6-22-20 Groton Board of Education Meeting

001Um, do we have a sense? Do I have a quorum? >> You do. >> Thank you, Lee. I am interested in starting um the meeting and then just kind of doing the lay of the land to the board members. This is we are holding this meeting very differently obviously um and so a lot of our stuff that we would normally do at our regular board meeting um we are not going to do. So, um, is Miss Joan on? >> I'm here. >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Joan. I just want to let you know that, uh, my clock says it's about 6:05 and I'm calling order the board of education meeting, um, June 22nd at 6:05 and this is obviously continued to be a remote meeting. Um this is our normal um time that we meet

002at on a regular board where we do all of our voting. Um because um we have not been able to recognize the district and the people in the district who make um us proud um we uh Dr. Grineer and I made the decision um that we were not going to do our normal sort of work in terms of looking over policy. I apologize about that Lee. Um, but it was going to make our meeting so much longer. And so I I figured we have done so much. The district has done so much. I think it's I think we need a meeting to celebrate. We need a meeting to recognize those who have who have brought us to this place. And so um, we're going to do that. I did save though towards the end. This

003is more directed towards the board members is I did save um the comments from citizens um because I I do believe that this is our only time of the month that we um allow to hear comments and so um I wanted to make sure that we um were going to do that as well. So once again um thank you for writing for um muting the mic. Oh my goodness. And there people are coming and coming and coming and coming. Um, so our first order of bis business is uh our pledge of allegiance and um I there's so many. Matt, would you be willing to lead us um in the pledge of allegiance, please? I don't know if people want to unmute or just keep it muted. Um that's that's truly up to you. >> You

004want me to lead us? if you could, Matt. >> Okay. I pledge allegiance >> to the flag >> of the United States of America >> and to the republic it stands for it stands under >> under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Mac, thank you. and you probably will never want to be that close to me on Zoom again. So, but thank you very much for your your willingness of spirit. Okay, so Dr. Grineer, I'm going to bring this back to you and I. Um, so um I hope the board got the email of all the people that we're going to recognize just so that you have that so that you know what we're going to do. Um in the years past when we've been able to be in person um we've

005actually read some of um the stuff that the principles have u written um obviously we've actually moved away from that and we've asked the principles to do it anyways because it's their it's their words um and so but we are going to continue on with that um where we're going to invite the principles but I think the first order of business is that Dr. Grineer, we wanted to recognize the retirees and I do believe that Beth Huller wanted to have a chance to speak. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Is there do we have do we do we have staff do we have admin that are all that are as well um >> retiring? Say that again. Do we have ad? have um do we have administrators that are retiring as well? I just don't

006have the list right in front of me. >> You know, I don't think we Well, actually, Mr. Arice technically, and I'm going to talk for him, but but I will say this, Kim, uh what we what we decided to do, we'll let Beth chime in here, but we I I've asked the principles to speak in order. So we'll we'll start with the Charles Barhamm school and they will speak uh about their retiree or if they have any or or several and then the support person and friends of education and so forth. So um we'll start we'll start off though normally as as the board knows this night is is besides graduation is arguably the best night of the year for us. And then the other really super night is where we meet in the cafeteria

007to uh wish farewell to the retirees. So unfortunately we're missing both of those live ceremonies. Um but tonight uh we'll we'll do it remotely. So I'd like to ask Beth Horler if she'd uh please make a few comments on behalf of the GA. >> Thank you Dr. Grineer. First of all, I want to say congratulations to everyone teachers of the year and our retirees. Normally I get to do this speech in person and I get to chat with you and deliver hugs. And as this is so 2020, we shall zoom you into retirement. This spring was certainly a defining moment in global history and in education, but this past spring does not define your career. Sure, we built a speeding jet as it was lifting off the pandemic ship and turning teaching on its head

008on to online instruction was a fabulous achievement. But your achievements span so much more for teachers. Your ach your accomplishments and achievements rest with every child you taught. For all of our retirees, every child you made to feel welcome and safe is an accomplishment and an achievement. Every connection with a parent or fellow teacher or staff member was an accomplishment to be proud of. All of those should make your heart sing. There are other accomplishments that will bring a smile or a laugh or a thank goodness I don't have to do that again. What could those be? Well, let's talk about a few. field days, field trips, bus trips, duty, meetings, and the meetings about meetings and the premeings about the meetings and the post meetings about the meetings. Waiting for the copier or the

009microwave or the bathroom. Can we just say if that last one was an Olympic sport, teachers have that one down pat. You have seen more models of teaching, including ones that just have a new name, and you mastered those, too. You've all accomplished a great deal. I'm sure you all have a list of what you want to accomplish in retirement. And I have a few suggestions. First, read whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want. Two, wake up whenever you wish. Ditch the alarm clock. Three, lunch again. Whenever, wherever, whatever. And then four, well, maybe you could sub. No, too soon. Okay. Anyways, we truly wish all of you all of our best as you leave us. A great deal of Graten Public Schools history leaves with you this year. We will miss you

010all and we will continue on this crazy education journey. Be well, be happy and congratulations. >> Thanks, Beth. >> Beth, thank you very much. I always look forward to your speech. So, thank you. Thank you. So, um Dr. Geneer, it looks like we're going to start off with Charles Barnum. >> We We will start off with Charles Barnum. Blue Ribbon School and Mr. Danner is the principal. So, I'll turn it over to him. Seth, >> thank you. >> I think Good evening. We're gonna start with um the retiree from our school. We have two. I'm going to give a quick shout out to Mary Jane Yolan. I'm not reading about her tonight. Um but she is retiring from CB along with I think like 10 other schools. So, um congratulations to you, Mary Jane. So,

011first I'll talk about Lori Hinchi. Where do you start with Lori Hinchi? Well, she's been at Charles Barn for over 20 years. She's been in Graten for over 30 and around 35 as an educator. To help make sense of that, she started teaching when I was in second grade. She could have been my teacher. That would have been great because I asked staff to help write this and one said she is very caring with all children and she does an amazing job of making connections not only with students but with families as well. Another staff member noted how she always stood up for what is right for students and will always put their best interest before anything else. It's clear she just loves working with kids. Another great quality that Lori has is that she

012goes above and beyond to support staff members and will work hours at all hours of the day to help in any way she can. Countless hours of her time have been spent working with new and seasoned teachers as she provides them with her wisdom and kindness. Lori has also spent a large amount of time in the early mornings allowing me to bounce ideas off her. She gets to work super early. The only problem is we typically get distracted talking about the Patriots and get very little accomplished. It's okay because everyone agrees that Lori is just easy to talk to. Best of luck from everyone at CB in your retirement, Lori, and we'll put you on the sublist when you're ready. I think Mark says jazz hands. Should I go? I don't know what you want

013for an order, Dr. G. Uh, do you want me to just go in order that you >> Support personnel, please. >> Okay, I got to get it back up on my screen. Okay. Mrs. Becky Wallace has made an outstanding contribution to the quality of education and plays a key role in the smooth operation at Charles Barnum. Becky is the face of our school and her perpetual positivity and caring nature makes Charles Barnum a warm, inviting place for all who enter. She has a special way with students, too. Chatting with them about their schoolwork, their day or cheering up an upset student. Oftentimes, if you stop in the office, you will notice that it's full. Teachers, administrators, volunteers, and students. The phone is ringing, the door is buzzing, the walkie-talkies are calling, and there she is

014calmly handling it all with a smile. Becky is also the co-chair for CV Cares committee that provides help to families of students in need. She works tirelessly juggling the many jobs that are required and will never turn a teacher or family member away that's waiting. What can I do for you is how she goes out of her way to help us make our job easier, even if it makes her job more difficult. Mrs. Wallace is a selfless person that Charles Barnum is proud to call the nucleus of our CB community. Uh, friends of education is next. I think she's here. Uh, Diane George. Diane has been a such a special support for the students at Charles Barton. Students benefit from their ability to share in Dian's groups about the unique experience of family deployment. They're

015able to do this during her regularly scheduled deployment club meetings that she hosts at lunch. A deployment of a loved one can be you can hear this through the laughing and see it in the smiling and it's attributed to the connection Diane creates with the children. It is incredibly valuable for everyone who participates. One final aspect of Diane's impact on her children is that she is very apparent. It is very apparent that she truly cares about the children. She remembers individual details and stories that students share with her. One staff member noted, "I've never seen a student leave at the end of her lunch group without a smile." We at CB appreciate everything Diane does for her students and are pleased to have her represented with our friends of education award. Diane following Mark's directions

016and Mrs. Braybeck. I believe I saw her here as well tonight. Charles Barnum Elementary School is proud to announce Sue Braybeck as our outstanding educator for 2020. Mrs. Braybeck has been at Barnum for the past five years as a fifth grade teacher. She relocated to our area after spending time teaching in New Hampshire. I should have said re-relocated because that's what she did. The last time she was at Barnum, she was the PTO president and parent extraordinaire to her girls. Graten is a special place for Mrs. Braybeck and it is not the first time she has worked here, but her husband is retired Navy. Barnum is very familiar with the military population and Sue has a fantastic understanding of what her students endure on a daily basis. >> I asked for some staff members to

017tell me how they see Sue as a role model for teachers. >> Oh, it's a bandwidth was low. >> My bandwidth. >> Okay, I'm just going to ask it. Everyone mutes, please. I asked for some staff members to tell me how they see Sue as a role model for teachers. One teacher said, "I nominated Sue because she is simply a rock star. She embodies all of the characteristics of an amazing teacher as she listens to her students carefully and adjusts her instruction so that everyone gets exactly what they need. Her small group individualized instruction looks easy, flowing from one group to the next, listening, noticing, and then leaving them with just the right questions." That's an impressive statement. It makes me want to be in the class as her student or have her as my

018grade level partner as a colleague. Both would be fantastic. Another staff member commented on her ability to connect with children. Sue cares. She cares on multiple levels about all of her students, both academically and socially. As a life as good playmaker, she invests each child's social emotional growth and is willing to give her time and talents to support anyone. Sue's ability to care knows no bounds. I have witnessed this on many occasions, but most recently, she went completely out of her way to bring her dinosaursized dog, Daisy, to meet a student who was struggling with virtual learning due to the lack of social interaction. It was a completely selfless act to give a few moments to a student in need. Daisy showed up in many of the videos Sue created for distance learning and is

019famous with her class. As is the case with many people in this room or this virtual room, Sue is a huge motivator, cheerleader, confidant, and role model. If you know her, she does all of those things for students and for colleagues, never once thinking of herself. Sue, congratulations on being selected by your peers as teacher of the year. And thank you for your dedication to the students and Charles Barton. Okay, Seth. Excellent job. Thanks so much. And now we'll go to Chris, please. Katherine Konowski. >> Okay, Katherine Kolski's first retiree is Paula Bramley. Um Paula Bramley has been an invaluable member of our Katherryn Kowski family for the past four years. We were so lucky to have such a talented master teacher join our staff. In her short time with us, Paula made an impact

020on both our students and our staff. She always thinks about the whole child and what each student's need is at that moment and then meets that need. Paula is the model of a lifelong learner. She understands that to do the best for our students, you need to read the research, refine your skills, always be willing to adjust your teaching, and share your knowledge with your colleagues. It's Paula's desire to share her craft and her knowledge that made us all better educators. It was an honor for Paula Barmley to be part of our CK family, and we will miss her greatly, and we wish Paula well in her retirement. Um, I had the pleasure of working with Eileen Burton twice in my career in Grten. First at Pitch Middle School and then at Katherine Kolaski. Um,

021and this allowed me to see the full range of Eileen's teaching ability and it is impressive. CK is so lucky to have had Eileen join us for the last three years of her career in Groten. She made our school a much more beautiful place to be as filled every hallway, even the stairwell with student art. And this made not only made our school beautiful, but it developed pride within our students for the work they created. And they knew that their work was valued. Eileen not only taught our students about the art they were creating, but she helped them find their individuality and helped them share that through their artwork. Eileen leaves very big shoes to fill at CK. We will miss her and the beauty that she brought to our school. Happy retirement, Eileene. And

