The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received September 14, 2024.
I have had the privilege of knowing Sonja Charpentier for twelve years. I first met her when she was a substitute teacher in an elementary classroom, fresh from a two-year stint serving in the United States Peace Corps in The Gambia, West Africa, where she taught math at a local school. Shortly afterward, we both enrolled at Central Connecticut State University, where Sonja immersed herself in educational theory and prepared to become a math educator.
Sonja quickly found her calling as a teacher and began making significant impacts in communities much like our own. She then joined Middletown Public Schools, where she served as an instructional coach, fostering the professional growth and development of math educators in the district. Her expertise in supporting teachers led to several meaningful initiatives to enhance math education, including the launch of a successful tutoring program for struggling students, which started last year. Recently, Sonja transitioned to a neighboring district, where she expanded her teaching to include both science and math.
In addition to her professional achievements, Sonja is deeply committed to providing our
community’s children with meaningful, hands-on experiences. In 2023, she successfully launched a STEM camp through H-K Rec, offering elementary students the chance to explore topics like circuitry, coding, robotics, and engineering. In 2024, she expanded her efforts by creating a sewing camp, where children could tap into their creativity while learning a valuable life skill.
Regardless of party affiliation, one thing is certain: Sonja Charpentier cares about kids. She is a dedicated mother and public servant. A high school valedictorian with a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Sonja chose to pursue a career in public service rather than finance or the private sector. Every decision she makes is shaped by one guiding principle: “What’s best for kids?” And it shows.
Sonja moved to our town nearly 10 years ago—before having children—specifically because
she recognized that RSD17 was a phenomenal district. As we face important decisions in the future, one thing that should never be compromised is the quality of education our children and grandchildren receive.
Please join us on Thursday, September 19, 2024 to show your support for Sonja Charpentier. We look forward to seeing you there.
Brent Charpentier, Haddam
