for its performance. Only four Connecticut schools achieved Blue Ribbon status this year. In 2020, Northeast was also named a Blue Ribbon School.

In selecting Dr. Macary as superintendent of the year, CAPSS cited his “remarkable achievements, dedication and exemplary service to the field of education.”

“The state now knows what we in Vernon have known for several years,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Dr. Macary is committed to creating an environment where Vernon children excel in school so that they are prepared to lead rewarding and successful lives. He works hard. He sets high standards. He solves problems. And, like a true leader, he does not ask anyone to work harder than he does to help our children succeed.”

Criteria for recognition as CAPSS Superintendent of the Year include: creativity in successfully meeting students’ needs, strong communications within the district and to the community, continual improvement of personal knowledge and skills while also providing professional development opportunities for others, and active participation in community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.

Dr. Macary, who has said being a superintendent is the most challenging and rewarding position he has ever held, was honored Friday at the annual convention of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.

“It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow superintendents,” Dr. Macary said. “Every superintendent knows that a district’s success is due to many factors. Students, families, teachers, administrators, staff and the board of education create a environment where students can excel. Community support is essential too. We have all those in Vernon and we are seeing the results. We are proud of what we have achieved, but we will never stop trying to do better.”

Dr. Macary’s life is an example of the power of education. His parents came to the U.S. from Lebanon so that their children would have access to quality education. He attended UConn for his undergraduate and doctorate degrees and Quinnipiac University for his master’s degree. He began his educational career as a teacher in the Waterbury public schools. He was superintendent in Wolcott before coming to Vernon.

“During my time on the Board of Education, I saw Dr. Macary lay the ground work for the success our students are experiencing now,” former Board of Education Chairperson Anne Fischer said. “Joe’s commitment to excellence and to Vernon children is inspiring.”

“Dr. Macary’s receipt of this award reinforces how fortunate Vernon is to have him,” current Board of Education Chairperson Paul Grabowski said. “The award reflects his accomplishments and dedication to providing students with a high quality education both in Vernon and across Connecticut. It’s also reflective of the high standards he holds himself to, as well as students and teachers, to achieve academic success.”

“CAPSS is incredibly proud of Dr. Joe Macary’s selection as Superintendent of the Year,” CAPSS Executive Director Fran Rabinowitz said. “Joe is well known throughout the state for the outstanding academic growth and achievement he has attained in Vernon. He is a tireless advocate for students and staff in Alliance Districts and is very instrumental in preparing new educational leaders for our schools and districts.”

CABE Executive Director Patrice McCarthy said Dr. Macary is richly deserving of the honor for his “tireless work at the local and state levels on behalf of our public school students.”

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro, who previously worked for Dr. Macary as Director of Business and Finance for the Vernon Public Schools and was also Vice President of Government Relations for CABE, said Dr. Macary’s laser-like focus on continual improvement is making Vernon Public Schools and the Town of Vernon stronger.

“At the heart of every successful community is a well-managed and effective school system, where students are prepared academically and socially to analyze problems, engineer solutions, build practical skills, and to approach life’s challenges with confidence,” Purcaro said. “Strong public schools are the foundation upon which strong communities are built. I am proud of Joe’s accomplishments and grateful for his leadership and commitment to the Vernon community.”

Vernon Students Exceed State Average in Next Generation Accountability Results
Maple Street and Northeast Schools are ‘Schools of Distinction’

The Vernon Public Schools got some more good news this month from the latest Next Generation Accountability Results from the Connecticut Department of Education.

Not only did Vernon beat the state average and rank No. 1 among Alliance Districts and its District Reference Group, Maple Street School and Northeast School earned “School of Distinction Status.” For the 2022-2023 school year, the Vernon Public Schools earned 72.4 points compared to the state average of 69.3.

Add to that Skinner Road School’s designation as a “National Blue Ribbon School” last month. Only four Connecticut schools earned Blue Ribbon status this year.

“The Vernon Public Schools are moving forward,” Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “We have high standards and high expectations and these results tell us we are preparing our student for success in college, careers and in life.”

The Next Generation Accountability System evaluates schools on 12 criteria, including: academic achievement, academic growth, assessment participation rate, chronic absenteeism, college and career readiness, being on track for graduation in ninth grade, graduation in four years, graduation in six years for high-need students, post-secondary entrance rate, physical fitness and arts access. Those 12 criteria break down into 23 metrics that provide school leaders with details about school and district performance.

Vernon’s results in those indicators provide clear evidence of the progress being made, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said.

“During the 2017-2018 school year we exceeded the state average on seven of 23 indicators,” Testa said. “In 2022-2023 we exceeded the state average on 18 of 23 indicators. We’re still not where we want to be, but we’re making progress.”

Maple Street School and Northeast School earned School of Distinction status because students achieved significant academic growth year over year. Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating a student’s pace of learning in a school year. Students start each year with different levels of knowledge. Growth shows how well a school is helping students learn.

“Attaining these levels of growth among our students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts, mathematics and science is great news and tells us we have a strong curriculum with focused teachers and interventions we can employ when a student struggles,” Dr. Macary said. “Our students, teachers, families, staff and administrators are working extremely hard and we are proud of them.”

Northeast School has been designated a School of Distinction for the fourth straight year. The school achieved high growth for high needs students in English language arts.

“You have to look at the individual child and drill down to what they need and that’s what we do at Northeast School,” Principal Dr. Brenda Greene said. “We meet the needs of our students. The result is students who are able to meet their academic goals and achieve at high levels.”

Maple Street School achieved School of Distinction designation for high growth in English language arts and math for all students and for high needs students.

“We just want kids to learn and that is what we focus on every minute of every day,” Maple Street School Principal Josh Egan said. “We have a very rigorous curriculum in place and have high expectations for all students. When a student struggles, we address the student’s needs through remediation and work with them to get them proficient.”

An essential part of the formula at Maple Street School is building relationships with students and their families.

“That is how get the most out of our students,” Egan said. “We have support from our families and our kids know we care about them. Kids want to learn and to perform well for teachers they know really care about them.”

Rockville High School Marching RAM Band Hosts FREE Open Rehearsal and Community Night on Tuesday, Oct. 24

The rainy summer and fall has not only dampened your weekend plans, it has limited the Rockville High School Band’s ability to attend and perform at football games and band competitions.

“This has been the toughest season I’ve ever experienced because of the rain every Saturday,” Rockville High School Director of Bands Raymond J. Sinclair II said. “The shows have all been getting canceled or postponed. The kids haven’t had a performance in three weeks.”

To remedy that, Sinclair is planning an open rehearsal and community night on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to the Rockville High School football field to watch and hear the band rehearse and then perform. The high school is at 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon.

“We’d really like to see everyone come out – students, town residents, elementary school students who are musicians – to see what the Rockville High School Marching RAM Band has been working on,” Sinclair said.

The band will rehearse its routine first, then run through its program about 7:40 p.m., Sinclair said.

“This is an opportunity for the community to come together and support the students,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair has been working to build the band back up since his arrival last year. The number of band members has steadily increased.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, the RHS Marching Band, the Band Boosters and the Vernon Public Schools will host the USBANDS New England States Championships. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 29.

Fourteen high schools marching bands from around New England will, including the Rockville High School Band, will compete.

The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. A special finale performance will feature the UConn marching band.

“This competition is a tremendous opportunity to see hundreds of talented musicians from around New England perform,” Sinclair said.

Vernon Celebrates Opening of Miracle League Field at Northeast School

The Town of Vernon and Vernon Public Schools on Wednesday celebrated the grand opening of the Vernon Miracle League Field at Northeast School.

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary were joined by Steve and Laurel Leibowitz of the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut, Chuck Brady of the Cal Ripken Foundation and dozens of athletes and local residents at a ribbon cutting and celebration.

The Vernon Town Council and Board of Education entered into a unique public-private partnership with the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut to create the fully accessible field at Vernon’s Northeast School. Construction took place this summer.

The project cost was about $1 million. The field was funded by private donations to the Miracle League Field committee. The town provided $175,000 for expansion of the parking lot for the field, and provided in-kind services by town employees.

“This is a great day for Vernon, for Connecticut, and for the children who will enjoy this field for decades to come,” Mayor Champagne said. “This project represents the good that government can achieve with community support.”

Steve and Laurel Leibowitz approached town leaders about a year ago with their idea for a field. Mayor Champagne, Superintendent Macary and Town Administrator Michael Purcaro embraced the idea immediately.

“I thought it was a great idea,” Mayor Champagne said. “We immediately went to work on a plan to make it happen and, a year later, here we are.”

And while the field is built to be fully accessible to children who have disabilities, it will also be available for use by Northeast School students and others.

“Everything we do in the Vernon Public Schools is in the best interest of all children,” Dr. Macary said. “When this proposal came to me and to the board of education, I immediately thought of our equity stance. How do we make it equitable for all children, in spite of their abilities?”

The Vernon Miracle League Field has a synthetic short turf surface that is fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility issues. The field also has wheelchair-accessible dugouts and is completely flat and barrier free so that children with visual disabilities can participate. During play, each athlete has a buddy who assists them.

“We spent years searching for a place to build a field like this and I am just delighted that Mayor Champagne and Dr. Macary embraced our vision for creating a field that is truly for all children,” Steve Leibowitz said. “Every child deserves a chance to participate in and experience sports. We have achieved something very special here in Vernon.”

There are about 300 Miracle Fields across the U.S. and two others in Connecticut, in West Hartford and East Lyme. Northeast School was selected for the Miracle Field because it has extensive field space and its strategic location close to I-84.

Town Administrator Michael J. Purcaro said town staff from multiple apartments enthusiastically came together to make the project happen.

“Children and families from all over Connecticut are going to visit Vernon to play at the Miracle Field,” Purcaro said . “Those families will get to know what many of us already know – that Vernon is a welcoming community and a great place to live, work and play.”

U.S. Department of Education Names Vernon’s Skinner Road School a National Blue Ribbon School
Skinner Road School Recognized for Closing the Achievement Gap

For the second time in five years, a Vernon elementary school is being honored by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Skinner Road School was recognized for the hard work of its students, teachers, administrators and families to close the achievement gap. In 2020 Vernon’s Northeast School was designated a National Blue Ribbon School.

“I could not be more proud of our schools, our teachers and the students at Skinner Road School who have demonstrated that with hard work and commitment, great things can be achieved,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This national recognition is a tremendous honor for our students and for our community.”

The annual awards program recognizes schools for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing the achievement gap.

“This is like winning an Olympic gold medal,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “We are only one of four schools in Connecticut being recognized for our achievements. I am very proud of the students, teachers, families, staff and administration at Skinner Road School. They have been working diligently over the last seven years to close the achievement gap and this is a testament to their efforts.”

Skinner Road School serves 321 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5. More than 60 percent of its students are designated with high needs. It is one of five elementary schools in Vernon, which is an Alliance District. The school’s accountability index in 2021-22 was 82.8, its highest ever. Since 2016-17, Skinner Road School has been identified annually as a School of Distinction.

Skinner Road School Principal Bryan Kerachsky said he is proud and humbled by his school’s achievement.

“The teachers and staff of Skinner Road School are committed to making sure each student gets what they need to become well-rounded, responsible citizens of our community,” Kerachsky said. “As the principal of Skinner Road School, I am so proud of our entire school community. Everyone has worked so hard to build relationships with families and to provide a school experience where all students can succeed. To be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School is extremely humbling. But we are not done. We will continue to work hard, if not harder, for all of our students and families.”

A twice-a-day focus on mathematics at Skinner Road School resulted in students showing particularly strong growth in mathematics. Students with high needs, on average, met 92.7 percent of their mathematics growth targets.

“Our goal is for every student to achieve or exceed yearly expected progress,” Dr. Macary said. “We are indeed moving the needle on student achievement.”

Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time.

“This remarkable achievement by our students is due to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, administrators and staff and the leadership of Dr. Macary and his central office team,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said.

Vernon Public Schools Host Job Fair
Open Positions Include Biology Teacher, HVAC Tech and Bus Drivers

The Vernon Public Schools will host a job fair on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the library/media center at Rockville High School, 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon.

There are a variety of open positions, including: biology teacher, secretary, paraeducators, HVAC technician, school climate specialists, school bus drivers, substitute teachers and cafeteria workers. The Vernon Public Schools offer competitive pay and benefits and a collaborative work environment.

School staff will attend to conduct immediate interviews, answer questions, and discuss careers in education.

“If you want a job where you can make a difference each day and help children achieve their highest potential, we offer that here in Vernon,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “Every member of our team – school bus drivers to paraeducators to teachers – plays a critical role in achieving student success.”

Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Human Resources Director Robert Testa said Vernon has high standards for staff, but also offers a high level of support to help them be successful.

“Vernon is a great community and our schools are full of committed, hard-working professionals focused on helping students learn and be successful,” he said. “Vernon schools are on the move and we are looking for people who can help us maintain that forward momentum.”

Paraeducators play a variety of support roles and work with students in the classroom and on individualized education plans. They are an extension of teachers, Testa said.

School climate specialists oversee school safety, he said. They conduct fire and other drills, oversee transportation in the morning and afternoon, and support students and resolve conflicts.

For more information about the Vernon Public Schools, please visit www.vernonpublicschools.org.

Vernon Students Exceed State Average in English Language Arts, Math and Science
Smarter Balanced Assessments Show Vernon Students Making Progress

Vernon Public Schools students have beat the state average in the latest Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessments, which were released Monday by the state Department of Education.
While school districts across the state continue to work to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vernon’s focus on maximizing learning for all children is showing positive results.

