Danielson, CT – EASTCONN’s Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) has released the Semester 2 Honor Roll list for School Year 2023-2024:

High Honor Roll
Morgana Avery-Burdsal - Uncasville (Montville)
Samyah Azeez - Moosup (Plainfield)
Alexis Barber - Moosup (Plainfield)
Lillian Bertram - Pomfret
Zoey Bochicchio - Tolland
Claire Bonafine - Windham
Scott Bonafine - Windham
Meadow Bulan - Eastford
Marisa Chappell - Dayville (Killingly)
Yvonne Fitzsimmons - Danielson (Killingly)
Alexys Fontaine - Windham
Ella Forgues - Dayville (Killingly)
Kyla Grant - Plainfield
Keys Hughes - Danielson (Killingly)
Nevaeh Ivory - Hampton (Regional District 11)
Madison Knudson - Plainfield
Kaitlyn Lanctot - Woodstock
Natasha Miller - Sterling
CJ Orthmann - Canterbury
Elsie Peterson - Plainfield
Sophia Phillips - Danielson (Killingly)
Cassandra Reynolds - Danielson (Killingly)
Lianna Rivera - Plainfield
Ninoshka Robles Solano - Windham
Lourdes Sanchez Rodriguez - Windham

 

Honor Roll
Jason Adjei - Plainfield
Ava Aubin - Plainfield
Cameron Barber - Moosup (Plainfield)
Isabella Barnett - Windham
Joshua Beshaw - Canterbury
Alexander Bishop - Brooklyn
Matthew Bradley - Griswold
Camden Chaplin - Central Village (Plainfield)
Aiden Chelette - Plainfield
Tobias Clark - Brooklyn
Karina Clavell - Dayville (Killingly)
Elyse Coutu - Plainfield
Kaleb Dansereau - Sterling
Mason Dansereau - Sterling
Elijah Feen - Hampton (Regional District 11)
Jason Fletcher - Moosup (Plainfield)
Noah Glynn - Dayville (Killingly)
Jasmine Gonzalez - Windham
Darren Gravel - Plainfield
Erin Gravell - Putnam
Tobias Hall - Putnam
Ava-Ryann Groh - Killingly
August Holdridge - Taftville (Norwich)
Abby Homen - Plainfield
Lacie Horton - Eastford
Eli Kapszukiewicz - Plainfield
Darby Lalumiere - Killingly
Z Lane - Moosup (Plainfield)
Decaf Manis - Putnam
Melany Mendoza - Windham
Gavin Moore - Brooklyn
David Palmisciano - Danielson (Killingly)
Anna Polaino - Putnam
Raquel Ramos Morales - Windham
Tristanie Sweet - Moosup (Plainfield)
Michaella Tetrault - Sterling
Seamus Vaillencourt - Moosup (Plainfield)
Brooke Vallor - Sterling
Kyla Vezina - Plainfield

 

High Honors: 25 (17%) / Honors: 39 (27%)

 

COLUMBIA, CT – EASTCONN Regional Educational Service Center (RESC) is proud to announce that three instructors at Bridges Community School in Columbia have successfully obtained certifications from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

 

Instructors Austin Bell and Erin Kyle-Sonn were recently certified as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), while Nicole Michaud obtained a certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). These achievements required passing rigorous exams in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) while earning required hours of supervision at Bridges Community School.

 

In addition, two staff members – Allison Paradis and Ashley Bonagura – have also shared the experience of completing their schooling and certification while at Bridges. Both started as ABA Instructors and have recently completed the first year of being Special Education Teachers.

 

EASTCONN Bridges Community School, formerly known as the Autism Program, provides a regionally based, comprehensive, integrated service program for students with autism and other low-incidence disabilities in ages PreK-22.

 

The program is characterized by a structured, intensive, individualized approach to instruction based on the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). We emphasize systematic teaching to promote learning and generalization and utilize on-going evidence-based assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring to guide instruction in all areas of development.

 

“It’s really exciting to be able to provide opportunities for learning and growth within the program,” said Erin Crosby, Program Director at EASTCONN Bridges Community School. “Our program is unique in that it provides support staff with exposure to so many different specialties within the field of special education, and can really help staff to expand their interests, gain experience and jumpstart their career. These staff members have worked so hard to accomplish their goals, and continue to work hard every day. It is great to see them recognized for their accomplishments.”

 

“I can’t think of a better way to illustrate our staff’s commitment to their field, education, and our community,” said Interventional Specialist II Bethany Anderson. “It is also a great testament to the culture of growth and learning that is supported at Bridges Community School.”

 

The newly certified professionals expressed gratitude for the support and opportunities provided by EASTCONN Bridges Community School. “It feels really good to come in here as an ABA Instructor, to receive the BCBA supervision and then get hired after passing the test,” said Erin Kyle-Sonn. “Even though I passed my test, the mentorship is still here, and I’m still supported on a daily basis.”

 

“Starting out as an ABA Instructor and then finding my love of teaching: it has been amazing to have EASTCONN’s support in this process of getting our certifications,” said Special Education Teacher Allison Paradis.

