SAU 32 Monthly News

October has given us a lot of beauty this year, and I hope everyone's getting ready for a great Halloween!

Studies:

They say that educators are lifelong learners....well, this is certainly evident with our current "studies". Our team has been working hard on various committees to study a few things to help inform our community. This has meant doing our research, gathering information, looking at data, reaching out to constituents, and of course putting it all together. Here are the updates on our studies, plus information about how you can be involved and learn more.

Middle School Study:

Last March, both communities -- Plainfield and Cornish -- voted to pursue a comprehensive study of a shared middle school between the two towns for students in grades 6-8. The Middle School Study Committee -- made up of constituents representing teachers, community members, parents/guardians, and administrators from both towns -- has been thoroughly researching and collecting information in four key areas: academic learning, student development, facilities, and infrastructure. We're reaching the final stages of our work and will be presenting a draft proposal at the Joint Board meeting on November 19, 2024 at 5:30 pm in the Plainfield School gymnasium.

We hope many of you will attend to learn more about the study, what we've learned, and where we go from here!

Cooperative Planning Team:

The Cooperative Planning Team was also formed by voters last March, with the intention of researching the feasibility of forming one district between Plainfield and Cornish. This team meets once per month and collects information, researches other cooperative arrangements, and reviews the legal parameters around consolidation. These include topics such as board governance, high school models, facilities, and of course, budgets. Brief updates on our progress are included in each month's superintendent board report, and a more holistic update will be provided for the annual meeting. This is a longer process, and by law we need to spend 2-3 years on this study -- this is year 1.

October 30, 2024:

Zoom Information Session on the Middle School Study 7-8 pm (link below, online only)

November 19, 2024:

Joint School Board Meeting to Review Draft Proposal of the Middle School Study

Plainfield School, 5:30 pm (in person and zoom -- link below)

December 12, 2024:

Middle School Public Forum, Plainfield School 6-8pm (in person and zoom)

January 15, 2025:

Middle School Public Forum, Cornish Elementary School 6-8 pm (in person and zoom)

As we move towards election day, your kids might be asking their usual curious questions, feeling the tension of others, and/or just have a lot to say!

Here's a few links to resources that might help you navigate the next few weeks:

How to Talk with your Child about the Election

Guidance for Speaking to Kids about the Election

Let's Vote!

How to Explain the Election and Voting to Kids

Helping young children Navigate Election Anxiety

The legislative session has begun, and there are already over 200 education-related bills! As always, we'll try to focus in on those that will directly impact our communities and kids.

In the meantime, our local and gubernatorial elections may also bring changes to our schools. For now, everything is "stay tuned"!