“We are extremely pleased with the growth on the Smarter Balanced Assessment by our students in grades 3 through 8 in English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science,” Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “The hard work and efforts of students, teachers, families, staff and administration have paid off. We are proud of the student results and their increased achievement.  Next year, we will do even better.”

In the 2023 Smarter Balanced results, Vernon students: 

• Outperformed the state average in all three test areas – English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science
• In Vernon’s District Reference Group, Vernon students were No. mathematics, No. 1 in English language arts and No. 2 in science.
• Of the 33 Connecticut Alliance Districts, Vernon students' scores were No. 1 in both English language arts and math results. 

“These results are even more impressive considering we were still coming out of the learning disruptions caused by the pandemic,” Dr. Macary said. “We are making progress with student learning and moving the needle on student achievement.”

Key to Vernon’s progress is quality core instruction in every classroom, effective intervention that helps students who are below grade level in English language arts and math to catch up, and special education supports for kids with disabilities to help them overcome obstacles to achieve growth.

Test scores tell only part of a school or district’s story. Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time. Students start each year with different levels of knowledge. Measuring growth shows how well a school is helping students learn. 

“We have impressive growth considering we just went through a pandemic, but we’re never satisfied,” Dr. Macary. “We will never stop helping our kids keep moving forward. We know they can do it.”
 

Vernon Schools Welcome Students on Thursday
Teachers, Staff, Administrators Gather to Celebrate Start of New Year

Students return to Vernon Public Schools on Thursday, but teachers and staff are all already back at work and prepping for the upcoming year.

On Monday teachers, aides, administrators and others came together at Rockville High School to celebrate the start of another school year, to honor long-time staff, welcome 30 new teachers to the district, hear from Vernon’s teacher of the year and be reminded of the crucial role they play in the lives of students.

“Create a relationship with every student,” Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary told those assembled in the auditorium at Rockville High School. “They need you. They want structure. They want somebody to respect them, to listen to them.”

Teachers are the lifeblood of the Vernon Public Schools and the relationships they build with students create the conditions for students to learn and to achieve, he said. The Board of Education, administrators and committees have created a curriculum that is right for Vernon students and established a strategic plan that guides the district forward.

Parents, family and community are essential elements in helping students be successful, Dr. Macary said. But it all comes back to teachers establishing positive relationships with students, he said.

“Once you have that positive relationship, things flow, things happen very, very quickly,” Dr. Macary said.

Dr. Macary played a video recording of Rockville High School 2023 Salutatorian Isabel Cintron’s address to her classmates. She described the impact teachers had on her and how she decided she wanted to become a teacher.

“In my junior year of high school my history teacher taught me how to make an origami crane,” Cintron said.

“At first, I struggled to remember all of the folds, but with his guidance I was able to successfully produce a small paper crane. It wasn’t perfect, but slowly I was able to memorize each and every fold. One crane led to another, and each day a new pile of paper cranes would find their home on his desk.”

The small seemingly inconsequential lesson had a tremendous impact on her, Cintron said.

“Education is a lot like a paper crane,” she said. “Not everyone starts out as the same standard square, and some folds are more difficult than others and require a bit more patience and trial and error. Each teacher with their influence from preschool to graduation contributes to the final product, fold by fold.”

She said that one day she hopes she is sitting at a graduation and a student thinks of her as someone who helped them grow.

“You never know what you will be given to work with, and you cannot see the final product that your investments will create, but with time and patience it will turn out to be something intricate and beautiful, like a paper crane,” she said.

Cintron folded her speech into a paper crane and presented it to the teacher, seated in the audience at graduation, who had that profound impact on her, Paul Courtois.

He choked up Monday as he told his colleagues about that moment and how the paper crane is in a display box on his desk.

“It’s going to be on my desk for the rest of my career,” he said.

Vernon Teacher of the Year Shireen Rhoades, a reading interventionist at Maple Street School, told her fellow teachers to turn to their colleagues when they need help. You are not alone, she told them. You are surrounded by colleagues who can and will help.

“There will be times this year when it feels like things are spiraling out of control,” she said. “Students are acting up. Technology is on the fritz. Your perfect lesson is falling apart. Ask for help. Teaching is really hard. You are surrounded by kind, knowledgeable people who are happy to help you.”

Board of Education Chair Anne Fischer and Mayor Dan Champagne wished the teachers a successful school year and thanked them for their devotion to the Vernon Public Schools and their students.

Teachers have a hard job, Mayor Champagne said, and it seems to be getting harder each year. But it’s an important job that has a deep impact on students and society.

“Have a great year and keep smiling,” he said.

Fischer thanked teachers for their hard work educating Vernon’s children and expressed hope they were rested and “abundantly energized” for the new year.

“Your commitment and dedication to achieving excellence and helping to mold our children does not go unnoticed,” she said. “You are overwhelmingly appreciated by not only the board of ed, but also the entire Vernon community. You are a true gift to Vernon.”

Paid School Lunches Return for Some Vernon Schools; Breakfast Free in All Schools
Students eligible for reduced-prices lunches will receive free lunches

With the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance programs, families whose children attend Center Road School, Lake Street School, Vernon Center Middle School and Rockville High School will again have to pay for school lunches.

Breakfast will continue to be free for all students in all Vernon public schools. All students at Maple Street School, Skinner Road School and Northeast School will continue to receive free lunches through June 30, 2024 as part of the Community Eligibility Provision of the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

Lunch prices for the 2023-2024 school year, which begins Aug. 31, are $3 at Center Road and Lake Street schools, $3.25 at VCMS and $3.50 at Rockville High School.

Thanks to additional state and federal funding, children who qualify for reduced-price lunches will receive free lunches this school year. That is why it is essential for families to take the time to fill out the application for free meals. The free meal application can be found and completed online at this address:

www.vernonpublicschools.org/free-and-reduced-meals

Paper applications can be submitted to the Food and Nutrition Department, 30 Park Street, Vernon, CT 06066.

“Nutrition plays a central role in how students learn and perform in school,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “When students are hungry or do not eat nutritious meals, it can affect thinking skills, behavior, health and overall academic performance. We cannot overemphasize the importance of nutrition to learning.”

Ensuring all students have access to healthy meals at school is the priority for Elizabeth Fisher, the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for the Vernon Public Schools.

“We serve students healthy, nutritious and tasty meals in our school cafeterias. Just as important is making sure students can access those meals,” Fisher said. “For families concerned about the cost of school lunches, free lunches remain an option. We urge families to fill out the application so that we can determine whether their children qualify.”

Some students may automatically qualify to receive free meals if their families receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Temporary Family Assistance program (TFA) and Medicaid (HUSKY A). Those families will receive a letter from the Vernon Public Schools notifying them that they qualify. They do not need to apply.

For students who will be paying for lunch, the Vernon Public Schools offers My School Bucks to make it easy for students to pay. Families can create a free account by visiting www.myschoolbucks.com or downloading the app. Families can also continue to pay by cash or check at the register.

Shireen Rhoades of Maple Street School is Vernon’s Teacher of the Year

Shireen Rhoades, a reading interventionist at Vernon’s Maple Street School, has been selected as Vernon’s Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made Thursday afternoon at Maple Street School.

Rhoades did not know she had received the honor. After sounding the alarm for the school’s routine monthly
fire drill, a stunned Rhoades stepped outside to join fellow teachers and students and was greeted by district
officials and cheering students. In addition to her teaching duties, Rhoades, who has taught 28 years, is chair of Maple Street’s Family Engagement Committee. She will now be considered for state teacher of the year.

Shireen Rhoades, Vernon’s teacher of the year, with two students outside Maple Street School.

“Shireen Rhoades epitomizes what teachers are all about in Vernon, and what we want from our teachers,”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said.

In her role as a reading interventionist, Rhoades works closely with students who are struggling with reading
and writing, and helps them improve and attain grade level standards.

“I know that children thrive when held to high standards and clear expectations,” she said of her work, adding
that she believes every student can learn and that it is her job as a reading specialist to tailor each lesson to
each student’s specific need and to keep working with each student until the lesson breaks through. She
motivates the students, especially the younger ones, with prizes as they achieve different milestones.

“I love my students and I love planning lessons that address their specific needs in ways that keep them
positive and engaged,” Rhoades said. She also works closely with students’ classroom teachers to ensure that
each student is getting the assistance they need to succeed.

The Vernon Public Schools, in partnership with family and community, is committed to provide a quality education,
with high expectations, in a safe environment where all students become independent learners and productive
contributors to society.
She said she is honored to be selected as Vernon’s teacher of the year.

“I am just overwhelmed,” she said. “I love kids and I love teaching reading. I love doing the family engagement
work. I’m very proud and I love this town.”

Maple Street School Principal Josh Egan said Rhoades’ work with students and families is remarkable. “We
have an amazing staff here at Maple Street School, but I can’t think of a more deserving person to win this
recognition,” he said.

In her role as chair of the school’s Family Engagement Committee, she has coordinated events such as career
day and Read Across America Day to connect Maple Street School students to the wider community while also
engaging Maple Street parents. Other events Rhoades and her team organized included Math and Literacy
Night and the annual spelling bee.

During the pandemic, Rhoades and her Family Engagement Committee came up with creative solutions to keep families engaged, Egan said.

“She is all about students and putting students first,” said Melissa Trantolo, Director of Elementary Teaching
and Learning. “And she does so much for our families.”

27 Earn High School Diplomas Through Vernon Adult Education Program
VRABE Graduates Overcome Obstacles as They Achieve

In a season of graduations, the 27 women and men who received their high school diplomas Wednesday at Rockville High School were unique. None followed the traditional route to a diploma, but made the decision to return to school while also juggling work and family obligations.

The crowd of family and friends gave the graduates enthusiastic applause and speakers praised them for their perseverance and commitment to learning and bettering themselves.

“This is an extremely special night for many reasons,” said Melissa Iles, the director of Vernon Regional Adult Based Education, which offers academic and continuing education programs to people from Vernon and 13 other towns. “First and foremost, it exemplifies the determination and obstacles you overcame to complete your educational journey.”

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary told the graduates that it is the mission of the Vernon Public Schools to produce graduates who are critical thinkers, collaborators, communicators, resilient individuals and responsible citizens.

“We call this the vision of the graduate,” Dr. Macary said. “I’m very proud to be here because this group of graduates embodies those values, especially resiliency. You have worked tirelessly to achieve this important goal.”
Two graduates addressed their classmates and praised VRABE staff for guiding them and helping to keep them motivated.

Chimyra McCray said she slacked off during her senior year of high school and did not have enough credits to graduate. She decided to try VRABE, working during the day and getting the credits she needed at night.

Again, she told the graduates, she began to slack off in night school, did not attend regularly and did not care about earning her diploma. That changed when she had children. She was newly motivated to earn her diploma and continue her education.

“This year I decided it would be my year to finish school so that I could do something more with my life, for not only myself but them,” McCray said. She urged others to follow in her footsteps and make the commitment to earn their diploma.

“If I can do it, so can anyone else who wants to,” she said. “This program definitely has helped me change my life for the better.”

Chelsea Willard said she too faced challenges, including pregnancy, during her junior year in high school that caused her to drop out.

VRABE was the key to earning a diploma, she said. The program and its staff were welcoming and supportive, not only for her but for her children too. The support from VRABE staff included encouraging her to take college courses too. And Willard has earned a phlebotomy certification from Manchester Community College.

Andrew Williams dropped out of high school and has been making a living as a truck driver. He signed up with VRABE to earn his high school diploma and to position himself for a job that will better allow him to take care of his wife and two children.

“My kids are 11 and 7 and I wanted to do better,” he said. His goal is to get a job with Collins Aerospace.

For more information about VRABE and its programs, please visit www.vrabe.com.

Rockville High School Athletic Department Hosts
First ‘Vernon Girls and Women in Sports Day’
Goal is to Encourage Elementary and Middle Schools Girls to try Sports

Rockville High School athletes and coaches are inviting Vernon elementary and middle school girls to the high
school gym on May 16 for Vernon Girls and Women in Sport Day.

The special event, hosted by the Rockville High Athletic Department and featuring members of several girls’
sports teams, is free and designed to introduce girls to sports, celebrate their participation and encourage
them to continue in athletics at the high school.

The younger athletes will get to meet high school athletes, ask them questions and participate in a variety of sports, Rockville High School Athletic Director Jeff Farrell said.

The program runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Girls in grades 3 through 5 check in from 5 to 5:30 p.m., then participate in
activities. Girls in grades 6 through 8 check in from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Several sports will be featured and members of the girls’ teams will put their younger counterparts through
drills and introduce them to sports they might not know about.

“I think it’s important to see more girls in sports,” said Anaya Tolton, a Rockville High School senior who is a
member of the volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. “I know some girls look for female role models
before they think about trying something. It’s important for them to have someone to look up to, to inspire
them to get involved.”

Farrell said this year’s program will feature basketball, soccer, lacrosse and cheerleading. The goal is to add
more sports to the event next year, he said.

“The whole point is to promote young girls and young women in sports, being active and having fun,” Farrell
said. “Girls will rotate through a couple different sports. If it’s something new to them, they can try it out. And
we can connect our younger kids to our high school athletes.”

Lily Hollworth, an RHS senior who plays soccer and runs indoor and outdoor track, said participating in
athletics is about much more than competing.

“It’s a great way to meet new people and find something you enjoy and can become passionate about,” she
said.

Isabel Cintron, a senior who runs cross county and indoor and outdoor track, agreed. She said she was very
shy in elementary school. Sports allowed her to meet new people and become part of a community.

“Some of my closest friends came from running,” she said. “It feels like a family.”

