The Windham Parent Network News

December 4, 2008

RSVP today to hear about Connecticut's solution to the health care crisis.

Join your neighbors, faith leaders, doctors, small business owners and others to learn about how we are working together to win quality, affordable health care for everyone. 2009 offers a historic opportunity to solve Connecticut's health care crisis and lead the way for the nation. Connecticut can have health care that keeps us healthy offers quality choices for all of us gives us more for our money delivers peace of mind Join us across the state as we go on the road for healthcare4every1!

Torrington -- Tuesday, December 9
Hamden -- Wednesday, December 10
Willimantic -- Tuesday, December 16
Meriden -- Wednesday, December 17
Norwalk -- Thursday, January 8
Hartford -- Tuesday, January 13 (statewide launch of the Connecticut plan for health care we can count on)

Click here to view the calendar of the above events and to RSVP...

Please read and forward!

From: healthcare4every1.org: bringing Connecticut together to achieve quality, affordable health care for everyone.

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November 24, 2008

Join us for our Holiday Party!

Sunday, December 14, 2008
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Fred's Brick House Cafe
1681 West Main St. - Willimantic

Complimentary Pizza & Beverage
Children's Craft

from:

Barbara Kaczowski
WPN Community Organizer
423-4534 Ext 340

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November 6, 2008

WINDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ BOARD OF EDUCATION CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT WILL HOLD OPEN OFFICE HOURS TO DISCUSS ISSUES WITH POLICY IMPLICATIONS.

SUGGESTIONS, NEW IDEAS AND/OR OPINIONS MAY BE SHARED DURING THIS TIME.
Monday, November 17, 2008
6:30 PM TO 7:30 PM
SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE
KRAMER BUILDING
CONTACT THE SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE AT 465-2310 FOR AN APPOINTMENT; HOWEVER AN APPOINTMENT IS NOT NECESSARY.

Forwarded by: Barbara Kaczowski
WPN Community Organizer
423-4534 Ext 340

September, 2008

Do you get the Town of Windham Newsletters?

Click here to go to their website, where you can download the latest one...

from: Becky Cronin

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October, 2008

Free Tutoring

What:  A Providers’ Fair for Windham families who may qualify to sign their children up for free tutoring after school

Where: 

Natchaug Elem. School,

Tuesday, Oct. 14

5:30-6:30pm

North Windham Elem. School,

Wednesday, Oct. 15
5:00-6:00pm

Windham Center Elem. School
Wednesday, October 15
6:00-7:00pm

Who will be there: Futures, Inc. & Sylvan Learning Center

These organizations will offer free quality after school or weekend tutorial programming for many of our Windham children.  Each program will have its own table to explain its programming.

Parents.  This is an excellent opportunity to sign your child up for free after school tutoring this fall.

PLEASE READ THE ENCLOSED INFORMATION BEFORE THE PROVIDERS’ FAIR TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY

For further information contact the Office of Supplemental Services at 465 2555 or for Spanish 465 2546

Tutoría Gratis

Qué?  Una Feria de Proveedores en la cual las familias de Windham pueden ser elegibles para ingresar sus hijos en un programa de tutoría gratuita.

Dónde:  

Escuela de Natchaug
Martes, 14 de octubre                          
5:30-6:30pm        

Escuela de North Windham
Miércoles, 15 de octubre
5:00-6:00pm

Escuela de Windham Center
Miércoles, 15 de octubre
6:00-7:00pm

Quienes estarán:   Futures, Inc. & Sylvan Learning Center

Estas empresas ofrecerán tutoría gratis de buena calidad después de las clases o por los fines de semanas.  Muchos de nuestros niños de Windham pueden cualificar.  Cada empresa tendrá una mesa para explicar sus programas. 

PADRES.  Esta es una excelente oportunidad para registrar su(s) niño(s) en clases de tutoría gratis durante el otoño. 

Por favor leen la información incluido en estas páginas
 antes de llegar al evento
 para ver si sus niños se cualifican.

