CONNECTIONS
Winter 2024
Education News From Northeastern Connecticut
Volume 44, Number 2
eastconn.org
Kindergarten Entry Age Shift Sparks Concern and Conversations EASTCONN Takes Lead in Navigating the Transition
ECI’s Diane Gozemba (right) and Ann Marie Davidson (left) on the ConnecticutEast podcast.
A major transition awaits parents enrolling their kids in kindergarten this year. During the 2023 legislative session, Connecticut lawmakers determined that the birth date cutoff for children entering kindergarten will move from Jan. 1 to Sept. 1. As a result, a third of all kids in the state born in 2019 will have to wait a year longer to enter elementary school – or else apply for a waiver based on an assessment of the child’s readiness. “Families intending on sending their child to kindergarten if they have a fall birthday: they won’t be able to do that,” said Diane Gozemba, EASTCONN’s Director of Early Childhood
See Kindergarten, page 2
A Journey of Empowerment Ximena Amasifuen’s EASTCONN Story In just seven months since arriving in Connecticut from Peru, Ximena Amasifuen has taken great strides towards mastering English – a path to success carved out through her determination and the support she found at EASTCONN. Recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at CT State Quinebaug Valley – along with classmate Krislia Grimán – the 25-year-old Willimantic resident recently found employment at a local bank and has sights set on a career in Human Resources. “When I moved here from Peru seven months ago, I was very nervous because I knew I had to start from zero,” said Ximena. See Ximena, page 3
EASTCONN 376 Hartford Turnpike Hampton, CT 06247
EASTCONN CONNECTIONS Education News From Northeastern Connecticut
Winter 2024
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Initiatives (ECI). “There has been very little time for people to learn about this. It has not been common knowledge for many educators or school districts.” For several months, Gozemba and her team have been working to educate families and school districts about the impacts of the new legislation. On October 16, EASTCONN ECI hosted “Unpacking the New Kindergarten Entry Age,” a facilitated community conversation about facilities and space, handling exemption requests, funding and other considerations. Shortly after the event, Gozemba spoke to nonprofit news organization The Connecticut Mirror about both the developmental benefits for children and the challenges – financial and otherwise – facing parents and districts. She and Early Childhood Specialist Ann Marie Davidson subsequently discussed the issue on Brian Scott-Smith’s ConnecticutEast news podcast. “We are looking at families needing to provide care for their child for another year,” Davidson said. “That has a trickle-down effect into the preschool and childcare programs and communities who may or may not have enough space for those
Agency Professional Notes
The Collaboratory on School and Child Health (CSCH) at the UConn Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy recently appointed Dr. Ravit R. Stein, Director of Psychological and Behavioral Consultation at EASTCONN, to its Steering Committee. The CSCH aims to foster meaningful connections between research, policy, and practice to promote equity in school and child health.
children who will be remaining in preschool and unable to transition to kindergarten.” For more information regarding the new entry age for kindergarten, visit the Connecticut Department of Early Childhood Education website: https://bit.ly/3tIvq63
EASTCONN ECI hosted “Unpacking the New Kindergarten Entry Age” in Hampton on October 16, 2023.
Dr. Ravit Stein (left), Dr. Jacquelyn DuBois (right) and Darien CT Police Department/University of New Haven officer Joseph Cusano, M.S. (center) presented to a group of multidisciplinary providers across eastern Connecticut about secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, and professional quality of life on Oct. 26, 2023. The session was funded by the Connecticut Children’s Alliance and organized by providers/investigators from the Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern CT, Inc., Day Kimball Healthcare, CT Department of Children and Families and other agencies.
EASTCONN Assistant Director of Adult Programs Cyndi Wells and her team will present “Working Collaboratively to Strengthen Young Adults’ Social Capital” at the National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) Annual Forum, which takes place from March 4-6, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Executive Editor: Dona Prindle, Director of Marketing & Communications, dprindle@eastconn.org Editor/Writer: Michael Hamad, Communications Specialist, mhamad@eastconn.org Graphic Designer: Angela Dean, adean@eastconn.org EASTCONN Administration: Eric Protulis, Executive Director, eprotulis@eastconn.org EASTCONN, 376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247, 860-455-0707 • eastconn.org
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EASTCONN CONNECTIONS Education News From Northeastern Connecticut
Winter 2024
...Ximena, from page 1
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For me, there is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for having come to EASTCONN.”– Ximena A
my English, as it would help me grow here,” she said. With a diverse cultural mix of classmates providing the ideal backdrop, Ximena quickly learned to embrace mistakes rather than letting them affect her confidence. “Taking classes with different people of different cultures with the same goals as me was very motivating,” she said. “I learned that making mistakes didn’t matter. It is part of the process, and what matters most is that you’re trying to learn.” “Ximena is an intelligent and soft-spoken young woman who has progressively become more confident, forging her new identify in the U.S.,” said Elizabeth Meduna, Program Facilitator for EASTCONN Adult & Community Programs and one of Ximena’s classroom teachers. “She has worked hard to improve her language skills, understand and embrace the job search process and secure a job that offers her opportunities for advancement and personal growth. I couldn’t be prouder of the work she has done this year.” The dual enrollment High School partnership between EASTCONN and CTSC-QV opened doors for Ximena to pursue higher education. In addition to taking college classes, she’s been able to develop her academic language skills in preparation for earning a degree. Ximena said she’s grateful not just for the academic enrichment but for the personal growth and fulfillment she experienced at EASTCONN. “Being at EASTCONN didn’t only allow me to learn English or history, or help me pursue my goals, but also to improve myself and feel empowered,” she said. Now, Ximena recommends EASTCONN to individuals seeking personal and academic improvement, emphasizing that age or circumstance shouldn’t hinder one’s place in this supportive community. “For me, there is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for having come to EASTCONN,” Ximena said.
