1. education
2. school

May 1, 2015
Dear Cromwell Community Members,
The month of May brings with it not only the promise of spring, but also planning for summer school
and other activities for our students. We have a full calendar in May providing further evidence that
spring brings continued high energy and enthusiasm in our schools.
2015-2016 Budget Update
On April 6, 2015 the Board of Finance voted to approve a 3.5% increase for the Board of Education
budget. This increase, of which 2% is due to an increase in our special education costs, will provide
continued support for our One to One Digital Device initiative, expanded offerings in our music
curriculum at the high school and support for our middle and high school drama programs. We
appreciate the challenges faced by our community by the state’s continued slow recovery and financial
instability and appreciate the consideration of the Board of Finance in making a reduction that will not
force us to sacrifice programs for our children. Reductions have been made in other areas which will
allow us to maintain our status quo.
Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Nomination
I am thrilled to announce that Douglas Kiss, Woodside Intermediate teacher, has been nominated as one
of two teachers in Connecticut to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science
Teaching. Mr. Kiss joins a distinguished group of educators who are recognized nationally as experts in
the teaching of mathematics and science. The next step for Mr. Kiss is consideration at the national
level, if selected Mr. Kiss will represent Connecticut at the White House. Congratulations Mr. Kiss!
Teacher of the Year
Each year our community selects a Teacher of the Year to represent each school. This year there were
many nominees throughout our schools and it was a difficult choice for each school to select just one of
the extraordinary teachers to represent their school. However, I am happy to announce that our four
Teacher of the Year finalists are as follows :
Mary Reynolds, ECS Kindergarten Teacher
Beth Hourigan, WIS Grade 4 Teacher
Graham Jarry, CMS Social Studies Teacher
Steven Tolles, CHS Special Education Teacher
Each of these teachers exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding Cromwell Public Schools professional
educator. We are so fortunate to have them in our school community. Please join us in congratulating
our finalists!
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced mid-May. That information will be posted on the
district website at www.cromwell.k12.ct.us.
Pre-School Lottery
A lottery for 15 full day preschool seats for four year old residents of Cromwell will be held on May 19th
at 6:30 p.m. Parents who are interested in having their child attend the Edna C. Stevens preschool
program are asked to complete the application for entry into the lottery. The deadline for lottery
applications is May 8, 2015.
High School Graduation
This year the Cromwell High School seniors will be graduating on Wednesday, June 17th at 6:30 p.m. at
Cromwell High. Graduation is a celebration not only for families but also for our school community.
High school graduation reinforces our mission of placing students first and encouraging every student to
leave Cromwell High School ready to participate fully in their next step, whether that is college, technical
school, the military or work. I know that the students appreciate the support the community has given
them throughout their time in our schools. These young adults represent our very best hopes for the
future, and I am confident that they will be a positive influence on our world.
I have written to you before about Project Graduation. This evening event provides all Cromwell grads
with a safe and fun place to celebrate graduation. I am always impressed by the work the committee
does preparing this event for our students. The committee truly goes above and beyond to give every
graduate a special evening of lasting memories with their friends. Please consider donating to this
event. For more information about how you can help please contact Cromwell High School at 860-6324841. Thanks again for your help in keeping our kids safe.
Summer Opportunities
As usual we will be offering summer school for those students who faculty have recommended. In
addition I am excited that we will be offering some enrichment opportunities for our students. First of
all, this year we will be offering a month long Theatre Arts Summer Camp for middle and high school
students. Students in grades 1 through 5 will have the opportunity to participate in either French or
Spanish instruction throughout the month of July. Lastly, an introduction to Film Studies will be held
this summer for students in grades 7 – 9. For more information on these summer offerings please visit
the district website and click on the links for “Summer Programs”.
Please feel free to contact me or any of our building administrators if you have any questions or
comments regarding any of the topics presented in this month’s letter. In the interim you can visit our
district or school websites at www.cromwell.k12.ct.us for all updated information.
Sincerely,
Paula M. Talty, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Upcoming District and School May Events Open to the Public
Districtwide
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Tuesday, May 12 – Student Achievement Committee Meeting – 6:00 PM – Cromwell High
School Media Center
Tuesday, May 12 – BOE Meeting – 7:00 PM - Cromwell High School Media Center
May 16 – WIS Running Club Teacher vs. Student 5K – 9:00 am - CHS Track/Soccer Fields
Friday, May 22 – Early Dismissal – Curriculum Day
Monday, May 25 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
Cromwell High School
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May 6 – CHS Spring Band Concert – 7:00 pm – CHS Auditorium
May 16 – CHS Prom – 6:00 pm – Maneeley’s
May 28 – CHS Vocal Pops and Jazz Concert – 6:30 pm – CHS Auditorium
A listing for all May sports events can be found on the CHS web page
Just a reminder: For CHS sporting events. Adult tickets are $5.00 and Senior tickets are $3.00.
You can also get a Senior Pass (65 and over) from any one of our school offices or the Central
Office that will entitle you to free admission to any school-sponsored event.
Cromwell Middle School
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May 7 - CMS Orientation for WIS 5th Graders – 8:00 pm - CMS
May 13 – CMS Band Spring Concert – 7:00 pm
May 20 – CMS Chorus Concert – 6th grade - 6:15 pm; 7th and 8th grade - 7:30 p.m.
A listing for all May sports events can be found on the CMS web page
Woodside Intermediate School
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May 7 - CMS Orientation for WIS 5th Graders – 8:00 pm - CMS
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May 8 – ECS/WIS PTO Ice Cream Social/Book Fair/ Art Gala – 4:30 pm
May 16 – WIS Running Club Teacher vs. Student 5K – 9:00 am - CHS Track/Soccer Fields
Edna C. Stevens Elementary School
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May 8 – ECS/WIS PTO Ice Cream Social/Book Fair/ Art Gala – 4:30 pm