“I believe we can make a positive impact on graduation rates, further close achievement gaps, and ensure that all students have increased access to the opportunities and advantages they need to achieve success in life,” says Miguel Cardona.

Following a vote by the State Board of Education to recommend Dr. Miguel A. Cardona to serve as commissioner of the State Department of Education, Governor Ned Lamont today announced that is advancing the nomination of the Meriden public schools educator to fill the position.

Victoria Schilling is an eighth-grade NGSS teacher who shares with us today all about how to use consensus modelling in your NGSS classroom.

“I’m thrilled for Miguel and the state,” said Mark Benigni, who as Meriden superintendent has worked closely with Cardona for many years. “He’s a terrific leader and been an exceptional partner in the work in Meriden and I know he will do a great job at the state.”

“I am honored to be Darien’s Superintendent of Schools,” says Alan Addley. “It is a privilege to lead such a terrific district. I have been eager to make the transition and to start the work. I look forward to supporting our excellent staff and working with the community in the best interests of all Darien students.”

There are times, says Jamelle Elliott ’96 (BUS), ’97 MA, when she sticks her head in to watch the UConn basketball players practice for a few minutes, because she misses the sweet echo of a bouncing basketball.

Elliott spent four years on the women’s team, and during her junior year, the undefeated women Huskies won the 1995 NCAA National Championship over the Tennessee Lady Vols, sparking a 10-year rivalry. Elliott was just the second player to record more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her 135-game career as a Husky. What’s more, the alumna of the School of Business and Neag School never missed a game, or a practice, in four years.

Desi Nesmith, currently the chief turnaround officer for the state Department of Education, has been named interim commissioner of the department.

Mary Mazurek Heslin 89, a life-long resident of the City of Hartford, died peacefully on Friday, June 21, 2019. The University of Connecticut always had a special place in her heart and she served as chairman of the Neag School of Education Advisory Board and was recognized by receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award.

A social studies teacher with more than two decades of experience at Southington High School has been named the district’s Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020. Heather Allenback has been teaching in Southington since 1995, and attributes her love of social studies to being part of a military family with a vast appreciation for history.

The sound of ukuleles may be resonating across Guilford this summer. Sarah Ryan has found a note that sounds sweet to many throughout the Guilford Lakes elementary school.