Moore provided We-Ha.com with the following statement as his response to the National Review article: We have national forces at play that continue to seek to tear us apart as Americans, and are attempting to use the children of West Hartford as pawns in their games of division. Director of Pupil Services, CT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY West Hartford names Paul Vicinus new school superintendent - CT Insider WEST HARTFORD, CT West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore Friday was honored as the 2022 Superintendent of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Public School. And now theyre coming into a more structured environment of school and what that looked like.". Town of West Hartford Salaries - Connecticut Activists,, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Welcome to the new courant.com: Whats changed, FAQs and more. Courtesy photo Paul Vicinus will step into the superintendent's role on May. "Bullying has been around forever," Vicinus said. Our schools are a tapestry of cultures and ethnicities, with over 70 languages represented in our school system, a microcosm of all the talent, intelligence, and diversity that America has to offer. An article published Monday, Nov. 15, in National Review, a conservative editorial magazine, states that West Hartford Public School students, including those as young as kindergartners, are being forced to learn about social justice standards, and toundergo social emotional learning through an equity lens, and while the article does reference information that is from the districts curriculum, and a report presented to the Board of Education on Oct. 19, Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore said Tuesday that this is not a grassroots effort but rather an attempt to make the districts children pawns in a partisan political fight. Vicinus said he's a believer in what he calls a "student-centered instructional environment" that gives students agency over learning. What Ive seen is, its the initial shock and Oh my god we cant believe this happened. And then they come out with the candles and vigil and then the mayor speaks and talks about how tragic it is and how we have to combat gun violence, and then a couple days theres another shooting. We also have a smaller middle school of choice Bristow. Photo credit: John Lyons. A CT man was killed as he worked on his car. The teachers, the instructional leaders, the leadership team theyre some of the most collaborative and dedicated professionals that Ive ever known or come across.". Though he said the teen was a good student and dedicated athlete who never needed to be disciplined at school, she spent a lot of time with St. Juste, the schools behavior specialist. A copy of the letter was provided to We-Ha.com, and is provided in its entirety below. Created by Roy Web Design. Almost like were living in a warzone. Click here to subscribe to We-Has newsletterso youll always be in the know about whats happening in West Hartford! There is a lottery process for entry into these schools. New schools chief says West Hartford is a 'destination for educators' Thats the cycle, Prince said. Our schools are a tapestry of cultures and ethnicities, with over 70 languages represented in our school system, a microcosm of all the talent, intelligence, and diversity that America has to offer. Hartford educators, activists say city needs work ending violence An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. To that child who feels different, who has been labeled weird or freak by the callous few, we are letting them know that they are loved just as they are, and that they have a home here in West Hartford Public Schools.. Morrow was principal of Bristow Middle School until 2014 before taking the role as assistant superintendent for administration, a role similarly held by departing Superintendent Tom Moore. These outsiders even attack our commitment to social emotional learning at a time when children have just lived through a pandemic. WEST HARTFORD The Board of Education has named Andrew Morrow, the towns assistant superintendent for administration, as its interim superintendent. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-we_ha_com-box-2-0-asloaded{max-width:320px!important;max-height:100px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'we_ha_com-box-2','ezslot_1',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-we_ha_com-box-2-0'); I wanted to reach out to all in the West Hartford Public Schools community to keep you informed about our current planning, and efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. He also gives to others, not just locally, but through his service in the Army National Guard. Taylor Hartz is a reporter for the Hartford Courant. [Updated, Nov. 17]. TheWashington PostsTop Challenging High Schools in the nation included both Conard and Hall High Schools, two of the three high schools recognized in the entire state of Connecticut. He listens to learn, empowers others to reach their fullest potential, willingly accepts constructive feedback, and recognizes the benefits of having diverse perspectives at the decision- [] All of the lessons are supposed to teach young students identity, diversity, justice, and action as noted in a presentation by Director of Equity Advancement Roszena Haskins to the West Hartford Board of Education on Oct. 19, according to the website We-Ha.com. Or a 17-year-old friend who was on your volleyball team was killed?, Teen girl killed in violent Hartford home invasion recalled as leader, artist, athlete. In April, the board appointed all seven of its members to a search committee to begin seeking a replacement for Tom Moore. Submitted by Tom Moore I wanted to reach out to all in the West Hartford Public Schools community to keep [] You are someone who speaks and walks the talk, Thomas-Farquharson said to Vicinus at Tuesday nights meeting, someone who not only talks about equity but looks through the lens of equity. Tom Moore, superintendent of West Hartford Public Schools, sent the following letter to the the school community Friday afternoon. He's held a number of positions, including assistant principal and other roles in the center office where he supported the efforts of the superintendent. The National Review article, which has the headline Kindergarten Students in Connecticut Learn about Being Transgender in Line with Social Justice Standards states, Parents from the district contacted the non-profit Parents Defending Education to share concerns over materials being used to teach elementary students about group identities, including transgender content being taught to kindergarten students.. There are pieces with focus that we need to change and adapt, but there are also pieces that we need to target to bolster, and student focus is a piece of that. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This framework provides a set of research-based competencies that educators and parents can model and teach as a way to develop the academic, social, and emotional skills that all students need to be successful in school and out of school.. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-we_ha_com-box-2-0-asloaded{max-width:320px!important;max-height:100px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'we_ha_com-box-2','ezslot_1',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-we_ha_com-box-2-0'); Paul Vincinus (left) addresses the Board of Education and the audience after being named the districts new superintendent of schools. West Hartford Public Schools Names Assistant Superintendent He is an expert curriculum designer, instructional leader, active listener, long- Andrew Morrow, the town's assistant superintendent for administration, was named interim superintendent. West Hartford Board of Education Names Interim Superintendent of Not just on an academic standing, but the institution of school and what that looks like what that means to sit and attend, what it means relative to their social engagements with each other and to interact with peers, he said, adding that students who were in kindergarten during the pandemic, for example, missed out on some important things during formative years. Theyre building buildings and theyre not building lives, she said. Activists, educators ask why we cant work together to protect our youth, One woman dead, another seriously injured after head-on crash on Route 2A in Preston, Two dead following murder-suicide at Hartford apartment. West Hartford principal accepts new role as New Hartford superintendent Dr. Andrew Morrow Assistant Superintendent for Administration Ms. Anne McKernan Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Dr. Roszena Haskins Executive Director of Equity Advancement Mr. Julio Duarte Director of Human Resources Ms. Melissa Caballero Director of Pupil Services CT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Prince, an activist in Hartford for decades, said that her experience working with Hartford residents has taught her that violence stems from systemic issues of racism, poverty and drug use that she feels havent been sufficiently addressed. We dont have that relationship that we used to have when I was in school, or my parents in school, where parents and teachers work together trying to figure out whats the best thing for the students, he said. Golf Tournament Will Honor Former Conard Football Coach, 'They She HE Me; Free to Be! Photo credit: Ronni Newton Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus announced that Anne McKernan has been appointed assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. These are opportunities that come up as part of the educational process, he said. West Hartford Superintendent Heading To Position In Illinois A CT man was killed as he worked on his car. Thank you all for your support. WEST HARTFORD, CT West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore is leaving the local system to take a position in the Chicago suburbs. Police investigating after 2 teen boys were shot in Hartford. They made me look good, Vicinus said. That informs the goal that we have in the district to really have us on the map, on a state level and a national level, for computer science and computational thinking, and the ability of our educational system to shift and prepare for their futures.. By Ronni Newton Her death felt like losing a daughter, he said. West Hartford Board of Education Appoints New Superintendent She was way ahead of her time she knew how to diffuse a situation like she was the adult. It's about how do we as teachers or folks in a support or leadership role create the conditions to put students at the center and give them agency in their own learning," Vicinus said. Vicinus' salary will be announced once the contract is finalized, though the town said the salary range for the position is between $200,000 and $250,000. WEST HARTFORD The Board of Education has voted to employ a firm to aid in their search for the school district's next superintendent. The executive team was all very close in age and he thought they would continue to lead as a team for quite some time. Its work that requires due diligence. It just adds dimensions from education that weve had to hurry up and learn, becauseCOVID accelerated it exponentially. Beyond that, the trauma of experiencing violence as a young person can last throughout adulthood, said Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, superintendent of Hartford Public Schools. Were no longer a community when it comes to these kids, everyone is doing their own thing. Upon learning last year of Tom Moores imminent transition from the district, his departure as superintendent left big shoes to fill. How do you do that?, I think about the kids that walk past the yellow tape on their way to school and then they sit down in a classroom and teachers expect them to be ready to learn, Chozick said. Photo credit: Ronni Newton, Dispose of Unwanted Drugs Safely in West Hartford, West Hartford Police Departments New Carter Kits Will Assist Individuals with Autism, departure of former superintendent Tom Moore, interim role, which has been held by Andy Morrow, West Hartfords Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2018, announced last month that she will be leaving West Hartford. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Hampshire Regional, Williamsburg educators vote no confidence in - WWLP Mr. Paul Vicinus Jr. Acting Superintendent Work: 860-561-6651 Laure Hamel Executive Assistant Work: 860-561-6681 Vision of the Graduate Equity and Diversity Council (EDC) Welcome to the website of the West Hartford Public Schools. If the TV stations believe they can give cursory attention to this on the strength of their beloved casts of news personalities, and if other news outlets think the boost to their hipness quotients will outweigh all other considerations, they may learn two important lessons. Stephen M. Smith is a community reporter for the Hartford Courant. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2017. 7:00 PM. The mayors office issued a statement regarding the incident and the citys response to the ongoing trauma that gun violence causes. Jason Chang said being part of the search community was a tremendous learning experience that provided the opportunity to sense the communitys needs and aspirations. I am absolutely thrilled for Paul and our School District, Ledwith, who was formerly the executive director of Human Resources for the town and district before being named town manager, told We-Ha.com. I think that this is a win for the district, this is a win for the community.. She said she thinks the city is doing the best it has in a while to combat gun violence but hopes to see systemic issues, like safe and affordable housing, invested in even more down the line. I truly hate to do it. A drawback to this system is that it only calls numbers that are listed in the white or yellow pages. She said she thinks Vicinus can be a unifier. On Oct. 19, 2021, Director of Equity Advancement Roszena Haskins, along with a group of educators and several high school students, presented a report to the West Hartford Board of Education entitled Social Emotional Learning through an Equity Lens. As the district, along with school districts nationwide, continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and a lengthy period where students were not in school full time, social and emotional learning (SEL) is being given greater attention as an equity lever in recovery, Haskins said during her report, to allow all students to reach their potential. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. "But if you think about it, bullying for me, it was something that happened on the playground. Ive been impressed with your willingness to share information and ideas, said Ethan Goldman. "Its an amazing honor," Vicinus said of being selected for the top job. Created by Roy Web Design. Contributed photo / Town of West Hartford WEST HARTFORD The schools new superintendent, who has spent 30 years in the district, says the town is a "destination" for educators in Connecticut. I admired that about her.. We teach children that the child that they are sitting next to, no matter their color, their religion, or their identity, is a person just like them, and that they are their friend, and we need to be nice to them. October 30, 2020. WEST HARTFORD The Board of Education has named Andrew Morrow, the town's assistant superintendent for administration, as its interim superintendent. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I just want the community to know that we need to start working together because these are our children, we want them to have a future and grow old, he said. That feeling has been reinforced over time. And he felt if he wanted to be considered for the permanent superintendent job, the process would be as clean as possible if he wasnt already serving in the interim role, which has been held by Andy Morrow since July 1, 2022. The level of humility and genuineness that you exude is something I really value, she said. We need everybody, this is not a situation where one entity can do the work, she said. The vast majority of children have no idea of these concepts, David McCullough, an Aiken Elementary School parent, said at the Nov. 3 Board of Education meeting. Were learning more about it every day and understanding that its an important part and we cant wave our hand at it. Before the unanimous approval of Vicinus contract by roll call vote, each of the Board of Education members shared a few words. I am very grateful to Mr. Moore, his staff, the Board of Education and all the WHPS teachers who put the best interests of our children first, not their parents politics or unfounded fears. Theyre raising buildings and not kids.. West Hartford is a wonderful town with strengths beyond just its education system. "Before the pandemic started, we were talking about social emotional learning. There are steps that are involved, said Lorna Thomas-Farquharson, the chair of the board. West Hartford Superintendent Of Schools Gets Major Award Welcome to the website of the West Hartford Public Schools. We have canceled our overseas trips for high school students in April, and any travel to areas where emergency situations have been declared. One challenge in education, in general, is preparing children for their tomorrows, and not our yesterdays, he said. He says bullying can look a lot different than it did even a decade ago. Unfortunately, our community is experiencing that trauma time and time again.. Vicinus acknowledges it's been difficult for districts to now return to normalcy. These are not grass roots parent groups they are well funded advocacy political arms. Please bookmark the following link: http://whps.org/covid-19. Executive Director of Equity Advancement, Mr. Julio Duarte College Board Announces New Chair, Vice Chair, and Welcomes Three New They have three children and one grandchild. One woman dead, another seriously injured after head-on crash on Route 2A in Preston, Two dead following murder-suicide at Hartford apartment. Unlike almost everyone reading this and commenting here, I knew I was transgender when I was four years old. He was not the intended target. [] West Hartford Superintendent Provides Update to School []. Going for the Finish: West Hartford Resident Runs to West Hartford Little League 10U and 12U All Star We are encouraging our students at all grade levels with posters, notes in bathrooms and near sinks, and lessons in our elementary schools to wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and water. Previously, he worked for The Hartford Courant for nearly 10 years, covering West Hartford and the Farmington Valley, among