Education News From Northeastern Connecticut volume 42, number 3
eastconn.org
Spring 2022
EASTCONN-QVCC Partnership: “Taking the Barriers Down”
EASTCONN’s Quinebaug Middle College senior Julia Revellese.
On a quiet Thursday afternoon, Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) senior Julia Revellese crossed the corridor into Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC), sat down at a table in the Fireside Lounge, and cracked open a math textbook. “It’s so nice here,” Revellese said. “Sometimes I just come in here to do work, or I head to the library.” A Killingly resident, Revellese arrived at QMC in the second semester of her sophomore year, after learning about the magnet high school’s dual-enrollment program with QVCC. The two schools share a campus – and so much more – on Upper Maple Street in Danielson. “Honestly, I was having trouble finding myself,” Revellese said. “With the curriculum where I was before, it just didn’t fit See EASTCONN, QVCC, page 4
Teresa Surprenant (left) with Diane Gozemba (right).
GEER to Offer New Online Early Childhood Resources
Thanks to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood’s GEER project, state-funded early childhood classrooms and participating families will soon gain free access to a new technology Learning Hub, filled with fresh, professional learning content and family-friendly educational resources. “The new, online content is in various stages of development right now, but should be available to GEER participants in the next few months,” said EASTCONN’s Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, Diane Gozemba, who oversees GEER for the Office of Early Childhood (OEC). “The new content will only be available to families and programs that are participating in the GEER project, which include center-based programs, Birth to See GEER, page 2
EASTCONN 376 Hartford Turnpike Hampton, CT 06247
EASTCONN Student Earns CAACE Learner of the Year Award
...GEER, from page 1
Three programs and Home Visiting programs.” About 70 early care programs statewide currently participate in GEER. Now in its second year, the Governor’s Emergency Education Resources (GEER) project was enacted in mid-2020, when schools and early childhood programs were virtual-only. Concerned that a lack of access to technology was placing underresourced young families and early-care programs at a disadvantage during the pandemic, Gov. Ned Lamont funded GEER to help fill the online education-access gap by distributing thousands of iPads and Chromebooks, as well as connectivity. EASTCONN is the lead agency for GEER, whose new PD and technology resources are being developed by the non-profit RESC Alliance, which includes EASTCONN, ACES, CES, CREC, EdAdvance and LEARN. “During year one of GEER, we learned so much about which educational technology resources, approaches and supports work best for children, families and early care providers,” said EASTCONN’s Early Childhood Specialist Terry Surprenant, a coach for GEER and early childhood programs. “A lot of our work around equal access has transitioned to asking what’s an appropriate use of technology, and how can we connect with families in more meaningful ways through technology,” said Gozemba. “We want to know what will be most helpful to families, as well as to early childhood providers. Many programs accessing GEER coaching and tech supports are finding the benefits of having someone there who can guide them ... and that’s where RESC education and technology specialists come in.” Right now, a GEER resources web page is available only to GEER programs and families; access may eventually expand to the general public. In the meantime, GEER’s expanding options include: 1. The GEER Online Learning Hub: this will centralize access points for synchronous and asynchronous learning for families and programs, with simple Tech-To-Go tutorials and Pint-Sized PDs, lasting from 15 to 60 minutes long. A Parent Academy will include short, family-friendly, tech-online resources. 2. CT DOTS: This EASTCONN-developed child-assessment platform is offered free of charge only to state-funded programs that are GEER participants. Other early care programs can subscribe to CT DOTS through EASTCONN. EASTCONN also provides Help Desk support. 3. Tech and Coaching: Access to GEER tech assistance and coaching from RESC educators has increased. 4. Sparkler: Part of a family-engagement strategy, this mobile app promotes positive family interaction through non-technology-related activities that support critical areas of child development. Sparkler can be used for family teacher communications, and offers access to a child-development screening tool. “Our focus is increasingly on working with families and programs on multiple levels,” said Gozemba. “Last year, people were much more in the midst of figuring out ‘How do we deal with all of this?’ Now I think the ‘Aha!’ for program folks is that when they’re ready to engage, there are great supports in place that will help them connect with families and support families’ technology skills and access to learning.” To learn more: Diane Gozemba at dgozemba@eastconn.org.
EASTCONN Connections
The Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education (CAACE) has named an EASTCONN Adult and Community Programs student as one of its eight 2022 Learners of the Year. The honoree, Kadir Kuscul, was acknowledged for his success and diligence in furthering his education during the CAACE Virtual Conference Kadir Kuscul on March 11, 2022. Each year, CAACE selects students from among the state’s adult education programs to receive the Learner of the Year award. “We are so proud of Kadir’s success,” said Richard Tariff, Director of EASTCONN’s Adult and Community Programs. “Kadir’s motivation and commitment will serve as an inspiration for other students.” Kuscul, a Turkish immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 2017, left behind a successful window installation business in his home country to start over in Connecticut. Since enrolling in EASTCONN’s English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program nearly 18 months ago, he has consistently proven himself as a leader in and out of the classroom.
