Funding To Expand Dual Credit Courses in High Schools

September 29, 2023


High school students at Amity Regional and Derby High Schools are getting a major boost. Both districts received funding to enable more high school students to earn college credits prior to graduation. Accumulating those credits can help students get a jump start in their postsecondary program, while also saving money.

In Hartford, the Connecticut legislature convened for a Special Session on Tuesday and voted to move up the the state's presidential primary up by four weeks.

A new set of laws will take effect on Sunday, October 1. Please read below to see some of the big highlights.

Below you will find the following sections and topics in this week's email:
  • Major Boost For High School Students
  • Presidential Primary Moved Up by Four Weeks
  • Laws Effective October 1
  • Lowering Your Prescription Drug Costs
  • Free COVID-19 Tests Available
  • New Website Celebrating CT State Parks
  • In The News
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events and Community Calendar
  • Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
 
Major Boost For High School Students
The Connecticut State Department of Education awarded $70,000 to a pair of school systems in the 114th district to expand dual credit offerings in high schools. This investment is part of a $3.8 million statewide investment to enable more high school students to earn college credits prior to graduation through partnerships formed between high schools and public and private colleges and universities.
Amity received $60,000 to:
  • Increase the number of courses it offers through its existing partnership with UConn
  • Develop and enhance curriculum materials to ensure they align with the college and high school graduation requirements
  • Work alongside college/university staff to align the high school curriculum with the college in question
  • Purchase the primary and supplemental resources to support instruction
Derby Public Schools received $9,999.90 to:
  • Expand its pathways programming for in-demand careers such as health science, STEM, Business Management and Administration
  • Further expand concurrent enrollment offerings with Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)
  • Strengthen ties between high school counselors and teachers with SCSU faculty to modify the high school course content and curriculum to align with college expectations

CLICK HERE to see each district's Dual Credit Grant Applications. Make sure to click on Regional School District 05 and Derby School District to see more about their individual applications.

 
Presidential Primary Moved Up by Four Weeks

During Tuesday’s Special Session, we took a bipartisan proposal and moved the state's presidential primary up by four weeks. It will occur on the first Tuesday in April.

We made the decision after carefully considering how moving the primary would benefit Connecticut voters. By advancing the primary date, we aim to increase our influence in the national landscape and encourage more candidates to visit us during the 2024 campaign season.

The bipartisan support for this important bill serves as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding democracy and ensuring that every single voice has a meaningful opportunity to be heard and valued.

As we move forward, I encourage you to stay informed about the upcoming presidential primary and actively participate in the democratic process. Your vote matters and your voice deserves to be heard.

 
Laws Effective October 1
A number of new laws that were passed during the 2023 legislative session are effective on October 1. New laws include:
  • wrong-way driving prevention with a test program on 120 highway exit ramps that are determined high risk for wrong-way drivers
  • charging any adult over the age of 25 with a Class A misdemeanor for intentionally targeting a minor through online communication with the purpose of exploiting or abusing that child
  • making confessions obtained through deceptive and coercive interrogation methods inadmissible in court, unless prosecutors can prove they were voluntary and uncoerced
These are just some of the laws, click on the button below for the full list.
Laws Effective October 1
Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input, and please continue sharing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.
 
Lowering Your Prescription Drug Costs

On Monday, October 2, all Connecticut residents will be eligible to sign up for ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card program that provides up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state.

You need a valid physical Connecticut address and an email address to enroll. A digital card will be provided after registering.

The program is part of Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs, which I proudly supported.

I highly encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity. Residents should never have to worry about accessing the lifesaving care they need, and this free program is a massive leap forward. I'm thrilled ArrayRx is coming to Connecticut, and I will continue the fight to lower healthcare costs for all.
Learn about the ArrayRx
 
Free COVID-19 Tests Available

The federal government is once again allowing every household to order COVID-19 tests for free at COVIDtests.gov. You can place an order right now to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests that will be delivered to your home. According to The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the goal is to be prepared for the fall and winter seasons.

The ASPR is also distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other locations to make sure communities have widespread access to COVID-19 tests.

These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended to be used through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.

There are numerous other options to get tested for free, such as free community-based testing sites, including pharmacies, across Connecticut and the rest of the country. I encourage you to contact a HRSA health centerTest to Treat site, or ICATT location near you to learn how to access low or no cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government.

The mission of the ASPR is to assist the country in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies and disasters.

 
New Website Celebrating CT State Parks

Are you looking to learn more about our state parks? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) launched CTParks.com, a new website showcasing our Connecticut State Parks in a more user-friendly fashion.

More people are going outdoors and enjoying activities such as hiking, camping, biking, and fishing just to name a few. The new CTParks.com will allow you to learn about and access our wonderful state parks such as Osbornedale State Park in Derby and Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden.

Connecticut is home to 142 state parks and forests covering more than 255,000 acres of pristine coastline, rolling hills, and enchanting forests.
Click Here to Learn More About Osbornedale State Park
Click Here To Learn More About Sleeping Giant State Park
 
In The News
Milford Orange Times: "Looking Ahead"
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below to see what's going on in Derby, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
Former White House Butler and Author, Alan DeVelario, will share his story on Monday, October 2 at 6 P.M at the Derby Public Library. He will provide inside details about all the preparations involved in White House entertaining. Alan DeValerio served in the White House from 1980-1989. CLICK HERE to register.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the fliers below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the upcoming events in Orange, and please click the button below to access the community calendar.
Teen Craft: Halloween Spell Books
Get spooky by creating a creepy Halloween spell tome craft out of an old book! All materials are provided. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Case Memorial Library

CLICK HERE to register!
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the events below and click the button under that to access the community calendar.
Come celebrate Woodbridge Recreation Department 41st Annual Road Race and Fun Run. The 5k Road Race will be held on September 30 at 10:30 A.M. at 10 Newton Road.
 
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at recreation@woodbridgect.org.
Click Here To Register
The Town of Woodbridge Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invites the public to attend the 3rd Annual Woodbridge Like Me Day. The free community event features live performances, local organizations, music, food trucks, and more and is a celebration of our vibrant and diverse Woodbridge community.
Woodbridge Community Calendar