022we have another retiree who is um Rita Howell. So CK was fortunate to have Rita Howell as a paraprofessional for several years before her retirement. Rita has a quiet and steady approach which is a perfect approach with our students. Her calm and consistent style provided the consistency that allowed our students to be available for learning and to produce their best work. Rita is detailoriented and organized which helped our teachers collect the work samples and the data that was needed. Her unassuming presence has been missed at CK as Rita retired earlier this year. And Rita, we wish you the best as you continue your retirement. Let's see. CK's non-certified personnel award um goes to Colleen Peterson. Um Colleen Peterson does so much for our students in our school every day. Her job title is tutor for

023English language learners, but she is so much more at CK. Often unseen and sometimes very visible, Colleen is a force in helping our school run smoothly every day. She develops relationships with all of the students at CK and she knows most of them by name. She provides our ELELLL students with the consistent and meaningful support that they need to be successful in the classroom. But she doesn't stop there. She also helps to make sure our breakfast runs smoothly every morning and that our dismissal is safe every afternoon. and she has a wonderful relationship with our families. She quickly jumps in to help in the office when it's needed and often supports our afterchool events. Colleen is also a key member of CK's party central. She has a knack of knowing when we need a little

024re relaxation as a CK family and she always picks the right location and party to help us keep a little balance in our lives. And it's that balance that helps us all be better at our jobs. Colleen is a valued member of our CK school family and we are very fortunate to have her and it's an honor to award her with CK's non-certified personnel award. Um, the Friends of Graten Education Award for CK goes to Heidi Bochamp. Katherryn Kolnowski is honored to select Heidi Bochamp for the Friends of Graten Award this year. For the past six years, Heidi has volunteered to work in the art classroom for Eileene Burton, three years at CK, and three years at PV prior to its closing. Heidi comes into the art classroom two to three times a week to

025assist with classes and assists with special projects like weaving and clay projects when an extra set of adult hands is most needed. She is caring and gentle with all of the students and she has a special way of knowing which students need a little more help or attention and provides that support without prompting. In addition to her classroom assistants, Heidi helps hang and take down hundreds of art projects and displays throughout the building. She never turns down a request for help with this very timeconsuming job. These displays have adorned our hallways with beautiful artwork and given the children a sense of pride when they see their work displayed. It also helps parents and other school personnel see the work that's happening in the art room. Heidi is organized and methodical with every project. She also

026volunteers with arts night and steam night, assisting with workshops and art displays. Heidi and her husband have been instrumental in preparing over a 100 gingerbread houses each year for our annual gingerbread workshop in December. And that is no small task. She has taken time to help organize the art room and materials. She even takes home time conssuming work like mounting student artwork, cleaning watercolor trays, and sorting through old markers. Our school would not be as beautiful without Heidi's dedication. Thank you, Heidi Bamp. And next is Katherine Kolk's teacher of the year, which is Kristen Phelps. Kristen Phelps joined the Katherryn Kolnowki family five years ago, and what a blessing that was for our school. Kristen is a tenacious advocate for her students. It is simply remarkable what Kristen can accomplish for and with her students

027and for and with her team as well. She always seems to be one step ahead. A colleague often refers to Kristen as a superwoman and she is right. Kristen has extraordinary talents, strengths, and abilities. Katherine Konowski Steam Magnet School is honored to have Kristen Phelps represent our school as CK's teacher of the year. When you meet Kristen Phelps, the first thing you notice is her positive personality and that she's always smiling, but it doesn't take long to realize that Kristen is also 100% invested in her students. She is driven to meet their needs and has a special place in her heart for them. Passionate and patient, she advocates for their social and emotional needs as well as their academic needs. She puts her empathy into action, supporting students and guiding their parents as well. She

028builds and nurtures caring relationships with everyone she's in contact with. And it's these strong relationships that help her students succeed. Kristen is supportive and sensitive to student and family needs and goes above and beyond to maintain effective communication with students, parents, and staff. She meets with teachers throughout the day, both formally and on the fly, to offer insight, ask questions, and provide support. Kristen knows that the best teaching comes from collaboration between educators rather than working as separate entities. She makes it a point to include herself in all realms that might have an impact on her student. And it's this collaboration that helps ensure that every adult, every adult involved with her students understands that students needs in that moment, which results in the greatest growth for the student. She has a vast knowledge of

029curriculum, her students, and organizational skills that allow her to adapt to any situation on a moment's notice. She's conscientious of each child's learning styles, and is dedicated to making lessons creative and innovative in order to motivate all students, even the most reluctant learners. Kristen and her husband, Scott, are the parents of one very energetic and beautiful little girl, Madison. It's amazing what Kristen accomplishes each day, especially as we've been doing Zoom meetings and I watch the energy that Madison has. She is a superwoman and we are proud to have Kristen Phelps as our teacher of the year. Thanks, Chris. Uh Jamie, if you would uh introduce us to a few folks, we'd appreciate it. >> Hi, good evening. I do not have any retirees, so I can get right started into our non-certified personnel award.

030So, Clchester School is excited and honored to have Mary Ellen Seabird as their non-certified personnel award recipient. Mary Ellen is an enthusiastic, well-prepared professional who makes an enormous difference in supporting a kindergarten classroom. She's committed to helping students and staff in any capacity she can, all in order to help with the success of our youngest learners. She initiates ideas and actions, jumping in to help students in the classroom, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and in the hallway. From holding a hand to making a math assignment fun, Mary Ellen builds confidence in students in a loving, supporting, supportive way, she is described as a go-getter, jumping in to ask any inquisitive student questions, provide help and support learning goals. She is self-motivated and naturally understands the needs of the classroom and her students. Colleagues describe

031her as a devoted friend and co-worker, influencing the self-esteem and motivational drive of all those she meets. Mary Ellen is dedicated, professional, and a true asset to the CC community. Congratulations, Mary Ellen. Thank you for all that you do to make CC a great place to be. Okay, I will move into our um friends of graten award. So, we are honored that Sue Malero is our friends of graten award recipient this year. Sue has been an incredibly dedicated volunteer and role model to Claude Chester students for the past two years. She has come to CC every day and stays the whole morning helping our students. She arrives with a smile and even leaves with a smile. Sue devotes her morning to reading with students one-on-one or in a small group doing various games, supporting site

032words, comprehension, phonics. She really does everything. In addition to reading, Sue helps students practice math facts. She can make a drill type activity really engaging. Students are definitely drawn to her gentle, genuine, soft-spoken demeanor. Teachers appreciate having her help with their students. Sue also helps teachers in the literacy classroom organizing materials, leveling books, and making displays. Thank you, Sue, for your dedication and your hard work in helping to make CC a great place for great kids. Congratulations. [Music] Okay. And Claude Chester School is proud and honored that Jessica Legos. >> All right. So, you don't see anybody's You don't see anybody's pictures? >> Um >> Oh, shoot. I don't want to be on. >> I will start again that Jessica Leos is recognized as our school's teacher of the year. Jessica is an outgoing, enthusiastic

033teacher. She has endless amount of positive energy and it's contagious to all who are around her. Every day she brings joy and excitement into her kindergarten classroom which she works tirelessly to make a warm, welcoming, safe place for everyone who joins, including the adults. Jess continued to make her classroom engaging and fun during distance learning as she held weekly morning meetings through Zoom. She would implement literacy and math skills into meetings through games or shareouts with which students just love to participate. It was very fun. She also used many different platforms from Seesaw to Remind to Zoom to make sure her students families felt connected and upto-date. She even held a Zoom meeting with parents to give tips on how to work with their ch child at home. Jessica is a champion and advocate for

034her students. She never stops discovering, creating, learning different ways she can have a greater impact upon them. She goes above and beyond to make her students feel successful and loved and their families feel empowered. Despite any and many challenges she has faced to reach a student academically, behaviorally, and or emotionally, Jessica has never given up or stopped trying new ideas and taking risks. She is open open to implementing all offered strategies from her team and reflects upon them often. Jessica's talent goes beyond the classroom. She is part of the CC community outreach committee, is part of the CC read across America committee, and is the CC rep for kindergarten distance learning for the district. And she even choreographed a flash dance routine for the teachers and staff to do as a surprise for students at

035a whole school meeting. Thank you, Jessica, for all that you do to make Clawer School an amazing, positive place to be. Congratulations. >> Yay. >> Thanks, Jamie. >> Thank you. >> Uh we'll now uh move on to Ryan, please. Talk about a few folks from NEA. Ryan. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. I want to echo what Mr. Danner said, give a shout out to Mary Jane Yolan. Congratulations on your retirement. I know that Kathy Miner will be speaking about you shortly. Our first person from Northeast Academy, our support personnel. The award this year goes to Michelle Gustoson. NEA is honored to present Michelle with our non-certified personnel award this year. When we think of an unsung hero within our school, Michelle is most certainly that. As a building sub, she not only works in

036every classroom with every student and every staff member, but she also knows and understands all the needs and necessities of the building throughout the day. Over the last few years, she has filled in wherever and whenever has been needed, even taking over running the school as our secretary when needed without missing a beat. Not to mention, she just stepped down as the president of our amazing PTO and certainly has left enormous shoes to fill. Michelle has established loving and caring relationships with the students and faculty of NEA through consistent teamwork. She demonstrates every day. Our Northeast community would not be the same without Michelle Gustoson by any means. Congratulations to Michelle. All right, next up, our friend of education. This year's recipient for Northeast Academy is Jill Lebrano. And I believe I saw Michelle and

037Jill here. Jill has been a longtime friend of Northeast. Between her two sons, Jill has been a member of the Northeast community for over 10 years, and we are so lucky for that. Besides being an active member of the PTO and running the book fair and taking care of everything that comes with that from setup to break down and scheduling volunteers, Jill is also a familiar face on a regular basis within the school. Jill can often be found at the copier or laminating machine. She is constantly organizing materials for math games and activities across all the grade levels and taking things home to cut up and organize into bags. Jill often volunteers much more than her scheduled hours, staying all day or coming in more days if needed to help help finish up a project.

038Her behind the scenes work is appreciated greatly by our staff and why she is our friend of education award recipient this year. Congratulations to Jill. Just speaking personally, completing my first year at Northeast as the principal, I can say that Michelle and Jill were a huge help to me and someone that I could not only bounce ideas off of, but get some valuable feedback from. So Michelle and Jill, thank you so much for being such a strong part of our team. And last, but certainly not least, uh this year's recipient of the teacher of the year award at Northeast Academy is Lauren Hunter. I'm not sure if Lauren is with us, but I certainly hope that she is. This year's teacher of the year at Northeast, as I said, is Lauren Hunter. Lauren is a

039first grade teacher and has been at Northeast for only a few years since the closing of Pleasant Valley. Lauren's classroom environment is dynamic. She creatively utilizes flexible seating for all students and does wonders empowering her kids to self-regulate and selfassess. Lauren has exceptionally strong relationships with her students and families. Her special education background certainly enables her to meet the needs of difficult learners with individuality and passion. Lauren's contributions to the NEA community go well beyond her classroom. She is a huge part of our journey to success character education program. Lauren films and produces videos each month highlighting students demonstrating important skills. She also plans and hosts our monthly parent assemblies, masterfully commanding an audience of nearly 500 people using strong classroom management techniques. During distance learning, Lauren has shined. She jumped into Google Classroom and

040set up online rooms for our kindergarten and first grade teams. She has helped many colleagues troubleshoot and navigate the world of virtual learning with ease. Lauren also produced multiple videos from home during distance learning, highlighting the hard work of our students and the need to maintain community and school culture in the world of quarantine. These videos have gone a long way in maintaining our school's sense of connectedness during this entire corona virus experience. We are so proud of Lauren's accomplishments both this year and beyond. She does a wonderful job demonstrating her personal best, a mantra we use daily at Northeast Academy. Huge congratulations, Lauren. Welld deserved. And Dr. Grer, that's all I have. >> Thanks so much, Ryan. Uh Steve, we'll we'll turn it over to you. >> Uh yes, thank you. Uh, good evening