 

EASTCONN Bridges Community School’s commitment to professional development and creating a nurturing environment for growth has enabled its staff to excel in their respective fields, ultimately benefiting the students and the community they serve.

 

“When I first joined Bridges as an ABA Instructor, I didn’t know how I wanted to eventually continue my education,” said Austin Bell. “But with the supportive environment that I saw at Bridges, what people’s roles were and how we applied the science of behavioral analysis to our clients, I saw from our first year that I knew I wanted to be a BCBA and I wanted to get my supervision with the supportive staff here. It feels really fulfilling after the two-and-a-half years of supervision to finally get that certification.”

 

For more information about EASTCONN’s Special Education Services, including Bridges Community School, visit eastconn.org.

 

Photo Caption (L-R): Erin Kyle-Sonn, Nicole Michaud, Ashley Bonagura, Austin Bell, Allison Paradis (EASTCONN).

 

Killingly, CT – Students from EASTCONN’s Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT) achieved remarkable success at the recent Quiet Corner Film Festival, which was held on Wednesday, May 29 at Killingly High School. The festival showcased the exceptional filmmaking talents of many young artists from ACT and other area schools, highlighting their creativity and dedication.

Three ACT student films – “The Queen,” “Vitreous,” and “Uncle Jack” – were officially selected for the festival. Among them, “Vitreous” garnered significant acclaim, winning the award for Best Sound Design and being named runner-up for Best Film overall. The thought-provoking film was written and produced by recent ACT graduates Enzo Miglietta, Zach Tuller and Sam Falck, and rising senior AJ McGarry.

 

Directed by rising ACT junior Lucy Poppleton, “The Queen” featured acting performances by Miglietta and recent graduate Kyliegh Chiles. “Uncle Jack” was written, directed by ACT rising junior Thyme King, who also starred in the short film.

 

The outstanding achievements of the ACT students at the Quiet Corner Film Festival demonstrate their unwavering commitment to excellence in film production and storytelling. The recognition received is a testament to their hard work, passion for the arts, and the exceptional guidance provided by the ACT program.

 

“We are thrilled to see our talented students receive such well-deserved recognition at the Quiet Corner Film Festival,” said ACT Principal Sarah Mallory. “Their dedication to their craft is truly inspiring, and we look forward to their continued success in the future.”

 

For further information about Arts at the Capitol Theater, please contact Sarah Mallory at smallory@eastconn.org.

 

Photo caption: ACT students pose on the red carpet at the Quiet Corner Film Festival (EASTCONN).

 

DANIELSON – On Monday, April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse darkened the skies over Connecticut, wowing viewers who observed the moon’s shadow swallowing up 90% of the visible sun.

 

But for Darby, a 14-year-old visually impaired student at Quinebaug Middle College in Danielson, experiencing the celestial event seemed like an unlikely dream – until innovative thinkers in her community sprang into action.

 

A week before the eclipse, Robin Miller – a Braille specialist and Darby’s paraprofessional since preschool – started looking for ways to make the event accessible. “I was looking around the internet, and I had no idea what I was going to find,” she said.

 

Eventually, Miller discovered LightSound, a Harvard University-developed, open-source device that translates light fluctuations into audible sound waves. Roughly the size of a mobile phone, the 3D-printed gadget detects fluctuations in light levels and uses “sonification” to translate that data into an audible range of tones and pitches.

 

Miller shared the idea with QMC principal Ted Keleher, educational specialist Kristin Stryker, EASTCONN CTO Andrew DePalma and others, launching what would become a hurried, collaborative mission.

 

“Things started happening,” Miller said. “Everything just kind of came together.”

 

David Palmisciano, a tech-savvy junior at Quinebaug Middle College, immediately volunteered to build the LightSound. Although the device’s components were in high demand ahead of the eclipse, David managed to secure the necessary parts through various suppliers. He 3D-printed a purple casing and quickly assembled the device, soldering a nine-volt battery onto the unit for power while stashing loose, protruding wires under its lid.

 

“I didn’t know anybody else who had the electronics skills, the soldering skills and the coding skills to make this work, so I agreed to help,” David said. “We got so down to the wire that, even though we finished assembling everything, we didn’t quite glue everything down.”

 

On the morning of the eclipse, David needed an experienced hand to bring it all together. QMC math teacher Robyn Incera contacted Will McManus, a seasoned manufacturing instructor at CT State College, Quinebaug Valley, a community college with an excellent manufacturing program that shares its campus with QMC.

 

McManus dropped everything and mentored David through the final stages of assembly. With soldering complete, the team raced to prepare the device as the eclipse’s path overtook New England. Software issues emerged in the final hour before the eclipse, but with McManus reassuring him, David stayed focused.

 

“We kept looking at the clock and saying, ‘Can we hold up the eclipse?’” McManus said. “For the students, it’s a lesson learned: there’s always someone out there who can help. All you have to do is ask, and good people are going to respond.

 

With the device functional, and with little time to spare, David attached headphones and offered them to Darby. As the sky darkened over Danielson, the sound coming through her headphones got lower and lower. “I could really tell what everybody else was seeing,” Darby said. “I could understand it in a different way, which I thought was really cool.”