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October 1, 2008

Windham Public Schools, Board of Education Chair and Superintendent: Open Office Hours

from Board of Education and Superintendent Offices

The Chairman of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Windham Public Schools will hold monthly open office hours for community members, staff and students who wish to discuss issues with policy implications.  Suggestions, new ideas and/or opinions may be shared during this time.

It is preferred, though not required, that anyone who wishes to attend make an appointment.  If the policy is known before the scheduled meeting, it will allow the chair and the superintendent to better prepare for the meeting.

If a community member, staff or student has a particular issue with a specific decision or administrator, it would not be appropriate to discuss this during “Open Office Hours”.  Specific situations should be dealt with through the normal procedures for resolving complaints.

“Open Office Hours” will be publicized in the following manner:
            Monthly press release
            Monthly use of Alert Now
            Posting on public access television
            Flyer sent home with students
            Posting to the Windham Public School website

The following dates have been selected for Open Office Hours:

Monday, October 6, Superintendent’s office, Kramer, 322 Prospect Street
Thursday, November 6, location to be determined
Tuesday, December 2, location to be determined
Thursday, January 8, location to be determined

“Open Office Hours” will be held from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  An appointment is not necessary but if you know you are coming, please notify Karen Lewis at 465-2310.

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September 22, 2008

Forum Discussing the Need for Child Development Education for all Students

From: Joan Barbuto, CT Coalition for Child Development Education
phone: 203-269-1946; email: joanbstone@aol.com

Commissioner of Education Mark McQuillan, Yale psychiatrist and pediatrician Kyle Pruett, and child development curriculum specialist Janet Pozmantier of Houston will discuss the need for child development education for all students at a forum in Hartford on Oct. 7.

The forum is sponsored by the Connecticut Coalition for Child Development Education and will be held from 1-3 p.m. in Room 1A of the Legislative Office Building.

Administrators, teachers, legislators, students who have had child development classes, and any Connecticut residents who are interested are invited.

The Coalition's goal is to get education in child development, child safety and parenting skills to all students sometime before they graduate from high school. The focus would be on the years from birth to five, crucial years when the way a child is reared can affect his emotional and intellectual development and his later success in school.

Fifteen major organizations are supporting the 50-member coalition in this effort, among them the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, the Connecticut Parent-Teachers Association, The Mental Health Association of Connecticut, Prevent Child Abuse Connecticut, The Connecticut Commission on Children, Connecticut Voices for Children, and the Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis.

Anyone interested in attending the forum is asked to call Laura Baldarelli at the Connecticut PTA office, 203-281-6617, or e-mail her at lb_connecticut.pta@snet.net.

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September 15, 2008

Health First Connecticut Authority Public Hearings

from Barbara Kaczowski

Help Fix Our Health Care System. Download a PDF of the flyer with all relevant information.

Barbara Kaczowski
WPN Community Organizer
423-4534 Ext 340

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September 15, 2008

Job Opportunity

from Barbara Kaczowski

The Early Childhood Council of Windsor is seeking a part-time coordinator (average of 15 hours a week). Compensation will be on an hourly basis, at a rate of $30/hour. Qualified candidates will demonstrate a high degree of organization, verbal and written communication skills, ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, and knowledge and passion about the importance of early childhood. This position is currently grant-funded through December 2009. Responsibilities include the following:

Administrative Support

· Attend ECC and executive committee meetings
· Handle logistics of meetings (location, food, child care, attendance records)
· Prepare copies and other materials for meetings
· Distribute minutes/agendas
· Maintain files and organizational information
· Maintain membership roster and distribute updates biannually
· Distribute information from Graustein Memorial Fund
· Work with the fiscal agent to monitor the budget
· Check P.O. box regularly

Internal and External Relationship-building

· Maintain day-to-day communications with members
· Serve as primary contact for inquiries about ECC and its activities
· Actively recruit new members
· Liaison with other community organizations and representatives (e.g.; town and school officials, Family Resource Centers, library, other Discovery collaboratives)

