Excitement flowed through the fifth-graders in Courtney Jacklin’s class this week — “NASA is in our classroom!” they told each other. NASA’s Digital Learning Network allows schools to video conference with experts on a wide variety of topics, and it’s been a great teaching tool at this science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) magnet school in West…
DetailsStatement from CEA President Sheila Cohen on the Annenberg Report CEA President Sheila Cohen says a new report about charter schools raises fundamental questions about access, equity, and accountability in public education. The report from the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University features a comprehensive set of standards that — if adopted by…
DetailsThe first case of Enterovirus D68 has been confirmed in Connecticut, after sickening children in Missouri and Illinois and spreading to other states. This virus is a respiratory illness that causes mild cold- or flu-like symptoms in most of those infected, but can sometimes cause difficulty breathing and require hospitalization. Anyone can become infected with…
DetailsCEA-Retired members gathered at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington today to catch up with their colleagues and learn more about issues of special interest to retirees. CEA-Retired works in conjunction with CEA to improve retirement, pension, and health benefits and holds meetings open to all members every spring and fall. Today’s meeting featured presentations…
DetailsOne of the many benefits of CEA and NEA membership is the discounts and deals you and your colleagues can receive. Back-to-school supplies, the NEA Propane Discount Program, and the NEA Hearing Care Program are just some of the offers for members that NEA Member Benefits is highlighting this month. NEA Click & Save “Buy-lights”…
DetailsWaking up in time to catch the bus can sometimes be a challenge for adolescents, and now the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is behind a solution to help them out. The AAP recently issued a policy statement calling for middle and high schools to start classes no earlier than 8:30 a.m. The physicians say…
DetailsRick Mastracchio’s reputation may be for his work in outer space, but this week the astronaut proved to a group of Waterbury students that he is down to earth. The Waterbury native, who attended Chase Elementary and Crosby High schools, returned to the Brass City to share his experiences at the International Space Station and…
DetailsYou may have never heard of singer-songwriter Bob Dorough, but his songs are a pop culture phenomenon that rocked their way into the homes of millions of Americans over the past 40 years. Disguised as Saturday morning cartoons, ABC’s Schoolhouse Rock entertained and taught grammar, history, math, and science to generations of children. The catchy…
DetailsA message from CEA President Sheila Cohen regarding the Foundations of Reading Survey. I am forwarding to you a memo from the State Department of Education that was sent to all Superintendents. There have been numerous and different concerns raised regarding the Foundations of Reading Survey, concerns that include its administration, how the results will…
DetailsA new study questions the wisdom of cutting gym and exercise classes in schools across the country. According to the study published in the Journal of Pediatric Research at the University of Illinois, small amounts of exercise enable children to improve their focus and academic performance. The study tested students with A.D.H.D. and those without…
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