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Volume 19, Number 24
SCHOOL NEWS
Behavior analyst honored
“Mr. Thomas DiCorleto exemplified reaching out to those in need and helping them achieve more than they dreamed was possible. I am humbled to be
the recipient of the Thomas DiCorleto award and carry out his legacy as I continue my commitment to students, their families and my colleagues,” Kiley said. “Together we work to build new opportunities for the children of Plainville Community Schools.” District colleagues Agnieszka Petlik and Julie Garceau nominated Kiley for the award, which was developed
to honor the Farmington Valley Directors’ beloved colleague, Tom DiCorleto, Kiley former Director of Pupil Services in Granby, and his lifelong commitment to the service of students with special needs. See Kiley, A13
Meet Principal Wallowitz Jeff Wallowitz, formerly an elementary school principal in the West Hartford school system, has been named principal of Linden Street School. Wallowitz was selected through an extensive search process conducted by the Linden Principal Steering Committee, comprised of Linden teachers, staff, parents and district administration.
“The transition to the Plainville Community Schools has been amazing. So many staff and families have reached out with a kind welcome. The sense of community is palpable and it has become immediately evident how much people care about Linden School and all its children,” said Wallowitz. “I can’t wait to meet the entire school family and get working on what should be an interesting
school year. Linden seems like a very special place and I am Wallowitz honored to be a part of it.” Wallowitz holds an Administrative Sixth Year Certificate from Sacred See Wallowitz, A13
Bears entering homes at unprecedented rate By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff
Wildlife encounters have been spiking thus far this year, including as many bears entering peoples’ homes in June as all of 2019 combined. “Some of these interactions have been serious, including bears entering homes and gravely injuring both leashed and unleashed dogs,” says a statement from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “Already in 2020 (through July 8) DEEP has received more reports of bears entering homes (25) than in any previous year and we are on track to triple the average number of home entries of 2018 and 2019.” Bears rarely harm humans and most local interactions with them involve damaged bird feeders and tipped over garbage containers and grills, said Cheshire Animal Control Officer April Leiler. When she does respond to a call, it’s usually to ensure that the bear doesn’t make it onto a major road like Route 10, where it can be struck by a vehicle. “We haven't had any real issues with bears. We do sometimes have them getting into unse-
In this July 18, 2018 photo, a black bear explores the yard of Steve and Julie Sonlin in Avon. Julie Sonlin via AP
cured trash and we do have them ripping down bird feeders,” she said. Cheshire only has a few bears living in the area, Leiler said, but since it’s a more densely populated region they tend to be spotted more often. Residents should still be taking precautions See Bears, A13
Plainville’s oldest funeral home with over 130 years of serving the community. Blaire L. Bouchard – Funeral Director 48 Broad Street Plainville, CT 06062 • 860-747-2295 • Bailey-FuneralHome.com
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Plainville Community Schools behavior analyst Christina Kiley has been named recipient of the Thomas DiCorleto Memorial Outstanding Service Award from the Farmington Valley Special Education Directors Association.
Thursday, July 23, 2020