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his past June the Enfield Public Schools announced the selection

of Mary Almeida as the 2014-15 Enfield Teacher of the Year. Ms. Almeida is a first grade teacher at Hazardville Memorial School. As a result of this distinction, she will represent Enfield at the state level in the Connecticut Teacher of the Year process.

Ms. Almeida has been recognized for her commitment to her students. She is known for her high level of effort and the energy she brings to the classroom. During the selection process, the Teacher of the Year Committee recognized her use of technology in her classroom as cutting-edge and innovative. She uses unique and creative strategies to enhance the learning process with her first grade students. As part of the Enfield School District’s iPad Consortium, which ensures that every child in Ms. Almeida’s class has an iPad to use during the school day, Ms. Almeida u s e s h e r d e g r e e i n L e a r n i n g Technology to enrich her first grade classroom.

Ms. Almeida is in her 11th year of teaching in the district and is herself a product of the Enfield Public Schools, having graduated from Enrico Fermi High School. Ms. Almeida received a Bachelor’s of Science from the

University of Hartford, a Master’s in Elementary Education from Cambridge College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of Connect icut in the area of ins t ruct ional technology. Mary Almeida’s f i rs t grade c lass a t Hazardville Memorial School uses iPads to practice spelling, create digital stories, submit subtraction quizzes and follow QR code-driven scavenger hunts. They also locate and use live texts through an app called ClassDojo. Ms. Almeida provides parents with real-time updates on their child’s behavior.

While some may find this use of technology surprising, to Ms. Almeida it only makes sense, “Exposure to technology is happening in more and more homes prior to children even entering school. By positioning it as a learning tool, and not just a gaming device, students are provided with

inSightsA Publication of Enfield Public Schools

Enfield Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year — Mary Almeida A Fermi High School Graduate brings Learning Technology to her Classroom

We are pleased to dedicate this edition of inSights to Enfield Public School teachers. Research studies consistently show what we have long known: the most important school-based factor in student success is having a well-trained and dedicated teacher guiding and supporting children.

Enfield teachers are actively seeking ways to improve their practice, enhance their knowledge, and refine their skills so they can offer students richer and more fulf i l l ing experiences. New teachers, administrators, and EPS’ existing educators that have taken new positions in the Enfield Public Schools are highlighted in this issue. Last year, twenty-five educators retired from the school system after long and successful c a r e e r s . We h o n o r t h o s e individuals in this edition, too. As you review the list on page three, you are likely to see many familiar names. We hope you enjoy. ! — Anne McKernan Chief Academic Officer

From the Office of Academic Achievement

Fall 2014

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New Intermediate Level Academic Coaches

Kathleen Flanaghan joined Enfield Public Schools in 2000 as a paraprofessional and a substitute teacher at all levels. In 2004 she permanently joined the teaching staff after earning her elementary certification from American International College, i n Spr ing f i e ld , MA. Mrs . Flanaghan began teaching 4th g r a d e a t H e n r y B a r n a r d Elementary School and continued at Prudence Crandall School after the Enfield Public Schools’ reorganization in 2011. She has w o r k e d w i t h t h e S t a t e Department of Education and the district of Enfield to provide support services with the BEST Portfolio process and TEAM m e n t o r i n g . K a t h l e e n h a s supported Student Assistance Te a m s , S t u d e n t S u c c e s s Academy, Connecticut Invention Convention and the CREC S u m m e r C h o i c e P r o g r a m . Kathleen Flanaghan earned her M.A. in Elementary Education with a focus in Special Education from A.I.C in 2006. She currently supports the staff at Eli Whitney Elementary and looks forward to providing students and teachers with experiences that enhance their future opportunities.

Karyn McManus began her career teaching preschool and kindergarten for five years while earning her elementary education degree from Westfield State University. She came to Enfield as a substitute teacher, then taught Grades 3 and 4 Title I ELA in Springfield, MA. She returned full time as a 4th grade teacher at Hazardville Memorial School in 2004 and moved to Eli Whitney School during the reorganization. Mrs. McManus has served on many committees, including the Student Assistance Team and Principal’s Advisory. She also taught at the Student Success Academy and worked as a tutor providing education to home-bound students after school. Mrs. McManus received her master’s degree f rom Wes te rn New England University in 2009. She is thrilled to be the Academic Coach at Prudence Crandall School and is proud to be a teacher in Enfield amongst all of the amazing, dedicated professionals she has had the pleasure to work with over the years. In her spare time, she loves to bake and have fun with her family.

