Top Vernon Students Honored

November 22, 2024

Despite some recent rain, Connecticut remains under extreme fire danger so please do not burn anything outside. I know I sound like a broken record, but crews continue to battle brush fires in parts of the state.

Vernon Public Schools recognized 18 students and named our teacher of the year this week. Keep scrolling to learn more about the honorees and their outstanding work.

Your high school student has an opportunity to win a cash prize in the Teen Safe Driving Video Contest. I'll explain how your child can get involved.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Continued Extreme Fire Danger
  • Brightest Students & Teacher Honored
  • Vernon Senior Center Community Garden
  • Teen Safe Driving Video Contest
  • Community Events
 
Continued Extreme Fire Danger
I would like to remind you that an emergency burn ban remains in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas. The use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors are banned.
All of Connecticut is currently in a Stage 2 Drought Advisory. Residents are encouraged to be mindful of water consumption.
 
Brightest Students & Teacher Honored
Vernon Public Schools honored 18 elementary school students and the district’s Teacher of the Year at a special award ceremony this week. I would like to congratulate the cream of the crop for their outstanding work in and outside of the classroom. CLICK HERE to learn about the individual students and teacher who were recognized on Monday night.
 
Vernon Senior Center Community Garden
The Vernon Senior Center celebrated the completion of a community garden in the center’s courtyard. The garden, which has raised planters and sidewalks to make it accessible for all people, will be ready for the spring. It was created thanks to a grant from AARP and the effort of Vernon Public Works crews.
The plan is to grow vegetables, which will be used in the senior center kitchen while the rest will be available to senior center members.
 
Teen Safe Driving Video Contest

Teenage students and high schools in Connecticut can win up to $26,000 in prizes by entering a submission into Connecticut’s 16th annual Teen Safe Driving Video Contest hosted by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Travelers.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes across the country involving teenage drivers between the ages of 15 and 18.

The Teen Safe Driving Video Contest is open to all public, private, and home-schooled high school students in Connecticut between the ages of 14 and 18. Contest entrants are required to create a unique and effective video public service announcement no longer than 45 seconds, highlighting interactions between drivers and other teens while illustrating ways to practice safer driving habits and obeying Connecticut’s teen driving laws.

The videos must also address at least one specific Connecticut teen driving law. Click HERE to read the full contest rules and instructions on submitting a video. The deadline for submissions is February 3, 2025. To watch winning videos from previous years, click here.
 
Community Events