To register, please copy and paste this link into a browser, bit.ly/3ny8Uty, or use the QR code in the event flyer.

Rockville Public Library Celebrates National Poetry Month with Special Program this Thursday
Event Honors Vernon’s Poet Laureate and Rockville High Creative Writing Teacher

The Rockville Public Library with mark National Poetry Month at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 20, by honoring Vernon’s poet laureate and a Rockville High School creative writing teacher who for 20 years has inspired Vernon students to write. They and other guests will read their poetry.

Caitlin Chatterton is a senior at Rockville High School who excels in the classroom, on the athletic fields and as a creative writing student. She was named Vernon’s poet laureate in November.

Caitlin’s creative writing teacher, Victoria Nordlund, will be honored for her work as a poet and as a teacher who has created a community of artists in Vernon. She will read from her two books of poetry.

They will be joined by a third poet, John L. Stanizzi of Coventry, who is a teacher, the author of 10 poetry collections and a former New England Poet of the Year.

The event will also have an open mic so that others can share their poetry.

“This program is a way to highlight poetry and to bring attention to the wonderful work that Victoria and the other teachers in the creative writing program at Rockville High School are doing,” said Jennifer Johnston-Marius, director of the Rockville Public Library. “Victoria and her colleagues have built a community of artists here in Vernon. It’s one of the many things that makes Vernon such a special and creative community.”

The Vernon Town Council unanimously appointed Caitlin as Vernon’s Poet Laureate in November.
Johnston-Marius consulted with the Vernon Public Schools and recommended Caitlin to Mayor Dan Champagne and the Town Council. She cited Caitlin’s participation in the Creative Writing Program, her participation in local and state poetry events and that fact she has been published.

In addition to writing, Caitlin is a Humanities Scholar at Rockville High School and a three-sport athlete who plays soccer, basketball and lacrosse.

“Caitlin is a remarkable representative for all of the good things that happen in our schools and in our community,” Johnston-Marius said.

Nordlund has taught at Rockville High School for 33 years and has been teaching creative writing for 20 years. Nordlund brings guest speakers in to talk to students about the craft of writing. Novelists, playwrights, screenwriters, poets, and other writers describe how they got started, their writing process, their frustrations and helps students understand the creative process.

Her students write poetry, short stories, fiction and non-fiction. They have dominated competitions and have earned Rockville High School statewide and national acclaim.

What’s behind the students’ success is a teacher who is a poet herself, committed to helping her students find their voices and express themselves in various forms of writing, and pushes them to publish and share their writing. Nordlund was New England Poet of the Year in 2016.

“The creative writing courses build a community where people feel safe to express their feelings and to be who they are,” Nordlund said. “It lets people develop their own voice.”

Refreshments will be served and Nordlund’s and Stanizzi’s books will be available for sale and autographing.

For more information, please visit www.rockvillepubliclibrary.org.

U.S. Air Force Concert Band to Perform FREE Concert at Rockville High School

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The U.S. Air Force Concert Band is touring the Northeast and will make a stop at Rockville High School on Friday, March 24. The FREE concert begins at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.

Tickets are required and can be obtained online at: https://www.music.af.mil/usafband/events/national-tours/concert-band/

“Our military bands are among the best in the world and to have the United States Air Force concert band perform in Vernon is a special opportunity for our community,” Mayor Dan Champagne said.

The U.S. Air Force Concert Band is one of six performing ensembles in the Air Force and is the premier musical group. It is based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C.

Members of Rockville High School’s band will work with band members by helping them setup for the concert, and then will join them as they warm up.

“Our musicians are going to get to experience and work with one of the finest musical ensembles in the world,” said Rockville High School Band Director Raymond J. Sinclair II, who spearheaded the effort to bring the Air Force band to Vernon.

The band will perform music from a variety of genres, including Broadway, classical, marches, opera and the movies. Selections include John Williams’ E.T. Adventures on Earth from the movie E.T. The program begins with the National Anthem and ends with American Anthem, Battle Hymn of the Republic and A Salute to Our Troops.

“It’s an honor for our community, our schools and our students to have one of the armed forces’ premier bands visit Vernon and work with our students,” Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said.

The concert at Rockville High School is the second stop on a tour that begins in New Jersey and ends on April 3 in Maine.

Please print your tickets or be prepared to show them on your mobile device. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance time for ticket holders. All unclaimed seats will be released to non-ticket holders 15 minutes prior to performance time.

Rockville High School Athletic Department Hosts First ‘Vernon Girls and Women in Sports Day’
Goal is to Encourage Elementary and Middle Schools Girls to try Sports

Rockville High School athletes and coaches are inviting Vernon elementary and middle school girls to the high school gym on Tuesday night (March 14) for Vernon Girls and Women in Sport Day.

The special event, hosted by the Rockville High Athletic Department and featuring members of several girls’ sports teams, is free and designed to introduce girls to sports, celebrate their participation and encourage them to continue in athletics at the high school.

The younger athletes will get to meet high school athletes, ask them questions and participate in a variety of sports, Rockville High School Athletic Director Jeff Farrell said.

The program runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Girls in grades 3 through 5 check in from 5 to 5:30 p.m., then participate in activities. Girls in grades 6 through 8 check in from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Several sports will be featured and members of the girls’ teams will put their younger counterparts through drills and introduce them to sports they might not know about.

“I think it’s important to see more girls in sports,” said Anaya Tolton, a Rockville High School senior who is a member of the volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. “I know some girls look for female role models before they think about trying something. It’s important for them to have someone to look up to, to inspire them to get involved.”

Farrell said this year’s program will feature basketball, soccer, lacrosse and cheerleading. The goal is to add more sports to the event next year, he said.

“The whole point is to promote young girls and young women in sports, being active and having fun,” Farrell said. “Girls will rotate through a couple different sports. If it’s something new to them, they can try it out. And we can connect our younger kids to our high school athletes.”

Lily Hollworth, an RHS senior who plays soccer and runs indoor and outdoor track, said participating in athletics is about much more than competing.

“It’s a great way to meet new people and find something you enjoy and can become passionate about,” she said.

Isabel Cintron, a senior who runs cross county and indoor and outdoor track, agreed. She said she was very shy in elementary school. Sports allowed her to meet new people and become part of a community.

“Some of my closest friends came from running,” she said. “It feels like a family.”

To register, click this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuWsg8O_Hk2vO_OmC6wzj-IZAPDFYtl5DELvVDb5z_Y7Tm8A/viewform

Veteran Educator Melissa Iles Selected to Lead Vernon Regional Adult Based Education

The focus of Melissa Iles’ career in education has been to break down barriers and enable students to learn and be successful in life.

She first did that as a special education teacher, working with students who have physical, learning or emotional disabilities to help them reach their full potential. That work continued in Iles’ subsequent positions, including as Vernon’s Director of Pupil Services.

Melissa Iles

As the new Director of Vernon Regional Adult Based Education (VRABE), Iles said she is excited by the opportunity to work with a new group of students and to help them overcome obstacles, reach their educational goals and experience a meaningful and high quality education.

“I believe all that experience helping students break down barriers makes me a perfect fit for adult education,” Iles said. “Our goal is to work with students who did not follow the traditional educational route, who may have had some difficulties navigating along the way. We are here to help them complete their educational journey. I find that very exciting.”

The people who seek the services of VRABE come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse goals. Some are seeking a traditional high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma. Others are seeking classes in VRABE’s English as a Second Language program.

There are also people who are studying to become U.S. citizens. Others are seeking continuing education opportunities to learn a new skill, such as how to use Excel, paint with watercolors, draw, crochet or use sign language.

“For so many people, the services and courses we offer are life-changing,” Iles said. “There are so many opportunities for a learner to grow, achieve and thrive.”

It’s never too late to attain a high school diploma, to learn a new skill or to seek another service VRABE offers, Iles said.

”Adult education plays an important role in our ongoing effort to help all people become independent learners and productive contributors to society,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “Aside from the benefits that come from completing a high school education, adult education builds confidence, encourages people to step out of their comfort zone and builds social connections.”

VRABE’s adult continuing education classes have fees, but high school completion programs, citizenship classes, English as a Second Language classes and college transition courses are free for people 17 and older who are no longer enrolled in public school. Courses are offered in a variety of locations and childcare is available at some sites.

VRABE serves residents of Vernon, Ashford, Bolton, Colchester, Coventry, East Windsor, Ellington, Glastonbury, Griswold, Mansfield, South Windsor, Tolland, Willington and Wethersfield. For more information about VRABE’s offerings, please visit www.vrabe.com.

Vernon Board of Education Receives CABE ‘Leadership Award of Distinction’ for Teamwork, Leadership and Commitment to Student Achievement

The Vernon Board of Education has been recognized for its consistent teamwork and leadership with a Leadership Award of Distinction by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. Vernon is one of only 15 districts in Connecticut to achieve this distinction.

Vernon’s school board has been recognized multiple times by CABE and has received the organization’s leadership award for seven straight years.

The Leadership Award of Distinction recognizes the board’s laser-like focus on improving student achievement, its commitment to conduct business in an open and transparent manner, and to adhere to board policies that reflect a commitment to fulfilling its mission.

“The Vernon Board of Education consistently goes above and beyond in its pursuit of excellence,” CABE Executive Director Patrice McCarthy said. “The board creates an environment where administrators and teachers help students achieve every day. It is also committed to carrying out its business in a cooperative manner that is consistently focused on providing the best education possible for Vernon students and providing Vernon taxpayers with the best value.”

Serving on a board of education is one of the most important jobs a person can embark on, Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said.

“We have a board that works hard to understand the issues and challenges we face, but that also sets high expectations for student achievement,” Dr. Macary said. “The board knows that the sky is the limit for Vernon children.”

Board Chair Anne Fischer said teamwork is essential for the Board of Education. Board members take on a variety or responsibilities beyond attendance at meetings. They interact with school staff, serve as liaisons to schools and departments and work on multiple subcommittees.

“When you run for the Board of Education you are making a significant commitment of time and energy,” Fischer said. “A collaborative approach to our mission leads to better outcomes for our students, our staff and administrators and our community. We are grateful to CABE for recognizing our board's dedication and efforts to educate the students of Vernon with the belief that all children can learn using a whole-child approach."

The Vernon Board of Education was recognized on Nov. 18 at the annual CABE/CAPSS Convention. CAPSS is the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.

Rockville High School Agriculture Students Sell Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Poinsettias, other items at FFA Holiday Sale this Thursday
Students Show Off Creative, Agricultural and Entrepreneurial Skills

VERNON, Connecticut – Students and staff in Rockville High School's Agricultural Science and Technology Education program are making wreaths, porch pots, holiday centerpieces and birch reindeer that they will be selling, along with poinsettias, Christmas trees and students' crafts, at Thursday's FFA Holiday Sale.

The sale is from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the RHS ASTE building and all are welcome.

The sale is the key fundraiser for the Rockville High School FFA chapter and gives ASTE students the opportunity to showcase some of the many of skills they learn.

Students grew the poinsettias, harvested the trees from a Christmas tree farm on land leased from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and have been making wreaths and other items.

Making wreaths is not as easy as it seems, sophomore Maya Martin said. "It's really hard!"

Not so, said Piper Jones, also a sophomore. "I thought it was going to be harder," Piper said.

The annual sale is a big deal for the FFA Chapter and gives students a chance to engage with the community, with program alumni and others, said Ashley Lanz, the department's animal science teacher.

ASTE Chair Erika Bahler said students are making about 200 wreaths that will be for sale along with the birch reindeer, Christmas trees and other items. They will also be selling items they have produced, she said.

The Holiday Sale gives students practical and entrepreneurial experience because many agricultural businesses produce holiday products this time of year, she said.

Devon Belknap, a sophomore, was particularly proud of their wreath. "We really want to make sure everything we do is as perfect as possible," Devon said.

Vernon Public Schools Use ‘Trunk or Treat’ to Remind Families to Apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families Receive Apples or Delicata Squash Rather Than Candy

Halloween is about tricks and treats, usually in the form of candy. But the Vernon Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services department used the Town’s recent Trunk or Treat event to remind families of the benefits of locally-grown, healthy foods.

Families could receive apples or a delicata squash, as well as a recipe card with instructions on how to prepare the squash to bring out its sweet, nutty flavor.

Elizabeth Fisher, Director of Food and Nutrition Services for the Vernon Public Schools (wearing the carrot costume) and Tiffany Garrett (dressed as peas in a pod) and Tiffany’s children pose at the recent Trunk or Treat event in Vernon.

"We got some funny looks for handing out squash, but then we explained that delicata squash is delicious, healthy and easy to prepare,” said Elizabeth Fisher, the Director of Food & Nutrition. “We strive every day to serve Vernon children delicious and healthy meals at school. It only makes sense to also give parents and guardians ideas about how to add more healthy options to their meals at home.”

Fisher and her team also used Trunk or Treat to remind families that FREE breakfast and lunch are available to all Vernon Public Schools students through Dec. 31, 2022 because the district opted in to the School Meals Assistance Revenue for Transition (SMART) program. Those free meals end Dec. 31 and unless families act immediately, they may lose access to free and reduced-price meal options.

It is essential that families with students who may be eligible for free and reduced price lunches apply as soon as possible so that their children, if they qualify, can continue to receive free or reduced-price lunches. Families that do not apply will revert to FULL PAY when the SMART funds expire on Dec. 31.

To apply, please visit this link: https://www.vernonpublicschools.org/free-and-reduced-meals.

Families whose children attend Maple Street School, Northeast School and Skinner Road School do not need to apply because those schools are covered by another meal program and will receive free meals for the remainder of the school year. If those families have students at another school, though, they need to apply for those students.