Andrew Duperre joined the staff in the Enfield Public Schools in January 2007 after earning his elementary teaching certification from Central Connecticut State University. Mr. Duperre began his career teaching 4th grade at Thomas G. Alcorn School and continued at Prudence Crandall School after the Enfield Public Schools’ reorganization in 2011. He has worked on the Professional Learning Committee, Principal’s Advisory Committee, Student Assistance Team, Student Success Academy, and took part in the inaugural iPad Consortium. Mr. Duperre earned h i s M . A . i n E l e m e n t a r y Education from Cambridge College, and is currently enrolled in the Educational Leadership Sixth Level Program at Central Connecticut State University to continue working towards his goal of becoming a school principal. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.

Kathleen Flanaghan

Karyn McManus

Andrew Duperre

Academic Coaches foster a positive school climate while assisting the students and teachers to achieve their goals.

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LeAnn Bealieu Principal, Nathan Hale Bonnie Mazzoli Principal, Hazardville Memorial Elizabeth Patria Dept. Chair Elementary Reading Linda Dalpe Dept. Chair World Language Richard Sunter Dept. Chair Business Lori Chase Speech Pathologist Kathy Acker Grade 5, Edgar H. Parkman Debra Andrychowski Reading, JFK Karen Cloutman World Language, EHS Diane Derose Elementary Art Moira Dynia Spanish, JFK Jan Ellis Grade 3, Eli Whitney Dennis Girard English, EHS

Retired Administrators & Teachers of 2014

eginning in April of 2014, Chrissy Turcotte-White, a

language arts consultant at Henry Barnard School, has had the amazing opportunity to represent Enfield Public Schools as part of Connecticut's Dream Team; a partnership between the State of Connecticut and Learnzillion. This p r o f e s s i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t oppor tun i ty enab led he r t o collaborate with peers from across the state. The Dream Team met in April for a three day intensive p r o f e s s i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t experience in which 97 teachers from across the state came together and developed lesson plans focused

on close reading for grades K-12. Chrissy worked on the Grade 2 team.

After the April session, members of the Dream Team continued to develop five day lesson plans over the course of a six week period, and used Google hangouts and webinars. These lesson plans will be available soon on the State of Connecticut’s website.

C h r i s s y w a s a l s o a b l e t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n t h e Te a c h f e s t Connecticut Summer Academy in July of this year, working as a facilitator. This event, sponsored by Learnzillion and the S ta te Depar tment o f Education, had approximately 900 attendees from across the state. The purpose of Teachfest Connecticut was to create exciting and useful resources to help put the Connecticut Core Standards into practice. The focus of

the session was to analyze texts for complexity and perform vocabulary analyses in order to support selection of appropriate texts for close reading. Chrissy will be taking part in another Learnzillion event in December.

As a result of these exciting experiences, Chrissy has been asked to become a Core Advocate with Student Achievement Partners. Core Advocates will strategize about effective ways to implement CCSS to help parents, teachers and the public understand how these standards support student growth.

Chrissy Turcotte-White Connecticut Dream Team

Donald Hollister Automotive, EHS Patricia Howard SPED Mary Lombardo Grade 5, Eli Whitney Dennis Martin Science, JFK Barbara O’Neill Spanish, EHS Dawn Orefice Grade 2, Hazardville Memorial Carol Peloquin Math, FHS Elizabeth Rhoades Elementary Art Mary Patricia Roehl Librarian, FHS William Sullivan Social Studies, JFK Stephen Smith Science, EHS Norma Turcotte Elementary Music

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Katherine Reeves began her teaching career 17 years ago in Regional School District 13. She has been a classroom teacher in kindergarten, grade 1, and grade 2. After obtaining her Master’s degree in Remedial Reading from Southern Connecticut State University, she worked as a literacy specialist. Katie completed her Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership at Central Connecticut State University. She worked in the Wolcott Public Schools as a literacy specialist before returning to District 13. The past two years, Katie was the Head Teacher of Brewster School, a Pre-K -2 school in Durham, CT. Throughout her tenure, she has been an active member in much of the curriculum writing, professional development and teacher evaluation, both in her building and throughout the district. Katie lives in Southington, CT with her husband and two children.

