As the summer days wind down hundreds of education professionals are gearing up for another year of tremendous work with the students and families of Granby. Education today is so much more challenging than it was when many of us were students.
Everyone has a right to join public discourse, but let’s be mindful of what we choose to say when we debate. When students discuss topics where they may disagree or have strong feelings, we teach them to begin with the mantra “Is it true, is it helpful, is it necessary, is it kind?” I believe this may be helpful for all of us to consider. Information sharing is important but needs to be accurate. Misinformation can spread in communities and lead to unintended and harmful consequences for others. Please reach out to your child’s teacher when you have questions or want more information so that we can work as partners in your child’s education.
“Let’s be the best versions of ourselves as models for our children.”
Your educators are some of the best professionals around, as evidenced by the accolades both large and small that result from our commitment to this community. Your educators won awards and received grants at all levels and across many disciplines for the great work they do. Here are just a few of the many accomplishments you and your educators can brag about:
• Kelly Lane was selected as a finalist from the Connecticut Association of Schools for Elementary School of the Year.
• Dozens of scholarship recipients in this year’s senior class.
• Town and school librarians won the 2024 Faith Hektoen Award for Outstanding Programs.
• US News and World Report ranked GMHS as a top 20 High School in Connecticut.
• Instrumental music teachers from all four schools conducted a jazz music festival at Salmon Brook Park in May.
• Ms. Carron Cooper, a teacher at Kelly Lane, was the recipient of CREC’s Expect Excellence award for her excellence as a new teacher.
• Four high school students won two HALO awards for outstanding drama performances.
• Ms. Patricia Benton-Reger and Ms. Mary Whittemore, teachers at GMHS, received a grant from the Fund For Teachers to support writing.
• Ms. Emma Buder is one of 77 teachers in the state to receive a grant through Dalio Education and Funds for Teachers Fellows.
• Six students placed in the Statewide DECA Competition.
• Ms. Jill Kozieradzki worked with Kelly Lane PE students to raise $7,834.32 for the American Heart Association.
These accomplishments are made possible by the tremendous talent working for you in Granby, but also with your support. When community members and organizations work with us to build programs and provide opportunities, our students win. Be a partner with your public schools to make the working conditions for your professionals—and therefore the learning conditions for your children—the best possible.
Granby teachers are happy to work with and hear from you. Community members are encouraged to find out what is going on in schools by following official school social media accounts and district websites. Parents, we encourage you to be involved by reaching out to teachers with specific questions and volunteering in our schools. Let’s be the best versions of ourselves as models for our children. And let’s have another amazing year in Granby Public Schools.