 

David, who had never built electronics at such an advanced level, felt an immense sense of achievement. “I’m proud that it works,” he said.

 

McManus, who finally met Darby a few weeks after the eclipse, shared that feeling of reward. “When it’s really successful, when you can help somebody, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “If you truly want to help somebody, you’ll find a way.”

 

David’s can-do spirit, Miller said, embodies the collaborative ethos that made the vision a reality at QMC. “This is an amazing school,” Miller said. “Everybody just joined together and made it happen. Unfortunately, I know that in other places I would have been told no, it’s a waste of time. Here, it was like, yeah, let’s see what we can do… It’s nice to feel included; that’s something [Darby] has struggled with before. But she’s so resilient.”

 

By bridging the disciplines of coding, electronics and manufacturing through teamwork, QMC found an innovative way to eclipse barriers. For Darby, it was an unforgettable opportunity to engage with a celestial phenomenon she never imagined experiencing.

 

“I told my dad about it and he was just super excited,” Darby said. “It was amazing that a bunch of people came together and wanted to do this for me.”

 

Photo caption: QMC students David Palmisciano (right) and Darby (left) experience the solar eclipse in Danielson. (EASTCONN Photo)

 

Willimantic – “The Addams Family” – a musical story of love, secrets and embracing your (and your family’s) identity told with the classic characters of Charles Addams – comes to life at EASTCONN’s Arts at the Capitol Theater in downtown Willimantic (896 Main Street) on Friday, May 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for students, seniors, children and members of the military; and $5 for current ACT students, alumni and staff.

 

Don’t miss out on your chance to see ACT students and staff working together to create an immersive Addams Family experience. Tempestuous tangos take the stage with choreography from Ashley Green, and the delightful quips of a witty script are directed by the team of Michael Learner, Ava Molnar and student Assistant Director Izzy Jacques-Snow (Ellington). With technical direction from Colin McNamee, Lighting Design by junior Andrew Grzywacz (Hebron) and costumes designed by Sarah Murphy (built by ACT’s Technical Theater pathway students), the Capitol Theater is transformed into a creepy and kooky castle in Central Park, with appearances by ghostly ancestors from almost every time period.

 

Wednesday (Freddie Downey of Windham) is growing up and has fallen in love with her complete opposite, a “normal” boy from Ohio named Lucas (Josmar Hernandez of New London). While trying to help his daughter keep a secret, Gomez (Jaeden Prochorchik of Windham) finds himself torn between loyalty to his daughter and devotion to his wife, Morticia (Aleksandra Popovic of Ellington). With the threat of the family falling apart, Uncle Fester (Orpheus Wilson of Ellington) tries his best to keep things together, while Pugsley (Antony Ramos Pagan of Windham and Izzy Jacques-Snow) tries to blow it all up.

 

With Grandma (Ofelia Ochoa of Windham) and Lurch (Jesenia Manley of Willington) along for the ride, we meet the potential in-laws: the poetic and peppy Alice (Savannah Bryer of Danielson) and her buttoned-up husband Mal (Charlie Furness of Killingly). A gloriously ghoulish ensemble of Charlie Rosario (Manchester), Sienna “Sunny” Heath (Killingly), Alec Soto (Windham), Arianna Taylor (Jewett City), Jehieli Blanco (Windham), Mirielle Discola (Montville), Ace Sharpe-Auck (Ellington) and Eva Fleming (Mansfield) join the story as Addams Family Ancestors whose antics can help or hinder the young lovebirds.

 

The production features students from different pathways and grades working together on stage and behind the scenes. From the Technical Theater pathway, junior Ofelia Ochoa appears on stage for the first time. “Being in ‘The Addams Family’ is a really big opportunity,” Ochoa said. “I’ve never been part of anything theater-like because I was afraid to, but being in this production makes me feel like I’m needed for something and that I’m cool. I love being in this. It’s more of an emotional thing, an experience that I’m so excited for and literally so happy to get to be a part of.”

 

Senior Orpheus Wilson, a stage veteran, joins a musical production for the first time. “I’ve been a part of the Acting pathway since I joined ACT,” Wilson said, “and am now in my senior year, doing my first and last musical here, making this my senior show, which makes it even more important to me. I’m playing the role of Fester which is unlike other roles I’ve done before, but it allows me to explore a different side of my creativity when acting.”

 

Senior Charlie Furness, a Creative Writing pathway major with a penchant for performance, joins the fun after participating in ACT’s Summer Musical Theater program last year. “The energy in Michael and Ava’s productions is amazingly positive and incredibly fun,” Furness said. “I’ve loved every moment of this production, and I feel like it has really made my senior year memorable.”

 

Savannah Bryer, who has appeared on the Capitol Theater stage, reflected on the special community created by theater. “Being able to do this show has reminded me of my favorite parts of theater,” Bryer said. “Being a part of a community that is open and excited to be in the show makes the experience so much more enjoyable.”