· Interface with Discovery liaison
· Lead the ECC’s marketing and public relations efforts
· Participate in Graustein-sponsored events as appropriate

Program Support

· Coordinate PLTI and Parents SEE programs when offered
· Support the Design Team for PLTI and Parents SEE
· Support project leaders as needed
· Lead or support the planning, marketing, staffing, etc., of ECC programs and events

Anyone interested should send a letter and resume to Windsor’s Early Childhood Council, P.O. Box 85, Windsor, CT 06095 by October 3. If you have questions, please contact Paige Bray at paigelofted@gmail.com, or Jan Kiehne at (860) 683-8677.

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September 15, 2008

Family & Youth Driven System of Care Assessment: An Evening of Focus, Insight and Thought

from Lorna Grivois, Statewide Coordinator at Families United, 860-537-6125, extension 101 or lgrivois@familiesunited.org

Families United for Children’s Mental Health will be conducting a family and youth driven assessment
focus group in your area! This assessment will help to inform policy makers and advocates in building a family and youth driven, culturally and linguistically competent system of care.

DATE:  September 30th
TIME:  6 – 7:30pm
LOCATION:  McSweeney Senior Center
          47 Crescent St., Willimantic

Families and youth (13 years old and older) will receive a cash incentive
based your active participation in answering the questions! 

A light dinner will be served

Please register by Sept. 29th.  Attendance is limited to the first 15.

For any questions or to register please contact Lorna Grivois, Statewide Coordinator at Families United, 860-537-6125, extension 101 or lgrivois@familiesunited.org

 Families United for Children’s Mental Health In partnership with All Our State MHT-SIG Transformation Partners.

To download a PDF of this information, please click here.

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September 11, 2008

Windham Hospital 75th Anniversary Blood Drive

from Rob Maneri

Whether you're a seasoned blood donor or a first timer, we need you to come and join in this special blood drive to celebrate Windham Hospital's 75th anniversary.

When: Friday, September 26, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Where: Bernard Desrosier Room, Windham Hospital
Appointments: Contact Rob Maneri at 456-6915 or rmaneri@wcmh.org

By donating a pint of blood, you will be a hero  to our patients, friends and family that may need blood after a trauma, surgery or for people fighting leukemia.

Did you know that someone needs a blood transfusion every 2 seconds? You can help assure that the blood supply is there when you need it.

Remember......
You must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds and be healthy.
You must bring a photo I.D. with you to the drive.
Drink plenty of fluids before and after your donation.

Every donor will receive a gift for donating and everyone will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card in honor of our 75th anniversary.

Thank you for caring!

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September 10, 2008

Check out Kitivity for things to do in CT!

from Barabara

If you haven't been to the Kidtivity website, you're might be missing out on some great things! They even offer lists of free things to do. Visit the website to learn more.

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September 3, 2008

ECSU Program Gets $1.4M

from the Harford Courant Newspaper

WILLIMANTIC — - Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Early Childhood Education has been awarded a $1.4 million federal grant to begin a three-year literacy project.

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education will allow the center to improve the language and literacy skills of about 500 preschoolers by providing professional development and mentoring to preschool classrooms in the Windham Public Schools and at Eastern's Child and Family Development Resource Center.

The project is to focus on developing language and literacy skills for children who speak English as a second language, including the development of bilingual classrooms. The effort also seeks to enhance literacy at home with a comprehensive family literacy program.

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June 27, 2008

This Week's News from Discovery 2008

from Becky Cronin

Don't forget to visit the Discovery Weekly Digest webpage for information on events and news related to early childhood issues.

- Read these notices directly on the Discovery 2008 Weekly Digest Archive -

"Each week the Memorial Fund sends an electronic newsletter to the members of the Discovery listserv to highlight important and timely events, research, news and Discovery success stories. The listserv is limited to Discovery collaborative members, but the weekly digest messages are archived here and available for download. If you are a member of a Discovery collaborative and would like to sign up for the Discovery listserv to post an event, ask a question, start a conversation or monitor the discussion among other Discovery communities, please contact Donna Studdiford."