041everyone. I'm going to get started. We have one retiree. Uh, let's see. Here we go. So, as we leave the 2020 2021 school year at SB Butler behind us, we will be saying farewell to Linda Salivitz. Linda has been a special education teacher at Grten Public Schools for over 18 years and has dedicated her time to ensuring that all students are successful both academically and emotionally. One of the first things that comes to mind is her compassionate approach and nurturing demeanor when it comes to the good work that she does with our students and families. She makes it her priority to ensure that communication is open, frequent, and clear. Linda is also an excellent collaborative team player. She has been an integral part of our special education team and has helped to form strong connections

042with our staff and many students in our school. In her tenure at Butler, she has taken over the Sunshine Club. This club helps to support our staff through the good and not so good that life often throws our way. She has helped to organize many flower deliveries, celebratory cards and gifts, and kind words that have helped to maintain a positive staff morale in our school community. Just recently, she organized a coffee cart that operated every Friday. It was a a way to integrate life skills to some of our most needy students. Under close supervision, students took orders, collected money, and served coffee to our staff on Fridays. It was very successful and yet another example of how Linda continually looked for ways to include all of our students at Butler every day. We will miss

043Linda and her many different affectionate nicknames. Some which include Mama S, Mom, Queen of Resource or just to name a few. We wish you all the best, Linda, as you embark on this new adventure. Live every day to the fullest. Stay in the moment and enjoy your family. We'll certainly miss you, Linda. So, moving on to our let's see, our non-certified staff member, Gretchen Romley, was nominated at our school uh this year. Words cannot express how kind and thoughtful Gretchen is to everyone that she meets. We are so fortunate to have Gretchen and her children at our school. Gretchen wears many hats at Butler. She's our volunteer coordinator, kindergarten aid, and the creator of the yearbook. Gretchen has two amazing children, Max and Nora. Both her children share the same kind spirit as their mom.

044We depend on Gretchen for many things at Butler. She never says no, but I can tell you by her smile that sometimes she's really unsure about the task, but she does it anyway with a great big okay. Gretchen is the first person to volunteer her time to any project at school. From cleaning the courtyard, celebr uh celebrating the kitchen staff, helping plan staff celebrations, or going on field trips. You name it, she will volunteer. I've recently learned that she loves the outdoors. That explains why she is the most conscientious person that I know when it comes to protecting our environment. Her love for nature and something that she is something that she shares with her children. If I had to describe Gretchen using the letters of her name, a project that we ask students to

045complete often, it would go something like this. Generous, resourceful, easygoing, tender-hearted, caring, hardworking, energetic, and nurturing. Our school is a better place because of you, Gretchen. Thank you for all you do. Thank you. And moving on to our friends of education, it's our uh honor to nominate uh Kate Shannon for the friends of education uh at SP Butler for the 2019 2020 school year. Kate's kind demeanor and willingness to lend a hand at Butler is what comes to mind first when reflecting upon the support that she offers our school community. Kate is one of our literacy volunteers. She consistently and promptly arrives every week to help support students in many ways. You can often see her reading with students in the hallway, helping with their writing skills, and sometimes playing educational games to support learning.

046She is always smiling, positive, and eager to help our students. The students look forward to her coming and are easily connected to her approach and warm personality. Kate is also an active member of our PTO. She has helped to bring many assemblies, authors, illustrators, and presentations to our students. She is very supportive of our teachers in the work that they do. For the last two years, she has helped to facilitate our crazy eights afterchool math enrichment program at Butler. Just recently, she was asked to serve on the committee that will help to name the two new elementary schools in Grten. Kate's hard work and fierce dedication to SB Butler and our school community is greatly appreciated by everyone. on behalf of our staff, we thank you for all that you do, Kate. All right, and

047moving on to our last, Miss Rob. Mrs. Robin Martell is our distinguished educator for the 2020 and 2021 school year. I should say she is again. Robin was chosen to represent SB Butler last year as well. However, a hurdle in the form of cancer was thrown in front of her path. Robin took a leave of absence last year to fight and conquer with the loving support of her family and school community. All throughout her leave, she kept in contact and sought out ways to stay connected to our staff, students, and families. It became abundantly clear to me that in addition to her many teaching talents, Robin possessed an inner courage and genuine positivity that was the driving force to her recovery and healing. These traits are truly commendable. And I can't tell you how many

048times I spoke with Robin over the phone last year and was amazed at how she approached this challenge and wanted the world to know that life is good. Whoops. Oh, I'm sorry. My uh computer just glitched there. Let me go back to where I left off. I'm gonna I'm just going to go back a couple of sentences. These traits are truly commendable and I can't tell you how many times I spoke with Robin over the phone last year and was amazed at how she approached this challenge and wanted the world to know that life is good. She is a fiercely dedicated and commit and committed music teacher that truly shares her passion for music with all students every day. Her impact at Butler includes everything from afterchool enrichment clubs to teaching the alphabet through literature.

049Her hard work and dedication to detail are a testament to her teaching style and personal integrity. Robin is a is such a versatile educator, demonstrating her ability to instruct a wide variety of students, including those with severe autism. She takes the opportunity to plan with our special education teachers in the ABA program prior to teaching the students through an adaptive music class. As a result, students are prepared for the lesson and are able to access the curriculum in a smaller environment, allowing them to shine. Robin also takes the time to build relationships with students that ultimately make their overall school experience a successful one. Her kind and and attentive manner makes students feel welcome and willing to take risks. >> Her music classrooms are always welcoming and allow for students to shine. She has provided

050several after-school enrichment opportunities for our students at Butler as well. In the past three years, Robin has put on musical a musical production. >> I've got that grill on >> third, fourth, and fifth grade. >> They they've got me on mute. >> All of this work takes place with school and requires a lot of time and energy in auditioning students, creating props and sets, ordering costumes, running students through their lines, teaching the music for the play, and of course, crowd control. She works with over 50 students at the gym alone. All of this preparation leads to a fabulous production that truly showcases many of our students theatrical abilities. One of the first things that she worried about this year was that the production wouldn't happen due to her leave. Can't tell you how many times

051we argued about that. She was adamant about getting back this spring to continue with a 2020 production. In the end, her health and well-being became the priority. As the school district transitioned to distance learning for students, Robin saw the opportunity to get back into the game for the remainder of the year. She jumped in feet first and hit the ground running. Students were thrilled to have her back and she quickly transitioned to setting up a Google classroom and making connections with her students. Robin's tremendous work ethic, commitment to our craft, and genuine positive energy is contagious. She continues to be a great member of our staff and respected member of our school community. Congratulations to you, Robin. And that's all I have for tonight. >> Great. Thank Thanks so much, Steve. Uh well, now we're

052we're going to go to Peter Bass, who used to be principal of a school called Cutler Middle School, uh and will soon become the principal of a a school that's going to open uh in a couple of months, uh Graten Middle School. So, Peter, if you'd uh introduce us to some folks, we'd appreciate it. Yeah, it's my fantastic honor to uh to introduce a number of outstanding individuals this evening. And as you said, Dr. Reer, this may be one of my very last acts as principal of Cutler Middle School. I'll start off with our retirees. Uh it's a tale of two Debs for me. First one is Deb Laauo. Uh Deb Laauo was secretary in Grton public schools for 20 years. 20 years. Uh the majority of those were at Fitch Middle. her final um

053seven years were at Cutler, of which the last five I was lucky enough to work with her. I tell you, I I have never worked with a secretary as hardworking or efficient as Deb. Uh she is passionate about her work, almost as passionate as she is about the Patriots. Um Deb, life will go on without TB12. We're going to be okay. Um, but she was a pleasure to work with. Um, whenever I needed anything, she was at the ready. She often was two or three steps ahead of me. While she's been retired now for a number of months, um, we continue to miss her and, uh, we wish her continued health and happiness in her retirement years. Best of luck to you, Deb. Next, Deb Water. Let's see. Deb started teaching in Grten January 2nd,

0541979. Do the math. 41 and a half years. God love you, Deb. I know I do. Let me tell you, Deb Watker, uh, she's she's taught at three schools. She taught at Westside, she taught at Fitch Middle, she shot she taught not once but twice at Cutler. She started teaching language arts. Um went to social studies, went back to language arts and social studies. Finally finished out teaching social studies her final eight years at Cutler. She when Fitch Middle closed in 2012, she came over to Cutler, taught seventh grade. And um let me tell you, you will not meet a more collaborative, outgoing, positive person than Deb Water. She is well remembered by parents and students for being the teacher who always said, "Thanks for coming." as her students left class every day. Their coral

055response was always, "Thanks for having us." She made that personal connection with kids and and gave them something to remember her by. So, Deb, thanks for coming. Thanks for coming to Graten Public Schools. Let me tell you, for an experienced teacher to do everything she did, when we became an arts humanities my NYP magnet school a few years back, she jumped in both feet. Both feet. She brought her son in who is an experienced filmmaker and did a piece with her students on the Berlin Wall. It was unbelievable. When we were hit with distance learning unexpectedly this year, Deb knew she was going to retire. She said, "I can't believe this. I thought I was going to escape technology." But you know what? It did not surprise me one bit that Deb did not shy

056away. She jumped in again, both feet, because you know why? That's who Deb is. anyone else. Maybe not anyone else, but a lot of other people would have just phoned it in those last two and a half months. That's not Deb. Deb, I'm gonna miss you tremendously. Please don't be a stranger. Take care. Wish you the very best. God bless, Deb. All right. Next takes us to March Finley, our support personnel awardee of the year. non-certified support. Marge Finley, uh, head cook at Cutler for a number of years. Let me tell you, Marge, she is cool under pressure. Always a smile on her face. I can't tell you the number of times that stinking computer system would go down right in the middle of the lunch wave. First week of school, sixth grade. Sixth graders

057don't know how to come through the lunch line and punch their numbers in. Marge never missed a beat. She wouldn't receive an order. You know, pizza Friday. Where's pizza on Friday? Uh well, you know, there was a change, but she made it okay. She always knew away. Always with a smile on her face and um just an extremely hard worker and we've been very fortunate to have you all these years at Color. Um so, thank you so much and uh we look forward to working with you more in the future, but you are well deserving of this award. Thanks, Marge. Next up, we have our our friend of education, Mary Addison. Mary Hails from Mystic Museum of Art and um Leslie Forbes, our our arts and humanities coordinator, uh penned a lovely two-page uh single

058uh single lined piece, which um I think that we if Mary hasn't received it, she should she should, but for for uh for time sake, I'm going to read a few of the highlights. Um, you know, Mary is the educational outreach director at Mystic Museum of Art and um, Mystic Museum of Art became one of our community partners when we became an arts humanities magnet school and and Mary went above and beyond from day one. Mary's creative, hands-on lessons and warm, caring spirit contributed much to the success of Cutler becoming an arts and humanities I IBM school. Mary is not only an outstanding artist and educator, but also a warm, caring, and compassionate instructor and mentor with the ability to encourage others to think outside the box and feel proud of what they accomplish. A

059few projects that stand out that Mary has facil facil facilitated include students creating a variety of different bones from the human body out of papermâché while studying the skeletal system, constructing an animetic means human, a human sund dial. Um, while studying the solar system, tiling two picnic tables and benches using a chemical DNA structures during a chemistry unit, making 3D sculptures of various European landforms and social studies classes, and designing and writing story books and French class to share with elementary students. These fabulous projects could not happen without Mary. When the wood purchased for the sund dial could not be delivered in time mo time frame most convenient for the teachers, Mary borrowed a truck, picked up the pieces of wood, delivered the cutler on her own, and then she made sure that each piece

060made it safely into the classroom through the window. She came in on the weekends to prepare the wood to be able to use outside, worked in the classroom with students, helping them design and paint the wood, and worked with the teachers to cement each piece in a bucket to then be planted and secured in the ground outside. Mary will help complete this sund dial with students when it's finally at Graten Middle School to add the cement step bases to use the sund dial correctly. In addition to this, Mary often worked after school hours and on weekends for these projects. It was Mary and her partner Andy that picked up needed supplies for the tiling of the picnic tables and made sure teachers had them ready to go on a Monday morning. >> All right, you

