Communications Corner

Can you believe the holidays are here and 2026 is just around the corner? Take a moment to scroll through the pictures and re-visit the highlights of our Fall season. We're excited to welcome two new Board Members—Karl Stocker and Megan Johnson. Check out their bios below!

Plus, look out for important reminders to update your information, a Windermere progress update and stay tuned, our website is getting a fresh new look - coming January 2026!

Thank you for reading this edition of Communications Corner! We appreciate each and every one of you!

Best Regards,

Jenn Mullin, Board Secretary and Communications Committee Chair

Follow the Board on Facebook and Instagram!

Congratulations to Myra! She was celebrated at the November Board of Education meeting for her accomplishments. Although she was not voted into office, we proudly recognized all the good she has done and her selection as one of only seven students statewide to serve on the Connecticut Kid Governor’s Cabinet at the Old State House. In this important role, Myra will represent herself, her family, Center School, and the Town of Ellington. Myra is featured here with Ms. Burdaki.

Our friends at Central Office had a fun sock spirit day in November following a 3rd annual Crockpot lunch and sock exchange - Crocks and Socks! This year a basket of socks was donated to support the Brian Flint Sock Drive.

In Ellington’s heart, the lanterns glow,

Where hometown pride and progress flow,

The government’s touch is kind and near,

It shapes the joys we hold most dear.

They tend the parks where children run,

Green fields shining in the sun,

Ball games echo, laughter rings,

Community sports ignite our springs.

The theater hums with curtain calls,

Voices rising within its walls,

Plays and concerts, music’s note,

On hometown stages, dreams take float.

At fairs and festivals, crowds unite,

Parades bring color, pure delight,

Floats go by with banners high,

Citizens cheer beneath the sky.

My favorite place? The village green,

Where every season paints the scene,

Concert nights or farmer’s days,

It’s where the town’s true spirit stays.

And yet, I dream of cooler ways

Ellington’s future might amaze:

A skate park gleaming, trails that weave,

Weekend shuttles where people leave

Their cars behind, and ride with pride,

Together meeting side by side.

Perhaps more spaces shaped by art,

Murals that give the streets new heart,

Markets open late at night,

Giving our small town city light.

Still, I sing with grateful voice,

For Ellington makes the sweetest choice:

To honor culture, sport, and song,

And keep its people proud and strong.

So here’s to leaders, wise and kind,

Who shape a town where hearts align.

Our government, cool as a passing breeze,

A hometown treasure, bound to please.

Karl Stocker is a professor of philosophy and Coordinator of the Philosophy Program at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is a 20-year Ellington resident who has been involved in the Ellington Public Schools for much of that time, serving as Treasurer for the Windermere PTO, Vice President and President of the Middle School PTO, and serving as chair and volunteering for a long list of events. His son attended Ellington Schools and is currently a Junior at the University of Delaware, his daughter is currently a 6th-grader at Windermere, and he is happily married to his wife, Lori of 27 years. One of his relevant current research interests is the benefits of practicing philosophy with children.

Megan Johnson joins the Board as a dedicated parent of a six and nearly four-year-old, and long-time community volunteer. An editor by trade, she has a strong background in volunteerism and activism, bringing a thoughtful and collaborative approach to decision-making.

She earned her undergraduate degree at Stonehill College in Massachusetts and her post-graduate degree from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. A Massachusetts native, Megan has also lived in Canada, London, and New York. She hopes that a broader perspective on education will become an asset to the Board.

Megan is an active member of the Windermere PTO, a member of the Friends of the Pinney House, and served for five years as Secretary of the Ellington Greater Together Community Fund. She is also an active member of the Ellington Democratic Town Committee, serving as Chair of the Communication Committee. When she lived in New York City, she ran an after-school theatre program for inner city teens.

Reach out to your liaison with questions and concerns. Tune in the the monthly Board of Education meetings to hear your liaison's school report!

The site changes by the day! We cannot wait to begin to use the new space.

Our First Selectman, Vice Chair of the Board and Board members posing for a festive photo at Crystal Lake!

Left to right: Board Member Angie Moser, First Selectman Laurie Burstein, Board Member Megan Johnson and Vice Chair Miriam Underwood

We’ve launched @ParentSquare across EPS! Now it’s easier to get updates from your school, connect with teachers, and respond to messages, all in one place.

💻Sign up: http://parentsquare.com/signin

📲Download the app: https://www.parentsquare.com/select_school/new

It’s that time of year again—winter weather has arrived, and snowy days are becoming part of our routine. Ellington Public Schools understands that school cancellations, early dismissals, and delayed openings can create challenges, especially for working families. However, student safety will always remain our top priority. The final decision regarding weather-related changes is made by the Superintendent.

Below is the standard process used when determining schedule changes:

• Between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. the Superintendent consults with a local meteorologist to review the projected forecast for the entire school day.
• The Ellington Department of Public Works (DPW) provides updates on real-time road conditions and the state of school parking lots. The Facilities Director also reports on the condition of school walkways.
• After additional consultation with our bus company, First Student, and other area superintendents, a decision is made for Ellington Public Schools.

Once a decision is reached, families are notified by email, phone, and text, and updates are posted on our website, social media, and local news stations. This is a great time to log into your parent portal and ensure all contact information is current.

Primary Communication Method

• Email, Phone, and Text via ParentSquare

Secondary Communication Methods

• Local News: WFSB, FOX, WVIT, WTNH

• EPS Website

• Social Media:

– Facebook: @ellingtonboe

– Instagram: @boe.ellington

While we aim to make inclement weather decisions the evening before whenever possible, forecasting is not an exact science—some decisions are more straightforward than others.

Rest assured, the safety of Ellington’s students, staff, and community remains our highest priority.

Jennifer Mullin, Communications Chair

Megan Johnson, Board Member

Marcia Kupferschmid, Board Member

Tracey Deptula, District Communications and Media Coordinator