Good Morning:

 

I hope that this message finds you well after having enjoyed a special Thanksgiving holiday.

 

As reported to you last week, this type of electronic message will be sent to you each week for the purpose of keeping you informed about some the activities associated with all of your schools and the school district as a whole.   The delay in sending this second message was due to technical, computer issues which have subsequently been overcome.

 

Week of November 19, 2007

 

-Try-outs and practices for Winter sports at both Haddam-Killingworth High School and Haddam-Killingworth Middle School have commenced.

 

-At the next Education Subcommittee meeting of the Board of Education which is scheduled for December 18, 2007 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Burr District Elementary School, the following topics will be discussed.   1.  Advisor / Advisee Program at HKHS, 2.  Draft High School Reform information recently released by the State Department of Education.

 

-Special congratulations are extended to Debra Miles, HKHS English teacher, for her work with planning and hosting the 30^th Anniversary of the British Literature Medieval Banquet held on November 13, 2007 at St. Clemens Castle in Portland.

 

-The Field Lighting Building Committee of the Board of Education has requested a permit from the Town of Haddam to commence work on lighting of the athletic field which is contained in the interior portion of the track at Haddam Killingworth High School.  Funding and labor for this project is to be achieved primarily through donations and volunteer contractors being organized by representatives of the Touchdown Club.

 

-The district Kindergarten Teachers are sponsoring Open House programs for local child care providers where they will discuss learning expectations for incoming kindergarten students.

 

-Please check the District Calendar of Events located at www.rsd17.org and consider attending one or more of the concerts being held over the next week to ten days.    

 

-As inclement weather is rapidly approaching us.  Please be sure that you have registered with Honeywell so you may receive automated messages announcing any school delays and/or closures.  You may register with Honeywell via the link provided at www.rsd17.org.

 

-The following are the cancellation procedures used by the district during inclement weather.

 

SNOW CANCELLATION PROCEDURES

 

·         Director of Transportation calls dispatch to receive reports from State Police and Public Works

·         Superintendent consults with Director of Transportation

·         Superintendent consults with Director Fiscal Operations as needed

·         Superintendent consults with Region 13, Clinton, East Haddam and Region 4

·         Superintendent consults with Director of Facilities

·         Superintendent reviews weather conditions using local and area media services

·         Superintendent Makes Decision Using All Available Information

 

DECISION IS MADE BETWEEN 5:00 A.M. & 5:30 A.M.

 

OPTIONS CONSIDERED

 

Open – Regular School

Two (2) Hour Delay

Closed

 

·         Superintendent Initiates Honeywell Instant Alert Message via Director of Information Systems

·         Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent calls local media

·         Superintendent initiates use of call chain

 

 

EARLY CLOSING PROCEDURES

 

·         Superintendent or Director of Facilities call dispatch to receive reports from State Police and Public Works

·         Superintendent consults with Region 13, East Haddam, Clinton & Region 4

·         Superintendent consults with Director of Transportation

·         Superintendent and Director of Facilities to review weather conditions using local and area media services

·         Superintendent makes decision using all available information.

 

DECISION IS MADE

 

·         Superintendent or Director of Transportation calls dispatch to report decision

·         Superintendent Initiates Honeywell Instant Alert Message via Director of Information Systems

·         Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent calls local media

·         Superintendent initiates use of call chain

 

NOTE:  A decision to dismiss early will only be used when the threat of weather is predicable and probable.  The logic here is as follows:

 

1.       In some cases, we would be dismissing students during the height of road crews completing the treatment of the roads.  It is always best to wait until treatments are completed to a certain level.

2.       In some cases, we would be sending students home without anyone home and without advanced notice.  We respect the fact that many people work away from their homes.

 

-The first segment of Spotlight on Seventeen was aired on Channel 18 beginning on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. with future broadcasts as announced on the Channel 18 program guide.  The session will also be made available for viewing via streaming video at www.rsd17.org to accommodate individuals who do not have access to Channel 18.  This monthly, student directed and produced series will feature taped discussions about programs and services offered by the Regional School District 17.  The first segment was a conversation with the district’s elementary principals regarding the specific steps they are taking in each of their buildings to improve instruction.  Suggestions for future topics may be forwarded to gsmala@rsd17.org.

 

If you wish to have something included in any future Weekly Message, please forward the text to be included to Cindy Fetteroll, Administrative Assistant the Superintendent of Schools, at fetteroll44@rsd17.org.

 

If you have any comments or suggestions about the Weekly Message initiative, please do not hesitate to contact Gary S. Mala, Superintendent of Schools, at gsmala@rsd17.org or (860) 345-4534 

 

Thank you for your continued support of your school district and enjoy your week. 

 

Best wishes always.

 

Gary

Gary S. Mala

Superintendent of Schools

Regional School District 17

http://www.rsd17.org

"Committed to Making Dreams Come True"