061want to >> She really went above and beyond. These these picnic tables are absolutely gorgeous. They're extremely heavy. She took them home to back to the museum to put finishing touches on. They brought them back to school. They're heavy. They're they are uh you have to treat them delicately. What she did was just amazing and and what she brought to our school really uh the hard work, the support, and her truthful demeanor all contributed to our school community. So, Mary, you truly are Cutler's friend of education. We appreciate all that you've done and we look forward to continue to work with you in the coming years. Hey, Mary. >> Thank you. >> That takes me too. >> All right. >> Okay. Is that we okay to go to the cave awards, Dr. G? >> Yeah,

062please, if you would. >> All right. So, we have uh the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education award to two eighth grade students uh at each middle school in Connecticut uh an award. And let me tell you, this is one of the very top awards that you can receive as an eighth grader. And we have two extremely well-deserving and outstanding individuals to whom uh this award was presented this year. The first one I'd like to speak about is Katherine Rean. Katherine, wow, what a kid. Uh she she was with us at Cutler for two years. Um her teachers wrote high praise of her and I am in full agreement. Um she willingly assisted her teachers and classmates uh by by helping her peers. She clearly demonstrated great character and was involved in so many extracurricular

063activities. She was our our our student council treasurer this year. She gave an outstanding speech when she ran for office in front of the entire student body and just did a fantastic job with that. uh she's part of our drama club and was involved in in other clubs and activities as well. She really set an example in the school building. She has maturity beyond her years. Um over the course of of her middle school years, Katherine um kept an A average an A average. And that is is not not something that's easy to do. So she is a fantastic student. Um, it's been my great pleasure to to have gotten to know her over the last couple of years and I really cannot wait to see what your future holds. Sky's the limit for you,

064Katherine. Congratulations. Well done. Our second award winner for Cave, his name is Giani Drab. Giani his teachers right is a quiet leader and a truly independent worker on all levels who's able to focus when others can't. He's able to balance work and socializing and he influences others to do the same. It is rare to see Giani off task as he takes his education very seriously. He's determined to do his best at all times whether it's in the classroom or on the basketball court. You should see Giani rebound and jump. He is unbelievable and he's deadly within four feet of the basket. Can't wait to see him in high school. >> He's relentless in his efforts. He often participates in class and his observations and questions are always thoughtful and appropriate. Here's what I can tell

065you about Giani. He's a truly amazing young man with with educational drive. Uh his pursuit of academic excellence, I don't believe I've ever seen an eighth grade young man before. He's He is so focused on doing his very best at everything he does. Um and and case in point, he got involved with the regional history day this year and he and his partner uh put a ton of time into it and were successful moving on to the re uh beyond the regions to the state level the competition and and and his drive and passion is is unbelievable. And again, he's he's another individual who is mature beyond his years. And again, I cannot wait, Giani, to see what you do in high school and beyond. So, congratulations. Very welld deserving. Well done, Giani. Way to

066go, G. Finally, Gutler's outstanding teacher of the year, Mr. Jake Brown. Jake was nominated by one of his peers and and he says that Jake is always willing to go the extra mile for students by giving his time participating in a number of clubs and I'll say leading a number of clubs. Jake actually got involved with another teacher in starting a student fantasy baseball league and this was phenomenal to watch. He he he drew in boys and girls from the middle school and um you know I think there was a lot of bravado um and pride that Mr. Brown has with regard to his his sports expertise. He he really is an expert when it comes to baseball. Um but it's it's just it just goes to show how involved Jake has become. Jake Jake

067hasn't been around Cutler a very long time, but it seems like he's been there for quite some time because he's really made his mark at Cutler. Um he um he's a head soccer coach for the boys. Uh not only does Jake provide support for students, but he also provides support and assistance to his peers and co-workers. He is open and willing to assist teachers whenever they have question, problem, or concern. Jake's tremendous efforts go a long way in creating a positive educational environment at Cutler Art Mini Magnet Middle School. Here's what else I'll say about Jake. Jake is organized. He's collaborative. He's positive. Whenever I see him, he's got a smile on his face and that smile is infectious to his students. So, we are are very lucky to be able to honor Jake tonight

068as Cutler's outstanding teacher of the year. Well done, Jake. Lots more great things to come. Thanks so much, Peter. So, now we'll we'll move on to that next middle school uh that will be uh will be closing shortly. And uh and Jeff uh Jeff Keki will be moving over not only as one of the administrators, but the athletic director at our new middle school. So, Jeff, if you'd introduce us to a few folks, I'd appreciate it. >> Sure. Well, good evening everyone. Uh I know it's a long night. I'll try to do my best to keep everyone engaged. Uh, Westside has three retirees this year. I'm going to start with our beloved art teacher, Jan Abrahamson. Jan Abraham's son, Miss A, to most of her students and colleagues, graduated from Philadelphia College of Art in

0691983 and has been teaching ever since. She started teaching in Grten in 1985 at Cutler Junior High. In 1992, her position changed and she taught at both Westside Middle School and William William Cely Elementary School, teaching art from preschool to grade 8. She said she cried a little bit that year. After several years, her position at Westside became full-time and she has been there for the past 28 years. Over the past 28 years, she has loved serving the Westside community of students, parents, and colleagues and considered her second home the art room. Over the years, Miss A contributed beyond the classroom. She served as a Amastad Friendship Society advisor for 18 years. program ran for the purpose of creating crossd district friendship, building bridges and diversity and learning about Connecticut history. She was also honored

070to have her select selected as the Westside and Graten district teacher of the year in 2011 and has since served on the teacher of the year selection committee. As an advocate for a strong art education, she has been collaborating with her art colleagues on the design and creation of the Graten Public School Art Gallery in room 11 at central office. She feels such joy and excitement to see young Graten artists recognized for their talents. Over the years, Jan has felt honored to serve her colleagues across southeastern Connecticut by planning and organizing relevant programs for visual arts professional development. I have had the privilege to work with Miss A for the past 14 years. Her dedication and commitment to her students, art education, and the Westside community has always been impressive. Anytime there was an afterschool

071event, Miss A was there. I think we all know that Miss A is an outstanding educator, but what I observed over the last 14 years working with her is that she's an even better person. In her retirement, Miss A says she will miss her students, her colleagues, and friends in the Grant community and says that Westside will always be in her heart. I think it's fair to say that we will miss her even more. Enjoy your retirement, Miss A. You earned it. We also have two pair of professionals that are retiring this year. Gail Kelly. Gail Kelly has been a stable fixture in the Graten Public Schools since 1999. Starting out first out of district at Colonel Legget Elementary School and then moving to Charles Bonum. She has worked with elementary students of all ages.

072In 2004, she started working at Clarkchester Elementary School as one of the building paraprofessionals. Miss Gail, as she is known, was always the person that teachers can turn to when they were in a bind. If materials needed to be organized for a class project or if class sets of papers needed to be copied and to be done as soon as possible, she was your go-to person. The teachers the teacher's workroom was always busy. And if you walked in in the copy machine was busy, you would just hear her say, "Leave it in the basket with a sticky note and I'll get it done for you." She truly could be a lifesaver to a teacher when they only had that short planning period to accomplish so much before the students returned. As time passed, Gail's role

073at G at Clutch began to change. The education world was changing. Paraprofessionals that could establish a trusted relationship with special education students were needed. They also needed to be able to work in the inclusion setting to assist other students at the same time. Gail fet fit this description. Her caring nature but strong management behavior management skills allowed her to build relationships with some of the most impacted students. She was able to provide key insights to staff on her students and how they were progressing on each assignment that helped shape future instruction. Gail was consistent advocate for the special education students she worked with. She did a great job working collaboratively and cooperatively with special education teachers, counselors, regular education teachers, and administration to provide the best education possible for each student. In 2018, Gail's desire

074to work with students made the scary leap from elementary school to middle school. In September of that year, she followed the student who she was with as a one-on-one paraprofessional to Westside Middle School. She wanted to provide the consistency that this student required as he moved into the middle school. Her hard work had paid off as this student has shown growth both academically and personally. This young man is just one of many lives that Gail has helped shape into a better student. Thousands and thousands of Graten children have passed through the buildings of Graten Public Schools. Many of them have been lucky enough to have Gail in their building. Gail has not only been a colleague to many of us, but more importantly, she has been a friend to us here in Grten Public Schools.

075We wish her the best in her retirement. She will be greatly missed. And then we have one more retiree. Uh actually Christina McLaclin retired last July. She goes as Tina. It is my pleasure to write this these words about one of our most beloved paraprofessionals. Tina worked at Westside for eight years. During her time at Westside, she worked with some of the most challenging students. Tina is one of those special people that quickly bonded with our kids. Students and staff often mentioned to me how committed she was to kids. Not just their education, but committed to their well-being outside of school. If students needed food, clothing, school materials, Tina would be the first to spend her own money to ensure that kids had what they needed for their school day. I don't know how many

076years Tina served in the district, but I know many of those years were spent at the elementary level. I did a little research and I found out that Tina was also a beloved paraprofessional to staff and students at SB Butler Elementary School. In fact, I hear that children often went to her for friendship and support. She would listen to their concerns and go out of their way out of her way to make sure they felt safe and loved. You have always been that cheerleader advocate for students. Our kids at Westside miss you. The adults miss you. We wish you all the best in your retirement. Your caring support and generine love for kids will be missed. Good luck, but more importantly, good health in your retirement years. We go now to the friends of education.

077actually the support personnel award. I'm happy to present this award to Dorine McHugh. Whoever coined the phrase a the way to a man's heart is to his stomach was talking about Dorine McHugh. She has worked as a cafeteria assistant at Westside since 2007. Dorene is a dedicated food service provider who has earned the nickname the snack lady. Hungry students at Westside wait in and anticipation for her to roll out the snack cart for food selections. They might not always be the healthiest of food, but they satisfied many and bring smiles to the students faces. Dorene knows our students likes and dislikes and always interacts with our students about how their day or weekend is going. Dorine is often observed doing her check-ins with kids, not just for food distribution, but she generally is interested in

078their overall well-being. I reached out to Ernie Koshiter, Dorine supervisor. He stated the following about Dorene. Dorene is a dedicated food service provider who takes the extra time and effort to get to know the kids she feeds. She is generally concerned about the physical well-being of every student she serves. In her spare time, Dorene loves to cook, obviously, knit, and crochet. It takes people with these skills to understand the importance of basic human needs to be fed and to be warm. Over the last 11 weeks of our school closure, Dorine has worked Monday through Friday to feed Grten public school families. In fact, if families could not come to Westside to pick up food, Dorine personally would deliver the meals to their house. Her dedication and compassion for Westside families is why we are honoring

079her tonight with the non-certified staff award. We appreciate all you do for our families. Friends of Education, it's my honor to present this award to Lisa Jenkins. It's an honor to introduce you to the Westside Middle School Friends of Education winner, Lisa Jenkins. Lisa has been an active member of the Westside PTO for three years and currently serves as a vice president. Lisa always follows through on her commitments and goes above and beyond. Lisa recognizes what needs to be done and does it. She cares about the school community as if every child were her child. Allow me to share some quotes from teachers that demonstrate this. Our seventh grade special ed teacher, Allison Lubs, had this to say. Lisa is always dedicated to each and every child as well as adults at any school that

080she has either worked at or volunteered within. She is always positive, friendly, and supportive. As a teacher, I have been very thankful for all the support she has provided me over the years. from the eighth grade math teacher Anna Stout. Lisa was the first parent to Zoom bomb as an algebra 1 honors help session. Lisa popped up behind Kylie to say hello and how much they missed us. Kylie was super embarrassed, but all of the other kids were extremely nervous to attend their first Zoom. Got a good laugh and it was a total icebreaker. Lisa was our Okay. Lisa always had a good sense of humor. When some of our eighth grade teachers harassed Kylie as a seventh grader trying to get her to sell us Girl Scout cookies, Lisa was kind enough to email