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August 26, 2008

Fundraiser: Family Sing Along with Kid's Open Mic at Fred's Brick House Cafe

from Barbara Kaczowski

We hoppe to see you at our Fundraiser. It will be a fun, family event. Don't miss it!

As always, everyone is welcome!

Date: Sunday, September 7, 2008

Time: 12:30 - 3pm

Location: Fred's Brick House Cafe, West Main St, Willimantic. Fred's is located, near the intersection of Route 6 and West Main St/Route 32. It is in front of Shaw's in the same building as Liberty Bank.

See the flyer on our calendar page. Please contact us with any questions.

Barbara Kaczowski
WPN Community Organizer
423-4534 Ext 340
450-6125 Cell

Email Barbara

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August 19, 2008

CT Parent Power Schools Committee Meeting

from Tauna Idone

At this meeting we will decide our action strategy for the year. Over the summer, a sub-committee of the Schools Committee has been meeting to research our top priorities. This sub-committee will propose recommendations to the full Committee at the August 20th meeting and the Committee will discuss the proposals and decide on a strategy.

The CT Parent Power Schools Committee is a group of parents from across the state who are committed to working together to find ways to improve Connecticut's public schools. The Schools Committee is open to all Connecticut parents.

Dinner and childcare will be provided.

Wednesday, August 20th

6pm-8:15pm

Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, Meriden Map It!

Click here to RSVP

*Please RSVP above if you are interested in attending so that we make sure to have enough space, food and childcare providers. Thank you!

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August 18, 2008

Fall Candidate Forum Planning Meeting

From Barbara Kaczowski

Dear WPN Board Members,

The Windham Parent Network in conjunction with CT Parent Power will be organizing a Fall Candidate Forum. We feel this is a very important year with Walter Pawelkiewicz leaving office. We see this as an opportunity to secure the commitments from public officials to seriously address challenges and opportunities facing our community.

We hope you will join us in this effort by agreeing to serve on our Candidate Forum Committee. Our first meeting will be held:

Candidate Forum Planning Meeting
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
@ 7:00 p.m.

WRCC Riverview Conference Room
872 Main St.
Willimantic, CT 06226

Your talents and deep commitment to this community are greatly needed to make this effort successful. Please feel free to call with your thoughts and questions.

Barbara Kaczowski
WPN Community Organizer
423-4534 Ext 340
450-6125 Cell

Email Barbara

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July 21, 2008

Town Looking for Funds for Signs for New "No Smoking Policy"

From Barbara Kaczowski

Our requests are finally being acted upon. A voluntary “No Smoking Policy” for all town parks is being started. The town is asking for help from various town organizations to purchase the required signs.

Please see the attached notice from the Public Works Department.

Barbara Kaczowski
WPN Community Organizer
423-4534 Ext 340

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July 12, 2008

CONNLEAP Class Available this fall...Space is Limited...Parents & Providers are welcomed!

from Serry Linton

Hello all,

Just want to remind you that the ConnLeap Course begins this September, with applications currently being accepted. Please share info with potential participants and relevant collaborators. See link for application and other course information, on their website.

About ConnLeap:

ConnLEAP is a project of the Hartford Area Child Care Collaborative (Collaborative) in partnership with the CT Association for Human Services (CAHS). The objective of the LEAP project is (a) to inform and educate Early Childhood Education (ECE) professionals regarding the most important issues that affect their profession; (b) to develop their leadership skills and enable them to become resources to their communities; (c) to empower them to speak and advocate for better working conditions and better quality child care for the children and the families they serve; and to work together as a network for change.