Families that have received a Notice of Direct Certification for Free or Reduced-Price Meals from the Food and Nutrition Services Department for this school year do not need to fill out an application.

Questions regarding meal applications and eligibility can be directed to Elizabeth Fisher, the Director of Food & Nutrition, at efisher@vernon-ct.gov.

The squash came Cloverleigh Farm in Columbia. The Vernon Public Schools regularly purchase fresh, local produce for Vernon school children. Fresh produce is also grown by Rockville High School Agriculture Science and Technology Education students for the RHS cafeteria.

Rockville High School Kicks off Career Pathways Program for Class of 2026

VERNON, Connecticut – Freshmen at Rockville High School are the first class to experience a new program designed to help them identify a possible career and set them on a course of study that prepares them for that career or to continue their education.

The Career Pathways program requires every member of the Class of 2026 to join one of three academies. Students will then have the opportunity to select an area of focus, called a pathway.

The goal is to get students more engaged in their own learning, to better prepare them for a career or post-secondary education, and to help them be successful when they leave Rockville High School, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said.

“Preparing students for meaningful post-secondary experiences, be they at college, in the military or the workforce, is the mission of the Vernon Public Schools,” Dr. Macary said. “Providing these career pathways will enable students to determine where they want to become successful in life.”

It's important to provide students with options that meet their needs, Rockville High School Principal Jason Magao said.

“We’re trying to positively impact every student,” Magao said. “Typical high schools are designed for students who plan to go to college. We need to make sure we are doing our best for students who have college aspirations as well as those who do not. There are many successful people who took different paths in life but it all begins with the drive and opportunity to succeed.”

The Career Pathways program helps students discover the next chapter in their lives.

“We want to empower everyone to be successful when they leave here, whether they want to be a welder or a doctor,” said Bryan Wright, a technology education teacher at Rockville High School. The three academy options are:

• Academy for Advanced Technology and Science.
• Academy for Arts, Business and Communications.
• Academy for Health, Human and Public Services.

Within each Academy students will find a variety of pathways that can be adjusted to match their particular interest. In addition to coursework, students will have opportunities to participate in internships with local businesses and an opportunity to enroll in courses at local colleges and universities. These courses will provide students with college credits that will follow them upon graduation.

“All students will choose an academy,” Wright said. “Those hyper-focused will enroll in a pathway and have more specific areas of study for their interest.”

Students who have not yet figured out what they want to do need not worry. School officials know that many students won’t be ready to choose an academy or pathway immediately. That’s why all incoming freshman will first take exploratory classes that allow them to experience the opportunities each academy presents.

“We’re going to broaden their horizons and give them a sampling of everything we have to offer,” said Jennifer Kasek, a business teacher and the career services coordinator.

Even after that sampling, students may discover the pathway they choose is not right for them.

“Students aren’t locked in,” said Charles Martucci, a business and computer education teacher. “If they decide it isn’t what they want, they can change.”

The Academy for Advanced Technology and Science is grounded in the traditional STEM areas: science, technology, engineering and math. It also includes Rockville High School’s Agricultural Science and Technology Education (ASTE) program. The Academy is for students considering careers in science, manufacturing, agribusiness, construction management, engineering and design, information technology and natural sciences.

The Academy for Arts, Business and Communications blends STEM and the humanities. It is for students interested in areas such as business and finance, hospitality and food service, digital media and design, performance arts, journalism and new media.

The Academy for Health, Human and Public Services also blends STEM and the humanities to help students interested in careers that could include biomedical science, healthcare, human and family services, education and teaching, government service, law enforcement, the fire service and the military.

All students will continue to have traditional core requirements, including algebra 1, geometry, U.S. history, English, biology, world language, American civics, personal finance and health and physical education.

There is enough flexibility built into the program and Connecticut graduation requirements to allow students to pursue a curriculum that is personalized to their career goal.

Martucci said the program follows on Dr. Macary’s goal of having all students identify an area of interest earlier.

Rockville High School Band Hosts US Bands New England States Championships
Volunteers are Needed for a Variety of Jobs at the Competition

VERNON, Connecticut – Rockville High School will be alive with the sound of marching bands Saturday as the Rockville High School band hosts the US Bands New England States Championships.

Raymond Sinclair, the new Director of Bands at Rockville High School, said such competitions are a great opportunity to see and hear top notch bands and watch high school students give their all as they try to win a championship for their school.

“You’re going to see some of the best marching bands from around New England,” Sinclair said.

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said it’s a great day for Vernon Public Schools to have the stadium at Rockville High School host the competition.

“Extracurricular activities that engage and challenge students are a crucial part of the education we offer in Vernon,” Dr. Macary said. “To compete effectively, students will use the musical skills they have developed, will cooperate with each other and create and achieve something that not only enriches their lives, but will result in a great show for all who attend and live within earshot of Rockville High School.”

Rockville High School Principal Jason Magao said giving students the opportunity to learn, perform and compete is an important part of the experience at Rockville High School. Saturday’s competition has the added bonus of giving band members the opportunity to share their talent with the community.

“Vernon has always taken great pride in the Rockville High School band and Saturday will be a great chance for the community to see what our band has been up to under the leadership of our new director,” Magao said.

Tickets are $20 at the door. The Rockville High School Band Boosters will sell refreshments and have fundraising raffles and a 50/50 drawing to benefit the Rockville High School band.

Volunteers are still needed to handle a variety of tasks, including traffic, logistics and food service. Volunteers get free admission. To sign up to be a volunteer, please visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4aaea829a4fcc16-newengland.

“We are hoping alumni, former band members, parents, anybody that can spare a few hours can come out and help us put this event on,” Sinclair said. “Anyone who can volunteer is greatly appreciated.”

US Bands was pleased to be able to use Rockville High School because of its spectacular football facilities and the school’s reputation for hosting great shows, Sinclair said.

“Spectators are going to see top quality performances from 14 bands from throughout New England,” Sinclair said. “For many of these bands, the competition will be their final performance of the season and two bands will be crowned champions.”

In addition to the Rockville High School Marching Band, competitors include Plainville High School, East Lyme High School, East Haven High School, Manchester High School, Rocky Hill High School, Danbury High School, Bethel High School and Fitch High School from Groton. Several Massachusetts bands will compete too. They include Case High School from Swansea, Mass., Abington High School, Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School and Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 5:30 p.m. The Rockville High School band is second on the schedule and will perform about 5:40 p.m. The last performance is shortly after 9 p.m. and at 9:30 p.m. awards will be presented.

Rockville High School Student Tommy Glinski Kicks-Off 7th Annual ‘Socktober’ Campaign to Help Cornerstone

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Tommy Glinski, a freshman at Rockville High School, is in the midst of another “Socktober” campaign to collect socks for people who are experiencing homelessness.

Since his Socktober campaign began, more than 5,000 pairs of socks and as well as cash have been donated to aid Vernon’s Cornerstone shelter, which serves the area’s homeless population. Tommy is hoping this year’s effort is the biggest yet and helps shelters and clothing banks across greater Hartford. The effort runs until Nov. 15.

Tommy began collecting socks for Cornerstone in 2016, when he was a third grader at Northeast School in Vernon. He was looking for a way to help his community, learned about Socktober and contacted Bryan Flint at Cornerstone.

“I wanted to try to make a difference, to help people,” Tommy said. “And I learned that this really simple gesture, providing new socks for people, was a good way to help.”

Cornerstone operates a homeless shelter that serves Vernon and several other communities. It also has a clothing bank and a variety of other programs to help people.

“We went to Cornerstone to see what they needed,” Tommy said. “They said they were really low on socks.”

Tommy asked his teachers at Northeast School for their help. That first year people donated 200 pairs of socks.

When Tommy moved to Center Road School in Vernon for fourth grade, he asked his teachers if he could continue Socktober there. They loved the idea and more socks were collected for Cornerstone. Tommy has kept it going since. The campaign continued and expanded when Tommy moved onto to Vernon Center Middle School and asked Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne for help spreading the word about Socktober and to place collection boxes in town buildings. Tommy is now a student at Rockville High School.

“Tommy’s continuing commitment to help his community is inspiring and impressive,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “He represents what makes Vernon a special place. We look out for each other and Tommy has taken that to a new level with his annual Socktober campaign to assist our neighbors at Cornerstone.”

Flint said the Cornerstone is usually able to help people with second-hand clothing that is donated to its clothing bank. “We have shirts and pants and jackets and shoes,” Flint said. “If you get those used, it really doesn’t matter.”

But socks and underwear are a different matter, he said. “Quite reasonably, no one wants used socks or underwear,” Flint said. “That’s why we try to provide folks with new socks and underwear.”

Flint said that Cornerstone does not just aid people who are experiencing homelessness. Sometimes people show up at Cornerstone’s door soaking wet because they have been out in the rain. People can come in, take a shower and get a set of clean, dry clothes, he said. And new socks and underwear. Flint asks that in addition to socks, people consider donating a package of underwear too.

Tommy said that all kinds of socks are needed – for men, women and children – and asks that people place their donations in collection boxes that have been placed at the Vernon Police Department, Vernon Town Hall, Rockville High School, Northeast School, Maple Street School and Vernon Center Middle School. There are also collection boxes at LuAnn’s Bakery and Earthlight Solar and Energy Solutions, both in Ellington.

Vernon Public Schools Host Job Fair, Seek the Best of the Best to Fill Teaching and Other Positions
Interviews to be Conducted Onsite at Job Fair

VERNON, Connecticut – The Vernon Public Schools will host a job fair on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rockville High School library/media center, 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon.

There are multiple positions open, including special education teacher, Spanish teacher, paraeducators, speech and language pathologist, transportation and logistics coordinator, director of adult education, and school bus drivers. The Vernon Public Schools offer competitive pay and top-notch benefits, including health insurance and retirement.

Vernon Public Schools leaders will be on hand to answer questions, discuss career paths in education and conduct immediate on-site interviews with people who attend.  

“If you want to work in a great community, with dedicated staff, and learn and grow as a professional, Vernon is the place for you,” Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Human Resources Director Robert Testa said.

While teachers are primarily responsible for educating students, all Vernon Public Schools employees play a role in educating Vernon’s children, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said.

“Every member of our team contributes to student success,” Dr. Macary said. “Teachers, paras, school bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers help make our award winning schools safe, welcoming and dynamic places where students can do their best. The Vernon Public Schools are a great place to work because we are building the future.”

Vernon Public Schools Mark First Day of School with Hugs, High Fives and Momentum

Thursday was the first day of school in Vernon, and after first day ceremonies and celebratory hugs and high
fives, students, teachers and staff got to work.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Macary and Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa visited each of Vernon’s five
elementary schools to check in with principals about how things were going, greet teachers new to the district
and give pencils and a pep talk to every kindergarten student.

“The first day of school is always a great day,” ’Dr. Macary said. “It’s exciting to see kindergarteners and other
students who are ready to learn.”

Vernon police also visited every school on Thursday to check the perimeter of each building and ensure a safe
learning environment.

Everyone is hopeful this school year will be “normal.” The past three school years have been heavily impacted
by the COVID-19 pandemic, either through school being remote or absences by students and staff who
became ill. Across Connecticut and the nation, the pandemic has taken a toll on student achievement as
measured by standardized tests.

But those tests also revealed good news in Vernon, where Dr. Macary pushed for a return to in-school learning
as early as possible. While every district saw scores decline, there were bright spots in Vernon.

“Vernon outperformed the state average in English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science during the 2021-
2022 school year,” Mr. Testa said. “Our district goal is to improve every year. We focus on growth in schools. And last school year, our students’ achievement outperformed the state average in these three key areas.
That means we have momentum to keep moving forward.”

The state measures the percentage of students who reach their personal academic growth targets.

“In third grade, every student, based on their performance, is assigned a growth target,” Mr. Testa said.

“The average percentage of growth target achieved by our students outperformed the state average in English
Language Arts and Mathematics.”

For the Vernon Public Schools, 72.3 percent of students reached their targets in math and 61.7 percent
reached their targets in English Language Arts. The state average was 65.2 percent in math and 60.4 percent in
English Language Arts. This is truly meaningful progress and our goal is to keep moving forward.”

“In person learning and targeted use of math and English interventionists was the key,” Dr. Macary said. 
“When we identified a student who was struggling, we immediately provided the assistance that student
needed to be successful. Our teachers and administrators work hard every day to make sure our students are
getting the support they need.”

Several times during Thursday’s tour of the elementary schools, Dr. Macary and Mr. Testa talked to principals about making sure interventionists went to work immediately with students who have already been identified as needing support.

“We have high expectations of our students and we know that they can achieve,” Dr. Macary said.

“We also have high expectations of our teachers and administrators,” Mr. Testa said. “No one slips through the cracks in Vernon. Every student matters and we are committed to making sure every student gets the support they need to be successful.”

Vernon Agriculture Science and Technology Students Grow Fresh Produce to be Served in Rockville High Cafeteria You’ve heard of ‘Farm to Table.’ How about ‘Farm to Cafeteria Tray?’

The Vernon Public Schools are taking the “farm to table” movement to a new level. Students in Rockville High School’s Agriculture Science and Technology (ASTE) program are growing cucumbers and lettuce their classmates will enjoy in the school cafeteria.

You might call it farm to cafeteria tray.

Project Homegrown is a partnership between the Vernon Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Department and the ASTE program, and in addition to growing fresh produce includes the composting of kitchen scraps from the cafeteria. The compost is added to the soil used to grow the fresh produce.

Rockville High School Senior Jessica Donovan displays the cucumbers she just harvested.

