ecopy document for publishing - Town of Cheshire

TOWN OF CHESHIRE

2012–2013

ANNUAL REPORT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

page

Introduction 1

Town Administrators and Officials 2

Organization Chart 5

Town Overview 6

Department Reports

Building Inspection 7

Community Pool 9

Economic Development 11

Elections Department 13

Finance Department 14

Fire Department 16

Human Services Department 18

Library 20

Parks and Recreation Department 22

Performing and Fine Arts Commission 24

Planning and Development Department 26

Police Department 28

Public Works Department 30

Town Clerk 32

Town Manager 33

Water Pollution Control Department 35

Cheshire Public Schools 37

Town of Cheshire

FY 2012-2013 Annual Report

Introduction

The Town of Cheshire was recently ranked the 39th best small town in

which to live and work by Money Magazine. Most of this recognition is due to

our residents, our community, and our quality schools, and they richly deserve

this honor. We would like to think that our local government has also played a

small role in earning this distinction.

The mission for Town of Cheshire’s government professional managers and

staff is “to sustain a resilient, progressive and enduring organizational culture and

dynamic framework to build a better and stronger local government that will

consistently thrive over time and provide a high quality of life for the

community.”

Adherence to this mission, along with the Professionalism, Experience,

Education and Responsiveness (PEER) of Town staff is what enables us to strive for

the major accomplishments and the day to day excellence that we feel

distinguishes the Town of Cheshire and contributed to the Money Magazine

recognition.

The Town of Cheshire is proud of the professionalism, expertise and

abilities of those who work to run our municipality; among our employees, there

are almost 30 post-graduate degrees, more than 30 undergraduate degrees,

several dozen certifications and professional licenses, and over 2,200 years of

collective municipal and professional experience. We would like to take the

opportunity with this Annual Report to reintroduce Cheshire’s local government

and the services and programs it provides to our residents, and explain some of

the administrative requirements that our departments must fulfill.

The Town of Cheshire produces multiple documents that contain a great

deal of information including the performance-based General Operating Budget,

the Capital Expenditure Plan, the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (annual

audit), the Official Statement/Bond Prospectus, and a host of organizational policy

and plan documents. Several of these are award winning. In the past, the Annual

Report has mirrored some of the information in those documents. This year, we

are changing the format of this Annual Report as we strive to improve

transparency and communication. So, while we invite our residents to read those

very informative publications, we will not repeat the detailed data, narrative and

statistics presented in those documents. This Annual Report attempts to simply

tell you our story.