ConnLEAP begins with a 45-hour course for three undergraduate/graduate credits currently offered through Eastern Connecticut University.  Classes are generally held Wednesday evenings Saturdays, at a time and place convenient to participants. The training curriculum consists of three parts: coming to awareness, engaging in inquiry and analysis, and taking action. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences, to examine them in broader contexts, to enhance the skills they possess, to learn new ones, and to use them to exercise leadership skills and advocacy. A key feature of the LEAP course is that trainees, working in small groups, design an action plan for the implementation of projects that benefit their community.

Sherry Linton
Early Care and Education Policy Analyst
Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS)
110 Bartholomew Avenue, Suite 4030
Hartford, CT 06106
860-951-2212 x.233
email Sherry
CT Association for Human Sevices website

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July 12, 2008

Money for Childcare While You go Vote

Barbara Kaczowski, WPN

Dear Members,

Is childcare an issue that prevents you from voting?

The Windham Parent Network is making available the Flexible Childcare Fund for the July 15, 2008 Budget Referendum. (Please see attached form.)

You may submit a request for a $15.00 stipend towards your childcare expenses. Voting records will be used to verify that you have voted, prior to funds being issued. A check will be mailed to you with in 7 days.

Barbara Kaczowski
WPN Community Organizer
423-4534 Ext 340

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July 11, 2008

Critical Budget Vote Tuesday, July 15th.

from Diane Ayer

Come out to vote next Tuesday, July 15th, and support Windham's budgets. Our schools are already faced with a terrific challenge if this budget passes - and there are people actively campaigning against it. (Please see the May 29th post below for more info on this budget.)

We are looking for people to take a few minutes out of their busy day to make phone calls reminding people to vote. If you can call everyone you know in town and remind them to vote - that's fantastic. We will be meeting at a house and making calls on Tuesday morning through the afternoon. If you would join us, that would be awesome! Contact Diane for details. Diane will be there around 9a.m. (Polls are open from 6am - 8pm) and on and off throughout the day. Together we can get this budget to pass!

Please visit the town's website to see the posted information about voting hours and locations.

According to the website:

• Tuesday July 15, 2008 for the Budget Referendum
• Polls are open from 6:00am to 8:00pm
• Willimantic Service District Voters, Districts 1 - 2 - 3, will vote at the WINDHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL on QUARRY STREET.
  

If you have any questions, please call Diane at 617-0508. Otherwise, see you at the polls!

Don't forget to vote!

Thank you,

Diane Ayer

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July 7th, 2008

FREE admission for kids (17 and under) every Monday in July at Mystic Seaport

From Barbara Kaczowski

Kids will love climbing aboard tall ships, making their own maritime masterpiece, exploring exhibits, riding in a horse-drawn carriage, and getting out on the water. Plus, they can star in an interactive play, discover stars in the planetarium, and take part in Hands-On-History. But that’s not all, they can captain the playscape fleet, learn to tie seaman’s knots in the Discovery Barn and so much more…

Then when its time to eat, the Galley Restaurant has a full menu of kids’ favorites.

With nearly 20 acres of fun things to see and do,
why not make Mondays this July Mystic Seaport days with FREE Kids Admission.
Mystic Seaport where kids can be kids - running, jumping, exploring and learning all while having fun.

Buy Your Adult Admission Tickets Now!
Limit four children (17 and under) per paying adult. Fees apply to special activities.

888.973.2767 | MysticSeaport.org | 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT

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July 2, 2008

Health Care Access for Adults of all Incomes

from Barbara Kaczowski, WPN Community Organizer, 423-4534 Ext 340

Dear Members,

Governor Rell opens Applications! CT’s new affordable health care; Charter Oak Healthcare Plan, health care access for adults of all incomes. If you do not have health care coverage this may be an option for you.

Visit the Charter Oak Health Plan website.

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June 27, 2008

This Week's News from Discovery 2008

from Becky Cronin

- Read these notices directly on the Discovery 2008 Weekly Digest Archive -

Save the Date for the 2008 Stone Soup Conference

The 2008 Stone Soup Conference will be held on Tuesday October 21, 2008 from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm. This year's theme is Soup for All: Hungry for Action.