081us updated cookie selling locations on the weekends to serve our needs during the stressful ESPback testing session last year. It might sound a little kooky, but it didn't matter. If you were Kylie's teacher or not, Lisa will do whatever it takes to help. From our art teacher, Jan Abraen, I never know when in the building or in community I will be fortunate enough to run into Miss Jenkins, but I do know it is always in the company of her smile, support, and positive attitude. I think what speaks most to Lisa's credit is that so many teachers in the building can comment on how Lisa has touched their lives over the years. Lisa has jumped at any chance to improve the days of teachers and students alike. While we wish we could keep Lisa Jenkins and

082her daughter Kylie forever, Fitch will be gaining a dynamic duel who are some of the best of Westside. Now, I'd like to move to our two Cave award winners. Like to recognize Kylie Jenkins, who we just talked about her mom, and Nathan Virtue. Kylie is a leader in the classroom. She takes responsibility for her grades, works hard, and also works well with others. She is a high honor student. She is an eligible one and Spanish one student and will receive high school credit for both. Kie is also a leader beyond the classroom. She is active in the drama department. She was in the Alice and Wonderland play and was also going to be in Hairspray. Additionally, Kylie has been involved with STEPS since her sixth grade year. She embraces the lessons of the program and

083supports everyone in the program. Kylie is also a member of the school chorus and symphonic band. And obviously, by the way, we just talked a little bit about Kylie's mother. So, that right there is a celebration for both of those people tonight. Uh Nathan Virtue is our second Cave Award winner. Nathan is a leader both inside and outside the classroom. In the classroom, Nathan is focused hard working. He's a hard focused student who consistently strives to do his best. Nathan works well with others and encourages his peers to do their best as well. Nathan is a high honors student who's challenged himself this year in algebra one honors and Spanish one and is eligible for high school credit as a result. Nathan is also a leader beyond the classroom. Nathan exemplifies the Westside Way. Nathan

084takes pride in himself, his school, and others. Nathan was a member of is a member of the Westside boys basketball team. was in the drama department's production of Alice and Wonderland and has been an active member of the Westside Chorus. And after any PTO sponsored event, you're sure to find Nathan pitching in to help his mom and the PTO get get everything done. Congratulations to both our Cab award winners. And last but not least, the Westside Teacher of the Year, Lawrence Burdensy. Okay. Lawrence Burdeny, better known as Mr. B to his students, has been the band director at Westside STEM Magnet Middle School for the past eight years. He has worked in the district for 35 years, spending time as the band director at Claude Chester, Pleasant Valley, and William Cely elementary schools before being

085appointed to Fitch Middle School in 1992. Mr. Emergencyy's bands have performed for many school and townwide events, including the annual Christmas tree lightning se ceremony and the opening of the heritage marine time festival. Each year, his symphonic band is invited to perform at the Navy Submarine Base in Grten for special occasions and events. Retired Captain Paul Whitecver deemed the Westside Ban as the Navy's official unofficial band. Each year, Mr. Berny's band has won the highest ratings or rankings at the annual adjudication festivals. Mr. B is a dedicated, extremely devoted teacher who has high expectations of his students and expects them to put in the work. He takes teaching music very seriously and values its place in a student's education. Mr. B has served on curriculum committees, has been a leader on the student teacher assistance

086resource program, organized unified art evenings, and has been a band chairman for the Eastern Regional Middle School Music Festival. Three years ago, I finally had the privilege to be Larry's evaluator. In previous years, the past principles who evaluated Larry were either ex- music teachers or played an instrument for a hobby. So, they always scheduled him as someone they wanted to evaluate. When I became principal, I placed Larry on my schedule. Over the last eight years, I've always observed Larry's band performances and always walked away being very impressed with how prepared his students were and how well they played as a group. When I finally had the opportunity to formally observe Larry, I saw firsthand why his students are so well prepared for their concerts. I have observed hundreds of teachers over my 20 years as

087an administrator. Never did a lesson bring me to tears like Larry's did. And I mean it wasn't tears because it was a bad lesson. It was tears because it was an unbelievable lesson. His passion, energy, and commitment to his craft and students was very evident. His students were 100% engaged. You could see in their faces and in their performance that they wanted to please him, which they did. Mr. B has been and continues to be a very active handbell director and is the former director of handbells at Our Ladies of Lord's Church in Gails Ferry. In 2012, he became the director of the Hakanum Valley Ringers, a bronze level handbell ensemble in Vernon, Connecticut. He has been a guest coordinator and conductor at the Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Mainspring Rings, as well as the

088family handbell camp. Mr. B has three beautiful daughters, and I know they're with us tonight, Charlotte, Aaron, and Kathleen. When he takes a break from teaching and directing, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and creating gourmet meals for his daughters. It's been an honor for me to work with Mr. B over the last eight years at Westside. I look forward to continuing that professional relationship at Graten Middle School. Congratulations on your recognition as the Westside Teacher of the Year. Thanks so much, Jeff. >> We're gonna now uh switch over to to the high school. But before before I introduce Mr. Kellaher, I I just wanted to say a few words. Although Ted uh Ted could speak about Joe Aarice, who retired last August, because as as he said at graduation, Joe was his principal when he was

089a young teacher at one point in his career. But I I've known Joe for uh for many years. So I I asked uh if I could uh do the honors. Uh and and Joe Joe's on the phone. Uh there were so many people who joined this. We we we've reached we we reached our max. You can't have more than 100. I didn't know that. Joe is number 101. So he's on the phone. But anyway, I I I wanted to uh I just wanted to say Joe H has been an educator at at Fitch High School over a span of 26 years. He started as a science teacher. He then served as an assistant principal. He then served as an acting principal for a year, left for a while, and then there was a opening for

090the principal and he was um he was selected for for that position. And I I can tell you when you walk into that school, you you know that there is a motto that is not just a sign on the wall, but really embraced by the school community. It's achieve more, believe more, and care more. And and that that was really Joe's signature on on this school. He brought student centered compassion and personal interest to to every single student in the school. He worked with us to uh to nourish uh the the international baloria program, expand the AP program. He he is is an educator that just gave his heart and soul uh literally uh to to the school. And when uh when we had graduation on Friday night, some of you know, Ted Keller actually

091asked him to speak and uh he when he was introduced, he received a rockus welcome from the from the horns actually to be truthful. People were beeping their horns like crazy and uh it was just a small indication of the great respect and and affection that the students at Fitch High School uh h have for for Joe Arury. So, uh I know he's uh he's in at his home in in in Florida and he is uh enjoying his uh retirement. Uh but I just want to wish him and his wife Paula the best and uh and we thank you so much Joe for all your for all your your work, your dedication and and and the love you brought to our schools. Thank you. >> Thank you Mike. And it's been my pleasure to serve

092uh the high school uh Groten and it's a place that'll be in my heart forever and I'll never forget the people that I have worked with. >> Thanks Joe. God bless you. >> God bless you. Now uh let me let me introduce uh Ted Keller uh who uh is going to introduce us to some of his uh award recipients. Ted, >> thanks Mike. Uh yes. So uh just starting out with some of our retirees and um I uh the first one is Mark Landry. Uh and Sandy Walton uh she wrote a few words about her co-orker uh Mark. Uh that Mark started working in the Graten school system as a full-time custodian in July of 2000. Most of those years he was assigned in the gym area of Pitch High School. Mark certainly got along

093with everyone. He was always willing to help anyone if they needed it. the students and coaches knew that if any indoor sports were being played that Mark was ready to have it set up and ready to go. Uh Mark grew up in Grten and graduated from Fitch High School in 1977. Uh that is actually where he met his wife Cindy. They raised their son Joshua in North Stonington, so real close by. Uh he liked spending his time with his family and and motorcycle riding and we certainly wish him the best in his retirement. So uh best wishes to Mark Um Pat Brown uh he uh wrote some words about Linda Branch and uh serving the district for over 42 years. Linda Branch has proved to be the ultimate pitch falcon. Since January of 2000, Linda

094has led her staff as head custodian. She is an amazing leader and has done an outstanding job. Every year her team can be counted on to prepare the building for our students and ensure that we have the cleanest high school in the area. Linda takes great pride in our building. Pride that is contagious to staff and students as well. Words that come to mind when we think of Linda includes caring, dependable, hardworking, and devoted. Even more so, we remember her as a friend, a kind person who's always ready to offer help whenever asked and is always willing to share her knowledge of all things Fitch. Linda will be greatly missed, but we are excited to see her enjoy her well-deserved retirement with her husband Joe. Together, Linda and Joe were leaders in the fish community

095for over for half a century. To us, her friends and colleagues, we really feel that this is an end of a special era. Thank you, Linda, for all you have given to our staff and the students of Fitch. We extend our warm wishes to you as you begin your next chapter. Congratulations, Linda. Our next retiree is Kathy Houston and Carita Haj some words for Kathy. Uh Kathy Houston is one of the most passionate social study teachers in our department throughout her 38 years as an educator. Kathy has been a speech pathologist, a language arts teacher, and has been assigned to the elementary school, middle school, and now high school. She moved from Arkansas and brought uh her move from Arkansas brought her to Graten, Connecticut, where she's first assigned as a full-time substitute at Cutler

096Middle School. Then she became a permanent seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher for six years before transferring to Fitch High School social studies department. While she has taught many courses throughout the department, she is lovingly known as Mrs. Civics. That way in which Kathy implemented learn active learning strategies throughout her class afforded the students the adapt adaptability to learn the most complex of texts. For example, she used metacognitive games uh in which students became proficient remembering the context of all 10 amendments of the bill of rights. As well students analyzed the meanings of each phrase of the preamble before orally reciting it uh before their classmates. Before leaving, Kathy shared an email to all staff in which in so many words that she loved being a teacher and did not expect that her transfer

097to high school would be the best nine years of her teaching career. Uh, but that she loves everything about teaching and will certainly miss the students. And Kathy, we are certainly going to miss you. Best of luck in your retirement. Mr. Jason England wrote some words about Miss Mary Harris. Miss Mary Harris was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from William Tennant High School. Miss Harris graduated from Cedarville College in Ohio with a double major in chemistry and the Bible. Most recently, she received her master of education from St. Joseph's University. Before going into teaching, Miss Harris worked in the pharmaceutical research and develop uh and development for veterinarian medicines for companies such as Glaco, Smith, Klein, and Fizer. Miss Harris began teaching at Graten in 2007 and has taught primarily chemistry. She

098also served as a co-advisor in the Envirrothon team. Before coming to Fitch, Miss Harris also taught at Westbrook and Lime Old Lime middle schools uh in the seventh grade science and at Westerly High School in chemistry and environmental science. We are certainly going to miss Miss Harris and her expertise in chemistry and love for teaching. Good luck to Miss Harris. also from Mr. England um wrote some words about Miss Charmaine Misak was and she is originally from Planefield Connecticut where she attended Planefield High School. Charmaine attended Amherst College in Salv Regina uh University completing a double major in biology and chemistry. She began her teaching career at Grten at Fitch High School in 1984 before moving to Bonville in 1988. She returned to Fitch High School in 1996 and her classes in included various levels

099of biology and chemistry including AP uh biology 2, animals and behavior and botany. She served as department chair of the science department from 1996 to 2006. She was a teacher adviser for the science club, the Fitch High School chapter of SAD, the Bermuda program, and the Bermuda program. Germaine also served one year as an interimm uh vice principal at Fitch High School. She was awarded the excellence in secondary science teaching from the Connecticut science teachers association in the year 2000, was a semi- finalist for Connecticut science teacher of the year in 2004 and was awarded Connecticut's teacher of the year in 1992. She's one of eight teachers in her family, including her husband and two children who are French alumni. We wish her the very best in her retirement. Now, I'd like to talk about

100our certified staff award winner. Colleen King has done a tremendous job this year at Fish High School. She and Mr. Costa make a absolute wonderful team in our library media center. She consistently works to set up resources and activities for teachers, helping to create a cooperative environment between the library media center and our classrooms. While Mr. Costa was out for a period of time this year. Colleen took over the library media center and did a terrific job. In addition, Colleen has been very active during distance learning, working with the stu uh school counseling office to contact families and support uh supporting students, especially our seniors that were struggling. She has been an invaluable member of the Fitch High School team uh this entire year. Our entire administrative team is uh proud to nominate Colleen for

101this award. It's not surprising that looking at Colleen in the Zoom meeting, she's in a library right now. So, thank you very much, Colleen. I'd next like to talk about our Connecticut Association of Board of Education award winners. As Mr. Bass and Mr. Coteki had said, this is a uh very prestigious award. Uh our first award winner is known very well to the board of education is Addie Clark. Uh and Mrs. Mayor Gino had some words to say about Addie. Uh Addie is a well-rounded and kind leader. She is passionate about equality and always considers the best interest for all as regardless to what club she is speaking for. She is a leader that other students feel comfortable going to while expressing concerns or wanting to contribute to a cause. Not only does Addie have

102a great relationship with students, but she's also uh enjoyed by faculty and staff as well. She's been an essential voice both in her roles as president of More Than Words and as also as vice president for the class of 2020. Addie also played an essential role in the Fitch High School band over a past four years at the high school and as a student representative for the board of education. All in all, Addie is a team player that students and adults uh leaders alike can agree is always giving her best. Congratulations to Addie on this wonderful award. Secondly, Miss Lauren Deario wrote some words about Grayson Sheer, our second award winner. Uh, she is the definition of a leader. She has held the position of class of 2020 president for all four years at Fitch.

