Windsor Locks Public Schools kick-off the new school year with convocation and a mock graduation of the Class of 2023

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT: The Windsor Locks Public Schools began the new school year with its annual teachers’ convocation, on Wednesday, August 26th. “It’s the first time we have deviated from the stand and deliver type of convocation,” said Superintendent Dr. Susan Bell. Windsor Locks launched into the year 2023 with a mock graduation ceremony of thirteen fifth grade students from South Street School. Wearing their caps and gowns, they marched into the auditorium to “Pomp and Circumstance,” along with the administration. From there, each of the students shared an inspiring graduation speech that illustrated what their education in Windsor Locks had meant to them. These speeches were followed by inspiring words from Janet Garagliano, of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and Great Schools Partnership; as well as a keynote address by Dr. Dianna Wentzell, Commissioner of Education; and WLTA President Jeanne Russo.

The idea of looking into the future graduating class was a result of work that was done over the summer to set the focus on three priorities for the district: communication and community engagement; instructional shifts; and grading and reporting. Immediately following the convocation, teachers broke out into groups by school to work on these priorities and the work will continue throughout the school year.

The community and families will be encouraged to get involved with the schools and participate in various focus groups, including a parent forum that will be held on Monday, October 5th, from 6-7:30pm, at St. Robert’s community room on South Elm Street. In addition, the Windsor Locks community is asked to take a quick 9-question survey on www.wlps.org that is anonymous and will assist the district with making a plan for community engagement. For more information, contact Kristen Wiegand, district coordinator of family and community engagement, at kwiegand@wlps.org, or 860-937-3064.

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