Let's Talk About It: Windham Public Schools Success

December 18, 2023


One of the leading education officials in Windham joined my radio show to break down how our students are enjoying the high school renovations. Keep scrolling to get the academic highlights of the fall season.

More families are taking advantage of the state's food assistance program after eligibility requirements were changed. I'll explain how that is supporting our community.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Accomplishments of Windham Public Schools
  • UConn Storrs Visit
  • Skyrocketing Cost of Basic Needs
  • More Families Receive SNAP Benefits
 
Let's Talk About It: Accomplishments of
Windham Public Schools
We discussed all the wonderful things happening at Windham Public Schools on my weekly public affairs show, “Let’s Talk About It.” Neil Weathers, the Assistant Superintendent of Windham Public Schools, raved about the high school renovations, which our students are enjoying to the fullest. The renovation includes new classrooms, a new turf field, and so much more. In September 2024, a brand new early childhood center will open in a new space.
 
Neil Weathers also talked about our dual language program, the accomplishments of our sports teams this fall, a student chess tournament, a math academy for parents and so much more. Please click on the video below to watch the entire show.
Assistant Superintendent of Windham Public Schools Neil Weathers talks about all the great things happening in our classrooms!
 
UConn Storrs Visit

My legislative colleagues and I toured the campus at UConn Storrs with UConn President Radenka Maric and Interim UConn Health CEO, Dr. Bruce Liang. We discussed a variety of topics including how to improve the classroom experience, how to make education more affordable, and how to make students feel welcome at our state's flagship university.

We also met with Eastern Connecticut State University professors and students to discuss how tuition hikes are hurting students in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system.
 
Skyrocketing Cost of Basic Needs
Costs have gone up dramatically in the past three years. Operation Fuel released a new study showing a growing number of individuals and families in Connecticut, including Windham, struggle to pay off their basic needs. 

Absent additional federal funding, we need to have a legislative discussion in Connecticut to ensure people get energy and heating assistance. We must do everything in our power to provide relief on their bills. No one should be living in the cold.
Operation Fuel’s Winter/Spring energy assistance program is scheduled to open on January 8, 2024. Water assistance is available year-round, as funding allows. 
Click Here For Interactive Map on Affordability Gap
 
More Families Receive SNAP Benefits

Nearly 9,000 more Connecticut residents in about 5,000 households are now benefiting from the state’s food assistance program. According to Governor Lamont, new income eligibility limits, which is standard practice for Connecticut’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are making a huge difference.

The Department of Social Services, which administers the program, reports that individuals will receive an average of $185 per month in SNAP benefits in the coming year.
I encourage you to take a second look at whether you can benefit from SNAP under these new eligibility revisions. Learn more at www.ct.gov/snap.
CT Insider Article on SNAP Benefits