Irene Roman Principal, Nathan Hale School

Katherine Reeves Principal, Enfield Street School

James Graham Principal, Hazardville Memorial SchoolJames Graham is very pleased to return to the Enfield area after three years as Principal in the North Brookfield Public Schools and two years as Assistant Principal in the Wachusett Regional School District. Before becoming a school administrator Mr. Graham taught at the elementary level in both West Springfield and Springfield. In addition to his administrative and classroom experience, Mr. Graham comes to the district with a Masters of Education from the University of Massachusetts and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Administration from American International College. In addition, Mr. Graham has completed the National Institute of School Leadership’s Executive Development Program and is working towards his Doctorate in School Leadership and Supervision.

Introducing New Primary School Principals

We are fortunate to have Irene come to Enfield Public Schools from her last experience in Wolcott, CT. She brings a wealth of experience in the classroom having taught in many grade levels including full day kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade and 4th grade. She also filled the role of Head Teacher at Frisbie School where she lead many school initiatives, such as promoting a positive school climate, piloting the new teacher evaluation system, and writing curriculum for science and ELA. As a delegate of the CT School Safety Infrastructure Council, she has collaborated with a variety of state officials to write standards for new and renovated as new school construction. Irene spoke on behalf of public school teachers in Washington, DC when the council collaborated with homeland security on school safety matters. Outside of school, Irene’s passions include hiking with her Pomeranian, painting or spending time with friends and family.

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Almeida continued from page 1

Enfield Educators Earning Advanced Degrees in 2013-14

resources and practice that extend beyond the classroom.”

In July, Mary graduated from the Neag School of Education’s Two Summers Masters’ Program in Learning Technology within the D e p a r t m e n t o f E d u c a t i o n a l Psychology designed to help working K-12 teachers learn how to wisely and e ffec t ive ly in tegra te learn ing technology into classroom instruction. Participants attend classes at the UConn Storrs campus for one week during two summers and complete the rest of the coursework online during the fall and spring semesters. Because program cohorts are limited to no more than 20 students who all follow the same course of study, friendships and support systems form as cohort members explore digital literacy and learning strategies, develop research !

m e t h o d s , a n a l y z e e f f e c t i v e instructional design principles and participate in online communities. The graduate students learned both how to use technology for the professional development of teachers, as well as the use of available assist ive technology for students across the K-12 spectrum.

T w o S u m m e r s L e a r n i n g Technology Program Director Michael Young, served as Ms. Almeida’s advisor.“Like many districts, Mary works within many technological constraints, yet she has been able to take what she’s learned in the program, apply for grants and integrate technology in a way that enhances student engagement and learning,” Young said. Like many of the teachers in the Two Summers program, she sees the integration of technology as an opportunity for risk-

creativity in the classroom. Ms. Almeida feels that, “UConn’s teacher education programs have amazing reputations, and when I came across the Two Summers Program, I knew that it was the perfect fit for me. Course work hasn’t been about mastering the content in the syllabus, but about approaching new situations with a critical eye and finding creative solutions. I love being a lifelong learner.” Equally important, she loves to inspire her students to navigate their own learning: “My students are my family. I love that I get to shine light on the amazing things 6 and 7-year-olds can accomplish. Their curiosities fuel and inspire me when creating new learning experiences for them.”

Jessie (Bartram) Brown Masters Special Education Jeanne Davis Masters Special Education Kyllie Freeman Masters Specialization in Child & Adolescent Dev Ashley Hurley 6th Level School Administration Amy Jensen 6th Level School Administration Danielle Klapproth 6th Level Reading Diana Labich 6th Level School Administration Molly Laflamme Masters Teacher & Learning Brian Mazzone 6th Level Special Ed. Instruction Specialist Heather Mitchell 6th Level Curriculum & Instruction Matthew Murray 6th Level English Melanie O’Connor Masters Interdisciplinary Studies Rachael O’Rourke 6th Level Special Education Daniel Paradis Masters Education Alexandra Pyznar Masters Elementary Education Darcy Shuman 6th Level Special Education Patrick Smith Masters Curriculum & Instruction Robert Whinnem Masters Education Kerry Wiley Ed. D Curriculum Leadership