 

Tickets can be reserved by calling 860-465-5636 and can be paid for with cash or check at the door. For more information, call or visit eastconn.org/act or our Facebook page (/ACTMagnetSchool).

 

Photo caption: ACT students rehearse for the upcoming production of “The Addams Family.” (EASTCONN Photo)

 

(Nicole Zappone, The Chronicle, May 1, 2024)

 

HAMPTON – EASTCONN recently announced "Harmony in Diversity," an art gala celebrating the artistic talents of students from the agency's four special education programs: Bridges Community School and Educational and Vocational Center (EVC) in Columbia, EASTCONN Transition Academy (ETA) in Windham and Northeast Regional Program (NPR) in Killingly.

 

The art gala will be held Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the EASTCONN Conference Center in Hampton, 376 Hartford Turnpike.

 

"We are very excited because this is the first time we have brought our four special education programs together for a community event," said Kristin James, assistant director of Pupil Services at EASTCONN. "This is also the first time we have embarked on a fundraising event for our programs."

James added the event was inspired by the director of Human Resources last year when visiting the programs.

 

"While touring through one of our schools, she was amazed by the beautiful student art pieces on display in the hallways,' James said. "The students were proud to show their work and explain their process. She recommended that we bring out student artwork to the EASTCONN Conference Center in Hampton and invite the community.”

 

James added the director recommended they offer replications of student artwork for sale.

 

“As a result of Melanie Marcaccio's (director of HR) wonderful idea, the Harmony in Diversity Student Art Gala has expanded to all four of our special education programs," James said. "We reached out to the community for support through a donation campaign and have to set our sights on a goal of earning enough money to purchase a kiln and pottery wheels to expand the art programming across our programs."

 

James added preparing for the gala has been a transformative experience for students across the four participating schools within EASTCONN's special education programs. The process of creating artwork for the gala has not only fostered artistic growth but also facilitated the development of essential life skills, post-secondary readiness and executive functioning ability.

 

"I am excited to see how the gala will help EASTCONN to connect with the larger community," James said. “Our students have truly found their voices through art, and we are thrilled to provide a platform for them to share their incredible work with the community. Their dedication and enthusiasm have been inspiring, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements."

 

There will be refreshments and raffle prizes available. All proceeds will directly support the purchase of a kiln and pottery wheels for the students.

 

(Villager Newspapers, April 26, 2024)

 

HAMPTON – EASTCONN is proud to announce "Harmony in Diversity," an Art Gala celebrating the artistic talents of students from the agency's four special education programs: Bridges Community School and Educational and Vocational Center (EVC) in Columbia; EASTCONN Transition Academy (ETA) in Windham; and Northeast Regional Program (NRP) in Killingly.

The Art Gala takes place on Thursday, May 2 from 4-6 p.m. at the EASTCONN Conference Center in Hampton (376 Hartford Turnpike).

 

Motivated by the opportunity to showcase their talents, students have poured their hearts and souls into a diverse array of projects, each reflecting their unique voices and passions. From modern costume designs to personal portraits, mesmerizing landscapes to vibrant abstract works, and intricate sculptures to innovative three-dimensional art, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of creativity thriving within our programs.

 

"Our students have truly found their voices through art, and we are thrilled to provide a platform for them to share their incredible work with the community," said Kristin James, Assistant Director of Pupil Services at EASTCONN. "Their dedication and enthusiasm have been inspiring, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements."

 

In addition to the captivating artwork on display, attendees can indulge in a selection of refreshments while browsing replications of student art available for sale and order. Exciting raffle prizes generously donated by local businesses will also be up for grabs, with all proceeds directly supporting the purchase of a kiln and pottery wheels for the students, further nurturing their artistic endeavors.

 

The Student Art Gala promises to be an uplifting event, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of our students while fostering a sense of community and support. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and make a difference in the lives of these remarkable young artists.

 

For more than a decade, EASTCONN’s Interdistrict Cooperative Grants Program has established itself as a beacon of educational equity and community collaboration across Connecticut, one that fosters inclusivity, mindfulness and academic excellence among students from diverse backgrounds.

 

The cooperative or equity grants, which are the result of the landmark Sheff vs. O’Neill case, are designed to bring elementary and middle school students from disparate communities – say, rural Ashford and urban Hartford – to engage in learning with one another.

 

The Interdistrict Grants Program has had many individual grants throughout the years. Currently it encompasses four individual grants: America’s Mosaic, Faces of Culture, Mindful Transformations and Project Green Planet. The program incorporates mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) practices into each grant.

 

“There are two overarching goals,” said Grant Coordinator Stephanie White. “One is to reduce racial, social and economic isolation, and the second is to improve academic performance in a targeted area.”

 

Infusing mindfulness practices into daily routines and classroom activities, Grant Coordinator Esther Soffer added, gives students essential tools for personal growth and resilience, promotes overall well-being and fosters a positive school climate.

 

“Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation,” Soffer said. “It’s about cultivating a mindset of self-awareness and empathy.”

 

Soffer and White, who have worked closely together for the past five years, have seen their fair share of heartwarming moments: pen pals who finally meet in person, groups of students hanging back after a program to exchange contact information, children finding the courage to share their feelings, and much more.

