Communications Corner

Greetings, Ellington Families!

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! As we return to the rhythms of school life, we’re excited to welcome back our students, staff, and families and see routines begin to take hold. The annual Convocation kicked off the year with our staff and faculty and Board of Education meeting are underway!

In this edition you will find contact information for our Board of Education members, our socials, special recognitions, and more! We value your input and look forward to featuring your ideas and stories in upcoming newsletters.

And finally—if you are not yet signed up for ParentSquare, please do! Stay connected and never miss an important update from your school or the district. Scroll to find instructions!

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Welcome back, EPS!

-Jennifer Mullin, Communications Committee Chair

At the regular Board meetings, the student liaison presents a report highlighting key activities and events happening at the school. They would discuss recent academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any upcoming events, such as sports games, plays, or community service projects. The liaison may also share feedback from their peers on pressing issues or suggestions for improvements within the school environment. This role fosters communication between the student body and the school board. We are thrilled to have student representation with us each month!

Ahead of the September Meeting, EPS' new teachers attended a Meet-N-Greet with the Ellington Board of Education Members. So great to meet and hear from everyone!

Click MEET OUR NEW STAFF to see the list!

Track and Field Coach, Peter Corbett was inducted in the CHSCA Hall of Fame this month. He is slated to be recognized by the Board of Education at the October Meeting. Coach Corbett has been instrumental in developing the track program. After coaching the boys’ teams for the first 15 years, he has served as the co-head coach for both boys’ and girls’ teams for over 20 years. Congratulations, Coach!

Established by the Ellington Board of Education's Communications Committee, this award recognizes up to three individuals or businesses who have gone above and beyond in supporting the students and staff of Ellington Public Schools, all outside the scope of their employment.

1. Shows unwavering support for our students or staff?
2. Builds a stronger Ellington through business or service organizations?
3. Spreads positivity and a sense of community?

Then, nominate them for the Friend of Education Award!

Let’s show our appreciation for the people who help make our schools awesome every day!

Nomination forms attached!

Gary Blanchette, a former teacher and dedicated member of the Ellington Board of Education is officially retiring. We are so grateful for his service and dedication to students during his career and wish him all the best in this next chapter! Gary plans to spend time at home with his wife Christine. Thank you Gary, you will be missed!

We’re excited to share that we’ve adopted a new communication platform called ParentSquare to help us keep you better informed and more connected with your school community.

With ParentSquare, you’ll receive all school and classroom messages in one place and translated into your preferred language—whether by email, text, app, or web.

All school, grade-level, and classroom communications will come through ParentSquare. District updates, too!

To get the most out of ParentSquare, we encourage you to download the free mobile app, available for iOS and Android. You can also access ParentSquare from your web browser at www.parentsquare.com.

A music-inspired staff convocation occurred on Monday, August 25. The Board is always thrilled to be invited and attend kick-off events. An exciting school year is ahead!

One of the most exciting moments at Convocation was a brand-new addition to the agenda: Assistant Superintendent Oliver Barton hosted a student panel featuring high schoolers Taylor Cicciarella, Lauren Hoover, Keegan Murray, Remy Socha, and Tae Song. Together, they shared unforgettable learning experiences from their elementary and middle school years. Barton also introduced the district’s focus for the year—fostering student thinking and engagement through the Vision of the Learner.

Jennifer Dzen, Chair, Shared Services Liaison

jdzen@ellingtonschools.net

Kerry Socha, Vice-Chair, Board of Selectmen Liaison

ksocha@ellingtonschools.net

Jennifer Mullin, Board Secretary, BASES Liaison, Communications Chair

jmullin@ellingtonschools.net

Gary Blanchette, PBC Liaison

gblanchette@ellingtonschools.net

Marcia Kupferschmid, Center School Liaison

mkupferschmid@ellingtonschools.net

Angela Moser, EHS Liaison, Policy Chair

amoser@ellingtonschools.net

Miriam Underwood, CLS, CREC and Wellness Liaison, Operations Chair

munderwood@ellingtonschools.net

Steve Viens, Ellington Middle School/Board of Finance/Insurance Advisory Liaison, Finance Chair

sviens@ellingtonschools.net

Lenora Williams, Windermere School Liaison

lwilliams@ellingtonschools.net

Michael Young, Curriculum Chair

myoung@ellingtonschools.net

If you want to let us know you will be there - we would love to have you!

If you cannot join us in person, watch the meeting live on our YouTube channel.

*Regular BOE meetings are always public and RSVP is not required*