Frank Luntz, pollster, political commentator and author of Words that Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear will be presenting “Building Community Voice in Connecticut” in the morning. In the afternoon, Education Commissioner Mark McQuillan and the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisor Janice Gruendel will give an update on Early Childhood Education Cabinet activities and an overview of policy developments at the state level.

For more details or to tell others about this conference, download a Save the Date flyer from the Discovery website homepage at discovery.wcgmf.org/.

July Discovery Peer-to-Peer Conference Call

A Peer-to-Peer Learning and Technical Assistance Conference Call, facilitated by The Center for the Study of Social Policy, will take place on July 16, 2008 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to discuss community planning and decision-making with your Discovery Community peers.

Discussion will focus on a topic that participants identify as important. So, please send your suggestions for topics to discuss to vanessa.scott@cssp.org by July 1st.

For example, the June call focused on No-Cost and Low-Cost Data Collection Strategies. Topics for discussion might be related to:

• community planning and decision making issues or strategies that you’d like to explore or learn more about,
• other communities’ experiences addressing challenges that your community planning team is encountering, or
• areas where you are making progress as you develop your plans or successes that you’d like to share with others.

Please be as detailed as possible when you identify and describe the topics you’d like to discuss. An agenda for the call, based on the topics you suggest, will be sent to the primary community contact two weeks prior to the call, along with registration and call-in instructions.

Community Spotlight: The East Harford Book of Data

In the spring of 2006, East Hartford ChildPlan, Inc. initiated a strategic planning process. As a result of that process ChildPlan made it a priority to start collecting data about the East Hartford community in a more consistent manner and put it into a format that could be used by ChildPlan members and by the community at large.

As part of this effort, ChildPlan recently released The East Harford Book of Data, which is focused on three primary areas:
(1) Understanding basic indicators of East Hartford well-being, in terms of demographic, socio-economic, education, and health indicators.
(2) Establishing an inventory of existing before-school, after-school, and vacation programs that exist in East Hartford to identify where particular gaps in services may exist.
(3) Establishing an inventory of the facilities in East Hartford that are available for use by members of the community.

This tool was discussed at the June Peer-to-Peer Conference Call and several communities requested a copy.

To download copies of The East Hartford Book of Data: About Our Children and Families, visit the East Hartford page of the Discovery website at http://www.discovery.wcgmf.org/community.php?community_id=1007 and scroll to the bottom of the page.

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June 27, 2008

Single Parent Group Plans to Start in August or September

From: Stephanie Smith
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 4:20 PM
Subject: Single Parent Support Group progress

Hello everyone,
A few weeks ago I sent out an introductory announcement about a support group for single parents, with a tentative start date of July 14. This group is still in the works, but it seems that a more workable start time will be later in August or September, once our academic year schedule is established and we have returned from what I hope is a relaxing, less structured summer. In the meantime, there are still openings available, and I welcome your feedback on meeting times, frequency, content, and any other thing you'd like to share. I am attaching the original announcement to this message, as well as the postcard. Feel free to forward it to anyone who you think might be interested.

Thanks, and have a great summer!

Stephanie J. Smith, LPC
40 Bolivia Street
Willimantic, CT 06226

http://www.sjsmithlpc.com

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June 26, 2008

Willimantic Kids’ Academy Programs Planned for the Weeks of 8/11 and 8/18

from Delia Berlin

Dear Friends,

I am attaching a flyer about our Willimantic Kids’ Academy programs planned for the weeks of 8/11 and 8/18. Morning and afternoon options are available for children 6 to 14 for $89 per week. We also will provide free lunch monitoring for those signing up for full day programming and bringing a lunch.

We are excited about providing these programs targeting the two weeks in late August that often present fewest options to parents and children. In view of our lean advertising budget, we would appreciate your help in passing the word about these upcoming fun learning opportunities.

Thank you!

Delia

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June 26, 2008

Find Out About the Latest "Discovery" News and Activities

from Becky Cronin

If you haven't been to the Discovery 2008 Website (An initiative of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund), you should visit it. They have a very active "list serve" which is a list of messages that are posted and emailed.