 

“Sometimes you’ll see kids that are not engaged, but by the end, guess what they’re doing? They’re participating,” said Soffer. “In fact, they’re participating better at that point than they have in a really long time. Their teachers are impressed.”

 

After corresponding through letters, the students finally meet face-to-face for a day of collaborative workshops and activities. When students from Ashford meet their pen pals from Hartford, excitement and nervousness quickly give way to interpersonal connections.

 

“We ask, ‘Who’s excited about having a pen pal, who’s nervous, and who’s both?’ Most kids raise both hands,” Soffer said. “We say, ‘That’s great, that’s what you should be.’”

 

White said the younger kids embrace with hugs, while older students can seem standoffish at first before warming up over the course of the day. “There’s an eagerness from the kids to stay in contact and get to know each other more,” she said.

 

Central to the Interdistrict Grant Program’s success is its extensive network of community partners and collaborators, who offer students enriching experiences and resources extending well beyond the classroom. Holocaust survivor Ruth Weiner Winer, Gettysburg College archeology professor Dr. Kirby Farah, Selma March, Civil rights Activist Peter Malinow and several others participated this year, providing unique perspectives and insights.

 

Another central goal is introducing students to the prospect of higher education. By hosting events at university campuses like Eastern Connecticut State and partnering with programs like UConn Extension, participants become immersed in a collegiate environment.

 

The partnerships are mutually beneficial, allowing universities to meet community outreach goals while supporting EASTCONN’s vision of connecting children across regional and cultural divisions.

 

“Our goal is to get young students on campus so they’re not intimidated by college,” Soffer said. “They meet people who look just like they do. (they see it can be a place for them too) It’s life-changing.”

 

The grants also prioritize holistic well-being through partnerships with local wellness practitioners, including YONO Yoga & Meditation in Willimantic. This year, Soffer and White arranged final field trips to take place at the New Britain Museum of American Art.

 

As EASTCONN’s Interdistrict Grants Program enters its next phase, the agency remains dedicated to its mission of empowering students, fostering empathy and promoting community engagement.

 

“Our journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless,” Soffer said.

 

(Nicole Zappone, The Chronicle, March 20, 2024)

 

Willimantic, CT – Over the past 20 years, ACT’s dance department has produced high-quality stage performances. This year, we explore re-imagined pieces with DanceFest 2024: ReWorx.

 

The past and present collide, with current students and alumni performing works never seen before and reinvented for this full-length evening of dance. Watch as they rekindle past work under the direction of Tiana Mancuso for a unique night full of variety and thrills.

 

ReWorx will be performed on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at EASTCONN’s Arts at the Capitol Theater (896 Main Street, Willimantic). Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for students, seniors, children and military; and $5 for current ACT students, alumni and staff.

 

In 2020, COVID prevented dancers from taking the stage, but now you can witness the previously unperformed pieces of Proof. Returning for the show that never was, ACT alumni Lia Casedei, Alexa Chapman, India Harper, Tiani Gardner and Taegan Praytor perform “Body Language,” which tells us a new story and examines the power of the body. “The Beatles Trilogy,” restaged for current students, follows the hypothetical life of Eleanor Rigby while exploring empathy in a lonely world. ACT alum Lauthell LaBonte returns as well to perform “Love Duet III” with Tiana Mancuso – eight years after their original performance of the piece, which was a part of 2016’s Social Order.

 

From 2017 to 2020, Ashley Green has choreographed, taught and performed, and now has woven her works together with a Missy Elliot mashup. ReWorx will also display work choreographed by current ACT principal and former dance teacher Sarah Mallory; her piece “Oasis,” from the 2018 production Vivid, comes back to the stage, along with “Red Football” from the same show. Choreographed by Mancuso, “Red Football” draws on the raw, animalistic behavior of the fight-or-flight response in the face of fear. A section of this piece was first staged at ACT in response to a grant to fight bullying in schools.

 

Special guest Shannon Malone restages “The Other Dying Swan,” an alternative take on the classical ballet Swan Lake. Originally performed by Malone herself in 2012, this piece will highlight Madisyn Raymond (Thompson).

 

Current student performers include seniors Layla Edmiston (Sterling), Madisyn Raymond (Thompson), Aiya Butler (Groton) and Layla Hellandbrand (Coventry); juniors Audrey Houk (Coventry), Caitlyn Kurcinik (Windham), Michaela LaFlamme (Willington), Morgan Labonte (Plainfield); Julie Margelony (Vernon), Najah Wells (Norwich) and Tatyana Winston (Sprague); and sophomore Amaree McKnight (Windham).

 

Tickets can be reserved by calling 860-465-5636 and can only be paid for with cash or check at the door. For more information, call or visit eastconn.org/act or our Facebook page (/ACTMagnetSchool).

 

(Eric S. Protulis and Kristin Hempel, The Connecticut Mirror, Feb. 21, 2024)

 

We often talk about northeastern Connecticut as the Quiet Corner — a region known for its rugged terrain, independent spirit, Victorian homes, spacious farms and beautiful country skies that offer unfiltered views of the constellations.

