By Kathy Brown.
Do you have your school supplies yet? How about that perfect back to school outfit? It’s that time of year again, when parents are making sure that everything is in order for Johnny and Jane to go back to school, teachers are setting up their classrooms, and Interim Superintendent Holly Hageman is getting ready for the new school year.
Everyone knows that this is a year of big changes. Former Haddam Elementary School students will either be attending Burr Elementary School, or if they’re in fourth grade, they will be attending the newly formed Haddam Killingworth Intermediate School on the campus shared with Haddam Killingworth Middle School. There are other changes as well.
A new HKMS Principal has been named: Dolores Bates (for more information, see this article). At the high school, former Assistant Principal Sheila Ward will be back in the classroom, and a new Assistant Principal has been named: Adam Apicella (for more information, see this article). Aside from administration, there have been 17 teachers hired across the district, as well as a new nurse at the high school, according to Dr. Hageman.
At Burr Elementary School, they have been busy preparing for the newly merged community of teachers and students to return. There will be a Welcome Back Celebration on August 27, 2019 for students and families. A new courtyard was created at Burr, so that the HES bell could be moved, and the tradition of Ringing In and Out could be continued.
At Killingworth Elementary School, they moved the second grade classrooms up to the main level, to create a K/1 wing and a 2/3 wing. They also finalized their new motto: “Kindness, Effort, Safety – This is the KES Way!”
At the Haddam Killingworth Intermediate School, the playground has been installed, which includes two gaga courts, a 10′ climbing globe, a whirling tower, two tetherballs, 10 swings, and a “Summit Climber.” The HKIS spaces are decorated with the projects that the students made when they visited in the spring. On the first day of school, an assembly will be held, where students will receive t-shirts from the PTO; a photo will be taken of students and staff to commemorate the day.
At the Haddam Killingworth Middle School, a committee of teachers came together throughout the summer to revive the components of the middle school necessary for growing a positive culture; for instance, building positive relationships and emphasizing student successes. “We are excited about making sure every student feels valued, seen, and supported throughout the coming year,” said Dr. Hageman.
At the high school, renovations are finishing up: “The auditorium looks fantastic and the HKHS B-wing got a much needed refresh this summer, with the main hallway being repainted. In addition, the auto shop was emptied, power washed and then the floor refinished with an anti-slip surface paint,” explained Dr. Hageman. Also, new furniture to support the blended learning initiative (a blend of classroom learning, online learning, and learning through collaboration with experts and others) arrived and was put in three locations to be used for independent work by students, or for collaboration space.
Lest we think all teachers take the summer off, 50 teachers worked on curriculum this summer in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, health, and French. And many, if not all, teachers were in their classrooms over the summer to get things ready for the new school year.
“I am extremely excited to see students arrive to their schools on Wednesday and look forward to visiting all schools next week and often thereafter,” said Dr. Hageman. “Our schools are in great shape thanks to the efforts of all staff. I am grateful to serve in such a wonderful community so committed to its schools.”
Photos by Kathy Brown.