"Each week the Memorial Fund sends an electronic newsletter to the members of the Discovery listserv to highlight important and timely events, research, news and Discovery success stories. The listserv is limited to Discovery collaborative members, but the weekly digest messages are archived here and available for download. If you are a member of a Discovery collaborative and would like to sign up for the Discovery listserv to post an event, ask a question, start a conversation or monitor the discussion among other Discovery communities, please contact Donna Studdiford."

Read the archives by going to this link. It will take you to a page that is updated at least once a week. They list information for state wide activities and events related to improving education for children birth to eight years old. The listings include, but are not limited to: conferences, seminars and current events in the news.

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June 18, 2008

Critical Board of Finance Meeting Tonight

from Becky Cronin, Barbara Kaczowski and others

The Town web site has Tonight's Board of Finance meeting posted for 7PM tonight at the Town Hall. It is our understanding that they will be making additional cuts to all budgets tonight and may try to tentatively set a referendum date for the next vote.

It is possible that most of the BOF have decided how much they are cutting for our budget already, but some supportive voices would certainly help counter the negative voices, which out number us at the Board meetings 5 to 1 so far.

Right now they are talking about more cuts to education. The budget that was defeated already cut 20 teacher positions.

There may be a referendum sometime after July 4, possibly July 15. Mid summer is a rough time to get out voters. We have to let parents know that their vote is really important and if they are away on vacation that they can do an absentee ballot BEFORE they go on vacation.

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June 17, 2008

Northeast Regional Early Childhood Collaboration (NERECC) Wiki

from Becky Cronin

Do you know about the NERECC wiki yet? Visit the Wiki to read and add information about our area.

What is a "wiki"?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Wiki

A wiki is a collection of web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content, using a simplified markup language.[1][2] Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites and to power community websites. For example, the collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia is one of the best-known wikis.[2] Wikis are used in businesses to provide affordable and effective intranets and for Knowledge Management. Ward Cunningham, developer of the first wiki software, WikiWikiWeb, originally described it as "the simplest online database that could possibly work".[3]

"Wiki Wiki" (/wiːkiː wiːkiː/) is a reduplication of "wiki", a Hawaiian word for "fast". It has been suggested that "wiki" means "What I Know Is". However, this is a backronym.

About the NERECC Wiki:

The efforts of NERECC are to increase resources available to parents and early care and education providers, including opportunities for parent leadership training. This collaboration also intends to increase awareness among the general public and decision makers regarding the importance of the early years and high quality early care and education experiences to future school success.

The following towns are partners in the collaborative:

Ashford
Canterbury
Chaplin
Colchester
Eastford
Griswold
Hampton
Killingly
Lisbon
Plainfield
Putnam
Scotland
Windham

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June 14, 2008

Education Day Before and After School Programming

from Bill Stover

The Education Day before and after school programming will be held, Saturday, June 14 from 11:00-3:00 at Memorial Park. Families are welcome.

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June 13, 2008

Willimantic Public Library Children's Department Summer Newsletter

from Barbara Kaczowski
WPN Community Organizer, 423-4534 Ext 340

Looking for something to do with your children this summer? Take a look at the Willimantic Public Library Children’s Department Summer Newsletter! Please click here to download an English and Espanol PDF of the newsletter.

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June 13, 2008

Here's what's happening in the South Windham Library!

from Afton Seal, Director, Guilford Smith Memorial Library

SIGN-UP FOR DRAGON DAYS SUMMER READING PROGRAM
THE FIRST 20 KIDS TO REGISTER RECEIVE A PRIZE

GUILFORD SMITH MEMORIAL LIBRARY
17 MAIN STREET
SOUTH WINDHAM
423-5159

TUES. 10-8, THUR. 5-8, FRI. 2-6, & SAT. 10-2

TUES. JUNE 17th
MAGICIAN, KEVIN AUST
6:30 PM

TUES. JUNE 24TH
ANNUAL PET SHOW
10:30 AM
EVERYONE RECEIVES A PRIZE!

