Our teachers and staff have been gearing up for the first day of school and they are just as nervous and excited as students. We have over 170 new students entering the school for the first time. We have been working to get the classrooms, schedules, and lessons ready for the start of the year. We know getting back to school will be a transition from summer fun to school-focused. We have some recommendations for the beginning of the year and support for students and families adjusting to the switch. At the end of the newsletter, you will find staff contact information to answer your questions. We hope our Dragons are ready to dive into school and return to the Dragon Den!

See you on Tuesday! -- Mrs. Hernandez

8/27 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 7:30-2:05

9/2 - No School - Labor Day

9/18 - Half Day - Professional Learning

9/26 - Open House

10/8 - 12th Grade SATs

10/14 - No School - Indigenous Peoples' Day

10/24 - 10th & 11th PSATs

Your child's schedule was emailed to families on Friday afternoon. The email was sent by Ms. Lemay (elemay@crec.org). If your child is a returning student, they can also access their schedules on PowerSchool. Parents who have access to PS can also log in to find. If you need assistance, or have questions, please contact your child's school counselor. Contact information is at the end of the newsletter.

Meals for all students will be at no cost again this year. Students will be directed to the cafeteria upon arrival to the school (including those with late buses). Students can also bring lunch from home, but will not have access to a microwave. The school lunch calendar link can be accessed here.

Please review school policies with your child. Teachers will go over key topics and areas that impact students daily.

Key Topics:

• Attendance
• Tardies (School and Classes)
• Electronic Policy
• Sports Eligibility
• Grading
• Chromebook/Laptop Policy
• Discipline Policy

Electronics are a part of our world and can be an essential tool. However, for many of our students, they are also a source of distraction and interfere with their availability for learning. Numerous studies have shown the negative effects of phone use on education and overall mental health. We strongly encourage families to talk with their children about the importance of using electronics appropriately, including not using them during class time.

Middle School policy states that use or possession of cellular phones is not allowed during school.

• Cell phones, wireless headphones/earpods, and tablets must be TURNED OFF and PLACED IN LOCKERS AT ALL TIMES.
• Cell phones are NOT TO BE VISIBLE in any way, including being attached to belts or pockets. Visible electronics (tablets, cell phones, and wireless headphones/airpods) will be CONFISCATED and held in the main office for PARENT PICK-UP

High School policy states that students may use electronic devices before and after school, during passing time and during lunch.

• Students may NOT USE electronic devices in classrooms. Electronics used in classrooms (tablets, cell phones and wireless headphones/earpods) will be CONFISCATED and held in the main office for PARENT PICK-UP.

Students who bring electronic devices to school bear the burden and responsibility for device management and security. International does not assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged student devices.

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt shows how smartphones, social media, and helicopter parenting have led to a decline in young people’s mental health and offers actionable solutions to help our children become mature, emotionally stable adults.

• The Academy of International Studies will host a series of four sessions on Zoom to unpack and discuss this important text.
• If you are interested in participating, please fill out the interest form to determine the best dates for the series. Interest Form: https://forms.gle/Gj5TBuLvjceGuHt18

Families received student bus stops and times in the mail on Friday afternoon. In the brochure, families can find information on their tracking app that allows you to view where your child's bus is located and any alerts with changes or delays. Visit the website for more information. If you did not receive the notice in the mail please call 860-524-4077 or visit the website to find your child's stop.

Visit our CREC Athletics page to look at sports offerings and schedules. All athletes must submit parent information and physical forms on FINAL FORMS before participating. For questions or more information, please contact:

Mr. Aubrey Norris, Faculty Manager for High School Sports at anorris@crec.org or

Mr. Chaylyn Martin, Faculty Manager for Middle School Sports at chmartin@crec.org

Please remind your student to review and complete the required assignments before entering into the 2024-25 school year. This will count as the first assignment in their courses. All students were informed at the end of the year, posted on Schoology, and communication was sent home. If your child requires support, please contact the main office and someone will call you back to determine how we can support them.

The supply lists were developed to support your child in starting the year organized and prepared for a successful year. If you were unable to join us for the backpack event at CREC and need supplies, please give us a call at 860-242-7834 or email Ms. Shontay Gibson, Family and Community Coordinator at sgibson@crec.org.

Do you make a positive impact in your school and community through your leadership and service? The 2025 application is open Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2024, for high school seniors for a $20,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation! TO BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY full details available in the online application.

Applicants must be:

• Graduating high school in the 2024-2025 academic year •
• Enrolled at a school in the 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., or select DoD schools Eligible for federal financial aid
• Going to college in the U.S.

Applicants may not be:

• Children or grandchildren of current or former employees of the Coca-Cola system
• Graduating high school outside of the 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., or select DoD schools
• High school graduates
• Temporary U.S. Residents

Please contact the main office with any questions or support you may need. They will direct your call to the appropriate staff member. Ms. Shontay Gibson is our Family and Community Engagement Specialist is also available to help with any needs or resources you may have.

Family and Community Engagement Specialist

Ms. Shontay Gibson sgibson@cre.org 860.242.7834

• PowerSchool Support, Residency, Parent Concerns, Parent Resources

Administrative Assistants (860) 242-7834

Ms. Christina Safo-Darko - csafodarko@crec.org

• General Information, Parent Support, Attendance

Ms. Cindy Agosto - cagosto@crec.org

• General Information, Transportation

Ms. Linsy Lopez - llopez@crec.org

• Guidance Office, Transcripts, Transfers, Working Papers

Ms. Taniesha Mendez - tmendez@crec.org

• Principal's Office, Lottery, Business Services

Technology

Mr. Dwight Lewis - dlewis@crec.org

School Counselors

Ms. Taylor Clarke - tclarke@crec.org

• Middle School - 6th grade (A-K) and 8th Grade

Ms. Tania Thibault - tthibault@crec.org

• Middle School - 6th Grade (L-Z) and 7th Grade

Mr. Mark Field- mfield@crec.org

• High School - 9th-12th Grade (A-L)

Ms. Monika Chudy mchudy@crec.org

• High School - 9th-12th Grade (M-Z)

School Administrators (860) 242-7834

Principal - Mrs. Yesenia Hernandez - yhernandez@crec.org

Assistant Principal High School - Mr. Thomas Craig - tcraig@crec.org

Assistant Principal Middle School - Mrs. Eleisha LeMay - elemay@crec.org

Dean of Students High School - Ms. Raynette Holmes - raholmes@crec.org

Dean of Students Middle School - Mr. Benjamin Simon - bsimon@crec.org