The 2026–27 school year is off to a wonderful start in Granby Public Schools.
Our staff began the year with a high-energy convocation celebrating the launch of our new Strategic Plan and our shared commitment to students. Granby Teacher of the Year Jessica Foskitt, our district Orchestra Director, inspired colleagues with a powerful message about finding your voice—and the impact that voice can have when we use it with purpose.
We also celebrated our 2026 Granby Public Schools Staff Person of the Year, Family Engagement Specialist Bethany Grupp, for her tireless work supporting our Open Choice students and families.
The excitement continued when students returned. From our youngest learners to our high school seniors, classrooms, hallways and playgrounds were once again filled with smiles, laughter, learning and connection. It is wonderful to have everyone back!
School Safety Remains a Top Priority
As we begin the new year, Granby Public Schools continues to strengthen safety and security practices districtwide.
This summer, under the leadership of Director of Facilities and Emergency Management Chris DeGray and School Resource Officer Chris Dufresne, we reviewed emergency procedures and completed several improvements, including upgrades to fire doors and security panels and the installation of new lockdown boxes in our schools. This work represents the completion of a multi-year focus on school security improvements.
The district has also transitioned to the “I Love U Guys” Standard Response Protocol, which provides schools and first responders with five clear, common actions during an emergency: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter. Using consistent language helps students, staff, visitors and emergency personnel understand what is expected and respond quickly and appropriately.
Preparation is an important part of maintaining safe schools. We will continue practicing safety drills throughout the year, and Officer Dufresne is visiting classrooms to introduce the new protocol terminology, discuss school safety and explain our new lockdown boxes.
Getting to Work on Our Goals
At its Sept. 16, meeting, the Board of Education considered adoption of Granby Public Schools’ second-generation Strategic Plan. The plan centers our work around four goals:
Connect: Strengthen relationships and engagement across the district.
Believe: Ensure equitable, high-quality learning experiences for every student.
Achieve: Promote growth, well-being, and readiness for life beyond graduation.
Operational Effectiveness: Ensure facilities and operations fully support high-quality curriculum, programs, and services.
Mark Your Calendar
The Town of Granby will hold a special meeting on Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center Community Room to discuss a proposed capital improvement referendum. The proposal includes repairs to the stadium track and field, resurfacing Field Two, development of a new multi-sport baseball and softball field, and design and repairs at Granby Memorial Middle School.
The referendum vote is scheduled for Dec. 8, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. at Granby Town Hall. The capital improvement referendum will be a public vote solely for the purpose of approving or rejecting spending plans for these specific projects and should not be confused with the regular budget referendum vote in April of 2027.
We are excited about the year ahead and grateful to our staff, students, families, and community for continuing to Connect, Believe, and Achieve together.