Colchester ConnectED
Colchester Public Schools - December 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Students, Staff and Families:
On December 22, 2023, all schools and offices will have an early release and schools will remain closed for the holiday break until January 2, 2024. As we inch closer to the break, I think it’s important to reflect on the spirit of the season. While this may seem cliché, it’s important to remember that different members of our community celebrate different holidays, and some are not religious.
This year, Hanukkah began on December 7 and concluded on December 15. Hanukkah is the festival of lights and commemorates the rededication of the temple in 2nd century BC and the burning of the temple menorah for 8 days on a single day’s supply of oil. The modern festival of lights is intended to remind others of this miracle. Hanukkah celebrations encompass family and community celebrations, traditional foods, music and gift giving.
While Christmas gets the most attention this time of year, and has definitely taken on a commercial persona, at its core, Christmas commemorates the birth of the Christian Messiah, Jesus Christ. Similar to Hanukkah, Christmas includes family rituals, inside and outside lights, food, music and of course, gift giving. The commercial aspect of Christmas often overshadows the religious meaning of the holiday and instead focuses on gift giving.
Kwanzaa is celebrated on the seven days following Christmas. It is a celebration of African American culture that includes songs and dances, storytelling, and a large traditional meal. Families light candles corresponding to the seven principles of Kwanzaa-unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, purpose, creativity and faith.
As you can see, there are several intersecting themes across religions, cultures and rituals. Most notably, is the focus on giving back and helping others. In the Jewish faith, the principle of tzedakah encourages people to give back via either monetary gifts or time. Many Christian churches establish giving trees and several community groups run food drives, toy drives, coat drives, etc…
So what is the spirit of the season? I believe it is about kindness, forgiveness, unplugging from the busy world around us, reconnecting with family and friends, helping others, and enjoying life. So regardless of your beliefs, best wishes for a joyous holiday season.
On a related note, I am encouraging all district staff to also focus on unplugging and reconnecting during the holiday break. To assist them in doing so, the Colchester Public Schools will have an “email holiday” from Noon on December 22, 2023, until 7:00 AM on January 2, 2024. Any messages received during this time can expect a response no later than Noon on January 3, 2024.
Daniel Sullivan
Monster Motels at JJIS!
Honoring Our Veterans
We honored our veterans throughout the District in November. WJJMS began their celebration with a Flag Ceremony. Afterward Veterans joined students and staff in small groups for question and answer sessions and then ended the day with a luncheon hosted by staff.
Congratulations to Riley Anderson
Congratulations to Bacon Academy's Riley Anderson who was named All-American for the 22-23 season by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association for her time of 23.07 in the 50 Yard Freestyle last season. Riley achieved this in her freshman year! She competes with the Manchester High School co-op swim team.
Bacon Academy Girls Soccer CIAC Class M State Champions!
Congratulations to Bacon Academy Girls Soccer who won their first ever Girls Soccer State Championship, 2-1 (11-10 PKs) over Suffield in Class M. Bacon Academy Goalkeeper, Elizabeth Glover, was chosen as MVP!
Employee Spotlight
Colchester Public Schools welcomes Eve Hurley as the new Director of Pupil Services and Special Education. The Board of Education unanimously appointed Eve as the District’s new Director of Pupil Services and Special Education on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Ms. Hurley previously worked as a special education teacher in South Windsor beginning in 2012, where she was then promoted to supervisor of special education in 2018. Ms. Hurley stated that it was an honor to be considered and appointed to the position and that the Colchester School District is known for prioritizing education and for putting the needs of students first. Ms. Hurley said she is committed to being a collaborative team member with transparent and visible leadership. She looks forward to beginning her time with Colchester Public Schools this month.
127 Norwich Avenue
Suite 202
Colchester, CT 06415
Phone: (860) 537-7267