Your Choice... Our Future

Transcription

1 Open CHOICE PROGRAM Hartford Region Your Choice Our Future E xcellence in Education openchoice@crec.org

2 Open Choice Makes a Difference The Hartford Region Open Choice Program (formerly Project Concern), a 47-year-old program, offers Hartford students the opportunity to attend public schools in suburban towns, and suburban students the opportunity to attend public schools in Hartford, at no cost to the student s family. The goal of the Open Choice Program is to improve academic achievement, reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation, and provide all children with a choice of high quality educational programs. Studies show that students in integrated schools are more likely to graduate from high school, go on to college, and graduate from college. The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) is one of four agencies in Connecticut that are legislatively mandated to manage the statewide program. Funding is provided by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Hartford Region Open Choice Program

3 Our Open Choice team includes bilingual staff who work closely with school districts to help support students and their families. Together, we help your child participate in a rewarding, diverse, educational experience that will prepare him/her for a successful future. Open Choice Early Beginnings (OCEB) OCEB is the pre-school and kindergarten component of the Open Choice Program. The goal of OCEB is to improve the academic success and transition of Open Choice students. Students receive both social and academic instructional support in a full-day school program in order to meet the rigorous goals of the school district and the Connecticut Department of Education. Through the combined efforts of all educators involved in the Early Beginnings program, students receive a wellrounded education. Resources include CREC Math and Literacy facilitators for kindergarten students, high-quality instruction aligned to state standards, an integrated educational setting, and home-to-school communication supported by the Early Beginnings Resource Specialist. Children entering the prekindergarten lottery for OCEB should be toilet trained prior to entering school. Science Everywhere Summer Academy The Summer Academy is available to Open Choice elementary and middle school students in grades 1 through 8. Students are accepted into the program based on recommendations from their parent, school, or Open Choice staff. Students who participate in the Science Everywhere Summer Academy are involved in daily enrichment activities including a hands-on science and math curriculum and field trips in July. Transportation is provided, as well as breakfast and lunch. Families may also choose to participate in the summer program offered in their child s district. Choice After School Academy (CASA) CASA is an after-school program, available to Open Choice middle and high school students in grades 6 through 12. The program focuses on providing students with academic support and social/emotional strategies. Students participate in tutoring services, ongoing academic assessments, and social activities. Student achievement is assessed through the analysis of academic work and feedback from school guidance counselors and social workers. The certified social worker provides one-on-one and small group counseling for students as needed. The program runs for 27 weeks, through two semesters, allowing students to register at any time from October to May. Transportation is provided to CASA s Hartford location from the student s district. O openchoice@crec.org

4 Benefits of the Open Choice Program y Full Day Preschool and Kindergarten programs. y Once enrolled, students attend school in the Open Choice district until high school graduation. y Effort is made to place siblings in the same school district at the time of placement y Open Choice team (including bilingual staff) works closely with school districts to help support students and their families y Special education facilitators to support families of children with special needs y Literacy and Math facilitators for kindergarten students y Athletic programs in all districts y After School Academy for middle and high school students in Hartford y Summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students y People Empowering People leadership training program for all Open Choice parents y Free tuition and transportation Facts about the Open Choice Program For the school year, there are approximately 2,000 students enrolled in 134 schools in 29 school districts through the Open Choice Program. y Hartford resident students may apply to attend public school in the 25 surrounding suburbs. y Suburban resident students may apply to a attend designated Hartford Public School. y Free transportation is available to Hartford PK4-12 residents and suburban K-12 students residing in the RSCO transportation zone. y All students are encouraged to apply for the program, including gifted and talented students, English language learners, and special education students. y The majority of Open Choice high school graduates attend higher education institutions, including four year colleges such as Boston University, Howard University, and Arizona State University. Hartford Region Open Choice Program

5 Eligibility Hartford residents who are interested in attending a suburban public school in grades PK4-10 are eligible. Suburban residents who are interested in attending designated Hartford Public Schools in PreK to grade 12 are eligible. Participating Open Choice Districts The Hartford Region Open Choice districts include Avon, Berlin, Bolton, Bristol, Canton, Cromwell, East Granby, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Newington, Plainville, Portland, Region 10, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor, Southington, Suffield, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. Lottery Application Process The Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) assists and supports parents in completing RSCO lottery applications and making educational choices. You must submit a RSCO lottery application either online at or using the paper application available at the Regional School Choice Office, by Friday, February 28, Students are selected through a blind lottery process and will be informed of placements beginning in April Students who are not selected during the lottery process will be placed on a waitlist, which expires annually. For more information about Open Choice, attend a RSCO fair and an Open Choice information session. RSCO fair dates and Open Choice information session dates are available on the RSCO website at openchoice@crec.org