SAT. JUNE 28TH
DUSTY THE DRAGON PUPPET SHOW
11:00 AM

SAT. JULY 12TH
THE ANT WITH RED PANTS
BOOK PRODUCTION
11:00 AM

TUES. JULY 15TH
THE RELUCTANT DRAGON PUPPET SHOW
6:30 PM

SAT. JULY 26TH
NINTENDO Wii GAMES
10:00 TO 2:00 PM

TUES. AUGUST 5TH
DEFENDERS BALLPLAYER & MASCOT VISIT
10:30 AM

SAT. AUGUST 9TH
LIBRARY LUAU FUNDRAISER 4:00 PM TO 8:00 PM
FOOD, GAMES, CRAFTS, LIVE MUSIC
TICKETS: $1 PER PERSON OR $5 PER FAMILY

THURS. AUGUST 14TH
FREE PONY RIDES!
6:30 PM

Visit their website at www.guilfordsmith.org

Mailing and Street Address:

P.O. Box 159
17 Main Street
South Windham, CT 06266
Phone/Fax: (860) 423-5159

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June 13, 2008

Single Parent Support Group

from Stephanie Smith, LPC

Greetings,

I am pleased to announce that I am offering a support group for single parents that will begin on July 14, 2008 at my office on Bolivia Street in Willimantic. There are spaces available for eight participants, and the fee will be $25 per meeting, or the co-pay if insurance will be used.

The tentative meeting schedule will be Monday evenings from 7:15 to 8:45 pm on the following dates: 7/14, 7/28, 8/11, & 8/25. September dates and times are TBD.

If you are interested for yourself or someone you know, please contact me via my website or 860-423-5353, or feel free to forward this announcement. I will be glad to provide additional information regarding content, fees, and scheduling. Also, I invite interested individuals to visit my website.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Smith

__________________
Stephanie J. Smith, LPC
40 Bolivia Street
Willimantic, CT 06226

www.sjsmithlpc.com

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June 10, 2008

Vote Today!

Barbara Kaczowski, WPN Community Organizer, 423-4534 Ext 340

BUDGET REFERENDUM TODAY!

PLEASE VOTE YES FOR THE EDUCATION BUDGET

WILLIMANTIC RESIDENTS – ELKS CLUB POLLING STATION
WINDHAM RESIDENTS – WINDHAM CENTER FIRE DEPT POLLING STATION

Thank you!

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May 29, 2008

FYI – 2008-2009 Budget Reductions

from Doreen Fuller, Interim Superintendant

Dear WPN Members,

I was planning to send an "All Staff" email on Monday letting everyone know that I had officially started working. But, in light of the Board of Education and Board of Finance meetings last night, it's important that we let you know about budget decisions made last night.

As a result of the referendum, the BOE budget was reduced by 4% or $1.44 million. Specific cuts to meet this reduction, referred to as Level One below, were approved by the BOE last night. Subsequent to the BOE meeting, the Board of Finance further reduced the BOE budget by another .5% or $180,00. The BOE will likely approve the reductions listed as Level Two at their next meeting. It is possible that at a future referendum further cuts could be mandated. Should that be the case, potential reductions are identified as Level Three and Four.

In making these reductions the Board of Education gave much consideration to maintaining core academic areas. They recognize that the level of reduction has been significant, effecting all levels of our system. In addition to the reductions identified below, some of the increased staffing requested by principals (i.e. science teacher at the high school) were not approved. This also has implications for how we deliver services to our students.

It will be important for parents and community members to support the budget if we hope to avoid further erosion to our programs and staffing.

Level One – $1.44 Million - Approved by the Board of Education

Level Two – $180,000 reduction agreed to by Board of Finance. To be approved by BOE.

Level Three - $250,000

Level Four – $ 500,000 (Minimum Estimated Savings)

Regards,

Doreen Fuller

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