Updates from State Rep. Chris Poulos - May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

It was a busy week at the State Capitol with three session days as we work toward our June 7 adjournment. 

Please check out my recap of the week along with other noteworthy items, and thanks for taking the time to read them!

 
Notable Education Bill Passes
As a current teacher and member of the Education Committee, I was glad to see HB 6880 pass the House of Representatives on Tuesday since it was priority legislation for me.

HB 6880 includes among its provisions:

  • Moves start date for kindergarten to those who turn 5 years old before September 1
  • Requires play-based learning in pre-K and kindergarten and allows it in grades 1 through 5
  • Limits edTPA to an accountability measure, not a way to deny initial educator certificates
  • Requires exit surveys for teachers who leave voluntarily to help develop ways to additionally address teacher retention
  • Creates more professional development opportunities for paraeducators, and allows paraeducators greater involvement in the PPT process
  • Expands the alternate route to certification program and requires the Office of Higher Education to hire a full-time employee to administer the program
  • Addresses certain teacher shortage areas by extending the special education endorsement for grades 1-12 to pre-K and kindergarten and allowing superintendents to permit a teacher certified for grades 1-6 to teach an additional year of kindergarten
  • Overhauls teacher evaluation process to address the whole teacher and whole student, no longer reducing teachers to a tiered rating system or reducing student growth to purely academic performance

This legislation makes vital revisions to our education laws that support parents, teachers, families and most importantly, our students.

 
Good Friends
Bumped in to my good friend and 2004 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, Bill Davenport, at his 4H booth at UConn's Extension Volunteer Partners Showcase at the Satet Capitol on Thursday. We are fortunate to have great educators running our College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources at UConn!

Monday is Memorial Day

In memory of many, in honor of all, thank you. Your bravery and service will never be forgotten. Have a safe Memorial Day, and remember, this nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

Southington will have its annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday starting at 10:30 a.m.

Hosted by the Southington American Legion Kiltonic Post No. 72 chapter, the Southington Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 29.

The Southington American Legion Kiltonic Post No. 72 is the host and parade participants include local veterans, civic, youth and town groups. They will assemble at Derynoski Elementary School's lower parking lot on Eden Avenue between 9:45 and 10:15 a.m. 

The route takes marchers to 98 Main Street with a Memorial Day service taking place after on the Southington Town Green immediately after the parade.

Please see below for additional information on services across Southington.
Southington Drive-In Schedule

The Southington Drive-In has announced its lineup of movies for the 2023 summer season on Saturday nights starting with "Jaws" on June 3.

There are a number of movies for children, including "Minions: The Rise of Gru," but the schedule also includes blockbusters like "Top Gun: Maverick."

It's $20 per carload or $5 for walk-in customers.

Please see the graphic below for the complete schedule or click HERE.