By Zoey Possick, Board of Education Correspondent
Achievements in Math, Food, & Critical Thinking
The Board of Education convened their monthly meeting on March 13th, 2025. After opening administrative actions were taken, district highlights ensued. Ivonne Daniels was recognized as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Mari Muri Award for the Associate Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut. Randall Mel, the Director of Food and Wellness Services at Middletown Public Schools received the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Chefs to School Grant and established a new Executive Chef position awarded to Kashia Diaz. Mr. Mel also brought attention to School Lunch Hero Day and to activities beyond the cafeteria, like farm-to-school initiatives and prioritizing student feedback within the nutrition space. The next highlight shared information about the success of the student-driven International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Exhibition, used to assess Lawrence School’s Primary Years Program. Lastly, the high school ultimate frisbee team won the state championship!
Looking Ahead
The financial reports were given in recognition of the end of the year and in preparation for the year ahead. One of the highlights was the Keguin school handrail renovation project, which will be financed by the school’s general budget. Several schools and departments made requests for transfers, which were approved by the Board.
Vacancies within the district were also highlighted and are expected to be addressed over the summer months. A large-scale state-wide emailing campaign will take place, as well as several other hiring and interviewing initiatives to fill openings across the district. Plans to increase onboarding efforts and partnership with CPAL will work to increase overall retainment.
The Success of the KPA
The Kindergarten Preparatory Academy was implemented in response to a change in the kindergarten enrollment law that would exclude some students from attending kindergarten. The program served 86 children across 7 locations, incorporating a full day of school complete with transportation and meals. Learning initiatives included collaborative field trips, thematic units, and attention given toward creative and critical thinking through purposeful play that emphasizes executive function skills. Literacy experiences, pre-writing skills, and early numeracy skills have also been prioritized through the creative curriculum model. The program has been incredibly successful in motivating students and teachers alike, and displays great growth in math and literacy.
Grant Updates
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program that allows the district to provide meals to all students district-wide is currently in question at the legislative level. There is potential for a return to income verification application processes if CEP funding is cut, which raises concerns about food insecurity and the application process.
An additional point of concern regarding grants is funding Middletown’s five afterschool program sites. State funding will still be available to support programs next year, but only three school sites per district can apply. Middletown officials will work to decide which sites will apply for the grant, as it is expected to become increasingly competitive due to an overall decrease in federal afterschool funding.