Dear Students, Staff and Families,

As we close the book on the 2024–2025 school year, I want to express my gratitude for the continued partnership and support from our families, students, and staff. This has been a year of meaningful progress, student achievement, and shared growth—guided always by our commitment to ensuring that every student feels Connected, Accepted, and Ready to Learn.

One of our most significant accomplishments this year was the full implementation of MTSS—our Multi-Tiered System of Supports. MTSS is a proactive, evidence-based framework designed to ensure that all students receive timely, high-quality academic and behavioral support, so they can thrive—no matter the obstacles they may face.

Across the district, our schools were hard at work bringing this vision to life. At the elementary level, we expanded purposeful play while strengthening our math and literacy instruction. At William J. Johnston Middle School, our social studies teams engaged in coaching cycles aligned to SBAC targets and The Writing Revolution strategies, while science teachers implemented NGSS interim assessments and used common rubrics focused on Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning. At Bacon Academy, 19 students took the Seal of Biliteracy assessment, and a new Peer Mentor program was launched to support students at both CES and JJIS.

We also celebrated many moments of pride this year. WJ was recognized as a Red, White and Blue School by the State of Connecticut for its commitment to civic education. The Bacon Academy girls basketball team won the state championship in March, and several students were honored with CAS Awards:

• Scholar Athletes: Ethan LoVetere & Isha Kansagara

• Arts: Avery Anderson & Oliver Markham

• Unified: Jordan Donnelly & Julia Cavaliere

As we look ahead, we do so with deep appreciation for those who have helped shape our district’s foundation. We celebrate the retirement of WJ Principal Chris Bennett, who has served the Colchester community for almost three decades—as a science teacher, Assistant Principal, and most recently as Principal. His steadfast dedication to students and staff has left a lasting mark on generations of learners. Chris will be deeply missed, and we wish him all the best in retirement.

As we turn the page to a new chapter, I want to reassure our families that even with several leadership transitions, our shared commitments remain unchanged. We will continue to center every decision on what is best for students and remain guided by our belief that every learner deserves to feel connected, accepted, and ready to learn.

• Stacy Ewings, appointed Principal of Jack Jackter Intermediate School
  
  

• Meghan Amado, appointed Principal of William J. Johnston Middle School
  
  

• Bonnie McAneny, WJ science teacher, appointed Assistant Principal at WJ
  
  

• Kelly Bahre, joining us from Bolton, appointed Assistant Principal at Colchester Elementary School

Finally, I would like to thank Melissa Cyr for closing out the year as Interim Principal at Jack Jackter Intermediate School, and I am happy to report that she will remain at JJIS as Associate Principal effective July 1, 2025.

Best wishes to you all for a safe, restful, and joyful summer.

Sincerely,