other towns. Lorna Thomas-Farquharson, who was elected chair of the West Hartford Board of Education on Tuesday and previously served as vice chair said Wednesday that the SEL curriculum has been underway in the district for some time. 2023 Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC, West Hartford Public Library removes late fee policy, Drive-thru Chipotle proposed in West Hartford, New West Hartford UConn campus plan: More housing, less parking, This West Hartford intersection set for $5.6 million overhaul, West Hartford Starbucks workers strike over Pride decorations, 'Virginia Woolf,' '42nd Street' top CT Critics Circle Awards, Workers at this CT Starbucks striking over Pride decorations, How CT residents can earn up to $1,500 toward new e-bikes, Tail from Conny the Whale in West Hartford receives state funding, West Hartford cyclists critical of decision to delay bike lanes, UConn women's basketball's Jana El Alfy suffers Achilles injury, according to Egyptian Federation, Paving machine breakdowns slow I-95 traffic for miles in Fairfield and Bridgeport, officials say, Middletown couple buy old Middlefield biker bar for fifth Italian restaurant, UConn women's basketball's Jana El Alfy leaves U19 World Cup with injury, commit Allie Ziebell wins gold, Meeting with prospective Enfield Square Mall buyer canceled; town doubts owner's intentions, Why UConn men's basketball junior Samson Johnson will have opportunity this year: 'Hes looked great', Hartford mother charged after son, 2, fell from third-story window, Yale scientists seek to vaccinate against insects, not pathogens, Report: Unsafe sleep, fentanyl are driving infant deaths in CT, New CT law to give parents more choices on birthing care, With only three paid employees, CT foodbank serving thousands, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). West Hartford's school system has recently added more positions to combat rising mental health issues in schoolsthat largelystem from the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo) West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore has provided a statement in response to an article published in 'National Review' on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Texting versus talking, tweeting versus actual writing. Were in a time where everything is digital and everythings faster-paced, he said. Its manifesting immediately as a challenge for our teachers because these skills had been so far advanced. West Hartford Public Schools music department is recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the United States by theNational Association of Music Merchants. Vicinus replaces Andrew Morrow, the interim superintendent, who had been filling in for Tom Moore, who left the district last year to become the Niles Township High School District 219 superintendent outside of Chicago. I try to think of it like, can you imagine youre spending your day on a roller coaster and you have to make decisions? My team has worked tirelessly over the past two weeks to cover all the bases, and many questions remain, with a lot of what ifs being thought about, including scenarios involving closings, cancellations, and distance learning. Bright Futures. We work closely with The Bridge Family Center to provide services for families through organizations such as our Family Resource Centers. A Hartford girl was shot to death. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I know the great educational value of travel, as I took students on seven different trips to Europe as a teacher. We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds in regards to planned field trips or large gatherings in the coming weeks and months. Vicinus has been a classroom teacher, department supervisor, assistant principal, director of Teaching and Assessment, director of Secondary Education, and for the past seven years he has been the assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Just as your children know that they are a boy or a girl, a trans or nonbinary or gender nonconforming child does, too. There have been at least 20 deadly shootings in the city so far this year, down from the 22 reported by this point in 2022, but for the educators grappling with the impacts of the violence on the citys youth, the trauma load is a heavy one. making table., Pauls commitment to the district is unsurpassed and the level of humility and genuineness that [he] expresses and exudes is something I truly value, Vice Chair Ari Steinberg said. Prince said she hopes to see more investment in community-building that helps young Hartford residents hone in on skills they can later use in the workforce or develop connections with role models in the community. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo), My sincere congratulations to Paul on his appointment as West Hartfords Superintendent of Schools, Morrow told We-Ha.com on Tuesday. We know that as we move forward we certainly want tohear from the community, she said. Our team carries a heavy sense of responsibility for supporting our young people who have been exposed to community violence, and weve worked hard to build systems of support that just didnt exist before, said Bronin in a statement. I have spent more than twenty five years here, and there is no cabal in the curriculum office seeking to overturn the social order. Coupled with that is the influence of technology and social media, which has never been greater, and that is affecting student focus. Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo). That clearly did not work in Connecticut school board elections. He embodies these valuable characteristics all while never losing sight of the overall goal. A Hartford girl was shot to death. Prince said when she was growing up in Hartford, she had the opportunity to benefit from partnerships between the city and local corporations, to tap into programs that put her on a fast track to success. Haskins and Vicinus have not only been colleagues in the district, but have been classmates at CCSU, where both are about to complete the work for their 093 certification. May 3, 2023 Add Comment Anne McKernan has been named assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.

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