We are now settling into the routines of the new school year. Kids are getting comfortable with their teachers and their schedule, adapting to new policies and are engaged in the learning process. Superintendent Cheri Burke last month announced that our theme for the year will be “Connect. Believe. Achieve.” While our priority is improving student achievement across Granby schools, I wanted to highlight the critical role of “connection”.
The connections between student and teacher, teacher and administration, and administration and parents, are paramount. They ensure valuable information, questions and thoughts. Ideas flow consistently and in real time—giving all stakeholders the very best chance to set up our students to successfully reach their goals.
Today, social media has become one of society’s top tools for connecting. It’s a great way to see what old friends are up to, find out what events are happening or share fun moments. But by now we, as adults, are aware that social media is also a place where anyone can say anything regardless of whether it’s true. It’s a place where contentious discussions consume valuable chunks of our time with net zero outcomes. Because no one is immune to the detrimental, sometimes hurtful and dangerous impacts social media can have, it’s incumbent upon all of us to use it responsibly and to teach our children to do the same.
Establishing and fostering connections with our schools will amount to a two-way flow of more accurate information, less wasted time and a more stable, productive environment for our students.
If you are looking for information, wish to express a concern or have a question about a school-related issue, please directly contact the appropriate teacher, principal or the superintendent. Our administration created and published a chart (see e-address below) to help everyone find where to go with any given need. This chart can be found on all Granby schools’ websites, in the September issue of the Drummer and was discussed in the Sept. 4 board of education meeting. granby.k12.ct.us/page/addressingschoolconcerns
If you have a board-related concern, or if you wish to discuss something district-related, always feel free to email me as board chairperson: loganm@granbyschools.org
It truly does take a village to keep our schools operating well. We would love for more parents and community members to get involved and stay connected to our schools. The PTO is a great opportunity for more parents to connect, and there are several openings available to get you started. If you are interested in joining the PTO, please reach out to info@granbypto.com
We also have the GMHS Athletic Booster Club (info@gmhsboosters.com), the Fine Arts Booster (GMHSArtsBooster@gmail.com), and more. If you are interested in finding other ways to participate in our educational community, please reach out to me any time, or ask the schools directly at askgps@granbyschools.org