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o support the growing demand for Advanced Placement courses in

the Enfield Public Schools, several teachers have attended AP trainings. Some teachers attended five-day summer institutes at either The Taft Educational Center located at The Taft School in Watertown, CT or at St. Johnsbury Academy in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Dave Mourad and Melanie Finn-Scofield, physics teachers at Fermi High School, attended for AP Physics 1 and 2. Matt Murray, an English teacher at Enfield High School, attended for AP Language and Composition. Sean Patrick Crane, High School Social Studies Department Chair and social studies teacher, attended for AP U.S. History. This year Sean Patrick will be teaching this course at both Fermi and Enfield High Schools.

This fall, several teachers attended two-day AP training sessions offered by the College Board. These sessions took place in October in Norwood, MA. Aimee Cotto, a world language teacher at Enfield High School, attended the AP Spanish Language and Culture session. Jason McMahon, an English teacher at Enfield High School, attended the AP Language and Composition session. Johna Merritt, an English teacher at Fermi High School, attended the AP Literature and Composition session. Abby Kane, a mathematics teacher at Fermi High School, attended the AP Calculus AB session. Richard Onofrey, a science teacher at Enfield High School, attended the AP Physics session.

A t t e n d i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l development sessions is one way that teachers learn about the newest and best instructional practices and

collaborate with colleagues from both inside and outside of the district. Proving that there are many exciting p o s s i b i l i t i e s f o r p r o f e s s i o n a l development offered during the summer, several teachers throughout Enfield Public Schools took advantage of some amazing opportunities. For example, Bill Schultz, a chemistry teacher at Fermi High School, attended an Egg-citing Chemistry session this summer. Two UConn chemistry professors conducted a three-day seminar on their areas of research which include research on the unusual optical properties of the pigments in colored egg shells. The seminar had three goals: exposure to amazing research being conducted at U C o n n , p r o v i d e p r o f e s s i o n a l development on high level modern chemical processes, and offer model activities for use in the classroom.

Tony Allegro, a social studies teacher at Fermi High School, and John Unghire, a social studies teacher at JFK Middle School, had the unique opportunity to work with Harvard Divinity School professor, Dr. Diane Moore, to learn about an approach to teaching religion within the context of history classes. This training was offered to only five districts in Connecticut. Tony and John received the framework Dr. Moore designed and implemented at Harvard on how to teach cultural studies. Sean Patrick Crane, Cindy Kelleher and Anna Karpiej-Szczepanski, high school social studies teachers, attended a four-day workshop put on by the Connecticut Council for Social Studies. This session focused on the

new Connecticut Framework for Social Studies and its impact on the classroom.

Ruth Thomas, a chemistry teacher at Enfield High School, attended UConn’s Joule Fellows program for a five-session professional research program on hydrogen fuel cells. Melanie Finn-Scofield, a physics teacher at Fermi High School, attended a five-day workshop as part of the Marine Technology for Teachers and Students program at the Inner Space Center in Narragansett, RI. She worked with the oceanographers to bring interest and awareness about marine science and technology to public schools. Mary Desrosier, a 6th grade science teacher at JFK Middle School, attended two eSMARTS renewable energy workshops this summer. Solar Energy explored how to describe and measure the relationships of the sun and earth, the factors relating to the collection of the sun's energy, and solar - electrical systems (PV) and basic circuits. Harnessing the Power of the Wind, a one-day workshop explored the process of generating electrical energy (AC) as well as the engineering aspects of wind energy. !!!!!! !

J o h n D a g u e , H i g h S c h o o l Technical Education Department Chair, attended a five-day training session this summer at Asnuntuck Community College. There he trained alongside ACC staff on some of the newest advanced manufacturing equipment, including 3-D printers. John is coordinating jointly taught classes with ACC in seventh and eighth grades at JFK Middle School this year.