6 RSCO Lottery Placement Procedures y Hartford resident applicants may select up to five (5) suburban public school districts by residential zone and may also select All Districts as their last or only selection. y Students who apply to both Open Choice and a magnet school(s) will receive only one placement offer and will be removed from all waitlists once a placement offer has been made. If a student receives a placement in Open Choice, they will be removed from all magnet school waitlists and all remaining Open Choice district waitlists. y The sibling of an Open Choice student will receive preferential placement if there is a seat available for their grade in the same town as the enrolled student as long as the enrolled student remains enrolled for In order to receive the preference, the applicant must select the enrolled sibling s district as their first choice on the RSCO lottery application. y To receive sibling preference at the time of an initial application, applicants must rank the same school districts in the same order on both student applications. y Students who only select Open Choice on the RSCO lottery application will be given a placement preference after enrolled siblings and before general waitlist applicants. District Placement On the RSCO lottery application, Hartford students may select up to five (5) suburban public school districts within the zone in which they reside. Hartford Residential Zones Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 All Zones Suburban Public School Districts Avon, Canton, East Granby, Granby, Simsbury, West Hartford Bolton, East Granby, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Somers, South Windsor, Suffield, Vernon, Windsor Locks Berlin, Farmington, Glastonbury, Newington, Plainville, Southington, West Hartford, Wethersfield Berlin, Cromwell, Glastonbury, Newington, Portland, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield All Districts may be selected as the only option or as the last selection on the RSCO lottery application. Hartford Region Open Choice Program

7 On the RSCO lottery application, Hartford students residing in the residential zones below may select up to five (5) suburban public school districts listed within that zone

8 Hartford Region Open Choice Program Suburban Public School Districts Hartford residents applying for Open Choice may be placed in any one of the following suburban school districts in grades PK4-10: District: Avon Website: Location: 10 miles west of Hartford, CT Zone: 1 Description: Coupled with supportive government agencies and a beautiful location, Avon is considered to be one of the most desirable communities in the state. Avon has demonstrated a strong commitment to education by its emphasis on student achievement, improved school facilities, and parent involvement. Avon parents are encouraged to participate in school affairs and have demonstrated their support for education at town meetings through a strong volunteer program and an active PTO in each school. Student/Teacher Ratio: 19.5:1 for grades K-4 District: Berlin Website: Location: 15 miles southwest of Hartford, CT Zones: 3 and 4 Description: The purpose of public education in Berlin is to stimulate and guide, along with parents, the intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of all students in the community toward responsible, selfdisciplined, creative, contributory, and perceptive citizenship in a free society. To accomplish this purpose, the system of education must recognize individual differences while helping each student to develop toward his or her full potential. Each and every student in the Berlin Public Schools will achieve established, rigorous performance standards in all areas of student learning by becoming independent strategic readers, problem solvers, and critical thinkers. Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Hartford Region Open Choice Program

9 District: Bolton Website: Location: 15 miles east of Hartford, CT Zone: 2 Description: The Bolton Public Schools community collaborates to encourage learners to become ethical citizens who are innovative, influential leaders in their world. Current initiatives include engaging the community, staff, families, students, and alumni in supporting the schools and improving educational outcomes for all students and coordinating an ongoing review of student performance for program evaluation and program development. Student/Teacher Ratio: 10:1 District: Canton Website: Location: 13 miles west of Hartford, CT Zone: 1 Description: Our mission is to prepare productive, tolerant, and responsible citizens with the character and independence to embrace and contribute to the world. Individually and collectively, the community, families, faculty, and the Canton Board of Education hold these values for themselves and for the children they serve. Canton Public Schools shape the future of its students by opening minds and transforming lines through creative and innovative programs. Canton Public Schools shape the future of its students by opening minds and transforming lives through creative and innovative programs. Our school district is a lighthouse district, one to which other communities look. Student/Teacher Ratio: 13: openchoice@crec.org