 

For young people, however, our part of the state is quickly becoming the Forgotten Corner. It’s happening before our eyes, on our watch. We can’t afford to stay quiet any longer. We have an obligation to act, and to act immediately.

 

If you grow up here, you are more likely to become disconnected from “para-social” institutions — school, work, job training, the military — than are young people from most other places in Connecticut. The hole of despair here can be quite deep, and bootstrap-pulling won’t help.

 

According to “Connecticut’s Unspoken Crisis,” the recently published Boston Consulting Group/Dalio Education report, between 20-30% of young people (aged 14-26) in Stafford, Lebanon, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Scotland, Chaplin, Sprague, Griswold and Voluntown are considered to be “disconnected.”

 

That percentage jumps to 30-40% in Plainfield, Killingly, Sterling, Putnam, Thompson, Hampton and Ashford. In Windham, our largest community (containing the borough of Willimantic), more than 40% of youth experience disconnection.

 

What do we mean by “disconnected?” Many of these teenagers and young adults have earned their high school credential but aren’t gainfully employed or enrolled in postsecondary education. Some never finished high school, do not have jobs, and may even be incarcerated. The younger ones may be at risk of not graduating from high school on time and/or are chronically absent from school.

 

Dan L., an 18-year-old resident of Plainfield, for example, has faced more challenges than most people experience in a lifetime. Born into a household with 14 people, his early years were marked by instability and hardship. His mother’s struggles with addiction led to her early exit from the family, leaving Dan and his siblings in the care of his father and a series of stepmothers.

 

“My childhood was far from easy,” Dan said. “There were times when it felt like everything was falling apart.”

 

When his father was injured in an accident, Dan became the primary breadwinner for the family, juggling school responsibilities while working multiple shifts — including overnights — at McDonald’s.

“I did what I had to do to keep us afloat,” Dan said. “It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to step up for my family. I’ve faced obstacles at every turn, but I refuse to give up. I want to make a difference, both for myself and for others.”

 

Hannet N., 19, moved from Maryland to Killingly when she was 10. As her mother navigated through a troubled marriage, her family fell into temporary homelessness. Eventually, the family could afford a home in Plainfield, where Hannet and her three siblings felt a sense of stability and comfort.

 

Belonging to a tight-knit family with a single parent, however, has required Hannet to take on responsibilities beyond her years, caring for her younger siblings and supporting her mother in any way she can.

 

“My mom has always emphasized the importance of education,” Hannet said. “She’s sacrificed so much for us, and I want to honor her by succeeding in school and pursuing my dreams.”

 

There’s a term for young folks like Dan and Hannet — Opportunity Youth — and there are programs to serve them. We at EASTCONN — not Eastern CT State University (ECSU), but rather one of the six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) statewide — know this population well.

 

The Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board’s (EWIB) youth workforce pipeline programs and Summer Youth Employment Program, delivered in partnership with high schools and youth service providers (including EASTCONN), enable at-risk and disconnected youth to explore career pathways, develop the job readiness skills employers covet, and gain the work experience that has been shown to increase lifelong earnings.

 

“Nearly half of the Connecticut municipalities with youth disconnection rates of above 30 percent are in Eastern Connecticut,” said Michael Nogelo, EWIB President/CEO. “Investments in programs that engage opportunity youth in career pathways provide a positive return for our young people, our employers and economy, and our communities.”

 

It’s not all gloom and doom. Last year, 93% of Opportunity Youth who participated in our regional employment and training program achieved an attendance record of 80% or better, while 95% returned to school or found jobs.

 

Still, we need a commitment from our lawmakers in Hartford to do whatever it takes — right now — while we still can. Connecticut doesn’t provide much funding to support services for Opportunity Youth; we must invest more in our future by increasing funding for programs that help young people find good jobs and provide wrap-around training and support to help them succeed.

 

We also need to ensure that state agencies make the most of available federal funding that isn’t being fully utilized. This funding could be directed towards supporting workforce development, education and social services for Opportunity Youth, whether administered publicly or privately.

 

These programs also help build a strong workforce for our state. While thousands of jobs remain unfilled statewide, Connecticut is ignoring some of its brightest, most promising young minds, whose potential can literally be measured in dollars — $650-$750 million, according to the Boston Consulting Group/Dalio Education report.

 

We’ve been quiet far too long. Let’s do something about this — for Dan, Hannet and thousands of other young people — and let’s start right now. They need us.

 

(Connor Linskey, The Norwich Bulletin, 1/30/24)

 

EASTCONN’s Quinebaug Middle College magnet high school (QMC) is not your typical high school.

Located on the campus of CT State College-Quinebaug Valley (CTSC-QV) in Danielson, the school enrolls approximately 160 students in grades nine through 12. It is a free, public high school.

EASTCONN is a public, nonprofit, regional education service center that has been servicing the education needs of schools and communities in northeastern Connecticut since 1980.

QMC enables students to earn a high school diploma while also earning free, transferable college credits from CTSC-QV. After taking general courses such as math and science their freshman and sophomore years, the expectation is for students to take at least half of their classes at CTSC-QV their junior and senior years.

