By Michelle L. Santoro

SHERMAN – As the academic year is coming to an end, the Sherman Board of Education (“BOE” or “BOARD”) met for its regular board meeting on Wedn esday June 7, and once again moved to executive session before adjourning the meeting.  At the outset, Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino r ecognized Eliana Ostrosky and Sarabelle Hafer, this year’s CABE Student Leadership Award recipients, congratulating the young girls and their families.  “The apples don’t fall far from the tree,” she said.  The formal awards ceremony was scheduled June 14.  Dr. Pat and the Board also took time to recognize this year’s CAPSS award recipients – Ella and Allegra.  The CAPSS Superintendent’s Student Award Recognition Program is based on a student’s community service, service to others, academic achievement and leadership service to the school community.  Dr. Pat gave a shout-out to Allegra and her mother for organizing the successful international feast earlier that day.  Dr. Pat noted it should be an annual event!  “It was amazing,” she said.  “It brought in so many of our students, and their parents.” 

In delivering her report, Dr. Pat said, “how impressed I am with all the end of school activities.”  She went on raving about concerts and the art show that recently took place.  The school’s bands and chorus attended the Fantastic Festival at Six Flags earlier in June.  Both the Jazz Band and regular Band received a “Platinum,” the highest adjudication, and chorus received “Gold.”  Overall standings were not yet announced.  Due to air quality issues that plagued Sherman and surrounding towns, students were kept inside on Wednesday, and administration intended to keep them inside Thursday June 8 as well.  The Middle School had its annual trip to Holiday Hill in Prospect, CT planned for Friday June 9.  Dr . Pat also noted that Kindergarten orientation took place earlier in June.  “We’re ending the school year on a high note,” she said.&nbsp ;

Dr. Karen Fildes, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation announced the choosing of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Intro to Reading as the new reading program for the school.  The first round of training for the program is scheduled for June 19.  Teachers are expected to return in August for coaching and help with initial planning.  She also announced the school’s receipt of a $53,576 educational funding grant.  The grant, expected to be received in July, will be used to update the school’s computer lab.  

In other business, the Board approved changing the 2023/24 school calendar, moving spring break to the week of April 15, 2024.  Without discussion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a second reading of the following policies:  Title IX Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (Personnel), Automatic External Defibrillators, Pesticide Application on School Property, School Security and Safety, and Sexual Offenders. 

Dr. Pat briefly reviewed the Superintendent’s Goals, noting, in part, the following:  the district chose the Science of Reading, State Attorney General William Tong visited, on-going HVAC repairs, the district changed law firms for policies, moving to Shipman & Goodwin LLP, the revamping of the high school registration and transfer process, and the administration’s assistance to paraprofessionals in dealing with disruptive classroom behaviors. “Everyone seems to be happy.  It has been a good year.” 

Before moving to executive session, Board Chair Matt Vogt provided a brief update on the school building renovation project, noting cost options were being tightened.  He indicated a special meeting may be had during summer once costs for the two options were complete.      

The last regular Board of Education Meeting for this school year is scheduled June 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the LMC and via Zoom.  The Board of Education Retreat is scheduled July 19 at 4:00 p.m. A Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for August.