“We are so proud of Kadir’s success.” – Richard Tariff, Director of EASTCONN’s Adult and Community Programs.
During the pandemic, as students transitioned to remote learning, Kuscul demonstrated determination and persistence, helping to create a more engaged and active class environment while helping to build a sense of community in the virtual space. Kuscul was also selected to be a part of an initial cohort of adult students co-enrolling in Quinebaug Valley Community College, where he received top grades in both of his Fall 2021 semester classes. He currently attends both morning IEL Civics classes at EASTCONN and evening classes at QVCC, impressing his college instructors enough to advocate for his continued co-enrollment. “While Kadir is clearly working hard toward his own personal and professional goals, he does not lose sight of the needs of those around him,” said Kristin Hempel, EASTCONN’s Associate Director of Adult and Community Programs. “Whether it’s his classmates or his community at large, Kadir is ready to lend a hand and is eager to see everyone access the resources they need and achieve their goals.” Elizabeth Acosta, ESL Program Facilitator as EASTCONN, said that what impresses her most about Kuscul is his focus and dedication to his academic pursuits. “Starting over has its own set of See CAACE, page 4
Executive Editor: Dona Prindle, Director of Marketing & Communications, dprindle@eastconn.org Editor/Writer: Michael Hamad, Communications Specialist, mhamad@eastconn.org Consultant: Teddie Sleight, tsleight@eastconn.org Graphic Designer: Angela Dean, adean@eastconn.org EASTCONN Administration: David Erwin, Interim Executive Director, derwin@eastconn.org EASTCONN, 376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247, 860-455-0707 Fax: 860-455-0691
2.
2022 Summer Learning Programs at EASTCONN Adult and Community Education Free classes in high school completion, U.S. Citizenship, and English-as-a-Second-Language. Employment and Training programming, including job-search assistance and access to job skills training opportunities for eligible residents ages 14+. Classes and support are offered online and/or in-person. Contact us for more information! Adult Education: in Willimantic: 860-423-2591 & Danielson: 860-779-3770. Email: aded@eastconn.org. American Job Centers & Youth Employment: in Willimantic: 860-4507603 & Danielson: 860-774-4077. Email: AJC@eastconn.org Early Childhood Initiatives Birth to Three: Services and programming for qualifying young children and their families enrolled in this full-year, early intervention program continues throughout the summer. Certified, licensed and early childhood professionals provide support for families whose children are delayed in their development by providing direct services and coaching to help build on skills that meet the developmental and health-related needs of their infants and/ or toddlers. Services are delivered in person at home, or in child care and community settings across northeastern Connecticut. Contact Birth to Three Director Rebecca Breen at rbreen@eastconn.org.
Head Start/Early Head Start: In Moosup, EASTCONN will offer a 5-week summer program, Monday through Friday, from July 5 through August 5, for currently enrolled children who are kindergarten-eligible, on an individualized education plan (IEP), or 4-year-olds with a working parent. The hours are 9am-3pm. Meals are provided but transportation is not provided during the summer. EASTCONN’s Moosup Location, 10B Gorman Street, Moosup. Contact Head Start ERSEA Coordinator/Project Specialist Jen Snyder at jsnyder@eastconn.org. K-12 Special Education EASTCONN Autism Program (EAP): Summer programming will be offered to students enrolled in this program on Monday through Thursday, from July 5-August 4. Students will receive comprehensive and individualized programming designed to support independence and growth in academics, behavior, communication and more. Contact EASTCONN Autism Program Director, Erin Crosby at ecrosby@eastconn.org for further information. K-12 Clinical, Developmental and Therapeutic (CDT) Programs: Summer programming will be offered Monday through Friday, July 5-July 29. Merging best practices in academic, vocational, clinical and behavioral programming, our
CDT programs enroll students in grades K-12 with significant social, emotional and behavioral issues. Contact Pupil Services Director Amy Margelony at amargelony@ eastconn.org for more information. Magnet High Schools: Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT): In collaboration with Windham Public Schools, ACT is offering a Summer Musical Theater Program for students entering grade 5-12. This free program runs Monday through Friday, from July 11-August 12. Students will work together to put on a musical show, developing both performance and production skills, under the supervision of experienced directors. Breakfast and lunch are provided; transportation is available. To register, go to www.eastconn.org/oz Quinebaug Middle College (QMC): Two programs: 4 weeks of Enrichment Programs for incoming juniors and seniors. Weekly themes include literature, nature, local history and community & collaboration. This free program runs Tues., Wed. & Thurs., June 28-July 21. Also, a free STEM Exploration and Research program for students entering grades 9-12 from June 28-July 8; students will be immersed in independent scientific research from project conception through application. For more information, email tnavotny@eastconn.org.
