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Welcome to my back-to-school e-newsletter! I even got a report card this year. I share with you the first day of school for West Haven Public Schools, the state's annual tax-free week is coming up, West Haven Police are looking for a few good crossing guards, and even some information about lead removal in homes (yes, there's a connection to education there).
Since this is an education-based email, I would be remiss if I didn't include some of the education-based legislation we passed in 2024, including indoor school air quality grants, HVAC inspections, PFAS testing grants, the wholesome school meals pilot program, legislation about school meals, the Connecticut School Health Survey, epinephrine training, illegally passing a school bus, solar feasibility studies for school construction grants, some changes to high school graduation requirements and teacher certification, and more. To read the Office of Legislative Research report on acts affecting education, click HERE. You can also look at OLR's report on acts affecting children HERE (these are two different reports).
I hope you're having a great summer and preparing for a fantastic fall. |
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| CEA Report Card: I Got an A |
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| I'm happy to report I scored an "A" on my report card! Every two years, the CT Education Association (CEA) issues its education report card and evaluates legislators’ voting records as well as advocacy and efforts to advance CEA priorities.
I've been in office since early 2024, so I don't have a two-year score, but my 2024 score is 90.5.
CEA’s Legislator Report Card and Honor Roll designation evaluates voting records, responsiveness, and advocacy efforts to advance CEA priorities over past legislative cycles. In the 2023-2024 legislative sessions, those priorities included play-based learning, improved indoor air quality in schools, addressing teacher shortages, ensuring classroom safety, and more.
“CEA’s Honor Roll provides concrete information regarding legislators who are true public education champions, who support teachers, and who have taken action to improve Connecticut’s public education system,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “These are the legislators who have taken time to meet with us, who listen to us, and who respect us as the professionals we are and for what we do for students across the state. Our educators rely on this information to ensure they know where their legislators stand and how they voted on issues impacting them.”
To read my full report card, click HERE. |
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| West Haven Back-To-School |
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| By the end of the month, students in West Haven will be heading back to school.
The first day of school for West Haven Public Schools is set for August 28. |
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| Sales Tax-Free Week is August 18-24 |
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| Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 18 and runs through Saturday, August 24. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Retailers throughout the state offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax-Free Week, providing consumers with even more ways to stretch their spending power.
During this tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced less than $100 are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing less than $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. It applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week! |
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| Help Wanted: Crossing Guards |
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| From the West Haven Police Department:
School crossing guards are such an integral part of day-to-day operations at West Haven schools. WHPD is currently accepting applications to fill vacancies.
Please go to WHPD.com and fill out an application if you are interested.
These applications can be found under “resource/forms” and then select the “crossing guard application” option (or click the graphic below).
WHPD looks forward to a great school year with the children of West Haven and the department would love the community's help in filling these positions. |
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| Celebrating CT's Teacher of the Year Cohort |
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| I was honored to attend the Teacher of the Year celebration at Mohegan Sun last month. I joined State Representatives Chris Poulos, Holly Cheeseman, and Senator Cathy Osten in wishing the finalists good luck. The three-day symposium, featuring U.S. Education Secretary and Connecticut's own Dr. Miguel Cardona, celebrated Connecticut’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, finalists, and semifinalists.
I also ran into my old friend Valerie Bruneau! |
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| Tuition Free Classes at CT Community Colleges |
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| I am excited to announce an expansion of tuition-free classes here in Connecticut!
Now, any high school graduate and legal resident of Connecticut, even those with past college experience, can benefit.
How to Qualify in 2024-2025:
- CT Resident
Be a resident of the State of Connecticut
- High School Graduate
Be a high school graduate (GED and home-schooled students qualify)
- Completed FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), with an official Student Aid Index, which is used to package federal, state, and often institutional aid and accept all awards
- Complete All Requirements
Students must satisfy all financial aid requirements
- Part-Time or Full-Time
Attend community college part- or full-time (6+ credits/semester)
- Degree or Certificate Program
Enroll in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program
- Good Academic Standing
Once enrolled, remain in good academic standing
You can learn more HERE. |
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| Connecticut DPH Launches Lead Free CT Program |
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| Did you know that lead poisoning can cause serious health problems, and that infants and young children are more likely to have lead exposure than older children? Lead poisoning can lead to symptoms such as developmental delay, difficulties in learning, irritability, loss of appetite, and weight loss. At high levels, lead can cause problems with the brain and central nervous system. Why am I sharing this in an e-newsletter that has to do with mostly education and back-to-school topics? Because lead poisoning can impact children as they learn in school.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has launched a great new campaign called Lead Free CT! The goal of the program is to protect children from the harmful health impacts of lead and create a lead-free Connecticut.
Key objectives of the program include:
- Making older homes where children or pregnant people live lead safe
- Collecting information on all known lead service water lines in Connecticut
- Replacing lead pipes that bring water to homes, childcare centers, and schools
- Supporting families who find lead in their home or water
- Offering funding to get Connecticut communities lead-free
- Having all Connecticut children tested for lead
- Raising awareness of lead testing and safety among parents
- Educating communities, contractors, and landlords on lead laws and safety
To learn more, visit LeadFreeCT.org |
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