Students graduate QMC with between 20 and 60 college credits free of charge. 

The Student Experience 

It was the opportunity to earn college credits that motivated freshman Lexi Barber, of Plainfield, to enroll at QMC. 

So far, she has enjoyed her small classes and forming close relationships with her teachers. 

“They can help you with outside problems and school problems,” Lexi said about the teachers. 

QMC students select from one of six learning pathways: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Education, Business/Leadership, STEM Engineering, STEM Manufacturing and STEM Health Sciences. They choose a pathway at the end of their freshman year, however they are free to change to a new pathway at any point moving forward.   

Lexi plans on choosing the education pathway in the hopes of one day becoming a first grade teacher. After graduation, she is considering attending Eastern Connecticut State University.

QMC students select from one of six learning pathways: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Education, Business/Leadership, STEM Engineering, STEM Manufacturing and STEM Health Sciences. They choose a pathway at the end of their freshman year, however they are free to change to a new pathway at any point moving forward.   

Lexi plans on choosing the education pathway in the hopes of one day becoming a first grade teacher. After graduation, she is considering attending Eastern Connecticut State University.

One major difference Keleher noticed between QMC and other high schools is its democratic process. Students and faculty members vote on school matters such as what clubs to establish and students call teachers by their first names. 

“We treat each other as equals here,” Keleher said. 

He noted that QMC is unique because students are able to take college courses taught by college professors while they are still in high school. 

“Lots of high schools offer college courses, but they’re taught by high school teachers,” Keleher said. “At QMC, students take college classes taught by college professors. They even get college IDs.”  

He believes the opportunity for students to take college courses earlier is beneficial to them as well as their families. 

“The great thing for students is that it gives them a chance to explore their college interests sooner,” Keleher said. “For families it’s wonderful because we are a free public high school, the college tuition and books are free when they take those classes.” 

Application process 

QMC is currently accepting applications for enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year through Feb. 28. 

For more information on QMC and to access an application for enrollment, visit www.eastconn.org/qmc. Once a prospective student submits an application, it will be evaluated by QMC staff. Michael Hamad, communications specialist at EASTCONN, said students usually hear promptly regarding the status of their application.

As part of the application process, prospective students are encouraged to tour QMC. During the tour, applicants shadow a current student as they go throughout their school day. This gives them a better sense of what it is like to be a student at QMC. 

(Written by Connor Linksey. Published in The Norwich Bulletin, 1/30/24.)

 

(Jessika Harkay and Erica E. Phillips, The Connecticut Mirror, Oct. 30, 2023)

 

Beginning next fall, Connecticut will join the majority of other states in requiring children to be 5 years old before enrolling in kindergarten in September 2024.

 

But while there’s strong support for that age requirement among educators and developmental experts, the state’s transition to the new system has generated a flood of questions and concerns.

 

Lawmakers approved the measure during the 2023 legislative session. Under the new law, children entering kindergarten will need to have turned 5 years old by Sept. 1. The previous cutoff was Jan. 1.

That means about a third of all kids born in 2019 will have to wait a year longer to enter primary school or will have to apply for a waiver. That’s left families, school district leadership and many in the child care sector — even those who agree with the developmental reasons for the change — scrambling to get things in order.

 

“There may be an undue financial burden,” said Diane Gozemba, the Director of Early Childhood Initiatives at EASTCONN. “[Another] burden is that the districts really need to think about an intentional process.”

 

“The transition part is the hardest, because when the legislation passed, there wasn’t really a planning period,” Gozemba said.

Child care challenges

Early childhood educators and parents of infants and toddlers are particularly concerned about the additional strain the requirement will place on the early childhood education system, soon forced to accommodate 4-year-olds with fall birthdays for another year.

 

And without the funding to hire more teachers, the slots those older children remain in will no longer be available for new babies to enroll, meaning many new parents could have a harder time returning to work as they wait for their children to be accepted off growing waitlists. The annual cost of one year of child care is about $13,000 in Connecticut.

 

On Thursday, a broad coalition of more than 100 child care providers, advocates, parents, workforce development groups and others sent an open letter to Gov. Ned Lamont and legislative leaders, calling for an additional $50 million annually to support the early childhood education system in the state. The group, which included Child Care for Connecticut’s Future Coalition, Women’s Business Development Council, United Way of Connecticut and Social Venture Partners CT, said the legislative change could affect as many as 9,000 families.

 

“We commend the spirit of this policy change, which brings our state in alignment with most other states and aims to create conditions in which children enter kindergarten ready to thrive,” the letter states. “However, the short timeline and lack of resources identified to support effective implementation will have dire consequences on lower-income families, early childhood educators and the children this policy change aims to support.”

Courtney Parkerson of The Connecticut Project, which convened the signatories and authored the letter, said since the legislation passed, her organization has heard from a wide array of educators and parents with concerns about the change. The open letter was a way to get the issue on lawmakers’ radar ahead of next year’s legislative session, she said.