103In addition, she is a member of the cross country and tennis team, Renaissance crew, yearbook, and peer mediation. The passion that she's she has for giving back and wanting the best for her peers is evident with how she committed she is to everything she does both in school and the community. When presented with a challenge, Grayson is always willing to step up to the plate and creates a concise plan of action that empowers herself and her peers to complete the task successfully. She shows true compassion, thoughtfulness, and determination at everything she does. Congratulations, Grace, on this well-deserved award. Next, I'd like to talk about Wendy Brennan, our our teacher of the year for Fitch High School. Uh, and Keith Forbotnik asked that I read a few words of her about Wendy. Anne says, "I first

104met Wendy 21 years ago when she was assigned as my mentor. Even though we are from different content areas, she has never hesitated to help me with all aspects of teaching, lesson plans, organizations, getting parents involved, and positive behavioral interventions that I could use in the classroom. Wendy's passion for nursing, teaching is actually a second career for Wendy showed through. She has a unique ability to get this passion across to her students who want to go into the medical field. She has never hesitated to help her students with picking colleges that align with their goals and academic potential, helping with their applications, the list goes on and on. Wendy is always and still is there for her students. Whether she stayed after school to provide extra help or just listen and provide advice for whatever

105issues her students were dealing with, Wendy's compassion shined. She also was the first one to help new teachers on the floor. She was always helped administration in various ways that supported them in the uh with the relationships with the students. Students wanted to go into the medical field asked to be in her class not only for the content that it provided but but I think more so because of her. Wendy was combined uh Wendy was able to combine her nursing knowledge with her passion for teaching. This combination allowed students to become the best they could be. Wendy is also a member of the Lawrence Memorial Emergency Room Hall of Fame. She is definitely a Hall of Famer in our books as well. Wendy is not only retiring this year, but is also Fitch High School's

106teacher of the year. That speaks to her dedication to her students and her profession. She will be truly missed. Congratulations to Wendy. And lastly, I'd like to speak about Kylie Herd. Uh Kylie Mr. Daniel Donazo wrote some words about Kylie. She is our incoming senior in Fitch High School's 2020 poet laurate. She is one of the few poets at Fitch who consistently writes her poetic form and other than free verse. Her submissions to Anora's poet laurate competition included uh poems using at least five different types of verse and I couldn't even pronounce the types of verse that they were. Her ability to write various poetic forms signals to a careful reader that she's disciplined and devoted to her craft. Her poems indicated that she counts syllables, perfects rhyme schemes, and invents precise images, all uh

107qualities of a skilled poet. Poetry is a hobby, and she plans to study psychology or sociology in co in college. In her in her interview, excuse me, in her interview with Anora, Bitch's literacy magazine, she explained that poetry can sort uh uh excuse me, poetry can sort of be something that I can go back to and learn, lean on when I feel emotional or I need to get something off my chest. Should she choose to be uh creative writing as a college major or enroll in an MFA program somewhere down the line, she would certainly flourish. Congratulations on this very prestigious award. >> Thank you, Ted. I appreciate it. Uh, and now, uh, I'm gonna ask, uh, Sam Kilpatrick, please. We have a couple of folks that are, uh, associated with the central office. Uh,

108so if Sam uh, if you would uh, mention one of our maintenance folks who retired this past year. >> Yeah. Um well, first of all, I have an unstable uh uh connection here, so I hope this comes through. Secondly, uh while my words will be brief about uh these people, uh please don't assume that that means that they were less uh important to us. Um I just found out a few minutes ago that uh that I was going to be speaking about Brian Tadeshi, who retired quite some time ago, and I had the honor to speak at his gathering. Um Brian was uh with us for well over 30 years at the school district and uh I was in his last five years his immediate supervisor. So uh as the machinist uh he not only

109uh dealt with very fine tolerances as a machinist does uh everything that he did was to very close tolerances and uh very neatly and efficiently done. He was a leader within our group uh and many times uh the winner of the uh buildings and grounds person of the year uh as he was this past year. Uh our second uh person that retired this past year which is not on the list was uh our custodial supervisor Terry Potter who was immensely um important to our district as a very knowledgeable person. uh uh a personable person uh person of honor and a mentor to me uh in the years that I was able to work with him and I certainly appreciate that. Uh the third thing that I wanted to say was that uh Linda Branch while

110she is uh retiring um Linda I still haven't decided whether I'm actually going to sign that letter for you. Uh the words that uh Matt had to say about you are absolutely r uh true. Uh maybe not enough nice words about you, but uh I've known you to be the person that I can count on and uh you get you have given me uh much support over the uh years that I've been here and I I really appreciate that. So good luck to you uh in your retirement. Uh the last thing that I wanted to mention was the uh uh buildings and grounds uh uh persons of the year. Uh I spoke with our supervisors uh Wendell Gaston and and Scott Kirkpatre uh briefly the other day about that and um many of you uh

111may not know that uh the buildings and grounds persons, the custodians and maintenance persons were considered essential personnel and have been uh in the district every day since uh what was it? March 12th when we finally decided that schools were Yep. pause you. >> You paused me or I paused myself. >> Just just mentioning >> Sam >> just mentioning that date upset everybody. >> Keep going. Sorry. Well, uh it it's a day that we'll certainly remember for a long time, that's for sure. And uh and so um they've they've been uh continuing to work and doing fantastic work for these many months while uh others were doing things uh remotely. They were actually here in the buildings continuing with their work uh and doing a fantastic job. So that's where we're at with them and

112that's what I have for tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you, Sam. I I appreciate it and thanks to all your your folks who retired and I forgot about Terry Potter that thank you for mentioning him that that that was wonderful. And now I'd like to introduce Denise Dittle who's going to talk about my friend Yara Yuino. Denise, >> thank you. Thank you, Dr. Grineer. >> Good evening, everyone. Uh Dara Yino joined the special education department in Graten 15 years ago. She started teaching students in a self-contained classroom at Cutler Middle School and soon decided that she wanted to follow her students to Fitch and she worked with them there on secondary transition skills. The transition program at Fitch quickly outgrew their space. So Darl worked with the administration to design a new transition academy which

113opened at central office four years ago. Dara has been the person who has made all of the ideas for the transition academy come to life. She partners with other transition programs in our region to learn more about what they do and was a founding force behind the first Friday's outings with other regional programs. Whatever Dara is planning, she always incorporates the students preferences and strengths. From encouraging the transition academyy's first band to play at the holiday spice market to incorporating fitness activities such as dancing and pingpong into the students break times. Dara does everything with a smile and a softspoken demeanor. Her students know that she sees their talents and strengths and is teaching them to be contributing members of their community. We thank her for her vision of what this program should be and

114her efforts that made her vision a reality and we wish her the best in her retirement. Thank you Darra. We will miss you. >> Thank you Denise. Uh and now to the last school and uh we will hear from uh from Kathy Miner talk about Murray Morrison award recipients. Okay. So, Mary Morrison has been graced with the presence of outstanding teachers over the year and this year Mary Morrison will have five retirees that we can truly call great teachers. The first is Mary Jane Yolan who's been mentioned earlier. She has been a health teacher for the district and most recently has rotated between elementary schools and I have been lucky enough to have worked with her at both Mary Morrison and Pleasant Valley. Every year for 12 weeks, Mary Jane moves her materials to Mary

115Morrison and immediately becomes part of our staff. She jumps right in starting with scheduling before she even arrives at our door so she is ready to hit the ground running planning instruction for all of our students. It takes a special person to do that, to immediately become part of a community. Mary Jane did more than just collaborate, though. She partnered with our KTO 5 grade level teams, and her work made a difference in the lives of our students. Along with her certification and degree in health education, she recently continued her own learning at the Alberta Magnus program for reading specialists. And as Mary Jane started her rotation at Mary Morrison, she offered her expertise in literacy to fill all available time slots in her schedule, supporting our youngest students in small groupoup instruction in grades

116K to2. Mayor Jane took a leadership role in the district as a member of the district wellness committee and has participated in curriculum writing committee. She has been a contributor to our PBIS committee and I particularly remember participating in a mindful teacher presentation to staff. Mary Jane knew that to teach mindfulness to our students, teachers must first practice it in their own lives. So Mary Jane, it is with best wishes that we send you into retirement. Enjoy traveling and spending time with your family and make the most of each day. Our next retiree is Sue Gillson. Sue has been an art teacher in Grten her whole career. In fact, I'm told she has worked in almost every elementary school except Eastern Point. Sue has been a great colleague with a great sense of humor that

117came out when you least expected it. As an art teacher, Sue valued her resources and found ways to come up with creative projects. She loved going to the Rhode Island Recycling Center to gather odds and ends and create sculptures and abstract art with her students. She also had a secret stash of purple glitter for her spiderweb project, as well as a great collection of children's books about art that she used frequently. Sue also enjoyed professional development classes at all of the museums and at the Norwich Free Academy and especially when painting classes were offered at the Florence Griswald Museum. We should also mention that Sue made an amazing fairy garden sculpture displayed at the Florence Griswald. We know Sue is looking forward to retirement as her husband has retired for quite a few years. Sue

118and her husband will now have more time to enjoy going up north and spending time with her son Jeffrey who lives in Maine. Sue has been an important part of the Mary Morrison School community and her contribution has made our school a better place and that legacy will always be part of our Mary Morrison collective memory. We wished you the best, Sue, and a long and happy retirement. Our next uh retiree is also Sue. Sue Chimalooki has been an integral part of children's lives for over 35 years. She began her teaching career working for the state of Connecticut helping disabled adults before joining learn and then Graten public schools in 1993. In Grten, Sue taught our youngest children in our integrated preschool program. She was quickly recognized as a gifted special education teacher who taught

119at Pleasant Valley, William Seely and Mary Morrison. Sue's superpower as a teacher is the ability to always remain calm and she has a special touch with those students who needed that calm the most. Sue is well respected by her colleagues and her door was always open when someone needed her. Sue has served as a team mentor and a cooperating teacher over the years and colleagues at Mary Morrison recognize her contribution to the teaching community by selecting her as one of our teachers of the year. Sue takes tremendous pride in her relationships and rapport with students and families. She's got a bugly personality and gives families a sense of comfort as they drop off their little ones to school for the first time. So also has the unique gift of welcoming young military families to their

120first public school experience. Sue does that with warmth, patience, trust, and laughter. In retirement, Sue, you have earned the privilege of spending more time with your husband and family. We know that your students will take all of the skills you taught them and carry them with them forever as they grow as students and well-rounded young people. Thank you, Sue, for all you've done to foster a love of learning in both your students and your colleagues. We will miss you and wish you the best of luck in retirement. We at Mary Morrison are also honored to celebrate the retirement of Sher Hanks tonight. Sherry has been an outstanding educator in the Graten Public Schools for 36 years. Prior to becoming a math specialist, she has taught every elementary grade except kindergarten. During Sherry's tenure, she has