10 District: Cromwell Website: Location: 13 miles south of Hartford, CT Zone: 4 Description: The Cromwell Public School district comprises four educational facilities which include Cromwell High School (Grades 9-12), Cromwell Middle School (Grades 6-8), Woodside Intermediate School (Grades 3-5), and the Edna C. Stevens Elementary School (Grades PreK-2). Approximately 2,000 students are enrolled in the district. The proximity of our four schools to one another affords us the opportunity to share resources and personnel in the most educational and cost-effective manner possible. Our dedication to 21st Century learning has been enhanced through a multi-year commitment to technological improvements. These upgrades have connected all buildings via cable for data, voice, and video exchange for internal communications. Additionally, the entire district has access to the Internet through our Connecticut Education Network affiliation. The Cromwell Public Schools strive to educate and inspire all students to apply the essential skills needed to become productive and responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world. In pursuing this mission, the Cromwell Public School community believes that all students are valued and deserve an education that addresses their academic, physical, and social/emotional needs, and that all members of the community must uphold high expectations, be accountable, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Hartford Region Open Choice Program

11 District: East Granby Website: Location: 13 miles northeast of Hartford, CT Zones: 1 and 2 Description: East Granby Public Schools is a learning community where students are inspired and engaged in rigorous and authentic learning experiences that prepare them to meet the demands of a changing world. Students pursue knowledge in 21st century learning environments that foster individual talents, skills, and interests so they may achieve their personal and career goals. Educators, parents, students, and community partners are important stakeholders in the success of the schools. Together, we work to ensure that students achieve high expectations and actualize their full potential to contribute to society. Student/Teacher Ratio: 19:1 District: East Windsor Website: Location: 16 miles north of Hartford, CT Zone: 2 Description: East Windsor is known for its pastoral beauty acres of rolling fields and woodlands blanket the town. East Windsor Public Schools provide a climate that inspires the school community to achieve their full potential through continuous improvement, mutual trust and respect. The administrative team includes nine professionals throughout the district a principal and assistant principal in each of East Windsor s three schools, an Assistant Superintendent of PreK-12 Education, a Director of Special Education, and the Superintendent of Schools. Student/Teacher Ratio: 12: openchoice@crec.org

12 District: Ellington Website: Location: 18.9 miles northeast of Hartford, CT Zone: 2 Description: Ellington Public Schools prepare students to enter a rapidly changing and complex world with strong academic skills, breadth of knowledge, depth of understanding, commitment to others, and the attitudes necessary to become productive, contributing citizens. Keeping children as the focus of our endeavors, we ensure that students can achieve our vision by creating a safe and orderly learning environment. We maintain high standards for the traditional components of a basic education and integrate research-based, innovative programs that challenge and encourage students to reach their individual potential and prepare them for productive lives and responsible citizenship. Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1 District: Enfield Website: Location: 20 miles north of Hartford, CT Zone: 2 Description: Enfield Public Schools offer a comprehensive PreK-12 program. A full array of academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities are offered. The district consists of four PreK-2 primary schools, three grade 3-5 intermediate schools, a grades 6-8 middle school, and two high schools (grades 9-12). Approximately 5,640 students are enrolled in the Enfield Public Schools. The district is governed by a nine member Board of Education. Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Hartford Region Open Choice Program

13 District: Farmington Website: Location: 12 miles west of Hartford, CT Zone: 3 Description: Farmington Public Schools believe that all students are capable of acquiring the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for productive, ethical, and responsible citizenship in an evolving world community. As an innovative learning organization, the Farmington school district is deeply committed to continuous improvement. Thus, collaborative interactions among students, educators, parents, and families emphasize the importance of clear expectations, rigorous standards-led curriculum, inspired instruction, personal effort, and engaged relationships leading to high levels of achievement for all learners. The mission of the Farmington Public Schools is to enable all students to achieve academic and personal excellence, exhibit persistent effort, and live as resourceful, inquiring, and contributing global citizens. District: Glastonbury Website: Location: 6.9 miles southeast of Hartford, CT Zones: 3 and 4 Description: Glastonbury Public Schools, in partnership with the entire community, prepares and challenges every student to become a successful and productive member of our diverse and evolving global society. A total of nine schools compose the Glastonbury Public Schools system, including one high school, one grades 7-8 middle school, a grade 6 school, and a total of six K-5 elementary schools. Approximately 95% of the town s school age children attend Glastonbury Public Schools, with approximately 7,000 students enrolled in the district. Student/Teacher Ratio: 13: openchoice@crec.org

