Region In Review
March 27, 2020
A Distance Learning Maiden Voyage
Education continues in the virtual classroom where students meet with teachers online for face-to-face interaction, video lessons, direct feedback and in-depth discussions that rival those you would expect in the school building.
Day on the Hill
by Mike Croft
On March 11, SVS juniors Sam Quigley and Katherine Hodge joined me on a trip to Hartford for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education’s (CABE) Day on the Hill. This annual event is a chance for students, administrators, and members of Boards of Education to hear from the Governor, leaders of the General Assembly’s Education Committees, and education advocates about key issues before the legislature. Amid building Coronavirus concerns, the Governor couldn’t make it, but Sam, Katherine, and I learned a lot during our three-hour briefing. We had all read a summary of the education-related bills being considered by legislators and developed a much clearer sense of how state law impacts schools. Students, including our own, questioned presenters about the substance of the bills and how they expected the Assembly to handle them.
After our briefing, we visited the Capitol, where both the Senate and the House of Representatives were in session. Sam, Katherine and I had long talks with Representative Arthur O’Neill, then with Senator Eric Berthel. We then bumped into Representative Julio Concepción of Hartford, a friend of your correspondent (Mike Croft). He invited the three of us to sit with him in the Chamber during debate on a bill to authorize $1.9 billion in bonding. Representative Concepción explained the debate as it occurred: who was talking, what their goals were, and why. We sat with him while he voted on amendments to the bill and on the bill itself, which was signed into law by the Governor later that night.
The day provided a broad view of state government, as well as a detailed look at proposed bills and the inner workings of the legislative branch. Sam and Katherine represented Region 12 well with a firm grasp of the roles of each branch of government and insightful questions throughout the day. They took a new perspective back to Mr. Dennis’ AP Government and Politics class the next day!
Senior Project Spotlight
Flying a Puppy Home
For his senior project, Jayden Cornwall is acquiring his pilot's license as well as assisting with flights that relocate dogs to new owners or helps bring them to veterinarians for much-needed care. He is also creating a youtube channel while working to enhance his filmmaking skills, documenting each step of the journeys that take him and his companions up and down the eastern seaboard. More videos from Jayden can be found here.
Project Re-Engineering
Gavin McCabe, shifting gears on his senior project due to the current situation, is now working on converting a golf cart into a go-kart. He is midway through the process of adding a roll cage and harness to make it safe, adjusting the pedal positioning as well as the steering column.
Artwork of NYC
Michael Iannucci continues to work on the details of his Manhattan mural. Mrs. Youngblood used Google Meet to show the senior project class the progress of his linework. Impressed, they offered words of encouragement. The final version will hang in the mall at Shepaug.
Dear Parents/Guardians of Region 12 Students
In times like these, watching and listening to our local and world news can be discouraging. It is important to think positively and follow our local Department of Health and State of Connecticut guidelines to maintain our health and safety. It may feel a bit like “cabin fever,” after all, spring is here, and we crave the connection we enjoy with each other and our community. Now is the time, more than ever, that we must take care of ourselves and one another by:
- Practicing social distancing by remaining 6ft away from another person.
Remain at home except for necessary trips such as buying food.
Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds each time to prevent the spread of germs.
If a family member is exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, please contact the physician for further instructions.
Guidelines at home to follow:
- Keep a regular schedule as much as possible to decrease anxiety.
- Monitor and limit television, cell phone, and internet use.
- Engage in outdoor activities to increase lung capacity such as walking and bicycling.
- Examples of indoor activities are puzzles and reading.
- It is also important and challenging for parents/guardians to take time for yourself and promote healthy self-care activities such as yoga.
We all look forward to returning to our schools, but, until that time, please put your health needs first and foremost.
Please contact Nurse Edi at poidomanie@region-12.org if you have any questions or concerns about Covid-19 or any other health information that you may need. Thank You for all that you do! Stay Safe! Stay Well!
by Edith M. Poidomani, RN
Shepaug Valley School
Fliers and Upcoming Events
Follow Region 12 on our social media channels for updates and information!
The Region 12 community educates, challenges, and inspires all learners to become compassionate, creative, and courageous individuals who are empowered by the knowledge, character, and perseverance to achieve their greatest potential within the global society.
Email: rir@region-12.org
Website: region-12.org/
Location: 11A School Street, PO Box 386 Washington Depot, CT 06794
Phone: 860-868-6100
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