“I have been thinking a lot about the ASTE program and how we could work together,” said Elizabeth Fisher, Director of Food and Nutrition for the Vernon Public Schools. “I reached out to Erika Bahler, who is the director, and asked if they’d be interested in starting a collaboration and Erika said ‘absolutely.’”

Junior Troy Balsewicz carries a tray of lettuce from the ASTE greenhouse.

The impetus was a grant program through the North Central District Health Department to encourage farm to school programs and to help cover costs, which consisted largely of vegetable seeds, bins for vegetable scraps, and other supplies.

On Wednesday (May 4, 2022) Rockville High Senior Jessica Donovan harvested the first cucumbers. Junior Troy Balsewicz made a first cutting of the lettuce he and his teachers and classmates grew.

Rockville High Senior Jessica Donovan cuts cucumbers from a vine in the ASTE greenhouse.

When the weather gets warmer, the ASTE students will also grow cherry tomatoes in a garden they have prepared. The garden club will continue to grow food through the summer and fall for the Vernon Schools nutrition program.

“I can’t think of a better way to reinforce for the Rockville High School community the important contributions of the ASTE program and agriculture in general,” Vernon Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Macary said. “Our students will be enjoying fresh vegetables grown by their friends just a few hundred feet from where they are eating. This is great for everybody.”

Rockville High ASTE Teacher Erika Bahler shows students Jessica Donovan and Troy Balsewicz how to harvest lettuce.

Bahler said students in horticulture classes and the after school garden club are enthusiastic about providing classmates with hyper-locally sourced lunches in the cafeteria and showing off what they do at ASTE.

“They’re excited about the fact that what they are growing is going to be in their school lunch, that they’re going to find it in the school cafeteria when they get lunch each day,” Bahler said.

Junior Troy Balsewicz carries lettuce he just harvested.

“It’s great to have fresh produce that is locally grown,” Donovan said, adding locally-grown food is easier to transport and helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases. “You get to see where the food you grow goes and the affect it has on your community. Other students also get to see what we’ve been doing in the ag program.”

Donovan snipped the cucumbers from their vine, which is growing in an ASTE greenhouse. Teacher Erika Bahler helped her determine which cucumbers were ready to be picked and which need some more growing time.

Bahler showed Balsewicz how to cut the lettuce, also grown in a green house, then he finished the job, placing the mixed greens in a bucket for delivery to the cafeteria.

“It’s a really nice opportunity to be able to do this,” Balsewicz said. “We’re able to provide something for the school and our fellow students get to see what the ag program is doing. Many of the people over there really don’t know what goes on over here.”

And while the Vernon Public Schools Food and Nutrition Department uses locally grown produce as much as possible, the produce grown by the ASTE students takes it a new level.

“You can’t get any fresher than next door,” Bahler said.

Vernon Center Middle School Student Creates Word that is Recognized by New York Times in Vocabulary Challenge
Sixth Grader Blake Lewis Earns Honorable Mention for Word ‘Seath’

Sixth and seventh graders in Regina Lee’s Talented and Gifted classes at Vernon Center Middle School spent several class sessions discussing how words are created and then went to work inventing new words.

Sixth grader Blake Lewis’ word was judged to be so original that it won “honorable mention” from The New York Times in a Vocabulary Challenge for middle and high school students. Read the story here.

Blake Lewis

“When I first gave the kids this assignment some of them were really intimated,” Lee said. The concept of creating words is difficult. And there’s a tendency for older people to dismiss new words created and spoken by younger generations, she said. “Older people say, ‘that’s not a real word.’”

In fact, new words are created all the time to fill new needs.

“Every word is a real word,” Lee said. “Whether words get into the dictionary depends on how well we decide they meet the needs of our language. And that means how commonly new words are used.”

Lee had her students view a TED talk by lexicographer Erin McKean, who urges students to create new words. Just as people create art and music, they can and should create words, she said.

“You can make a new word right now,” she said. “English has no age limit. Everybody who speaks English decides together what’s a word and what’s not a word. Every language is just a group of people who agree to understand each other.”

New words can be created in a variety of ways – by taking them from other languages, compounding words by putting two words together, or blending by combining two words into one, McKean said.

To create his word, Blake, 11, thought about articles he has read about the health of the world’s oceans.

“There is information about how the seas’ health is getting worse and worse,” Blake said. “So, I thought of a word for it – ‘seath.’ I used “sea” and the last part of ‘health.’”

He said he was “amazed” when he learned the judges at The New York Times listed his word among the top entries they received.

“I’m hoping that someday Blake’s word is used by scientists,” Lee said. She suggested the “seath scale for ocean health” would be a good way for the word to be used. In the submission to The New York Times, Blake suggested this sentence: “Horrible pollution is decreasing our world seath.”

Although Blake’s word was the only one to be recognized by The New York Times, Vernon Center Middle Schools created many interesting and fun words, Lee said.

Some of those words include:

• CollyDrop: a person who drops out of college. – Parker Burns, grade 6
• Sheltooz: a house with a lot of pets and a crazy dynamic. – Storm Berard, grade 7
• Arreltion: when you find something (a book, movie, TV show or song) that puts the emotions you have been feeling into words and makes you feel seen and understood. – Rowan Hodgkins, grade 7
• Knucklepluckle: someone who picks at their fingers, cuticles or nails. – Lucy Powers, grade 7
• Jad: when you feel happy for someone because they got a good opportunity, but also sad because they will be leaving to seize the new opportunity. – Soumil Jain, grade 7
• Snickely: the act of sneezing uncontrollably. – Jacob Brown, grade 6
• Crish or crished: what happens when you drop a glass item and it breaks into many pieces. – Mason Pitkin, grade 6
• Exquizamble or exquizambled: to make someone think they look better than they actually do, or to act as if you look better than you actually do. – Livia Castle, grade 7

Author and Vernon Resident Joy Houlder Visits Vernon Elementary Schools to Read Her Children’s Book ‘Calvin Dreams’ to Students

VERNON, Connecticut – Some Vernon elementary school students received a special treat this month when author Joy Houlder visited their classrooms to read from her book “Calvin Dreams: And that he will be bigger than the moon!”

At Vernon’s Skinner Road School, students were enthralled by Calvin and Houlder’s vivid illustrations, which show Calvin exploring his dreams with his stuffed bunny as a sidekick.

Author Joy Houlder reads her book “Calvin Dreams” to second graders in Denise LaVacca’s class at Vernon’s Skinner Road School.

When Houlder finished reading, the students’ arms shot into the air with questions about those illustrations, what it’s like to write a book and about Calvin.

“Can I tell you all something?” Houlder said. “Calvin is a real boy.” The children gasped.

“Calvin is actually my little brother,” Houlder continued. “He was 1 when I wrote this book.” 

And then there was one more surprise. Houlder told the children that she is one of them. She grew up in Vernon, attended Vernon Public Schools, then college, where she wrote the book about Calvin, who is now 4. The students saw in her someone they could aspire to be.

Author Joy Houlder reads to first graders in Lauren Worsham’s class at Vernon’s Skinner Road School.

“Ms. Houlder is an example of all the great things you can accomplish when you work hard,” Melissa Trantolo, the Director of Teaching and Learning for Vernon Public Schools, told the first graders in Lauren Worsham’s class. 

As she stood up to leave, some students gathered around to hug her and ask more questions.

“I’m going to be dreaming about this,” Houlder said. “It’s incredible and humbling at the same time.”

Houlder, 24, works for Eastern Connecticut Health Network as a Family Resource Specialist at Vernon’s Maple Street School, where teachers and students know her and her book well.

Second graders at Vernon’s Skinner Road School listen as Author Joy Houlder reads her book “Calvin Dreams.”

“So many teachers at Maple Street School were telling me about Joy and what a fabulous person she is,  what a fantastic author and illustrator she is and about the positive messages she is sending out to our students,” Trantolo said. “I went and met her and absolutely fell in love with her. I asked her if she would be willing to visit all the schools and share her story with them?”

Houlder happily agreed.

“The kids absolutely loved her,” Trantolo said. “They’re able to quickly make connections with her, and her book shows students of color in a positive light and lets all students know they have a place. It’s just amazing.”

Houlder said she wrote “Calvin Dreams” because she was excited to have a little brother and because she saw a void in books for children of color. In many situations, a Black male protagonist is working for civil rights or in another historical context. She said she wanted to create a book that featured a Black boy in fantasy situations. Those are the types of books she had trouble finding herself in when she was young.

She wrote the book for Calvin so he would have something special, but was encouraged by a college professor to think bigger. She began drawing and then putting together a story as a special course during her senior year at Emmanuel College in Boston. She graduated in May 2019 and the book was published the following December.

On the back cover is a message to the children she is trying to reach: “Dear underrepresented child, believe in yourself and chase your dreams.”

“Calvin Dreams” can be found online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

U.S. News & World Report ranks Vernon’s Lake Street School Among Best in Connecticut

Vernon, Connecticut – U.S. News & World Report magazine, long known for ranking colleges and healthcare providers, has listed Vernon’s Lake Street School among the best elementary schools in Connecticut.

The magazine this month released its first ranking of elementary and middle schools nationwide. The magazine used data reported to state and federal agencies to rank more than 80,000 public elementary and middle schools across the country.

Lake Street School was ranked No. 60 out of 560 schools in Connecticut. The magazine’s rankings are based on math and reading proficiency on state assessments as well as how students perform compared to expectations. The data the magazine relied on is from the 2018-2019 school year.

“Our teachers, administrators and staff work hard each day with the goal of challenging students to achieve at the highest level,” said Dr. Joseph Macary, Vernon’s Superintendent of Schools. “Parents play a key role in that effort and the success of our students, and this ranking is recognition of that work.”

Lake Street School, like all Vernon Public Schools, has a culture where students thrive and are challenged to do their best work, Principal Terese Duenzl said.

“This recognition from U.S. News is based on test scores, which are important in assessing our students’ performance and tell part of the story about what makes Lake Street School a wonderful place for children to learn,” Duenzl said. “But Lake Street School is about much more than test scores. We have a strong and supportive family community. Our staff works together to do what’s best for kids. As a result, our students are engaged, challenged each day, immersed in the arts, and taught to think critically and collaboratively as they grow into life-long learners.”

While Lake Street School has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, all Vernon Public Schools are focused on creating an environment where all students can achieve at the highest level, Assistant School Superintendent Robert Testa said.

“In every Vernon school, everything we do each day is designed to move students forward,” Testa said. “We have a high quality curriculum, top-notch educators and high expectations for everyone. We look at each child in our schools and ask, ‘what does this child need to do his or her best,’ and then we do whatever we can for that student. We know that all Vernon children are capable of being top performers and we push them toward that.”

Last year, Vernon’s Northeast School was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School. Northeast School’s students, families, teachers, staff and administrators were recognized for overall academic excellence and closing the achievement gap.

“If you have a quality teaching staff and focused interventions in English Language Arts and Mathematics for students who are not yet on grade level, you are moving forward,” Dr. Macary said. “Add in a relevant curriculum and a culture of students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff working as a team, and everyone benefits.”

Vernon Students Return to School
Superintendent Greets Newest Students, Teachers 

VERNON, Connecticut – The first day of school in Vernon was filled with anticipation, excitement, lots of smiles and 45 new teachers and staff who eagerly joined their veteran colleagues to provide Vernon students with the best educational experience possible.

 “The students are telling me they are happy to be back,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “Teachers, paraprofessionals and other school staff are telling me the same thing. We are having a great first day of school and everyone is happy to be here.”

Dr. Macary greets students Wednesday morning at Center Road School.

Dr. Macary, joined by Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa and Director of Business and Finance William Meier, toured district schools Wednesday to check in with principals, staff and students, and to provide a special greeting to new teachers and kindergarteners.

At Center Road School Dr. Macary asked kindergarteners how many could count to 10 already. Several then demonstrated their counting skills and earned a round of applause from their teachers and administrators.

“It’s great to see everybody,” Dr. Macary told children in Kristen Piscottano’s kindergarten class at Center Road School. “Everybody have a great first day.”

Dr. Macary greets new teacher Anthony Messina at Maple Street School.

At Maple Street School Dr. Macary dropped in on Anthony Messina’s fifth grade class to welcome Mr. Messina to Vernon. “Welcome, we’re glad to have you here,” Dr. Macary said. “Let me know if you need anything.”

Although students returned to school Wednesday, teachers have been preparing their classrooms and attending training and the annual convocation to open school.

Regina Lee, Vernon’s Teacher of the Year and a talented and gifted teacher at Vernon Center Middle School, urged her fellow teachers to never become discouraged, to remember the immense responsibility that comes with being a teacher, and to appreciate the lasting impact they will have on students.

Vernon Teacher of the Year Regina Lee speaks to Dr. Macary at Vernon Center Middle School.

“We have the unique ability of meeting the students at their current stage of development, embracing their strengths and weaknesses, and showing them we like them and care about them no matter what,” Lee said. “We have to love them no matter what kind of day we are having.”

She described the teachers who helped her during her journey from being a young immigrant who did not speak English to an adult who treasures their opportunity to help her students learn and achieve.

“During their whole lives our students will have people putting limits on their hopes, telling them they can’t, or they never will,” she said. “Regardless of what happens in our classroom, we must not be part of that destructive crowd, even subconsciously. We don’t have to condone everything our students do but the words we choose and our actions will be remembered by them forever, and will definitely impact some of the decisions they make. None of us are set in stone. We change all the time. Our students don’t always understand that so we have to show them that their world is full of possibilities and potential for change.”

Lee told her colleagues that in their classrooms, they are the most powerful people in the room and their influence on their students is great.
“Let’s behave every day as if that is the day students will remember about us,” she said.