14 District: Granby Website: Location: 20 miles northwest of Hartford, CT Zone: 1 Description: Granby Public Schools provide a comprehensive educational program for approximately 2,200 students in grades Pre-K-12 dedicated to every student graduating on time, prepared for 21st century citizenship. Granby is an outstanding rural school district with a dedicated and talented staff, enthusiastic student body, and an extremely supportive community. The district is characterized by its academic excellence, a rich variety of athletic, artistic, and co-curricular opportunities, community service, and high standards of personal behavior. A 21st Century vision and mission drive the work of the district. Granby has actively and successfully participated in Open Choice since its inception over thirty years ago. The district embraces cultural diversity. Students from Hartford start school in Granby in kindergarten and they are fully included in the life of each school. Equity of outcomes for Hartford students is a district expectation. Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1 District: Newington Website: Location: 8.9 miles south of Hartford, CT Zones: 3 and 4 Description: Newington Public Schools curriculum provides a comprehensive, diverse, and challenging array of rich learning experiences to meet the needs of all students. Based on state and national standards, the curriculum provides the framework of the student s educational journey from kindergarten through senior year in high school. Measurable student learning objectives and methods of assessing learning allows for the monitoring of every student s progress and achievement. Student/Teacher Ratio: 21:1 Hartford Region Open Choice Program

15 District: Plainville Website: Location: 14 miles west of Hartford, CT Zone: 3 Description: Plainville Public Schools promote higher student achievement in English/language arts, mathematics, and science through continuous improvement. Our schools are consistently improving CMT and CAPT achievement, and exceeding the state and DRG averages in all grades. A strong intervention program has decreased the number of students not achieving proficiency in math, reading, and writing. Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1 District: Portland Website: Location: 17.9 miles southeast of Hartford, CT Zone: 4 Description: Portland Public Schools prides itself on its small class sizes and first-rate education provided by dedicated, caring teachers. Our goal is for every student to become a successful reader, writer, and mathematician, with a sense of personal responsibility and respect for others. Portland s Intermediate School recently received a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award and Portland was recognized as one of America s Top 100 Small Towns. Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1 District: Rocky Hill Website: Location: 9 miles south of Hartford, CT Zone: 4 Description: Rocky Hill Public Schools are committed to providing an educational environment in which all students discover and achieve their maximum potential in preparation for productive, meaningful lives and responsible citizenship. All Rocky Hill students will demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and mastery of communications skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), mathematics, physical/life sciences, and social studies. All Rocky Hill students will develop habits conducive to health, personal responsibility, and good citizenship essential for living cooperatively and productively in an increasingly complex world. Student/Teacher Ratio: 19: openchoice@crec.org

16 District: Simsbury Website: Location: 12.7 miles west of Hartford, CT Zone: 1 Description: Simsbury Public Schools prepare students for a global, interconnected society, which requires facility with relationships, higher order thinking, technology, and languages. Teachers collaborate on a regular basis and instill joy and excitement about learning. They are experts in instruction and content knowledge, emphasizing 21st century skills across all curricular areas. The curriculum emphasizes critical and creative thought, problem solving, effective communication, artistic expression, an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, as well as physical, social, and emotional wellness. Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1 District: Somers Website: Location: 24 miles northeast of Hartford, CT Zone: 2 Description: The vision of Somers Public Schools is to challenge our students and staff to pursue excellence, foster creative expression, and to develop a concern for the quality of life for all. Our vision embraces a culture and environment that promotes lifelong learning, develops self-worth, supports uniqueness and diversity, and empowers individuals to make choices that lead to lives filled with dignity, respect, happiness, and opportunity. Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Hartford Region Open Choice Program

