From the Superintendent
June is a month of transitions. At the beginning of the month, the staff is busy preparing for the end of the 2025-26 school year. After June 19, the last day of school for our students and teaching staff, the administration and custodial staff begin the preparations for the 2026-27 school year. Students will be transitioning from the elementary grades to the middle grades and from the middle grades to high school.
Our Grade 8 students have already made the choice of the high school they will attend after their graduation from EES on June 18. As they prepare for their transition from the walls of Eastford Elementary School, where some have been since preschool, to their chosen high school, their feelings shift from concerns about the unknown to anticipation and excitement. Mr. Kernan, our middle grades social studies teacher and our director of Pupil Services, shares the following thoughts from his conversations with our Grade 8 students:
"Highlights from this year for Grade 8 students included a wide range of memorable experiences that helped build both community and connection. One standout was the Principal of the Day auction item, which gave a student in 8/7A the opportunity to design a fun and engaging day for the school. Events like Field Day and Global Play Day provided opportunities to step outside the classroom, enjoy friendly competition, and strengthen relationships.
“In the classroom, reading ‘The Outsiders’ was especially impactful, as they connected deeply with characters close to their own age. Extracurricular activities such as soccer and basketball seasons also played a big role, bringing students together, creating fun shared experiences, and strengthening friendships. Some of the most meaningful moments, however, came from everyday classroom interactions, spontaneous, funny moments that turned into lasting inside jokes and helped make their final year at EES truly special. A memorable example was when a student confidently entered the classroom, unaware of the adults present, and announced that the ‘alpha’ had arrived; only to notice the teacher, quickly apologize, and quietly take his seat.”
To support the closing of the school year and the work that must take place in the summer, at their May 14 meeting, the Board of Education made the following actions:
- Reviewed and accepted the recommendations of the Policy Committee.
- Reviewed and authorized the recommended transfers.
- Accepted the bid from Northeast Builders in the amount of $45,750 to replace the middle school roof.
- Accepted the bid from LaFramboise Water Service in the amount of $27,100 to improve the water filtration system for the school and town buildings.
- Approved the Fiscal Year 2027 IDEA Grants.
- Voted to appoint Michele Palulis to the Board of Education to replace Nancy Neff, who resigned from the board effective May 1.
In the next few editions of the Communicator, as we move through this period of transitions, you will read about our Eastford students who graduate from EES and from our local high schools, as well as the many awards they have received.
As always, never hesitate to contact me at [email protected].