The continuing coronavirus pandemic is impacting schools. Students will continue to wear masks and to socially distance. All Vernon students will also continue to receive free breakfast and lunch through the 2021-2022 school year.

The first day lunch in Vernon schools featured Dzen Farm corn and Johnny Appleseed’s Farm apples.

Elizabeth Fisher, the director of Food and Nutrition Services, is working to ensure students have the most nutritious meals possible. Monday’s lunch featured corn from Dzen Farms in South Windsor and apples from Johnny Appleseed’s Farm in Ellington.

No paperwork is required to participate in the free meal program, although it is critical that all eligible families complete and submit free and reduced-price meal applications to the school district so that it can be determined whether they are eligible for other programs. For more information, please visit the Food & Nutrition Services page on the district website.
 

VERNON STUDENTS WIN LOCAL FIRE PREVENTION POSTER CONTEST

Two Vernon Public Schools students were honored in January for their artistic efforts and fire prevention messages.

Shawn Parrot, 8, a third-grader at Skinner Road School, and Chase Kopcza, 9, a fourth-grader at Lake Street School, were the Vernon winners in the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest.

Shawn Parrot, left, and Chase Kopcza display their winning posters.

Vernon Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski and Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Wilcox presented each winner with a certificate and a gift card during visits to their schools.

Shawn said his poster is intended to help children understand that “you should not play with lighters and matches.” 

Shawn's poster

Shawn also said he wanted people to understand that firefighters “help people when there is a fire.” Shawn is a student in Carol Chatterton’s class.

Chase’s poster show’s an elaborate forest scene with a tent, pine trees and a camp fire. He said he wanted people to know “how dangerous it is to leave your campfire unattended if you go to bed” and that “It could start a forest fire.” 

Chase's poster

Chase said his mom, an artist, explained to him how to create a realistic scene, and how to draw pine trees. “It’s very tiring for your fingers,” he said. Chase is a student in Stephanie Schipper’s class.

All Vernon Public Schools third- and fourth-graders were eligible to enter the contest and Wasilewski and Wilcox judged the entries. Chase’s poster will move on to the Tolland County poster contest.

Shawn Parrot is recognized by Vernon Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski, left, Skinner Road School Principal Bryan Kerachsky and Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Wilcox.

“We have a lot of creative and artistic students in Vernon and they did such a great job with their posters it was really difficult to choose winners,” Wasilewski said. “Ultimately, Chris and I thought Shawn’s and Chase’s posters best illustrated this year’s theme of “Fire Prevention, Everyone, Every Day.”

Chase Kopcza is recognized by Vernon Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski, Lake Street School Principal Tracy Duenzl and Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Wilcox.

The annual poster contest is sponsored by the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, the State Fire Marshal, the Connecticut Department of Education Connecticut Fair Plan, an insurance provider.
 

Counselor at Vernon Center Middle School Donates Kidney to Save a Life, Urges Others to Consider Becoming Living Organ Donors

VERNON, Connecticut – As a counselor at Vernon Center Middle School, Kim Sass is used to regularly giving of herself to help students with the myriad of issues and struggles adolescents face each day.

But it was a billboard that Sass spotted along I-84 that got her thinking about another way she could quite literally give of herself to help another person.

“I remember that there was a woman, a mother from Willington, who put up a billboard for her son,” Sass recalled. “He needed a kidney.”

Mary Kozicki is that mother and she was seeking a living donor to provide a kidney for her son Austin, who since he was a child has struggled with a disease that damaged his kidney. It was now time for a transplant and the wait for a kidney can be years.

Sass thought about the billboard. She is healthy and strong, has no chronic health issues and has participated in marathons and triathlons in the past.

“As everything was happening with COVID, you just more and more give thanks for your health,” Sass said. “I began to think donating a kidney was something I could do and I started looking in to living organ donation.”

Sass contacted Hartford Hospital and in August began the process of becoming a living donor. There were interviews with the transplant coordinator, a social worker, a nephrologist and the surgeon, medical evaluations and testing.  She was approved to be a living donor at the end of October.

Sass got word in mid-November that she matched someone who needed a kidney and underwent surgery December 3^rd.

Sass knows only that her kidney went to a child. She’s curious about who the person is and what condition the recipient has been enduring. In the end, Sass returns to what motivated her to become a donor in the first place – her good fortune of being a healthy person and her belief she could help someone.

“I don’t know who got my kidney, but I do know that if they were on the transplant list their life was being dramatically affected,” Sass said. “If I can function with one kidney, I’m walking around with something someone else needs to live a normal life.”

That the recipient of her kidney was a child makes Sass wonder whether he or she can now go outside and play, go to school and live a life untethered to hospitals and machines.

 “I think it’s kind of neat that I can do something that has such a dramatic impact on someone’s life,” she said.

Sass said she hopes others will consider becoming living donors. It’s rewarding and safe for the donor and life-changing for the recipient, she said.

Kozicki, whose billboard inspired Sass, said she was delighted to learn of Sass’s decision. It’s the third donation Kozicki said she knows of resulting from a person seeing the billboard.

Her son Austin did find a donor and received a kidney and is doing well, she added.

“The Living Donation program at Hartford Hospital is such an amazing program that I never knew existed,” Kozicki said. “Our family, we just don’t have the ability to be donors and I thought we were going to be on the list forever.”

Kozicki said she was glad to be able to spread the word about the living donation and to build awareness and to encourage others to consider donating.

“I felt very strongly it wasn’t just about Austin’s need for a kidney, but raising awareness about the need for kidney donors and awareness of the living donor program,” she said. “It is so easy to save someone’s life. Not only Austin’s life was saved but other peoples’ lives were saved. To be a small part of spreading the word, that feels amazing.”

Sass views her experience as a living donor the same way. Although she was reluctant to speak publicly about donating a kidney, she decided it was important to spread the word and to encourage others to consider being a living donor because the need is so great.

“In my job I have to be an advocate for kids,” Sass said. “If I’m doing this and I have a good experience, I think my job right now is to advocate for people to be living donors.”

To David Caruso, the principal at Vernon Center Middle School, Sass’s decision to be a living donor provides an example to students at VCMS and throughout the Vernon Public Schools.

“We talk about our core values all the time and what it means to be a good person and to help people,” Caruso said. “It exemplifies what we value at Vernon Center Middle School and in the Vernon community, the giving of one’s self to help others. Educators are doing that every single day. Kim just found a different way to do it.”

Kari Rancourt, a nurse and transplant coordinator at Hartford Hospital, said there are 388 people waiting for a kidney transplant through Hartford Hospital’s transplant program, and the number grows each year. Nationally, about 100,000 people are waiting for a transplant and about 20,000 transplant surgeries occur, she said.

“The problem with kidney disease is it’s not super visible,” Rancourt said. “People don’t truly understand how life-saving a donation can be. This really is a life-changing and life-saving gift.”

People who are organ donors at death help, but only three out of 1,000 people die in a way that allows for organ donation, Rancourt said. That makes living donors crucial.

Sass was unusual in that she was a non-directed donor, meaning she volunteered without a specific recipient in mind. It’s rare for the transplant program to hear from people interested in such a donation, but Rancourt said she’d love to hear from more.

“Non-directed donors are very special people,” she said. “For the person who is moved to do this, they’re moved by some bigger calling and they are definitely part of an amazing group of people.”

The process is voluntary and donors can change their minds at any time, Rancourt said. All of a donor’s medical costs related to the donation are covered, she added.

“There’s no greater gift you can give than the gift of life,” Rancourt said.

For more information about the Living Donor program at Hartford Hospital,  please call 860-696-2021 or visit:

https://hartfordhospital.org/services/transplant-services/departments-services/living-donation

Rockville High School’s Unified Sports Team wins Michaels’ Jewelers Cup and National Banner

VERNON, Connecticut -- Rockville High School’s Unified Sports program has been making winners and a difference for more than a decade and was recently honored by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference as one of the best programs in Connecticut.

The team received the Michaels Jewelers’ Unified Sports Cup Award, which recognizes the team and its athletes for what they achieve both on and off the court. Rockville High’s program also won a National Unified Champion School banner from Special Olympics.

Rockville High School Unified Sports athletes and mentors pose with the Michaels’ Jewelers Cup and the National Unified Champion School banner.

Unified Sports is a movement in Special Olympics to bring students with disabilities together with their peers who do not have disabilities. About 95 percent of Connecticut’s high schools participate in the program.

Unified Sports athletes at Rockville High compete in soccer, basketball, bowling and tennis. But athletics is only part of what happens. The athletes and their student mentors and coaches also host an annual Snowflake Dance for area Unified Sports programs and sponsor an annual bowling tournament. They also join together for fundraising efforts, a family pasta dinner, trips to professional sporting events and programs with students in Rockville High’s Agricultural Science & Technology Program.

“This is an opportunity for the students with disabilities to participate and to be part of the school’s athletic program,” said Joe Prignano, the team’s coach and a transition coordinator in Rockville High School’s special education program. “When they compete they are incredibly competitive, but it is also nurturing. The sportsmanship and comradery is unbelievable when you go to these events.”

The Michaels’ Cup will reside at Rockville High for the year. The banner is Rockville High’s to keep.

Rockville High School Unified Sports athletes Emily Aiudi, Peter Kratzke, Brianna Jimenez and Alexis Lebel pose with the Michaels’ Cup.

“The Michaels’ Cup is like an Olympic gold medal,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Macary said. “And winning the Michaels’ Cup is wonderful recognition of a program that illustrates our school system’s commitment to a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity. Unified Sports is good for the athletes and it’s good for our schools and community.”

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said the Unified Sports team’s achievement is something he hopes makes all Vernon residents proud. “On behalf of myself and the town council, congratulations to the athletes, coaches, mentors and everyone else who supports Unified Sports and played a role in this amazing accomplishment.”

“The Michaels’ Cup is a big deal for Rockville High School and we are so honored to have earned it,” added Rockville High School Principal Jason Magao. “Our athletes, mentors and coaches make us proud.”

The mentors are students who do not have disabilities who volunteer to help their fellow students enjoy sports and the other programs the team offers.

“Our mentors, they’re so good-natured,” Prignano said. “They blend very well with our athletes.”

Ashley McCauley, a Rockville High senior and team mentor, said she got involved in Unified Sports as a freshman. “It looked like fun and a good way to include students with disabilities in the larger school community,” she said. “I love it.”

Peter Kratzke and Tyler Lapointe are in their third year as athletes on Rockville High’s Unified Sports team. Both said they love sports, competing and being on the team.

“We like to warm up and get ready for our games,” Lapointe said.

“I like the sports and it motivates me to get healthier, “ Kratzke said.

The coronavirus pandemic has limited what the team has been able to do, but the team hasn’t given up, McCauley said. “We can’t do basketball or soccer, but we’re trying bocce.”

The relationships mentors and athletes build carry over into other school activities, which is important, said Megan McAuliffe, another mentor. “The relationships we build continue outside of Unified,” she said. “We gain a lot of friends.”

Vernon Schools Work to Ensure Students Have Reliable Internet Access at Home

VERNON, Connecticut – Since the spring, Vernon Public Schools staff have worked hard to ensure all students have laptop computers and reliable access to the internet so that they can fully participate in virtual and hybrid learning.

School staff have stayed in contact with families to troubleshoot any issues and have become aware that some students are struggling with spotty internet access and other issues. It’s a problem that school officials are ready to help families address.

“It is crucial that children have reliable internet connections so that they can fully participate in their classes,” Vernon Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said. “We have had a lot of success addressing technology needs, but we understand that situations change. We want to hear from anyone who is having trouble because we can help.”

It is Cynthia Zingler’s team in the district’s Family School and Community Partnerships Center that is on the leading edge of helping school families and breaking down barriers to learning, including spotty internet access.

“Families should contact their principal or school social worker if they are having internet access difficulties,” said Zingler, Director of Family School and Community Partnerships. Families can also reach out directly to Zingler at czingler@vernon-ct.gov.

Internet access is just one of the many ways the Family School and Community Partnerships Center helps children and families. For many families, the Center is their first point of contact with Vernon Schools because it is where they register their children for school.

The Center also offers playgroups for preschoolers to build relationships between parents and the school system, and provides families with tools and strategies for at home learning. The Center also helps connect families with community services, including basic needs such as food and clothing. There’s really no problem or issue Zingler and her team won’t try to address.

“When anyone has a need, we look for a way to help,” Zingler said. “By having relationships with service organizations and state and local agencies, we can usually figure out a way to get a family the assistance it needs.”

The Center’s goal is to engage families with the school system early and to eliminate all barriers to a child’s success in school.

“Food and housing-insecurity are barriers that can interfere with a child’s ability to learn and thrive in school,” Zingler said. “It makes sense for the school system to take an active role in helping families through difficult times. If we can help keep a child focused on school and learning, the whole community benefits.”

Research shows that when schools, parents, families and communities work together, students earn higher grades, attend school more regularly, stay in school and are more motivated.

“All of this work is about building trust and relationships,” Zingler said. “When we work together, we set high standards for all students, in all classrooms, and work with parents to help their children meet those standards. And that’s good for everybody.”

Construction Underway on Final Phase of Safe Routes to School Initiative

Program Encourages Children to Walk and Bicycle to Skinner Road School

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Construction is underway on the final phase of a multi-year effort to encourage students to walk and bike to school and to make the routes children take to school safer.

Much of the work is funded by the Safe Routes to School grant the Town of Vernon received several years ago which focused on Skinner Road School. Careful management of construction costs has allowed for additional improvements to the sidewalks that lead to Rockville High School.

