CONNECTIONS
Education News From Northeastern Connecticut
EASTCONN’S Interdistrict Cooperative Grants Program Empowers Communities Through Education
For more than a decade, EASTCONN’s Interdistrict Cooperative Grants Program has established itself as a beacon of educational equity and community collaboration across Connecticut, one that fosters inclusivity, mindfulness and academic excellence among students from diverse backgrounds.
The cooperative or equity grants, which are the result of the landmark Sheff vs. O’Neill case, are designed to bring elementary and middle school students from disparate communities – say, rural Ashford and urban Hartford – to engage in learning with one another.
See Grants Program, page 2
EASTCONN Announces Student Art Gala in Hampton on May 2
EASTCONN is proud to announce “Harmony in Diversity,” an Art Gala celebrating the artistic talents of students from the agency’s four special education programs: Bridges Community School and Educational and Vocational Center (EVC) in Columbia; EASTCONN Transition Academy (ETA) in Windham; and Northeast Regional Program (NRP) in Killingly.
See Art Gala, page 3
...Grants Program, from page 1
The Interdistrict Grants Program has had many individual grants throughout the years. Currently it encompasses four individual grants: America’s Mosaic, Faces of Culture, Mindful Transformations and Project Green Planet. The program incorporates mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) practices into each grant.
“There are two overarching goals,” said Grant Coordinator Stephanie White. “One is to reduce racial, social and economic isolation, and the second is to improve academic performance in a targeted area.”
Infusing mindfulness practices into daily routines and classroom activities, Grant Coordinator Esther Soffer added, gives students essential tools for personal growth and resilience, promotes overall well-being and fosters a positive school climate.
Our journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.”
– EASTCONN Interdistsrict Grant Coordinator Esther Soffer “
“Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation,” Soffer said. “It’s about cultivating a mindset of self-awareness and empathy.”
Soffer and White, who have worked closely together for the past five years, have seen their fair share of heartwarming moments: pen pals who finally meet in person, groups of students hanging back after a program to exchange contact information, children finding the courage to share their feelings, and much more.
“Sometimes you’ll see kids that are not engaged, but by the end, guess what they’re doing? They’re participating,” said Soffer. “In fact, they’re participating better at that point than they have in a really long time. Their teachers are impressed.”
After corresponding through letters, the students finally meet face-to-face for a day of collaborative workshops and activities. When students from Ashford meet their pen pals from Hartford, excitement and nervousness quickly give way to interpersonal connections.
“We ask, ‘Who’s excited about having a pen pal, who’s nervous, and who’s both?’ Most kids raise both hands,” Soffer said. “We say, ‘That’s great, that’s what you should be.’”
White said the younger kids embrace with hugs, while older
See Grants Program, page 4
...Art Gala, from page 1
The Art Gala takes place on Thursday, May 2 from 4-6 p.m. at the EASTCONN Conference Center in Hampton (376 Hartford Turnpike).
Motivated by the opportunity to showcase their talents, students have poured their hearts and souls into a diverse array of projects, each reflecting their unique voices and passions. From modern costume designs to personal portraits, mesmerizing landscapes to vibrant abstract works, and intricate sculptures to innovative threedimensional art, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of creativity thriving within our programs.
“Our students have truly found their voices through art, and we are thrilled to provide a platform for them to share their incredible work with the community,” said Kristin James, Assistant Director of Pupil Services at EASTCONN.
“Their dedication and enthusiasm have been inspiring, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements.”
In addition to the captivating artwork on display, attendees can indulge in a selection of refreshments while browsing replications of student art available for sale and order.
Exciting raffle prizes generously donated by local businesses will also be up for grabs, with all proceeds directly supporting the purchase of a kiln and pottery wheels for the students, further nurturing their artistic endeavors.
Agency Professional Notes
“Promoting Neurodiversity Affirming Practices and Language in Schools” was presented by Dr. Rose Jaffery, Morgan O’Malley, Dr. Jacquelyn DuBois and Dr. Jennifer Connolly at the National Association for School Psychologists (NASP) Annual Convention in New Orleans in February. The presentation highlighted practical steps to celebrate neurodiversity in schools and provided recommendations around supporting educators in implementing neurodiversityaffirming practices.
Director of Leading & Learning and Magnets Diane Dugas, ACT
Principal Sarah Mallory and ACT Instructional Coach Dr. Evan Krawiec presented “Embracing ARTS & Empowering Students to Drive Systemic Change” at the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Annual Conference in Washington D.C., March 22, 2024.
EASTCONN Head Start was awarded a $148,000 grant from the Office of Early Childhood and LISC. The funds will be used for renovations at the Danielson location (pictured), including adding a bathroom, a new EHS classroom space and an individual outdoor play space for each classroom with a poured surface for bikes, scooters and push toys. The process was very competitive, with over 700 applications submitted. Improvements at this building have been ongoing as the needs of the program and the community have continued to change.
The Student Art Gala promises to be an uplifting event, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of our students while fostering a sense of community and support. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and make a difference in the lives of these remarkable young artists.
ACT Instructional Coach
Dr. Evan Krawiec, Director of Leading & Learning and Magnets Diane Dugas, QMC Principal Ted Keleher, ACT Principal Sarah Mallory and QMC Instructional Coach Kristin Stryker presented “More than Posters on the Wall: Turning the Portrait of a Graduate from a Lifeless Document to a Living Instructional Framework” at Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Conference on March 14, 2024.