Dear Students, Staff and Families:
I hope this school year is progressing smoothly for all of you. Although the recent stretch of unseasonably warm weather might be confusing our senses, we are quickly approaching the end of the first quarter. This is an excellent opportunity to evaluate student progress and address any challenges they might be facing. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor, or building administrator.
As many of you are aware, we have discussed school safety on several occasions this year. We touched on this topic briefly during the October Board of Education meeting and plan to revisit it at our upcoming meeting on November 12, 2024. We value your insights, so if you have thoughts on our current safety practices or suggestions you’d like us to consider, please join us.
I’m also pleased to share some exciting news: Colchester Public Schools has been awarded a state bond for the installation of new audio enhancement systems (Sound Fields) in our classrooms. We are grateful for the support of our state legislature and the Governor’s office. These systems utilize sound field technology to evenly distribute sound throughout the classroom, ensuring that every student hears instructions, explanations, and discussions with clarity. This reduces background noise, minimizes the need for students to strain to listen, and enhances focus and comprehension. These benefits are particularly impactful for students with hearing impairments, learning disabilities, or those who benefit from varied learning styles.
By integrating this technology, we are fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment. The systems also provide practical advantages for our teachers by reducing vocal strain and facilitating clearer communication. We anticipate this technology will enhance student engagement, improve comprehension, and contribute to higher academic performance while reducing the need to repeat instructions.
At Colchester Public Schools, we live by our guiding principle: “Connected, Accepted, Ready to Learn.” This is not just a slogan for signs and newsletters—it represents the daily experience we strive to create for our students and staff, and the introduction of Sound Fields will further support this mission. We also greatly appreciate the community's ongoing feedback, particularly regarding school safety.
In closing, I want to acknowledge that the recent election cycle was a deeply personal experience for many. Regardless of where you stand, it's important to remember that robust debates and differing opinions on significant issues are fundamental to the health of a democratic society. As a school community, we must ensure that no election, nor any issue, divides us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an environment where every student feels connected, accepted, and ready to learn.
Sincerely,
Daniel Sullivan
Superintendent
Bacon Academy
An impressive 83.8% of students at Bacon Academy, specifically those in grades 11 and 12, have successfully met the college-and-career-readiness benchmark, which is determined through a combination of their SAT or ACT scores, AP or IB exam scores, or by accumulating three or more dual enrollment credits throughout their high school tenure. This remarkable achievement has positioned us as the top-ranked school in Connecticut, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and preparing our students for their future endeavors.
William J. Johnston Middle School
We are thrilled to announce that WJJMS has been honored as a Red, White & Blue School and recognized as the runner-up for the Outstanding School award! This prestigious accolade highlights our commitment to civic education and our dedication to fostering engaged, responsible citizens.
The Red, White & Blue Schools program, a fantastic initiative by the CT Secretary of the State, the CT Department of Education, and the CT Democracy Center, shines a spotlight on K-12 schools that go above and beyond in promoting civic engagement. By participating in this program, WJJMS exemplifies what it means to be an active member of our community and inspires our students to do the same.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and engaged families. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Let’s celebrate this incredible achievement! We are proud of our students and look forward to continuing our work in civic education. Here’s to many more milestones ahead for WJJMS!
Barbara Johnson
Meet Barbara Johnson, our dedicated Instructional Technology Coordinator! Since stepping into this role a year ago, Barbara has brought her extensive experience and passion for education to the forefront. With 14 years as a Library Media Specialist at Jack Jackter Intermediate School, she has a wealth of knowledge and insight into how technology can enhance learning experiences.
Barbara is committed to continuous growth, regularly attending conferences and professional development sessions to stay updated on the latest in instructional technology. Her eagerness to learn and improve ensures that our team is always equipped with the best tools and strategies to support our students and faculty.
Known for her willingness to assist and her knack for going above and beyond, Barbara is a true asset to our organization. Whether it's troubleshooting a tech issue or providing innovative resources, she is always ready to lend a helping hand.
We are grateful to have her on our team and excited to see all the amazing things she will continue to accomplish!
Monday, November 11 - No School, Veterans' Day
Wednesday, November 27 - Early Release Day
Thursday-Friday November 28-29 - No School, Thanksgiving Recess
Friday, December 20 - Early Release Day
Monday, December 23-Wednesday January 1 - No School, Winter Recess
For Full 2024-2025 Calendar, please click here
