Big Wins at Windham Public Schools

December 11, 2025

The new head of our public schools shared some of the big wins in the classroom on my weekly radio show. Please keep scrolling to hear the conversation and to learn why our children are succeeding in the classroom. 

Time is running out to enroll in health and dental coverage with Access Health CT. I'll let you know the deadline to ensure you have insurance to start the new year.  

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Windham Schools
  • Access Health CT Deadline Looming
  • Learn About Thermal Energy Networks
  • Celebrating the Holidays

 
 

Let's Talk About It: Windham Schools

Windham Superintendent Dr. Iris Gomero shared her vision, goals, and early victories in our public schools on my weekly radio show "Let's Talk About It." Since taking on this role in July, Dr. Gomero hit the ground running, meeting with educators, parents, and students to identify their needs, build relationships, and shape a collaborative, student- centered path forward.

Dr. Gomero highlighted the following early wins for the current school year:

  • Higher student attendance
  • Fewer student suspensions
  • Windham Middle School removed from state's turnaround list

She credits the improved attendance to intentional work around building a welcoming, supportive school environment. When students feel valued, respected, and connected, they are more likely to come to show up, engage, and thrive. These gains remind us that Windham schools are a great resource for our children and our community.

Dr. Gomero also discussed our bilingual learning programs, the future of artificial intelligence in our classrooms, and much more. Please click on the video below to listen to our conversation.
Supt. Iris Gomero shares the early victories under her tenure at our schools.
 

Access Health CT Deadline Looming

The deadline to sign up for Access Health CT (AHCT) coverage beginning January 1, 2026 is fast approaching. Open enrollment is in full swing, so if you or someone you know needs health or dental insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process.

AHCT offers a range of affordable plans, and many residents qualify for financial assistance to help lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Keep in mind that if residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026.

If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026. 

AHCT offers free assistance at 1-855-805-4325 to guide customers through the enrolling process. Help is available in more than 100 languages. These resources ensure you understand your options and can make informed decisions. Securing health coverage is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your well-being and financial stability in the coming year.
 

Learn About Thermal Energy Networks

You have an opportunity to learn about sustainable energy and our efforts to develop a geothermal network in Connecticut. These systems offer a clean, efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling and represent a major step forward in our transition to a greener future.

Thermal Energy Networks for CT (TEN4CT) will host a virtual meeting on Thursday, December 18, from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. An expert from Brightcore Energy will share how large scale ground source heat pump systems work and highlight two thermal energy networks Brightcore has already engineered. A second speaker will breakdown everything you need to know about sewage thermal energy. 
Register here for the meeting

TEN4CT is a group that came together in response to the establishment of a Thermal Energy Network grant program from Senate Bill 4 (p. 80, Section 32) to fund multiple studies. Though the program is not funded yet, it isn't too early to start talking about what developing local projects might look like and forming a group that serves as a hub for people and organizations interested in local thermal energy networks.
 

Celebrating the Holidays

My husband, Dennis O'Brien, and I had a wonderful time celebrating the holiday season with Governor Ned Lamont. It was a joy to get into the spirit at the Governor's Mansion, and we even snapped a picture by the beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

As we embrace this festive time of year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to everyone in our community. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or another meaningful tradition, may your holiday season be filled with peace, joy, and time spent with loved ones.