Integrated
high schools
to start
DANIELSON — One of two new integrated high school and college programs that will launch in the fall of 2015 joins Quinebaug Valley Community College, Windham High School, and the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance in a partnership designed to offer students a head start on success in their post-secondary education and future careers.
The Connecticut Early College Opportunity (CT-ECO) programs, modeled after IBM’s much heralded Pathways in Technology Early College High School programs, will allow students to earn as associate degree in addition to a high school diploma. By aligning K-12, college, and the workforce, the program will feature an integrated curriculum of high school and college courses along with a workplace learning course that focuses on industry soft skills necessary for success and growth across all career fields.
“CT-ECO integrates real-world workplace experiences, meaningful mentorships, and rigorous academics,” said Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor, “an approach that makes sense and should be expanded.”
The Eastern CT-ECO programs in Windham and New London will enable students to earn degrees in the field of advanced manufacturing, where demand for middle-skilled well-paying jobs is growing. Students will also be paired with an industry mentor, who will provide them with valuable insight into how their high school education applies to the real life demands of the workplace.
The goal is to enroll 50-100 students in each location and add similar numbers each consecutive year. Students will be selected to participate through a lottery-based system. Once enrolled, the Windham High School students will also be considered students at QVCC.
QVCC President Carlee Drummer is excited about the new initiative and the opportunity for the college to be “at the forefront of a pioneering vision for public education.” She added, “QVCC is proud to be a partner in this dynamic initiative that will transform lives in northeast Connecticut.”
Inducted
St. Bernard Council 2087, Knights of Columbus, North Grosvenordale, inducted three new members at a ceremony held Dec. 15, at the council’s building on Riverside Drive. Council 2087’s new Knights are Thompson residents, left to right, Daniel Rainey, Edward Stover and Lance Groh. With more than 100 members, Council 2087 supports St. Joseph’s Church and its school in N. Grosvenordale and St. Stephen’s Church in Quinebaug, as well as many charitable causes throughout Thompson and the surrounding area. Photo by John D. Ryan
DAYVILLE — In celebration of the many individuals who continually provide countless hours of their time and talents, Westview Health Care Center hosted a volunteer appreciation dinner recently.
Among the volunteers being honored for their service, were committed volunteers Nancy and Art Loefstedt of Woodstock for their on-going devotion of 20 years to the residents and patients of Westview.
“We have loved the Monday morning sing-a-long, not only because it brings so much joy to the residents but they in turn brighten our lives,” said Nancy Loefstedt. “It is an honor to work with the many volunteers who work with us to make song time both meaningful and pleasurable for everyone.”
Thur. Dec. 25
Merry Christmas!
Sun. Dec. 28
Lessons and Carols
BROOKLYN --- The traditional service of Lessons and Carols will be held at 4 p.m. at the Old Trinity Church on Church Street. Please wear warm clothes.
Fri. Jan. 1, 2015
Happy New Year!
Sun. Jan. 4
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a full moon walk at 7 p.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to members; $3 for nonmembers. 928-4948.
Tues. Jan. 6
Senior Meeting
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Senior Association will be having its monthly meeting at noon at the Pomfret Senior and Community Center on Mashamoquet Road. The meeting will be preceded by a brown-bag lunch.
Wed. Jan. 7
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present an exhibit and sale, "Playful Celebration of a Bountiful Terrain," photography by Virge Lorents through Jan. 30 at the center on Day Road. A portion of all sales benefits the center. Free. 928-4948.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a noon walk at noon. starting from the center on Day Road. Free for members; $3 for nonmembers. 928-4948.
Pet Loss Support
DAYVILLE --- NECCOG Animal Services on Putnam Pike will present a Pet Loss Support Group at 6 p.m. Free. No fee/reservations are required, and you are free to attend as often as necessary throughout your grief process. 860-774-1253.
Thur. Jan. 8
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a morning walk at 8:30 a.m. starting from the center on Day Road. Free for members; $3 for nonmembers. 928-4948.
Fri. Jan. 9
Fish Fry
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 will hold its weekly fish fry from noon to 7 p.m. at the Knights Hall on Riverside Drive. Prices vary. 860-923-2967.
Sun. Jan. 11
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a walk at 2 p.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to members; $3 for nonmembers. 928-4948.
Wed. Jan. 14
Ranger Talk
VOLUNTOWN --- The Last Green Valley’s Free Ranger Talk will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Voluntown Public Library. Chief Ranger Bill's Talk will speak on "On The Wild Side: Exploring the Flora and Fauna of The Last Green Valley."
Fri. Jan. 16
Teen Weekend
POMFRET --- The Windham Tolland 4-H will hold its Winter Teen Weekend from 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 to 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Brooklyn Ext. Service on Wolf Den Road. Food, games, sledding, leadership skills and more for teens 13 – 18. $50. Preregistration required by Jan. 11. 860-974-3379 .
Thur. Jan. 22
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a bird walk at 1 p.m. starting from the center on Day Road. $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. 928-4948.
Sat. Jan. 24
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a winter owl walk at 7 p.m. starting from the center on Day Road. $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. 928-4948. Program will cancel in event of bad weather.
Flea Market
OXFORD, Mass. --- The First Congregational Church on Main Street will hold an indoor community flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. Coffee and lunch available. Vendors needed. 508-987-2211.
Sun. Feb. 1 - 2
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present the Edwin Way Teale & the Literary Character of Trail Wood writer's workshop series at 4 p.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Registration required. $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers. 928-4948.
Sat. March 28
Flea Market
OXFORD, Mass. --- The First Congregational Church on Main Street will hold an indoor community flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. Coffee and lunch available. Vendors needed. 508-987-2211.
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