Teachers As LifeLong Learners

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ith the building project in full swing, the school site has a new

look, temporary traffic patterns and construction equipment on site. As always, student safety is the primary concern of the school administration, t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n m a n a g e m e n t company, and the members of the Building Committee. Working closely together, the three groups ensured that students returned to a safe and comfortable environment. Enrico Fermi STEAM Addition Construction of the Fermi STEAM wing began on May 27th. This addition is scheduled to be finished November 2015 and is currently on track to meet the completion date. Once it is completed the administration plans to consolidate the classrooms from A wing into the new space allowing construction activities to begin in A wing. The expected timeline for A wing classes to move is during Thanksgiving break in November 2015.

Students and faculty members at Enfield High School started the 2014-2015 school year in a very different facility.

Enfield High School Construction Update

Cafeteria and Health Addition In November 2014, the addition on the north side of the building will commence. Renovations of the cafeteria and kitchen are scheduled to start this Christmas break. The current plan is to utilize the existing auditorium pit for the serving lines, equipment, and storage through the school year while the cafeteria is under construction. The new cafeteria and kitchen space will be ready to open with the start of the 2015-2016 school year. Gymnasium and Locker Rooms The current girl’s locker rooms will be relocated to room B105 in November 2014.The renovations of the gymnasium and boys and girls locker rooms will begin at the end of this school year. They will remain unavailable until February 2016.

Music Addition / Auditorium Renovation The music addition will house the band and music programs and will begin in November 2015. Renovations to the auditorium will start in January 2016. The new band wing and the auditorium renovations will be completed in January 2017. D Wing / Front Lobby The demolition of the current D wing is scheduled to start in December 2015, after the Fermi STEAM addition is complete. All classes in the D wing will be moved to their permanent location in the new and completed Fermi STEAM wing. At the same time that this work is occurring, the construction on the current A wing and the main office areas will begin; they will also be relocated temporarily to the new Fermi STEAM addition. The renovations of the A wing, main office, and the new lobby are currently scheduled to be completed with the start of the 2016-2017 school year. !

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Leaders Come From Within the District

Alumni Spotlight

Jeris GriffinJeris Griffin is currently an eighth grade language arts teacher and the English/Language Arts Department Chair at John F. Kennedy Middle School. Mrs. Griffin is a proud product of the Enfield Public Schools, attending schools here from kindergarten through high school. After high school, Jeris received a degree from St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford, Connecticut. She also earned a Masters in Art and her sixth year degree from Central Connecticut State University. She feels the quality of education she received through the Enfield Public Schools enabled her to compete with the students from the top-level private schools during her college experiences. Over her 35 years of teaching in Enfield, Mrs. Griffin has taught kindergarten, fourth grade, fifth grade, and middle school. Jeris began her career in Enfield at Kosciuszko Junior High

teaching seventh grade. She was there for ten years before she took some years off to raise her three sons. When she came back to teaching, Jeris spent time at Alcorn, Crandall and Whitney schools. She has been at John F. Kennedy Middle School for the past 21 years. Jeris is very proud of the work she was able to do while involved in the Professional Educator Development Program in Enfield. She and several other Enfield educators trained with the state and then served as presenters for the teachers in Enfield. This program’s focus was teacher, learner, leader. As a result of their experience in this program, two EPS teachers, Jeris Griffin and Maureen Sampl (now principal of Edgar H. Parkman), wrote and received a grant that allowed them to revise the district’s writing curriculum for grades K-12. They worked with the Connecticut Writing Project through the University of Connecticut and brought in other presenters with expertise in writing to train the teachers. This new writing curriculum was a huge success, as evidenced by the increase in writing scores across grade levels on the CMT and CAPT. What Jeris is most proud of is that through this program, teachers were talking across grade level and sharing common expectations. Mrs. Griffin was also the Teacher of the Year for Enfield Public Schools in 1995. She is thrilled that a former student of hers, Mary Almeida, is currently the Teacher of the Year for Enfield Public Schools. Jeris enjoys encountering her students around town and having them say, “Look, it’s my teacher, Mrs. Griffin,” and hearing a parent respond, “She was my teacher too!” Jeris believes it is a unique experience to live in the community in which you teach. She says it’s wonderful to see former students years later because, “It’s a thrill to see what they have become!”

Central Office 27 Shaker Road Enfield, Connecticut 06082

Contact Information

Tel: (860) 253-6500 Fax: (860) 253-6510 www.enfieldschools.org