“By being careful stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars, we are able to do more with this project than initially planned,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “These sidewalk improvements will benefit everyone, but especially our community’s school children.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and the Connecticut Department of Transportation funded most of the grant. The Town of Vernon also completed some of the work.

“We know that physical activity, such as walking or biking to school, is beneficial for children,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “Being active helps students do better academically and have lower levels of stress. This work to improve routes to Skinner Road School will make them more accessible for children with disabilities and safer for all children.”

The final phase includes replacing existing asphalt sidewalk with concrete sidewalk in the following locations:

 Along Dart Hill Road west of Skinner Road toward the bridge over the Hockanum River.
 Along both sides of Route 83 from Regan and Dart Hill roads to the Loveland Hill Road intersection.
 Along the east side of Loveland Hill Road to the southern entrance to Rockville High School.

The bulk of the work is complete with crews now focused on the Loveland Hill Road portion of the project.
In locations where the sidewalk intersects a driveway, a concrete driveway apron will be installed.

Other improvements under the grant have included reconfiguring the Skinner Road School parking lot, a new walking path on school grounds, a walking path connecting Hayes Drive with Barbara Drive, improved crosswalks and signage along Skinner Road, all of which were completed by Vernon Public Works Department crews.

“The improvements around Skinner Road School have been years in the making and it’s gratifying to see that we are entering the final stage,” Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “There was tremendous collaboration among school, town officials and community stakeholders, who saw the benefits the Safe Routes to School program would bring and then worked together to make it a reality.”

The Safe Routes to School initiative’s goals include: reducing childhood obesity and getting children physically active by walking or riding bicycles to school, making the routes children take to reach school safer and more pedestrian-friendly, and reducing congestion and air pollution by having fewer children driven to school.

The contractor selected for the sidewalk work is Wiese Construction of Norwich. The cost of the project is approximately $500,000.00. Milone and MacBroom consultants of Cheshire prepared the specifications and plans and will inspect the work.

Maple Street School Students Create 266 Veterans Day Cards to Win Superintendent’s Challenge

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The students at Vernon’s Maple Street School have won the Annual “Superintendent’s Challenge” by creating 266 hand-made cards for local Veterans to mark Veterans Day.

For several years Vernon’s superintendent of schools has challenged students to make cards for veterans and Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary continued the tradition this year.

Vernon students created 1,163 cards that were distributed to veterans though local businesses and organizations and at the Veterans Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill.

“Understanding the meaning of Veterans Day is important, and this is a way for all students, especially our youngest students, to begin to develop an appreciation for the special people who have served our nation in the armed forces,” Dr. Macary said. “The students at Maple Street School did an especially wonderful job creating cards for our veterans.”

At Maple Street School, some students made more than one card, Principal Josh Egan said. Teachers urged their students to create cards and the art teacher encouraged students too, he said.

“My father was a veteran so we wanted to make sure we were supporting our veterans for all they did for the country,” Egan said.

Veterans Day falls on November 11th each year, and marks the armistice that ended World War I on November 11th, 1918. The holiday, initially called Armistice Day, was created in 1919.

Schools were in session on Armistice Day because school and community leaders understood that the best way to convey the somber meaning of the day was to have children in school. The holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954, and eventually schools closed on the holiday.

In 1995, the legislature changed the law to allow Connecticut schools to be in session on Veterans Day if there were programs about veterans. Vernon has opted to be open on Veterans Day for several years.

The Vernon Public Schools, in partnership with family and community, is committed to provide a quality education,
with high expectations, in a safe environment where all students become independent learners and productive
contributors to society.

This year, COVID-19 prevented veterans from visiting to talk to students about their experiences in the armed forces and to help them understand the meaning of the day. But that will resume.
“The students learn firsthand about what the holiday means,” Dr. Macary said. “I think it’s really, really powerful and it brings Veterans Day to life.”

Egan said it is unfortunate students were not able to meet and listen to veterans this year.
“Having veterans in the building and celebrating them is a great thing,” Egan said. “We have a lot of family members that served and it’s a great way to show them our appreciation.”

Congressman Joe Courtney Visits Northeast School, Tells Students to be Proud of National Blue Ribbon School Award

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Students at Vernon’s Northeast School got a special visitor and a special gift Thursday as they continue to celebrate their school’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, congratulated students for the hard work that earned Northeast School the National Blue Ribbon School award from the U. S. Department of Education, and presented the school with an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol.

“Northeast School is a very special place,” Congressman Courtney told fifth graders as he recalled his son Bobby’s time as a student at Northeast many years ago. “Bobby had teachers who worked hard to help him and it made a huge difference in his life. I’m so grateful to the team that is here. It is very clear to me that kind of commitment to students is still what this school is all about.”

Congressman Courtney tried to help the students understand the significant of their achievement. Of the more than 100,000 public schools in the United States, Northeast School was among the very few selected for recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School because of the hard work of students and their teachers. As a member of the education committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Courtney said he knows how “intensely competitive” the selection process is.

“You guys did it,” he said. “Think about that. That is a really huge statement about the work that every single one of you is doing. Because you worked so hard, because you’ve got such great teachers, you have been recognized in Washington, D.C., as being a center of excellence and that’s something you should feel really good about.”

Northeast School was among 367 schools nationwide and four in Connecticut to be honored.

The annual awards program recognizes schools for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing the achievement gap. Northeast was recognized for closing the achievement gap, but has actually achieved both, ranking among the top 15 percent of all schools in the state the past two years and helping its high need students achieve at a high level.

Each year since the 2015-16 school year, the number of students at Northeast School meeting or exceeding grade level proficiency in English Language Arts and Math has increased.

For the 2015-16 school year, 56.9 percent of Northeast Students met or exceeded the standard in English Language Arts and 44.5 percent met or exceeded the standard in math.

By the 2019-19 school year, the number of students meeting or exceeding the standard increased 22.8 percent in English Language Arts to 69.9 percent, and in math the number increased 44 percent to 64.1 percent of students meeting or exceeding the standard.

The same level of progress has been demonstrated in the Connecticut’s Next Generation Accountability results, which are essentially a report card for a school’s whole approach to teaching students.

In four of the last five years, Northeast School’s score has beat the state average. And the past two years, Northeast School was rated among the top 15 percent of schools in the state.

Northeast School Principal Brenda Greene said what’s special about the National Blue Ribbon School Award is that schools cannot apply for it.

“You work hard, do your job and focus on helping your students be successful,” she said. “And maybe your school is recognized. What is important is that the kids have a great experience here and are prepared for middle school and high school. The foundational skills you get in elementary schools are not taught again. This is it. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure students are ready for middle school.”

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said it is gratifying for Vernon schools to receive not only state recognition but national recognition.

The teachers and staff at Northeast School create an environment for children to learn, to grow and to be successful, Testa said.

“One measure we look at is how many students are connected to at least one adult,” Testa said. “In this school, all of our students are connected to adults. That’s what creates the climate where every student is noticed, every student is challenged and every student is supported so that they can do the best they can.”

Congressman Courtney posed for a photo with school students and staff with the flag he brought from the capitol.

“Remember this moment,” he told the children. “This is a very rare thing and you should all feel very good about it.

Deputy Commissioner of Education Visits Northeast School, Praises Students for National Blue Ribbon School Achievement

 (VERNON, Connecticut) – Connecticut Deputy Education Commissioner Desi Nesmith visited Vernon’s Northeast School Tuesday to celebrate the school’s achievement of the National Blue Ribbon School award and to congratulate students and teachers for their hard work.

“I want you to know how proud we at the state Department of Education are of all of your hard work,” Deputy Commissioner Nesmith told students gathered outside the school. “Congratulations and thank you for working so hard.”

Northeast School was one of only four school in Connecticut and 367 in the nation to be designated a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020. The annual awards program recognizes schools for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing the achievement gap. Northeast School was recognized for closing the achievement gap, but its students are also top performers in Connecticut.

Northeast School has ranked among the top 15 percent of all schools in the state the past two years.

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Macary asked the students if they knew why they were being recognized?

“Because we are a great school and we are all great students,” a student replied.

Deputy Commissioner Nesmith presented Northeast School with a banner recognizing the National Blue Ribbon School award and urged the students to keep focused on learning.

“Please keep up the hard work,” Deputy Commissioner Nesmith said. “We are so proud of you and you should be proud of yourselves. Well done Northeast School.”

Additional events to celebrate Northeast School’s achievement are scheduled for this week.

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne Honors Northeast School Students, Teachers and Staff for Hard Work and Recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne honored the students and staff at Northeast School Monday morning for their hard work and for being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Mayor Champagne read a proclamation and told Northeast’s students that he and the entire Town of Vernon are proud of them.

“What you have achieved in being named a National Blue Ribbon School is very special,” Mayor Champagne said. “Congratulations to all of you, to your principal, to the staff and your parents for coming together and working so hard to distinguish yourselves as one of the top schools in the nation.”

Northeast School was one four schools in Connecticut and one of 367 in the nation to achieve the National Blue Ribbon designation this year.

“The entire Northeast School family should be very proud of their many accomplishments and unwavering dedication to a world class education for all,” reads the proclamation from Mayor Champagne and the Town Council.

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Macary said the honor “validates the hard work of dedicated teachers and staff” and cooperation by parents and the community. “This type of continuous and diligent collaboration helps our students thrive.”

Mayor Champagne singled out Northeast Principal Brenda Greene for her focus on getting the best out of Northeast students. “Dr. Greene has high expectations of everyone at Northeast and works hard to create an atmosphere where students, teachers and staff can achieve at a high level,” Mayor Champagne said.

This week is National Blue Ribbon School Celebration Week in all of Vernon’s schools.

“We’ve very, very excited and we’re proud of all of you,” Dr. Macary told the students. “It’ because of you we have this award, because of your hard work, your teachers’ hard work, the staff, and your parents. Enjoy it. It’s going to be a great week.”

The annual awards program recognizes schools for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing the achievement gap. Northeast is being recognized for closing the achievement gap, but has actually achieved both, ranking among the top 15 percent of all schools in the state the past two years and helping all students achieve at a high level.

Each year since the 2015-16 school year, the number of students at Northeast School meeting or exceeding grade level proficiency in English Language Arts and Math has increased.

For the 2015-16 school year, 56.9 percent of Northeast Students met or exceeded the standard in English Language Arts and 44.5 percent met or exceeded the standard in math.

By the 2019-19 school year, the number of students meeting or exceeding the standard increased 22.8 percent in English Language Arts to 69.9 percent, and in math the number increased 44 percent to 64.1 percent of students meeting or exceeding the standard.

The same level of progress has been demonstrated in the Connecticut’s Next Generation Accountability results, which are essentially a report card for a school’s whole approach to teaching students.

In four of the last five years, Northeast School’s score has beat the state average. And for the past two years, Northeast School was rated among the top 15 percent of schools in the state.

“The key to Northeast School’s success is we look at the kids individually,” said Dr. Brenda Greene, who has been principal at Northeast School for nine years. “We ask, ‘what does this child need?’ We drill down and do whatever we can for the individual student. That child will be the best he or she can be.”

Dr. Macary said that if such results can be achieved at Northeast School, they can be achieved at any school.

“If you have a quality teaching staff and focused interventions in both English Language Arts and Mathematics for students who are not on grade level, you are helping push the tide forward,” Dr. Macary said. “That along with a relevant curriculum is a formula for success. It’s a team effort – students, parents, teachers, administration, staff, everybody.”

There is a simple but powerful mantra at Northeast School, “Work hard and Be Nice.” Northeast School was previously recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School during the 1991-1992 school year.

Vernon Seventh Grader Tommy Glinski Kicks-Off 5th Annual ‘Socktober’ Campaign to Help Cornerstone Foundation

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Tommy Glinski, a seventh grader at Vernon Center Middle School, is in the midst of another “Socktober” campaign to collect socks for people who are homeless.

He has collected more than 1,500 pairs of socks and nearly $1,000 in four years to aid Vernon’s Cornerstone Foundation, which serves the area’s homeless population. And Tommy is hoping this year’s effort is the biggest yet.

Tommy began collecting socks for the Cornerstone Foundation in 2016, when he was a third grader at Northeast School in Vernon. He was looking for a way to help his community, learned about Socktober and contacted Bryan Flint at Cornerstone.

“I wanted to try to make a difference, to help people,” Tommy said. “And I learned that this really simple gesture, providing new socks for people, was a good way to help.”

The Cornerstone Foundation operates a homeless shelter that serves Vernon and several other communities. It also has a clothing bank and a variety of other programs to help people.

“We went to Cornerstone to see what they needed,” Tommy said. “They said they were really low on socks.”

Tommy asked his teachers at Northeast School and Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne for help spreading the word about Socktober and placing collection boxes around town. That first year people donated 200 pairs of socks.

When Tommy moved to Center Road School in Vernon for fourth grade, he asked his teachers if he could continue Socktober there. They loved the idea and more socks were collected for the Cornerstone Foundation. Tommy has kept it going since.

“When Tommy asked for some help, I was glad to do what I could,” Mayor Champagne said. “It’s great to see young people take an interest in helping their community, especially our residents who need a hand. Tommy’s interest in helping others is a great example of the kind of community spirit we see in Vernon on a regular basis. And it illustrates what a great community Vernon is.”

Flint said the Cornerstone Foundation is usually able to help people with second-hand clothing donated to its clothing bank. “We have shirts and pants and jackets and shoes,” Flint said. “If you get those used, it really doesn’t matter.”

But socks and underwear are a different matter, he said. “Quite reasonably, no one wants used socks or underwear,” Flint said. “For clothing that is the closest to your body, we try to provide folks with new socks and underwear.”