121mentored new teachers starting their teaching careers. She's listened, encouraged, and took time to share valued life's lessons. Sherry was an innovative classroom teacher who was always willing to try teaching methods that worked for individual students to meet their learning needs and she was part of the Charles Barnum faculty when Barnum was named a blue ribbon school. These were the skills she honed and that led to her being an effective math specialist and coach. As a teacher leader at Mary Morrison, she has set the tone with her colleagues whether face toface or virtually. Sherry supported instruction by working with teachers to analyze classroom data and help us implement new programs, strategies, and methods in the classroom. Through Mary Morrison data team or intervention team, whether it's active coaching or modeling lessons, Sherry made a difference at

122the classroom level. And as Susan Austin can tell you, her work with her math colleagues at the district level has been invaluable. Grten is lucky to have had her as one of our teacher leaders in retirement. Sherry, we are glad you will get to spend lots of time with your husband and family and we will miss you all. Mary Morrison and Graten Schools will not be the same without you. Today is also the day we celebrate and honor the retirement of our colleague Sandy Schneider. Sandy has been an outstanding educator in Grten public school system for 27 years. And when a colleague of Sandy's was asked to talk about her, the first word that came to mind was selfless. Throughout her tenure, she has always gone out of her way to mentor new teachers and

123to be a support to her colleagues. Sandy personifies what it means to lead by example. Her open door policy and generous personality made it very easy to approach her as she takes pride in building strong relationships. Her impact on her colleagues, parents, and students is commendable in the classroom or most recently on Zoom. Sandy was an innovative educator. I was always impressed with her willingness to take a chance with her own new learning to improve her instruction. She incorporated lots of teaching strategies to engage students while making learning fun. She always had a gift of teaching her students to work together in small groups. Sandy showed that you can make a huge impact in a student's life through the dayto-day things that you do with them. There is no question that an awesome awesome teachers

124like Sandy love to teach. Few of us do it for the money, prestige, or glory. But I'm convinced that she has spent a lifetime teaching children because it be it brings her an incredible feeling of satisfaction knowing that she has contributed positively to the future of our kids. As Mrs. Schneider looks forward to spending more time with her husband and family, she should know she will always be wonderful memory in her students lives. And I think all Mary Morrison teaches will agree that extends to us as well. Congratulations, Sandy. The next award is our support staff award, and this goes to an especially um special person at Mary Morrison. I want to recognize Christina Crannle. She's worked for Graten Public Schools for six years and has worked at Mary Morrison School as a manager for

125five years in the in the food service uh section. Um, as a food service manager, Chris is usually the first person at school and getting our cafeteria ready for the children's breakfast and lunch. She has done remarkable work during the school closure. She is outside greeting families lined up in cars as she distributes breakfast and lunch to Mary Morrison families as well as to families from around the district. She is one constant in a very difficult time for some students and she's always there with a smile and a big greeting of hello. I hope she knows how important that is. One of Chris's strengths is her ability to create positive working relationships with everyone. She takes every opportunity to connect with the staff, students, and families on a regular basis. She works collaboratively with the

126district food service director as well as with teachers and administrators to support our school. Community outreach is a strength and Chris has worked to build a farm-to-school program at Mary Morrison that connects the garden to our cafeteria. Also, she has led an afterschool cooking club for students. This past year, Chris took a leadership role in creating a plan to support families who are going through financial hardships. Chris organized a vendor fair for Graten Public Schools in support of the Feed Their Bodies, Fuel Their Minds program. She is credited with raising both money and awareness regarding the financial hardships of some of our students and families. It's all too easy to take for granted what keeps our school cafeteria functioning, but because of Miss Chris's skills, the staff at Mary Morrison is very aware of the

127contributions of our food service staff. Her enthusiasm for Mary Morrison School has made her a valued and appreciated part of the school community. Thanks from all of us, Chris. Okay, finally, uh, we've waited all night for this very special award. Um, I would like to start by sharing a picture. Let's see. Hold on. I guess you can see it now. Um, this is a very special picture of our Grten teacher of the year. This is Carrie Leaf with the flowers and the big smile in the middle surrounded by former Graten teachers of the year. It's a fabulous picture because it's such a great group of of of Graten educators. And this was taken shortly after they surprised her with her selection as Graten's teacher of the year 2021. Even behind masks, I'm sure you'll reme

128recognize some of Brtton's uh finest teachers. But Carrie, all about Carrie tonight. Carrie was nominated by her colleagues as outstanding teacher of the year and selected as Graten's teacher of the year because of the dedication she brings to her students as well as the collaborative spirit she brings to her work with Mary Morrison teachers and most especially with her grade level team. So you will hear the voice of her colleagues in much of what I say tonight. Carrie's teaching career started right here in Grten almost 10 years ago. I can undo her my little picture. Hold on. Sorry. Shouldn't have done that. So it started almost 10 years ago. She was quickly hired as a second grade teacher at CLA Katherryn Konowski straight out of her student teaching placement under fellow Graten teacher of the

129year Kate Common. Even early on her fellow teachers and colleagues could see the potential in Carrie. After being transferred to Mary Morrison in 2013, Carrie continued to grow and flourish as a teacher. She slid seamlessly into the Mary Morrison family. She joined many committees and dedicated herself to finding ways to encourage student growth and learning. She participated in several teacher college events and trips to New York to work on her craft and learn how to best support the uniquely diverse population of Mary Morrison School. Carrie consistently goes above and beyond for her students. And it is clear every time you walk into her classroom. It is clear because every year, even every few months, her seating, decorations, and lighting are changing to accommodate her students because she knows that each and every class has a

130different need. It is clear because each class comes with different behavior management strategies that Carrie has read about or learned about from a colleague that will impact the learning environment for her students. It is clear because her home is filled with materials and supplies so she can work in the evenings and on weekends planning instruction for our students. There isn't a day that goes by that she isn't laminating something probably on her kitchen table. And it is clear because every time you walk into Carrie's classroom, there's a feeling of community, patience, trust, and love. If you ask Carrie what it is that sets her apart, she will tell you that a huge part of who she is as a teacher has been shaped by watching and learning from her colleagues. She feels fortunate to be

131surrounded by a staff with such a collaborative spirit and a supportive mindset. What Carrie should know is that she is one of the reasons the bar has been set so high. Well, now uh we we we have a a little tradition here. I spoke to Carrie earlier and >> Dr. Griette. >> Oh, you're not finished. >> No, I was actually having a moment. >> Oh, >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah, >> Carrie's so special, though. All right. So, when you work with Carrie, you want to be nothing less than perfect. Peggy Meadows, who worked on Car's in Car's classroom this year, spoke for all of us when she said, "Teachers don't just educate their students. They lay the groundwork for their future success." Carrie lays the groundwork by making each student feel that they are important,

132loved, and valued. Car's ability to build confidence in her students and to convince them that they can do anything is so inspiring that it makes us all want to try and do better. But don't just take it from the grown-ups, as a first grader would say. Take it from the reason we are all here, the kids. Her first grade student, Sullivan Deerry, said, "I think Mrs. Laugh is kind, helpful, and fun. She is kind because she doesn't get mad and when I make mistakes. She is helpful because she helps me calm down when I get upset. And she is fun because she makes me laugh. Also, Carrie is a role model for the people around her. Carrie conducts herself like teacher of the year every day. She is most deserving to have been selected as

133our teacher of the year. And I have no doubt she will make us proud as she represents Graten in Connecticut's 2021 teacher of the year competition, the state's highest recognition honoring extraordinary teachers. Congratulations, Carrie. Okay, now I'm done. Well, as I started to say, thanks Kathy. That was fabulous. Uh I uh I spoke with Carrie and I'd want to give her the opportunity to say a few words as as we usually do at the ceremony. So Carrie, congratulations and uh we'd be interested to hear some comments. >> Thank you so much, Mrs. Miner. I could not be prouder um to be representing Mary Morrison and Graten Public Schools. Um, I'd also like to start by extending my deepest appreciation to the board of education, Dr. Brener, Miss Austin, and the teacher of the year committee

134for this incredible opportunity and for holding tonight's ceremony. Moving forward with the yearly tradition of celebrating our students and educators despite the monumental challenges we've faced this year truly speaks to the spirit of Graten Public Schools. I'd also like to say congratulations to all the students that we're celebrating this evening. Your accomplishments are remarkable. And in addition, congratulations and best wishes to all the retirees. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and demonstrating hard work and dedication to staff and students. And to all the friends of education and support staff that we're recognizing, I'd like to personally thank you for the work that you do. I think I can speak for everyone when I say how much we value and appreciate you. The support and services that you provide are a huge piece of doing what's

135best for kids. And to my fellow teachers being honored tonight, I'm so privileged to be considered for Graten Teacher of the Year along with you all. Your expertise and commitment to teaching and learning is inspiring and I'm filled with pride to be a member of this special group. I've done a lot of reflecting over the past few weeks considering how I've come to earn this incredible recognition. And through that reflection, I've traveled back in time to 2010 when my teaching career began during my internship at Katherine Kaskki Magnet School. I was bursting with excitement, passion, and dedication to becoming the very best educator that I could and then further energized and encouraged by the teachers who opened their doors to me and demonstrated what excellence in education looks like. When one of those classrooms became

136my own, it was truly a dream come true. But if you'd asked me then if I could see myself speaking before you all here tonight, I probably would have said no. Not for lack of passion or energy or dedication, but because I couldn't have seen myself in a leadership role then. Over the past 10 years, I've grown professionally and personally in ways I never could have imagined. And the reason that I share this personal anecdote with you is that my professional journey is an illustration of what Graten Public Schools embodies. We support growth and nurture individual achievement to reveal the full potential of every learner. I learned this in those early days as an intern and it's been at the heart of my work with children ever since. When I found out that I would

137be representing Mary Morrison as our building teacher of the year, I made a promise to myself and our staff that I would do my very best to represent our school well at the district level. And I make the same promise tonight as I move on to represent Graten Public Schools at the state level. I promise to share my passion for creating a learning environment that reflects and is responsive to the individuality of our students. I promise to demonstrate the importance of continuous reflection and evaluation of our teaching practices and the flexibility needed to ensure that we're providing the very best for students. I promise to share my belief that embracing what is difficult and taking action in the face of challenge leads to positive transformation. I promise that I will do my best to represent

138all that we are as a district with pride. I can't end without commenting on the power of community and collaboration. No surprise there. If we've worked together before, you probably are familiar with the collaborative spirit of my grade one team. Jane Pototts, Jackie Ree, and Kristen Hubard, whether in first grade or kindergarten, inspire me, give me confidence, and have without a doubt shaped the teacher that I am today. And on the days that I'm feeling less than adequate, they are the first ones to jump in with a suggestion. some encouragement or just a hug or more recently a Zoom call to remind me that we're in this together. And not far behind them are any one of our amazing Mary Morrison staff members. Teamwork truly does make the dream work. So, as we head into

139summer after an unimaginable school year, I wish everyone a safe, healthy, and restful break. Thank you so much. Thanks so much, Carrie. No, no, no surprise that your comments are filled with with passion and and inspiration. So, thank you and and we'll we'll talk as you go through the summer and look forward to to to the fall and the state uh state level recognition. Uh so uh Chairman Watson uh that concludes uh a a wonderful evening of of welldeserved praise and recognition uh for lots of uh wonderful folks. >> Dr. Grineer, I just wanted to say personally, but I'm sure on behalf of the board, your this district just rocks. like the the the comments, the people, how lucky our our children and our um our families are to have um all levels of support

140that um that we get from this district. Well done. Well done. Well done. We have one more. Yeah. And I don't know how to do this. Mark Russell, you're gonna have to teach me. I'm like I'm kind of I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to do that. Um anyways, so um so we are we are we have one more um item left on our agenda which is um because once again I believe that it's very important that um the the community has um is able to speak um to our district and even though we took out most of other all of our other um things that we normally do um on the um normal uh meeting um I do want to um just have our comments um especially since there's

