Volume 28, Number 9
Friday, March 4, 2022
www.towntimes.com
Schools make masks optional Town Times report
This week, for the first time in nearly two years, students and staff members across the state walked into schools mask-free. With public health data continuing to show declining COVID-19 cases, on Monday, face coverings became optional in most Connecticut school districts.
Teacher of the Year Kristin Allen poses in front of Coginchaug Regional High School.
Meet the Teacher of the Year By Nicole Zappone Town Times
District literacy specialist.Kristin Allen was named 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year for RSD13 and was honored at a Board of Education meeting in February. “I have to say that I am very blessed that my district supports me, as I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have done thus far, if I didn’t work in a district that shared my passions and beliefs,” said Allen. As a literacy specialist, Allen works closely with classroom teachers, reading coaches, reading interventionists and administrators. “I also support the district in ensuring that we stay on top of the legislation put forth by the state in regards to dyslexia,” she said.
She moved to a new town that year, and “the new kid” was quite nervous. Her teacher, Mrs. Reilly, could tell that she was not feeling confident and took Allen under her wing. The connection established between them is something Allen never forgot, and ultimately led her to a career in education. “I would often go home and play school, forcing my younger brother to be the student,” said Allen. “As I grew up, many of my jobs involved working with children.” In high school, Allen volunteered at a home for autistic adults. It was a rewarding experience; one that left her feeling great each time she was there. So she decided to pursue a career in special education.
Since Allen was in the first grade, she Before coming to Regional School District 13, Allen served as a special knew she wanted to be a teacher.
education teacher in Meriden and Rocky Hill. She is currently president of the International Dyslexia Association of Connecticut. “I also ‘volunteer’ at the farm my husband and I own (Leaning Oak Farms), where we have students from the high school come and help us out as part of their Functional Life Skills Program, Youth Employment Program or for community service hours,” said Allen. Each spring, individuals in the district are able to nominate a colleague for Teacher of the Year. Once nominated, district administrators select the honoree. “My colleague, Chris Davis, who I respect greatly, nominated me,” said Allen. See Allen, A6
At a recent Regional School District 13 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Doug Schuch, who was hired during the pandemic, quipped, “I would love to see how some of you look.” Last month, Gov. Ned Lamont requested that his execuSee Masks optional, A10
Candelora, GOP seek investigation Lawmakers call for probe into bidding Republican lawmakers are seeking an investigation into whether the state Office of School Construction Grants & Review improperly interfered in bidding on local school construction projects. Standing with other GOP lawmakers on Feb. 24, See School bidding, A4