17 District: South Windsor Website: Location: 8 miles north of Hartford, CT Zone: 2 Description: South Windsor Public Schools promotes an engaging and dynamic culture of learning that prepares students to achieve their own individual excellence. Within an emotionally safe environment, educators will foster students academic, social, and personal growth. Our students will demonstrate critical and creative thinking, self-direction, collaboration, adaptability, compassion, and civic responsibility in an ever-changing global society. Student/Teacher Ratio: 20:1 District: Southington Website: Location: 18.8 miles southwest of Hartford, CT Zone: 3 Description: Students engage in a range of educational experiences to become informed, adaptive problem solvers who effectively communicate, rise to challenges, and are committed to improve themselves and their communities. Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1 District: Suffield Website: Location: 19 miles north of Hartford, CT Zone: 2 Description: Suffield Public Schools believes that one of its most important responsibilities is to work with parents and the community to prepare students to be confident, thoughtful, contributing citizens, now and throughout their lives. We believe that our school system helps develop these qualities by creating an atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance. This supports students as they learn and grow and prepare to take their places in our rapidly changing world. Student/Teacher Ratio: 15: openchoice@crec.org

18 District: Vernon Website: Location: 17 miles east of Hartford, CT Zone: 2 Description: Vernon Public Schools, in partnership with family and community, is committed to provide a quality education, with high expectations, in a safe environment, where all students become independent learners and productive contributors to society. Student/Teacher Ratio: 20:1 District: West Hartford Website: Location: 3 miles west of Hartford, CT Zones: 1 and 3 Description: Providing all students with high expectations, a rigorous and relevant curriculum, and dynamic teaching in order for them to realize their potential is the central goal of the West Hartford Public Schools commitment to continuous improvement. The mission, core values that inform the mission, and the fouryear goals all serve to drive the purpose, focus, and work of the organization. The District Model of Continuous Improvement is driven by these established goals and community expectations of the schools. Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1 District: Wethersfield Website: Location: 5 miles south of Hartford, CT Zones: 3 and 4 Description: Education in Wethersfield is the shared responsibility of schools, students, families, and other community agencies working together so that Wethersfield students may realize their full potential. Accordingly, the mission of the Wethersfield Public Schools is to ensure that all students will: acquire skills and knowledge for life-long learning; be equipped to compete in a global economy; develop self-discipline and function as responsible citizens of society; and develop and understand their ethical, cultural, aesthetic, and intellectual values and respect those of others. Student/Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Hartford Region Open Choice Program

19 District: Windsor Locks Website: Location: 22 miles north of Hartford, CT Zone: 3 Description: The district is working hard to ensure every child achieves at rates never before imagined, and we are having tremendous success. CMT and CAPT scores have improved significantly two years in a row and our NWEA MAP assessment scores show every grade performing above the national norm in reading. We are proud to announce that the Class of 2020 will be the first graduating class who will earn their diploma based on competency. Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Hartford Region Open Choice Program Hartford Public School Districts Suburban residents applying for Open Choice may select from the following designated Hartford Public Schools. District: Hartford, CT Website: Location: Connecticut s Capitol City Description: Hartford Public Schools provides all students the chance to participate in a global economy through attainment of CT academic standards and readiness for post-secondary education. The schools selected from The Capital City s Portfolio District of Excellence offer theme-based curriculum relating to student interests, rigorous college-ready curriculum, and enhanced teacher and staff commitment openchoice@crec.org

20 Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan School (ELAMS) 101 Catherine Street, Hartford, CT Grades: PK4-5 The Expeditionary Learning model energizes student motivation and engagement through high-level tasks and active roles in the classroom. Students at ELAMS participate in learning expeditions, case studies, projects, conversations with community experts, fieldwork, service learning and exhibitions of student work. Expectations are set and followed, helping students learn characteristics such as respect, responsibility, teamwork and commitment to high-quality work. The school supports students as they embark on a personal journey to develop a moral and educational compass for navigating their path to college readiness, fulfilling careers, and responsible citizenship. Global Communications Academy 305 Greenfield Street, Hartford, CT Grades: K-7, Global Communications Academy implements a rigorously tested college preparatory curriculum. We offer a rigorous academic curriculum with three embedded themes: global issues, global systems, and global cultures. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, advanced communication in languages, sciences and mathematics. Global Communications Academy is part of the Association of IB World Schools, offering the Primary Years Programme. Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli Gifted & Talented Academy* 121 Cornwall Street, Hartford, CT Grades: 4-8 The Renzulli Academy offers high quality and distinctive programs to accommodate identified gifted and talented youth. The Academy uses the School-wide Enrichment Model, which emphasizes engagement and the use of enjoyable and challenging learning experiences constructed around students interests, learning styles, and product styles. The Renzulli Academy curriculum is implemented from the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, located at the University of Connecticut, and serves as a model site for the replication process of three additional Renzulli Academies in Connecticut and New York. *To apply and enroll, students must be formally identified as gifted and talented on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through their home district s special education process. Hartford Region Open Choice Program