Flint said that Cornerstone does not just aid people who are homeless. Sometimes people show up at Cornerstone’s door soaking wet because they have been out in the rain. People can come in, take a shower and get a set of clean, dry clothes, he said. And new socks and underwear. Flint asks that in addition to socks, people consider donating a package of underwear too.

Tommy said that all kinds of socks are needed – for men, women and children – and asks that people place their donations in collection boxes that have been placed at the Vernon Police Department, Vernon Town Hall, Rockville High School, Skinner Road School, Maple Street School and Vernon Center Middle School. The Socktober campaign runs through Nov. 20.

Soldier Dad Home from Overseas Deployment Surprises Daughter at Vernon’s Lake Street School

VERNON, Connecticut – Gabriella Flint, a kindergartener at Vernon’s Lake Street School, got a wonderful surprise Monday morning when her father, a soldier with the Connecticut Army National Guard who had been deployed to Jordan since January, surprised her at school.

Gabriella, who is known as Ella, and her classmates in Kelly Browne’s class were outside taking a mask break and doing stretches when her dad, Sgt. First Class David Flint, walked up. “Daddy!” Ella said as she opened her arms to get a hug. Her dad picked her up and she buried her head in his shoulder.

There was a collective “awwww” and some tears from school staff assembled to watch the moment, and cheering from Ella’s classmates. Ella’s younger brother Max, 3, had his reunion earlier in the day at his daycare.

David Flint returned from deployment Sunday evening and hid in the family’s basement so that he could share the happy moment with Ella’s classmates, which delighted Lake Street School Principal Tracy Duenzl, whose own family has a history of military service.

 “It can be a very private thing, but it was very nice that they shared it with us,” Duenzl said “It was very special.”

Ella was a bit shy, by said she is happy her dad is home.

Her mom, Cara Flint, asked her whether she wanted to finish the day at school or come home.

“Come home,” Ella replied.

David Flint said he tried to be in touch with his family each day via Facetime, but there’s nothing like being home.

“Today was special,” he said. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing these guys a lot. It was awesome of the school to let me do this. It was a good day.” Flint is assigned to the 242^nd Construction Management Team.

Congressman Joe Courtney tours ASTE Program at Rockville High School, Delivers Face Masks to School Nurse

(VERNON, Connecticut) – U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney visited Rockville High School Thursday to drop off face masks for staff in the school nurse’s office and to tour the school and take a look at the improvements being made to the Agricultural Science and Technology Education program.

The congressman, who is a Vernon resident, also discussed with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary the extension of the free school meals program through the end of the school year. The CARES Act provided meals through the summer and then through Dec. 31, but the extension ensures all Vernon students can get free breakfasts and lunches through the end of the school year.

Congressman Courtney, D-2^nd District, and several colleagues wrote to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging him to extend the food programs and waive the income eligibility requirements. Secretary Purdue subsequently agreed to do so. That means all Vernon students continue to be eligible for free meals, whether they are attending school in-person or virtually.

“This has been a real help to our families as they navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic,” Dr. Macary said. “As a school district, we are delighted we are able to partner with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure our students receive nutritious and healthy food.”

“In my visits to schools around the district, I have seen firsthand how much our communities have relied on the new flexibility Congress authorized for our Summer Meal Programs,” Congressman Courtney said. “And I am grateful Secretary Purdue acted on the new funding that we authorized, and has extended these programs through the end of the school year.”

Students attending school fulltime will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch at school. Students who are attending school under the hybrid plan will receive free breakfast and lunch the two days they are at school and can pick up a three-day meal box for the remaining three days of the school week. Students who are learning from home fulltime can pick up five-day meal boxes.

Pickup is Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Vernon Center Middle School or Rockville High School. The meal boxes must be ordered by the Monday before pickup. To order meal boxes, please click here:  Meal Box Orders.

Congressman Courtney also delivered five boxes of facemasks and several KN95 masks to School Nurse Jasmin Flores and Nursing Assistant Jennifer Nichols. The masks were donated by the Rossi Foundation.

Flores said masks are always needed and will be used for students who forgot their mask or need a replacement.

Rockville High School Principal Jason Magao gave Congressman Courtney a tour of the school, including the Agricultural Science and Technology Education program, where several improvements have been made and more are planned.

“We’re giving the students the opportunity to bring all aspects of agriculture to the next level,” Magao said. “Agriculture is not just growing crops and raising livestock. Sustainable agriculture is what we’re working on, breeding programs, agricultural structures, aquaculture, veterinary science, floriculture. These kids are coming out with certifications in welding, in mechanics, they’re coming out with skills and certifications that will get them jobs.”

“Agriculture is so important to our economy, nationally and right here in Connecticut,” Dr. Macary said, adding Magao has worked hard to get ASTE students and faculty the tools and facilities they need to move the program forward.

Vernon Elementary Schools Students Will Resume Fulltime, In-Person Learning on Tuesday, October 13

View the WTNH news broadcast

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon’s elementary schools will transition to fulltime, in-person learning on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said this week.

Vernon has been successful with its COVID-19 mitigation strategies and state Department of Public Health metrics show the risk of COVID-19 infection is low in Vernon, Dr. Macary said.

“For me, there’s a sense of urgency with our students in kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade,” Dr. Macary said. “There’s a huge learning loss.”

Schools always struggle with the regression that occurs during summer vacation, but it’s even more urgent now due to the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdown of schools last spring, Dr. Macary said.

“We talk about the summer regression – that’s usually eight or nine weeks,” he said. “However, we haven’t had normal school for 22 weeks. We know there’s regression and loss of learning, mainly because students are only going to school two days a week.”

Vernon has been operating with a hybrid program since schools opened. One cohort of elementary school students attends school Monday and Tuesday and a second cohort attends Thursday and Friday. All students attend school virtually on Wednesday while schools are carefully cleaned.

About 70 percent of Vernon elementary school students are attending school. The rest are engaged in fulltime virtual learning at home and will be able to continue doing so, Dr. Macary said.

Some students are anxious to get back to school fulltime.

“I’d just love to go for the full five days,” said Caleb Asiedu, a fifth grader at Northeast School. “Every day, I really just can’t wait to go to school.”

“I like to play and learn stuff,” Dev Patel, a first grader at Northeast said.

“I want to hang out with my friends,” added Northeast third grader Bentley Gochee.

Dr. Macary could not agree more.

“Students learn better when they’re in school and that’s why we want everybody back in school,” Dr. Macary said. “Our teachers have worked heroically to engage our students through virtual learning, but it’s just not the same as being in a classroom.”

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said that while virtual learning is getting better and better, it’s difficult for teachers to give students the one-on-one attention they need if they are struggling with a concept.

“Some students need extra help with the foundational skills of reading, understanding numbers and learning how to decode words, especially in the primary grades,” Testa said. “Learning is more teacher-directed in those grades. As you get older, school is more student-directed.”

About 70 percent of Vernon’s elementary school students are expected to return to school fulltime on October 13. Students will have mask breaks through the day and social distancing will be maintained.

“Our goal is to get students to mastery in reading comprehension and numeracy skills by third grade,” Dr. Macary said. “If we can achieve that then the likelihood of their success in middle school and beyond grows tenfold. The early learning is critical for us.”

So far there is no timeline to have Vernon Center Middle School and Rockville High School return to fulltime in-person learning, Dr. Macary said. But it’s likely Vernon Center Middle School students will return to school fulltime first, he said. The school schedules will be altered to enhance learning.

Dr. Macary briefed the Board of Education on his plan Monday night and board members asked good questions and provided feedback on the plan.

There is an enhanced cleaning regimen at each school and that combined with the district’s mitigation strategies should allow officials to reach the critical balance of leaning and safety.

“We are following the state Department of Public Health’s guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing every day,” Dr. Macary said. “The schools are now cleaner than they’ve ever been.”

The mitigation strategies include:

• Face coverings at all times for students and staff
• Regular hand-washing for students in bathrooms
• Reconfigured water fountains to avoid germs
• Sanitizing and cleaning all tabletops and desks
• Cohorting of students and contact tracing
• Twice daily cleaning of high-touch areas
• Self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms
• Social distancing, maximizing where feasible
• Visual markers and positioning in hallways
• No public entry and limited visitors
• Bagged breakfast and lunches in the cafeteria
• Enhanced building cleaning every day

“In Vernon we believe in a whole child approach to learning and that’s academic, social and emotional,” Dr. Macary said. “The only way you can give all three of those is in a school setting, where you have the teacher providing the academics, you can socialize with your friends and get emotional support from our support staff.”

Teaching and parenting are hard jobs, and it’s not fair to ask parents to educate their children. That’s the school system’s job, Dr. Macary said.

“We’re here to serve our students and we need to do our jobs,” he said.

NES Named One of the National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020

Northeast School

2020 National Blue Ribbon School Profile

VERNON HOSTS GOV. LAMONT, LT. GOV. BYSIEWICZ, EDUCATION COMMISSION CARDONA AT SKINNER ROAD SCHOOL

School District showcases reopening plans to keep students, staff safe so focus can be on learning

Mayor Daniel A. Champagne and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary welcomed Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Education Commissioner Miguel A. Cardona and other state leaders to Skinner Road School Tuesday morning to showcase Vernon’s work to reopen schools and to keep children and staff safe.

The visitors, including state Reps. Timothy Ackert, R-Coventry, and Michael Winkler, D-Vernon, spoke with administrators and viewed teachers in action educating children while at the same time following guidelines to keep everyone safe.
“The most important thing we need to do is build confidence in the community to bring them back,” Superintendent Macary said. “Students learn better when they’re in school and we want everybody to come back to school.”

Vernon has instituted a hybrid program. One cohort of students attends school Monday and Tuesday while the second attends Thursday and Friday. All students attend school virtually on Wednesday while schools are carefully cleaned. When not in school, students work virtually on assignments. 

The hybrid program will be reevaluated every two weeks. School officials are keeping a close eye on health data and are prepared to respond according. 

“The goal right now is to keep kids safe and I think we’re doing a good job of that,” Mayor Champagne said, adding it was encouraging to see students wearing masks. When one child removed his mask, staff quickly redirected the child to put his mask back on, the mayor noted.
“It’s good to have kids in school to learn, but it’s also good to have the opportunity for parents to have choice as well,” Mayor Champagne said.

For the times students are not in school, school staff have been in contact with families to assess their technology needs and ensure children are able to learn, Skinner Road School Principal Bryan Kerachsky said.

Inside the school, Governor Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz visited prekindergarten and fifth grade classrooms and a virtual kindergarten classroom, joining teacher Kelly Zimmermann engage her students via laptop computer.

“Friends can you all say ‘good morning?’” Zimmermann asked her students.

The governor said he was energized to see students and teachers who were enthusiastic and engaged.
“We really wanted to come to Vernon, to Skinner Road School to show parents and teachers a community that’s doing it in a very thoughtful way,” Governor Lamont said. “I loved walking through the classrooms. The kids were excited to be back. The teachers were really excited to be back. But you’re doing it carefully.”

The Governor also noted that one teacher altered her mask so that there was clear plastic over her mouth so that a hearing-impaired student in her class could read her lips. 

“The Superintendent just reminded me, there’s nothing more important than a kid a classroom being with his or her friends and teachers,” the Governor said.

Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz said it was impressive to see pre-kindergarteners and older students all wearing masks and the other efforts school leaders have taken to ensure schools are clean and safe.

“The whole idea is to get parents comfortable,” she said. “Right now, 22 percent of the families have chosen to keep their kids home and the goal with this continued hard work, innovation and cleaning and keeping kids safe is that everyone will be back to school shortly,” she said. 

Superintendent Macary highlighted for the governor an innovation by town maintenance staff to convert water fountains into spigots for students to fill water bottles. All it took to retrofit the water fountains was $7 in parts, the superintendent said. 

“Vernon did it right,” Commissioner Cardona said. “The district and the town planned well together. They communicated well together. They were realistic and they shared with the community what to expect. It really was a community effort and we saw that today.”

 

Mr. Rockville High School Pageant Returns
Annual Event is a Highlight for Senior Class and a Fundraiser for Senior Activities

VERNON, Connecticut – The Mr. Rockville High School Pageant returns this Rockville High School this Friday, December 10th, after a one-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 29th annual pageant features nine senior boys who will perform a talent, participate in a Q&A, perform a group dance, and strut their stuff in swimwear and formal wear.

The annual event is hosted by the Class of 2022 and raises money to help cover the cost of the senior prom and other class activities. This year’s program begins at 7 p.m. in the Rockville High School auditorium and tickets are $10. All are welcome.

“The winner gets a crown, a Mr. RHS sash and bragging rights,” said Amanda Langan, a chemistry teacher and senior class advisor. The winner also gets a free ticket to the senior prom.

“It’s a farcical beauty pageant,” added Paul Courtois, a social studies teacher and activities director. “Every year it’s so different. Sometimes the students are really talented. And sometimes they’re just out there just to have fun.”

On more than one occasion the talent demonstrated by a student has left the audience in awe, Courtois said. “It’s always a lot of fun,” he said.

In between performances by the contestants, the emcees provide entertainment.

The seniors vying for Mr. RHS are Gavin Antonelli, Christopher Cotto, Jaeden Dullivan, Owen Federowicz, Thomas Gearin, William Johns, Ryan Harvey, Leon Moran and Henry Tyus.

For the talent portion, some of the contestants will play a musical instrument, sing or perform a dance routine. Some are still determining what their talent will be.

The Mr. RHS pageant is one of the highlights of the year for seniors and a major fundraiser for the senior class. Money is used to defray the cost of the senior prom and other programs.