141been so much that has happened um in our lives in the past couple months with COVID with our peaceful protest. Um I just wanted to make sure that people had the right and I know Mark uh you are somewhere on my screen that you and I will work together to um ensure who um is there who wants to speak. But I am going to open this up to say that this is the comments citizens portion of our agenda. This is the portion of the agenda where the board welcomes comments from citizens. Each presentation should be limited to five minutes or less and citizens should, if possible, submit written comments. Presentations should be related to matters pertinent to Graten. Board members will only ask questions in order to clarify the speaker's presentation and cannot respond during

142the comments of citizens portion of the board meeting. Citizens should state their name and addresses for the record. Um, oh, it's almost like a manageable screen because we're down to like only three screens that we have to move through. Uh, Mark, do we Who do we have here that is wishing to speak? >> I don't see anyone unmuting their microphones. Diane, if you could just state your name, your full name, and your address, that would be great. >> Good. Okay. Can you hear me? >> Yes, we can. >> All right. Thank you. Um, my name is Diane Pnaski. I live at 341 Ridgewood Drive in Mystic. >> All right. And so, you could go go right ahead with your comment, please. >> Okay. Um, I don't think I'll be five minutes, but I'll go as

143quickly as possible. Um, so, uh, again, I've, um, spoken with the permanent school board committee. Um, I've also spoken with members of the board of education, with Dr. Grineer, um, different, um, members of the administration. Um, and I've been really reaching out to everyone because now that we have a turf field in Grten, it has always been my understanding as the Fitch High School field hockey coach for the last 10 years that when we put in a turf field, field hockey would have lines and we would be able to play our games on that field. Um so we were very excited when the entire Grten um initiative passed where we were building a brand new middle school and we were adding fields which were very very needed. Um I was especially happy because of the

144fact that we are the only existing high school sport that currently does not play on a CIA regulation field. Every other team that Fitch High School, to my knowledge, that Fitch High School has plays on a field where should they qualify for a state tournament, they can play a state game on their field. We play on the baseball field. It has two different types of um a pitch. It is a grass pitch and it's a dirt pitch. Um we sometimes have to help the custodian maintain that field. If we've had a heavy rain, my husband and I are out there raking out the field um with the athletic director um sweeping dur getting ready, put putting down new lines again at the last minute um so that we can play our game. Um back in

145early June, we noticed that uh lacrosse lines had gone down on that field and soccer lines, but there were no field hockey lines. And we could not understand why since it had been told to us for you know it during my 10 years as a coach that someday when Graten had a turf field you will be playing on a turf field. So now where it stands is we are the only school in our conference. There is not another school in the ECC that plays on grass slash dirt. Um and that's unacceptable to me. I'm super proud to have been a teacher in Grten for 31 and a half years. I'm still a teacher in Graten on a part-time basis at Butler and I love working there and I'm really proud of the fact that I

146have a great team and proud of all the girls that work so hard to play uh field hockey for all of us and bring pride to the community. Um so to see that at this point field hockey lines are not part of a turf field so that we could at least play our home games on a safe and regulation field to me is unacceptable. So, I'm here again advocating for my team. I'm not I know I sent another email today to many people. Um, and I I know there are people out there in support of it, uh, including Dr. Grineer, who's been a very good ear and and told me that he would like to see us play on turf as well. But since June 2nd up until, um, June 18th, I sent many emails

147um, talked to people and everything else. And on June 18th following a permanent school board um building committee meeting um I was contacted tell with the information that the um field hockey lines were not going to be installed yet. It had to be voted on again as an um an option like looking at a priority list of what still needed to be done if money was left over. And I guess my position at this point is this never should have been an option. This should have been something if it involves safety and regulation for a field for a high school sport. Every sport deserves to play in a safe situation. And why it's now an option and on a priority list is just not okay. So again, my last comments are providing safe regulation fields

148for all our athletes should be a priority in this town. All our student athletes deserve this. We are the only sport that plays on two different surfaces which could cause injuries. Our athletic director advocated for these lines from the start of this project. So, please make this a priority and add the permanent lines so that my girls can play. Thank you. >> Yes, Diane, you did it. It was underneath five. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um I um I don't know if there's anyone else here, but I was also received a letter um from Heather Holmes, who's a parent, um stating the exact same concern um uh that you have um you have presented, Diane. And what I'm going to do is I'm going to submit this, get this scanned, and then it'll be sent

149to um the board um because it does state um all the same things that you have stated. And so, um, I'm just going to do that, but just so the board knows that you'll be receiving in the board notes or in our our next, um, package, um, you'll have that letter as well. Are there other people from the community that wish to speak? >> I'd like to if I can. >> Yes. >> Okay. This is, uh, Christine Cabraw, 66 Laam Street, Groten. Um, I did send a letter to about two weeks ago. I think that you said you you had distributed it to the board. >> Yes, I have. >> Okay, great. Um and this is Allison, my daughter. I want her to kind of see how this process works when you're um you know,

150as a community active community member. Um she's a senior at Fitch and also plays field hockey. Um so I'm a Graten taxpayer. My family is heavily involved in Grten youth, Graten Mystic youth sports and it's an unfortunate truth that in Grten the constant struggle for equity between boys and girls sports is a real thing. Um I have three daughters on the Fitch field hockey team next year and we have had only positive experiences with field hockey and we're excited for the new upcoming season. We were shocked to hear that the lions were excluded from per being permanently installed on the field where um lacrosse and soccer were installed. And you know, we owe it to our girls of Grten to invest in a turf field for their play with 30 or more high school students

151playing last year and it's growing in popularity each year because of its inclusive nature and its skilled competitive play. You know, playing on the back on the on the back of the boys baseball diamond is dangerous for our players and for players from other teams that come, it's disruptive because if it rains prior to a game, the mud b the mud makes the game unsafe to play and games are cancelled. It's putting our players at a disadvantage. How can we compete when everyone else practices and plays games on turf fields? And these girls are s serious athletes that deserve the same respect as the soccer and lacrosse team, you know, and it's not having the permanent lines is really sending a message to the girls of Graten Public Schools that that we that we didn't

152find their sport worthy of investing in permanent lines and playtime on that turf field. You know, I've heard a lot of uh rebuttals so far about this. things like um there's going to be a grass field installed next to the turf field that we can use and that really concerns me and kind of makes my blood boil a little because that's what I'm talking about. Girls sports are not second class, you know. Um when I hear this one, I hear it's only girls sports. It's not it's that's not an acceptable answer. Regulation is turf and we need turf. And then the second rebuttal I've heard is, well, there'll be tick marks and that's where the lines will go and we can paint the lines on and it will last for a few days. I've heard

153that one and my I find that to be a very weak justification and I wonder how can you confirm that there will be resources and financial financial and labor resources to ensure that the entirety of the season these lines are present and maintained. I don't think this is a promise that can be kept, you know, and I my my followup to this is who decided that field hockey wasn't worthy of pron lines in the first place when what data was used to make this decision was, you know, I'm kind of seeking some transparency in how the decision was made to eliminate girls field hockey and move forward with lacrosse and soccer for adult play. You know, I respectfully thank you for your time and consideration about how we can move forward and get those permanent

154lines for field hockey put on the turf field. Thank you, >> Christine. Thank you. >> Are there other comments from the community? Hearing none, I will close that portion of the meeting. Um, Dr. Ganer. >> Yes. >> Um, so my understanding about the fields is that this is a this is going to go and Diane actually I think that you're the one that actually kind of gave me this information um in today's email is that the permanent school building is still needing to vote on on whether they're going to add that. And I know that you guys have been actively involved in going to those meetings to ensure that that happens. Dr. Ger, am I correct on that? >> Yeah. Yeah. The ne the next step I is the the the next permanent school building

155committee. Uh I uh I confirmed with the committee that it was uh the desire of the school system to have the lines permanently installed. Uh so that they're just following their process. So, the next step is the permanent school building committee to uh to meet and to hopefully approve that recommendation. >> That would be great. And I'm hoping that someone will keep us posted on that because um I have I have um have had lots of conversations about that. So, that would be nice for the whole board to kind of know how that how that goes. And and and if I can just also I totally support what you were saying about the inequities around um women in men's sports. I think it's not just true for Fitch. I think it's true for most places.

156Um, and I'm just going to um ask that you continue to advocate that we have the appropriate fields that are available for all students, whether you're male or female. Um, what what ends up happening, and this is not I'm not blaming anyone. I'm just telling you sort of the the hard reality around finances is is that we have um we have put on um the budget process is that we have um oh my god I'm losing my words um we have capital improvement plans and we put and we submit them in August um so that it can be reviewed by the town um for whether they are going to support that because that's actually how our athletic fields would get continued to get paid and what ends up happening is is that because of budget

157budgetary um constraints oftent times the fields get get cut off of the capital improvement plans and so we are left with then not having an avenue to kind of support that. I'm not saying it's right. I'm not saying it's wrong. I'm just saying it is what it is. How you guys can help is to make sure that the town council and the RTM understand that our town wants appropriate and playable fields whether you're a male or whether you're a female. That's sort of where that goes. um you will have my support. I'll come and I'll I'll stand right beside you to say that. Um but that that is that has become what has happened. And once again, the town council and the RTM have really hard decisions to make, but unfortunately oftentimes our tennis courts,

158our fields um get put um on the back burner. I'm hoping and we do have a member of our board is a member of the field committee um and I'm hoping that there's going to be some recommendations that come out of the field committee so that the town can have a plan. I think that was the reason why the town developed this field committee um was that we can have a plan moving forward because we may not be able to meet budgetarily the needs all at once but to know what we're going to do next year and in five years. Um so I'm I'm hoping that that I'm hoping that that would happen. Are there any other comments from the board members about what was talked about today? >> Hey Kim, it's Rita. Um I

159I can really empathize with the field hockey team. When um my older son played soccer at Fitch High School, he had to play on the baseball field for four years. They did not have um a soccer field for the boys team. I don't know where the girls played. I think they might have been at the oral school, but I mean it's it's a very unsafe situation and I highly advocate that the the field be lined for field hockey and also that the football field becomes a church field. That's it. >> That would be great. All right. Any other comments from the board members about that? Liz. >> Yeah. I just want to um also lend my support to this because quite frankly we are sending um that message is coming out that we are not

160supporting our girls as well as we support our boys and that's just not fair. Also, it's not safe. I totally understand and I totally um encourage Diane. I will go to that meeting with Kim and you. I I mean I'll be there, too. But we need this needs to change. Unfortunately, it's in the town's hands. It's not in our hands. So, because we're not in possession of this property yet, and we're not in charge of that property, but you know, you got my vote, you know. >> Thank you, Liz. Anyone else? Gretchen, >> Diane, we've known each other forever. You know, my boys, um, you know, I've had the same argument. uh losing the tennis courts at the current Cutler building, losing the baseball fields down there is really going to impact our boy sports

161because that's where the mystic little league plays. So you you need to take it's a big p much bigger picture and it's very frustrating and so I really appreciate how frustrated you are and we'll try and help. That's the best we can offer at this moment because budgets are very very tight. Thank you, Gretchian. Any other further comment about about what was um presented by the community? All right. Hearing none, I will take a motion for adjournment. >> Um I think we have to have comments from board members. >> That was that Rita. >> Oh, that's I usually you go around and you that was just about feels because the only thing that was the only thing that was presented today. Um >> Oh, I didn't see that. Let me look back on the agenda.

162I thought it said um comments. Wait, >> it's the comments section after our >> Oh, you didn't want to do the response. So then we can't say anything else about any other communication we received or anything. >> That's not Nope. That that was that we that got cut from the the meeting. >> Oh, all right. That's fine. We can do it next time. Thank you. Before I say motion to adjurnn, and I will in a second, I I wanted to add Kim, how much could it possibly cost? How much could it possibly cost? So that's my two cents and motion to adj. >> Have a second. >> Liz has seconded. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Thank you everyone. Nice summer. >> Thank you guys. Meeting has been adjourned.

163>> Bye. See y'all later. Good night.