School Bus Safety, Volunteer Readers Needed, and the Early Childhood Education Fund

August 22, 2025


I hope this email finds you and your family well! As the new school year quickly approaches, it's a great time for a friendly reminder about school bus safety. Whether you're a parent, driver, or community member, we all play a part in keeping students safe during their daily commute.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on: 

  • School Bus Safety
  • Volunteer Readers Needed
  • Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund
  • Community Events

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.
 

It's an exciting time of the year for our kids and educators who will head back to the classroom soon! I hope every student has an amazing start to the new school year. 

This is also a time to remind drivers that the law requires you to slow down for school buses in your neighborhood. Here is the breakdown for any driver who fails to stop when a school bus is displaying its flashing red signal lights:

  • First offense: $450 fine
  • Following offenses: $500 - $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both
Click here for more information
 

Make a Difference This School Year – Become a United Way Reader!

The 2025–2026 school year is just around the corner, and the United Way is looking for passionate individuals to join United Way Readers.

Just 60 minutes a week can change a child’s life. By volunteering, you’ll help young readers:

  • Build confidence
  • Strengthen reading skills
  • Discover the joy of books
  • Unlock a lifetime of opportunities

Help a child thrive — one page at a time. Click here to sign up.
 

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is here—Connecticut’s first permanent savings account to sustainably fund early childhood education.

What’s happening now:

  • $300 million initial investment to grow over time and strengthen child care statewide
  • Launch of Early Start CT, combining multiple programs into one, making access simpler and more equitable
  • $36 million in the first year (started July 2025) to expand and improve the child care system
  • 1,000+ new spaces added by June 2026
  • Higher pay & better benefits for early childhood educators
  • Facility improvements funded for providers
  • Health insurance study underway for child care workers

What’s ahead:

  • By 2027, families earning under $100k will get free Early Start CT care
  • Families earning over $100k will have costs capped at 7% of income
  • More spaces and programs through a competitive process
  • Expanded pre-K from part-day to full-day, with inclusive environments for all children

This is just the beginning-a long-term investment in affordability, quality, and equity for Connecticut’s youngest learners.
 

The 14th annual Pooch Plunge is taking place on Monday, August 25 from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Rockwell Park Outdoor Pool (63 Dutton Ave).

All social and well-behaved dogs that play well with others are invited. Dogs should not be under 6 months old and MUST have current vaccinations and tags. Dogs must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Admission to Pooch Plunge is $3.00 at the gate or registration online (includes canine and companions). Click here for more information and to register.
 
 

Experience the magic of fall at the farm while developing your horsemanship skills. Participate in small group classes, guided by professional staff and equine friends. To reserve a spot, email Emily at program@shepardmeadows.org or call 860-314-0007 x102.