21 Academy of Engineering & Green Technology 55 Forest Street, Hartford, CT Grades: 9-12 The Academy of Engineering and Green Technology is an accredited member of the National Academy Foundation (NAF). The academy s focus is engineering and related fields such as technology, environmental science or scientific research. Students complete a rigorous curriculum drawn from two national programs: Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and the National Academy Foundation. Students learn how science and math are used to design and construct the equipment, structures, and power/energy sources and explore concepts of earth friendly technologies. The Academy partners with local high-tech manufacturing/ alternative energy companies that offer on-site learning, job shadowing and internship opportunities. Law and Government Academy at Hartford Public High School 55 Forest Street, Hartford, CT Grades: 9-12 Students in the Law and Government Academy study the liberal arts and sciences in preparation for success in college and careers in public service areas, including law, government, community leadership and public safety. After participating in exploratory coursework as freshmen, students have the opportunity to focus their studies in either law and government or public safety. The significant emphasis on communication, critical thinking, problem solving and advocacy enables students to see unlimited connections between their classroom studies and the challenges of the world today. Students have opportunities to take early college experience courses through the University of Connecticut. All students participate in yearly, interest-based capstone projects of their own design. Nursing and Health Sciences Academy at Hartford Public High School 55 Forest Street, Hartford, CT Grades: 9-12 The Nursing and Health Sciences Academy is an accredited member of the National Academy Foundation (NAF) and the curriculum is based on the concept of C.A.R.E. (Character, Accountability Responsibility and Excellence). The Academy prepares students to successfully pursue a degree in nursing or related health care services. Students have many opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real work situations. The school partners with University of Connecticut School of Nursing and Capital Community College to prepare competent, compassionate practitioners who possess a solid knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy and physiology openchoice@crec.org

22 I believe my children s teachers and school system truly care about their improvement and success. Open Choice Parent Glastonbury Public Schools Open Choice emphasizes any child s talents or abilities. It allows them to expand on that and makes them more of who they are. My advice to any parent: if you want to see the full potential of what your children can be, Open Choice is a good place to start. Open Choice Parent Avon Public Schools I am really happy to see how the skills my son is developing in school are transferring to his learning at home. My family is excited to be part of a multicultural environment where diversity is recognized and celebrated. Open Choice Parent Hartford Public Schools I began my tenure in Project Concern in 1985 and graduated from Granby High School as the class of 92. The opportunity afforded me the chance to overcome adversity through cultural diversity. I truly had a positive experience: I was able to experience the best of both worlds, having an innercity background and a suburban background. Project Concern Alumna Granby Public Schools Hartford Region Open Choice Program

23 In Simsbury, we continue to build upon our successful partnership with Open Choice. By welcoming students and families into our system, we enrich the experiences of all involved. We are pleased to welcome preschool students into our district, providing families and students the opportunity to begin our journey together by engaging in an interactive and developmentally sound early childhood program. Matthew T. Curtis Superintendent of Simsbury Public Schools The Open Choice program has helped me get ready for the real world and prepare me for college. At Wethersfield High School, the academics were very strong and they wanted to make sure all their students did well, so whatever help you needed they gave you, and they wanted to make sure that you could reach the highest level of achievement. Open Choice Alumna Wethersfield Public Schools Open Choice was an enjoyable experience for me. I was able to play sports soccer, football, and basketball. I also met a lot of new people and new friends with whom I have remained in contact. Open Choice Alumnus Newington Public Schools I m really happy that we took advantage of the Open Choice program. My son has shown great improvement since participating in this program, and if I had to do it all over again, I would definitely make the same decision and place him in the Open Choice program again. Open Choice Parent Simsbury Public Schools openchoice@crec.org

24 Look inside to learn about the Hartford Region Open Choice Program, an exciting opportunity for your child s education. E xcellence in Education Hartford Region Open Choice Program 34 Sequassen Street Hartford, CT Phone: Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Apply online at by Friday, February 28, Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) Phone: openchoice@crec.org