Jason Rojas

Dear Neighbor,

I hope this email finds you well. Below, you'll find updates on district resources and news.

Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns.

The topics covered in this e-newsletter are as follows:

• Community Resources
• This Week In Connecticut History
• Manchester Community Events and Information
• East Hartford Community Events and Information

Today in 1996, yielding to intense and unrelenting pressure from the university administration, graduate student teachers at Yale University finally turned in final grades for the classes they had taught the previous semester — an action that ended an incredibly tense standoff over teacher compensation and labor rights closely watched by students and university administrators throughout the country.

Since 1990, a majority of Yale’s graduate students, many of whom worked as instructors teaching introductory-level undergraduate courses, had expressed an interest in organizing a formal union to better represent their interests, claiming that their long work weeks and instructor status earned them the right to be recognized as full-fledged Yale employees. The university countered that its graduate instructors were students first and foremost, and were amply compensated for their time with a modest stipend and tuition waivers, commensurate with graduate instructor arrangements at similar elite universities across the United States.

Hoping to ultimately gain the right to bargain for better working conditions and benefits like less expensive health care plans, Yale graduate students finally voted to unionize in April 1995, a move immediately denounced by Yale University officials. Several months later, in December, the newly formed Graduate Employees and Students Organization voted to go on a grading strike and withhold the final grades from the fall semester until university officials formally recognized them as a union. Tensions between the two parties increased sharply after the deadline for the final submission of student grades came and went in early January of 1996. Yale undergraduates students were split in their support of their graduate instructors, with some resenting the disruptive daily protests and holds on their transcripts, while others threatened to sue the university for a disruption in services out of solidarity with the striking instructors. On January 10, hundreds of students held a massive rally in support of the graduate student union on Yale’s downtown New Haven campus, which concluded with the peaceful arrests of 138 protestors charged with blocking access to public streets.

As the ongoing grading strike threatened to become one of the more disruptive student disturbances in Yale’s modern history, university administrators put increasing pressure on the striking graduate students to concede, threatening the non-compliant instructors with a loss of their jobs, tuition reimbursement, and even expulsion from their graduate programs. On January 16, 1996, a majority of the striking students decided that the university’s threats of retaliation were too great to risk, and submitted the final fall semester grades for their classes. Even though the 1996 Yale graduate student strike ultimately failed in its objectives, it served as a harbinger of the increasing labor disputes and debates about the ethics of American universities’ increasing use of adjunct instructors that has grown only louder in the ensuing decades.

Further Reading

Andrea Ahles, “Yale Grad Students Rally in Support of Peers,” The Daily Pennsylvanian

George Judson, “Yale Student Strike Points to Decline in Tenured Jobs,” New York Times

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents
 
Town Newsletters
Pulse of East Hartford     
East Hartford Public Schools
East Hartford Works

The 41st Annual Martin Luther King Celebration will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm in the Manchester High School Bailey Auditorium. This program is to honor students and small groups who are promoting positive change in their school or community. The theme for this year’s celebration is inspired by the quote: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” Please join us for this special evening to honor Dr. King and recognize the amazing contributions of youth in our community. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Samantha Bell at sbell@manchesterct.gov.

The Town of Manchester’s Downtown Arts and Culture Grant Program seeks to encourage and support initiatives, events and installations that contribute to the vibrancy and engaging atmosphere in the Downtown area defined by the boundaries of the Special Services District (map attached) plus Charter Oak Park, Center Memorial Park and Center Springs Park.

Funding is available to be granted for individuals or organizations that effectively propose initiatives, projects, events or installations that the Oversight Committee determines to be most appropriate and timely for this round of grant awards.

Applications are due to the Budget & Research Office electronically by 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026. The Committee’s intention is to award grants by March 10, 2026.

View Mini Grant Application Packet(PDF, 2MB)

We live in a time when it is easy to be impressed by the polished lives we see online—beautiful people, perfect posts, endless followers. But real confidence and joy don’t come from likes or views; they come from feeling strong, connected, and grounded. As we move into the winter months, I encourage you to focus on building a healthy mind and body. Take a look through the Manchester Now catalog to discover activities that fit your interests and inspire you to stay active and engaged. Whether it’s joining a fitness class, exploring a new hobby, or connecting with others through community programs, these small choices can make a bid difference. Stay the course this winter, and by spring, you’ll be ready to step into the new season feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for all that’s ahead.
 

Manchester Now Winter/Spring 2026 Publication

Next date: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 08:30 AM to 11:30 AM

* We hold multiple classes on the same day utilizing different classrooms.

The dates for the following 5 classes are January 17th,   February 21st,  March 21st,  and April 25th 

1.) Pediatric First Aid & CPR this class is hybrid with the first half being taught live through Zoom starting at 8:30am. Followed by a 45 min break to give students enough time to drive to the Fire Station for the in-person porting of the class. Class will end around 2:30/3:00pm 

This class is geared toward Childcare Providers, Parents & Foster Parents approved by the Office of Early Childhood. This class is also perfect for school staff, couches and babysitters. This class also includes choking relief for all ages. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/ChildCareCPRFirstAid

2.) AHA Heartsaver Pediatric CPR AED only noon to 3:00pm.  This class also includes choking relief for all ages. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/PediCPR

3.) AHA Heartsaver CPR 8:30 to 11:00am  This class also includes choking relief. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/AdultCPRonly

4.) AHA BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers , First Responders, their Support Staff & College students going into the health field. 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Our classes are approved by all CT Colleges and complies with all health & health allied major's clinical requirements.