Agency Professional Notes Kristin Hempel, Associate Director of EASTCONN’s Adult & Community Programs, will present 3 workshops at the national Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) Conference in Seattle in April 2022. Kristin will be presenting Programs Succeed When Learners Lead: Centering Student Voice; Leveraging Distance Learning for Advocacy and Civic Kristin Hempel Engagement; and How to Increase Performance using Data Analysis: Creating Opportunities through Data Collection to in-person and virtual participants. Kristin was elected as the Region 1 Representative for COABE in 2020, representing Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire, and is the Chair for the organization’s Students as Leaders Task Force. COABE is a non-profit that provides leadership, communication, professional development and advocacy for adult education and literacy practitioners to advance quality services for all adult learners, nationally and internationally.
Erin Crosby has been named Interim Program Director of the EASTCONN Autism Program. Erin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University, her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University, and completed her graduate coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University Erin Crosby of Massachusetts. Before joining the EASTCONN team, Mrs. Crosby’s employment in a public school system has afforded her experience in the area of School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), development and implementation of individual Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and the collection and analysis of behavioral data for use in effective decisionmaking. Mrs. Crosby is enthusiastic about and committed to supporting school-based teams, administrators, teachers, and families in providing effective educational services to all students.
3.
...EASTCONN, QVCC, from page 1
“I was so attracted to QMC because I was able to just be who I want to be and live my educational dreams.”
– EASTCONN’s Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) senior Julia Revellese well with me. I was so attracted to [QMC] because I was able to just be who I want to be and live my educational dreams.” Quinebaug Middle College – one of EASTCONN’s two magnet schools in northeastern Connecticut – first opened its doors in 2008, after educators in the region recognized that some students were ready to accept greater responsibility for their own learning. Today, QMC enrolls close to 150 students a year, which results in small class sizes, individualized attention from teachers and a welcoming environment for learners from across the northeastern part of the state. After making the jump to QMC, Revellese thrived. She currently serves as the president of the leadership committee, the vice president of the National Honor Society and the provisional public relations officer for the QVCC chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. By the time she graduates from high school, Revellese will also have earned 35 college credits, which brings her halfway toward earning an associate degree. “For me, dual enrollment [at QMC and QVCC] means being able to succeed in college at such a young age, but also being able to get your high school years in, and I’ve been able to do both,” Revellese said. “I find it incredible that QMC has given me this opportunity to do all of that at once.” QMC principal David S. Brown said the change in a high school student’s demeanor when they first take a seat in a college classroom at QVCC is “absolutely amazing.” “They’re beaming with excitement,” Brown said. “Sometimes they’re a little nervous, of course, because they’re taking college classes with adults, but it empowers them. It empowers them to take ownership of their lives and their future.” In addition to taking college classes, QMC students can access the state Community College library system, participate in social groups at QVCC, play music at the Wednesday night coffee house, attend book signings and debates, hang out in the art gallery or simply dine in the cafeteria with their older classmates. “They see that door open,” Brown said. “Many times when students go to traditional public education, they don’t really see themselves on a college campus. They don’t see themselves being successful in academics. Here, they have that direct exposure, and that changes them.” Dr. Karen Hynick, who was appointed chief executive officer of QVCC in 2021, said that the single greatest indicator of college success – particularly for first-generation and immigrant students – is the ability to see oneself physically on a college campus. “The real benefit for students who are first generation is learning how to navigate higher education and learning to
QMC Principal David S. Brown with QVCC CEO Dr. Karen Hynick.
know you have a sense of belonging here, that you belong,” Hynick said. “That’s the biggest piece for folks, and I think if we can help students while they’re still in high school feel that they belong as a college student, they will finish college and not be like many freshman in college, where a high percentage of people go the first semester and drop out.” Hynick wrote her doctoral dissertation on the role of early college, and also created early college programs in Minnesota and at North Shore Community College in Massachusetts. Before coming to QVCC, however, she had never experienced a situation where a middle college was co-located on a college campus. “That’s actually the reason, in part, why I chose to become the CEO here at QVCC,” Hynick said. “What a wonderful opportunity to physically be co-located, really taking the barriers down and really just helping students to see themselves as college material.” When she graduates from QMC, Revellese hopes to complete her associate degree in liberal arts at QVCC before heading to a four-year college to major in special education. “It’s just awesome that I’m doing what I’m doing at 17,” Revellese said. “It takes some hard work, but if you’re willing to put in that effort, you can get so far. I’m graduating halfway to my associate degree. I’m saving money, and hopefully will be less in debt than I would be if I hadn’t done this. I’ve been to a few different high schools, and this was the best decision I’ve ever made.” SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH OUR VIDEO PROFILE OF JULIA REVELLESE.
...CAACE, from page 2
challenges,” she said. “However, Kadir has embraced the enormous task of learning a new culture and language with great enthusiasm and true grit.” Kuscul received the Aileen Halloran Memorial Scholarship, which includes a $500 scholarship award, and is mentioned
on the CAACE website. CAACE is a non-profit organization that provides leadership in advancing the concept of lifelong learning, offering numerous professional development conferences and activities. Learn more at www.caace.org.
4.
Kuscul (right) with his EASTCONN classmates and teacher Elizabeth Acosta (center).