 

“We as a coalition want to encourage and motivate legislators to act, to take this issue up early in this coming session and to identify resources [needed] to implement this change,” Parkerson said. “The implementation is what we’re focused on and getting that right.”

 

School district woes

Public school districts face the challenge of navigating and effectively communicating the new changes without much guidance from the state.

 

According to the law, public schooling must be “open to all children 5 years of age and over … by the first day of September of any school year.” Families can submit a request to their principal to enroll their child at a younger age. The law also specified the student would need to undergo an assessment, conducted by school leadership, to “ensure that admitting such a child is developmentally appropriate.”

 

The law’s vague wording has left room for different interpretation. Earlier this month, Westport Public Schools announced it developed a “transitional plan” because the “timing of this change” could cause challenges for families.

 

“Any child who is not 5 years old on or before September 1, 2024 but turns 5 before January 1, 2025, may be admitted to kindergarten upon written request by the child’s parent or guardian to the school principal,” the district said. “The process for early entrance to kindergarten beyond the 2024-25 school year is currently under consideration and a specific procedure will be forthcoming.”

 

The state Department of Education issued further guidance soon after, about two weeks after Westport announced its plan, but told the CT Mirror it had been in the works since the legislative session ended in June.

 

The additional guidance, “New Entry Age for Kindergarten: Considerations for Connecticut Schools,” specifically stated, “the assessment process for determining the developmental appropriateness of an underage child seeking early admission to kindergarten is not discretionary and must be implemented if requested in writing.”

 

The department did not provide specific guidelines about what assessments must show or how they must be tested but did say “schools have discretion in determining whether ‘an assessment’ will be a stand-alone tool or a holistic measure of a child’s developmental level.”

 

Westport Public School officials did not respond for comment regarding the new guidance from the state.

And although the document from the Department of Education provided some additional direction for how districts may tackle waivers, it’s also left many unanswered questions, Gozemba said, including when waivers need to be applied for or issued, when assessments should be conducted, whether a waiver would be transferable to another district, and what kind of budget implications may arise.

 

“In reality, the legislature could get enough pressure that they decide to hold off for a year or two. But in interim, districts still need to develop a process. Districts need to be able to communicate [their plans] and have them in place by, I would say, ideally, the beginning of the year, like January or February,” Gozemba said, adding that the state may need a regional approach to maintain consistency between towns.

 

“Requests have to be in by a certain time by policy, but then certainly for the families that show up the week before school, they’re still going to have to honor some kind of process. If you need to put in a waiver by June, that’s not realistic for some families who just moved here,” Gozemba said. “We still need a fair process where it also doesn’t feel like we’re discriminating against anybody who thinks their child is able to go to kindergarten. … Families need to be engaged in the process. … It needs to feel like having a conversation with families and it’s not just a rubber stamp of ‘Yes’ or “No’.”

Willimantic, CT - Creative writing students at EASTCONN’s Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT) performing arts magnet school in Willimantic received recognition at the 2nd annual Literary Festival for High School Students at Eastern Connecticut State University on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.

Out of more than 200 contest entries, three of the 13 finalists – senior Johanna Falck (Scotland), junior AJ McGarry (Newington) and sophomore Milly Stoney (Willimantic) – were ACT students. Stoney took second place, which comes with a $100 prize, the publication of her poem “Seaway Songstress” in the next issue of ECSU’s literary journal, “Here,” and a spot in the release reading event (date TBD).
In addition, ACT junior Brady Canoza (Uncasville) and sophomore Kyaraneliz Crespo (Willimantic) received honorable mentions.

“At ACT, we strive to provide opportunities for our students to demonstrate their learning in authentic ways,” said ACT principal Sarah Mallory. “ECSU’s literary festival was a great opportunity for our students to engage in workshops and showcase their learning to a broad audience. The recognition ACT students received is an outcome of the time and dedication our creative writers put into their work. We are so proud of them.”

Students were encouraged to submit original works of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction to the festival’s writing contest. Pieces submitted were read and adjudicated by ECSU professors and festival presenters.

Kristina Dukette and Stacy Vocasek, directors of the creative writing department at ACT, said they are thrilled that their students are finding success so early in the school year. “We can’t wait to see what happens next for our hardworking and talented students,” Vocasek said. “Big things are on the horizon.”

“Giving them the opportunities to attend workshops and work with published writers is showing many of our students that they can use their creativity to make a living,” Dukette added. “Writing doesn’t have to be a hobby; it can be a fulfilling career.”
McGarry, junior Eliana Guadalupe (Norwich) and first-year student Lilliana Rios (Stafford) read original pieces of poetry during the open mic portion of the day. Attendees also participated in workshops with published authors and were inspired by keynote speaker Aaron Caycedo-Kimura, a writer and visual artist who shared his hopes that students continue being creative throughout their lives.

ACT Creative Writing pathway majors are currently working on pieces to submit to other contents in the region, including the Young Writers: SOS Sagas contest, The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest for students, and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

EASTCONN, which administers ACT, is a public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Center that has been serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut’s schools and communities since 1980.

Learn more at www.eastconn.org.