“But I was sure of one thing: I wanted to get a degree in Human Resources and be successful. I knew I had to learn and improve my English to achieve this goal.” Ximena’s story is not an isolated one. In a bid to tackle the pressing challenges of high unemployment rates, language barriers, and the impending demand for skilled workers, Governor Ned Lamont officially proclaimed September 18-24, 2023, as “Adult Education and Family Literacy Week” across the state of Connecticut. The proclamation highlights the staggering statistics that underscore the urgency of addressing educational disparities. With 225,550 working-age adults lacking a high school credential (14,900 of them are currently unemployed), the need for adult education is paramount. Additionally, 210,671 Connecticut adults struggle with limited or no proficiency in English, while 103,092 lawful permanent residents are eligible for naturalization. By the year 2024, 48% of job openings in Connecticut will require middle-skill qualifications, and 32% will demand high-skill levels. Moreover, nearly 80% of all job opportunities will mandate a high school credential in less than three years. Ximena’s commitment to learning English pushed her to take two classes – one in the morning and one at night – simultaneously at EASTCONN. “From the beginning, my two teachers made me feel confident and happy to be part of this program by letting me know that it was great that I wanted to improve
Navigating the Digital Divide An Interview with Andrew DePalma, Ph.D., EASTCONN’s Chief Technology Officer
As EASTCONN’s Chief Technology Officer and Director of the Technology Solutions Division, Andrew DePalma’s role ranges from policy discussions at the state level to hands-on problem-solving in schools. But as opportunities and cyber threats ramp up at an unprecedented pace, DePalma said EASTCONN’s mission to support school districts requires constant vigilance and innovation at every level, from providing educators with valuable assistance to reevaluating the role of technology in the post-pandemic classroom. Striking a Balance Amid the ongoing debate on the appropriate mix of electronic and non-electronic learning – and with concerns rising about increased screen time and social media exposure for students – DePalma be-
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lieves most classrooms will continue to foster face-to-face relationships and essential social skills. Teachers, who play a pivotal role in navigating this landscape, should continue to promote traditional classroom variables while incorporating technology effectively. “The difficulty is finding the right balance,” DePalma said. “Technology has a forked impact on students; it can either enhance connections or reinforce feelings of disconnection.” Safety in the Age of AI As technology advances, so do the challenges of keeping school networks secure. DePalma highlighted the growing threat of bad actors targeting school districts, using AI to exploit vulnerabilities. “It’s just a matter of time, because humans interact with computers, and humans make mistakes,” See Digital Divide, page 4
EASTCONN CONNECTIONS Education News From Northeastern Connecticut
Winter 2024
EASTCONN Magnet High Schools Now Recruiting for 2024-2025!
PERFORMING ARTS MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT): This full-day, public, performing arts magnet high school for capable, motivated learners offers a college preparatory curriculum that’s artsintegrated and standards-based. Taught by certified teachers and talented arts instructors from across the region, each grade includes about 35 students, who may focus on any of 7 arts pathways: Acting, Creative Writing, Dance, Integrated Arts & Management, Media Arts, Music and Technical Theater (sets, lights, costuming). Located in the historic Capitol Theater in downtown Willimantic. NEASC Accredited. www.eastconn.org/act.
Quinebaug Middle College (QMC): Located on the campus of CT State Community College, Quinebaug Valley (CTSCQV) in Danielson, this state-of-the-art middle college high school enrolls motivated, capable learners, grades 9-12, who seek more control over their educational program. Qualified students may attend QV classes and earn free college credits toward an associate degree, while continuing to earn their QMC high school diploma. With a STEM-focused and Humanities-rich curriculum, QMC also offers small, rigorous classes, community service opportunities, and a unique, student-led governance structure. NEASC Accredited. www.eastconn.org/QMC.
...Digital Divide from page 3
he said. To counter these threats, EASTCONN is exploring AI-driven solutions, though DePalma acknowledged the financial constraints faced by many school districts. Defending Digital Borders In terms of cybersecurity, DePalma noted EASTCONN’s efforts to collaborate with network providers and other entities to defend against digital threats. He also welcomed the recent announcement by the FCC of a new program to enhance cybersecurity in schools, offering hope for additional resources to fortify digital defenses. What EASTCONN Can Do for Districts EASTCONN’s three offices — IT, Applica-
tion Development, and Data — provide services ranging from maintaining computer systems to developing custom software and assisting with data management. “We strive to be a comprehensive resource for school districts, particularly those with limited IT staff,” DePalma said. Despite the challenges, DePalma emphasized the need for collaboration among schools to maximize available resources and enhance cybersecurity measures. “We’re hoping to essentially create a way for schools to apply that funding that makes sense to them,” DePalma said. “It’s really important for all of us to a build a region-wide defense against cyber threats.”
Keynote speakers Cornelius Minor and author Dr. Bettina L. Love headlined at the RESC Alliance’s Fall 2023 Igniting Change conference at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on Sept. 28, which included a moving presentation by 10-year-old transgender activist Kai Shappley. Register for the Spring 2024 conference featuring keynote speakers Gloria Ladson-Billings and Joe Feldman at ignitingchangect.org/spring.
EASTCONN Transportation hosted a special Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive at the Walmart Supercenter in North Windham on Saturday, Dec. 16. The event owes its overwhelming success to the unflagging generosity of the community.
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