Class includes Adult and Infant CPR AED with the use of a Bag Valve Mask (BVM) device for respirations and emphasis on team dynamics, adult and infant choking relief for all ages. 

click on this link below to sign up for a class

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/HealthCareProviderBLS

5.) AHA Heartsaver Adult First Aid CPR 9am to 2pm with a 45 min break. This class includes adult & child choking relief.

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/AdultFirstAidCPRAED

Subjects usually covered but not limited to in our First Aid Pediatric classes are 

• Recognition & management of both physical & medical emergencies pertaining to but not limited to children, staff, environment & fire

•  Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Attack, Fainting & Seizure. 

• Accident prevention & safety for both indoor & outdoor play area, toy safety, car safety including child restraint systems
• Poisoning including lead, plants & chemical poisoning
• Child Abuse including types, signs & regulations pertaining to mandated reporters 

• Communicable disease prevention, recognition, management & ways of transmission, Signs & symptoms of common illnesses
• Infection control including hand washing, diapering & vaccinations

• Respiratory distress including Asthma & upper respiratory infections 

• Choking relief for all ages

• First Aid Kits

• Heat and cold temperature related illness & injuries

• Bleeding control 

• Burns

• Muscle & Bone injuries including splinting 

Subjects usually covered but not limited to in our Adult First Aid classes are 

• Recognition & Management of both physical & medical Emergencies, 

• Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Attack, Fainting & Seizure. 

• Poisoning including lead, plants & chemical poisoning

• Respiratory distress including Asthma & upper respiratory infections 

• Choking relief for all ages
• First Aid Kits

• Heat and cold temperature related illness & injuries

• Bleeding control 

• Burns

• Muscle & Bone injuries including splinting  

The Town of East Hartford, in partnership with the East Hartford Black Caucus and the Connecticut Center for Non-Violence, will host a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration on Monday, January 19 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm in front of Town Hall (740 Main Street).
The commemoration serves as an opportunity to honor and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision for equality, justice, and non-violent social change. Community members are invited to gather and participate in a time of remembrance, reflection and unity.
The event will feature:

• Remarks - Councilman Harry Amadasun, Jr.
• Spoken Word – Erwin Hurst IV
• Oration – Elder Brian R. Hall, Sr.
• Remarks – Mayor Connor S. Martin
• Nonviolence Flag Raising
• Remarks – Councilman Donald Bell, Jr.

This event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend and participate in this meaningful day of remembrance.
Of the event, Mayor Connor S. Martin says, “Dr. King’s legacy encourages us to act with courage, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Here in East Hartford, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. I am proud to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to work alongside the East Hartford Black Caucus and the Connecticut Center for Non-Violence. In honor of Dr. King, we recommit ourselves to building a community rooted in equity, dignity, and respect for all.”

Mayor Connor Martin invites you to the third annual State of the Town Address on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 6:00-8:00pm. The meeting will take place in the Town Council Chambers on the second floor of Town Hall, 740 Main Street.

This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand about progress and vision for the year ahead, along with key updates, achievements, and future plans for our town.

In addition, the community will have an opportunity to meet the Mayor and Town of East Hartford directors. A Q&A session will follow the meeting, providing an opportunity for you ask your questions.

This is a hybrid meeting (in-person and virtual). You can join the Microsoft Teams meeting here

Meeting ID: 235 866 465 752 61

Passcode: Y2wL6Qm2

Public Safety Notice - Prevent Home Fires: Use Portable Heaters Safely
The East Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office reminds all residents that a leading cause of residential fires continues to be the improper use of portable heating appliances. As temperatures drop, many households rely on space heaters and other portable devices for warmth. Used incorrectly, these appliances can quickly lead to dangerous and even fatal fires.
Please take a moment to review these important guidelines to keep your home and family safe.
Safe Use of Portable Heaters:
1. Keep a safe distance.

• Maintain at least 3 feet (1 meter) of clearance between heaters and anything that can burn—furniture, bedding, curtains, clothing, or paper.

2. Plug heaters directly into wall outlets.

• Never use extension cords or power strips, as they can overheat and ignite.
• Inspect the cord and plug for damage before every use.

3. Choose heaters with automatic shut-off features.

• Look for units that turn off if tipped over or overheating occurs.

4. Place heaters on flat, sturdy surfaces.

• Avoid carpeting or unstable furniture where the heater might tip.

5. Turn heaters off when sleeping or leaving the room.

• Portable heaters should never be used unattended.

6. Keep children and pets away.

• Maintain a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet.

Additional Fire Safety Requirements & Codes
These practices align with national fire safety standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and commonly adopted local regulations:

• Smoke Alarms: Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level.
• Clear Exits: Keep all exits, hallways, and stairways clear of portable heaters or other obstructions.
• Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading outlets. If breakers trip or cords become warm, stop using the appliance immediately.
• Approved Appliances: Use only UL-listed or third-party tested heating devices. Never use ovens, stovetops, or grills to heat your home.

A Message from the East Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office
Your safety is our top priority. By using portable heaters responsibly and following fire safety codes, you help protect not only your household but your neighbors and the entire East Hartford community.
If you have questions about home heating safety, need help checking your smoke or CO alarms, or would like additional resources, please contact the East Hartford Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division.
Stay warm. Stay safe. Prevent fires.