Michael A. Milone

Town Manager

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TOWN OF CHESHIRE

LISTING OF ADMINISTRATORS

Department/Division Dept./Div. Head Phone

Animal Control April Leiler 203 271-5590

Assessor Mario Panagrosso, Jr. 203 271-6620

Building Inspection Bert Schiaroli 203 271-6640

Cheshire Public Schools Dr. Greg Florio 203 250-2420

Community Pool Sheila Adams 203 271-3208

Economic Development Gerald Sitko 203 271-6670

Elections Department Ann Marie Hearn 203 271-6680

Sue Pappas 203 271-6680

Finance Department James J. Jaskot 203 271-6610

Fire Department Jack Casner 203 272-1828

Human Services Department Michelle Piccerillo 203 271-6690

Library Ramona Burkey 203 272-2247

Parks & Recreation Department Robert Ceccolini 203 272-2743

Performing & Fine Arts Joan Pilarczyk 203 272-2787

Personnel Director Louis Zullo 203 271-6660

Planning Department William Voelker 203 271-6670

Police Department Neil Dryfe 203 271-5500

Public Works & Engineering George Noewatne 203 271-6650

Tax Collector William Donlin 203 271-6630

Town Attorney Dwight A. Johnson 860 240-6000

Town Clerk Carolyn Soltis 203 271-6601

Town Manager Michael A. Milone 203 271-6660

Water Pollution Control Department Dennis Dievert 203 271-6650

As of March 10, 2013

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TOWN COUNCIL

AT LARGE

Patti Flynn-Harris

Michael Ecke

Sylvia Nichols

James Sima

Timothy Slocum*

DISTRICT

1 David Schrumm

2 Thomas Ruocco

3 Andrew Falvey

4 Peter Talbot

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Marlena J. Soble

Cathy Hellreich

Tod Dixon

Gerald Brittingham*

Stephen W. Mrowka

Sandra Pavano

Anthony Perugini

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Earl J. Kurtz III*

Edward Gaudio

Sean Strollo

Martin Cobern

S. Woody Dawson

John Kardaras

Lelah Campo

Gil Linder

Louis B. Todisco

ALTERNATES

Leslie C. Marinaro

Jon Fischer

James Bulger

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Kenneth P. Wilson*

Agnes White

John Pepper

Marion Nero

Vincent S. Lentini

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

Michael O'Brien

Kathleen Held*

Laura M. DeCaprio

BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE

Pauline Cacace

William Bonaminio*

Susan Dillman

William Meyerjack

Lynn Voelker

Patricia Archibald

Jane Presnick-Lyon

Jo-Ann Vitarelli

BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS

George Bowman

Thomas Pinkham

James Doheny

Daniel Mahieu

Richard Mouris

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Vacancy (Miller)

Vacancy (Sepp)

David Pelletier*

William Stanley

David Orsini

Stephen Sidoruk

Robert Formica

ENERGY COMMISSION

Andy Maye

Walter Gayeski

Joseph Nesdale

Carol Wilson

Rich Ogurick*

Philip Newton

David Gavin

ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION

Matt Abdifar

Carrie Collins

David Mercugliano

Robert DeVylder

William Sherman*

Daniel Grasso

Jodee Heritage

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

John Torello

Elizabeth Fox*

Jeanne Chesanow

Christine Pittsley

Joseph Dattilo

TOWN OF CHESHIRE

COUNCIL, BOARD, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

As of June 30, 2013

J==P==J

HOUSING AUTHORITY

Peter Blomstrom

Bruce Klein*

Dorothy Cantor

Marcel Gauthier

William Kinloch

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Martha Pickett

Barbara Barlok

Cathy Trussell

Robert Trussell

Deb Kelleher*

INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSE

COMMISSION

David J. Brzozowski, Sr.

Robert deJongh*

Charles Dimmick

Kerrie Dunne

Will McPhee

Earl Kurtz

Thom Norback

LIBRARY BOARD

Joy Hostage

Carol DiPietro*

Kathy Nankin

Alice Darter

Craig Wilson

Judy Knott

Dalena Desena

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

Paul Fracasse

Michael O'Donnell

Ira Kushner

Patrick Duffy

James Nankin*

David Veleber

Karen Bertoni

PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS COMMITTEE

Donna Lodynsky*

Heather Kiesling

Nancy Burt

Cheryl Pinkham

Maricele Riemann

Nancy Bussmann

Donna Myjak

Jackie Townes

Ophelia Frazier

Denise Lohr

PRISON ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Trip Sanders

Margaret Rodgers

Vacancy (Harris)

John O'Reilly

William Hellyar

PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION

Vincent Robitaille

Keith Goldberg

Joseph Barba

James Brennan

Mark Nash

John S. Purtill*

James McKenney

Edward Hill

Art Crooker

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION

Nancy Blomstrom

Lori Rusnack

Lisa DeAngelo

Steve Larson*

Phillip Brewer

RETIREMENT BOARD

Paul Shay

Michael Caron

W. Dennis Flagg

Mark Izzo

Michael Evans*

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY

John Perrotti III

Matthew Bowman

Kenneth Cianci

Tim Pelton*

Thomas Scannell

Mark Kasinskas

Steve Carroll

YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE

Michelle Wynne

Michael Solomon

Rose Solla

William Kalinowski

Lauren Vendetto

Corey Nash*

Jean Garner

*Chairman

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Overview

The government of the Town of Cheshire is made up of 20 departments

and divisions and is served by 21 boards, commissions and committees, not

including Cheshire Public Schools and the Board of Education. Most of these

departments and commissions have distinct responsibilities and jurisdictions that

are dictated by Connecticut statutes and Cheshire Town Charter and Ordinances.

One of the key achievements in the 2012-2013 fiscal year was the evolution

toward identifying and cultivating interdepartmental, overlapping and joint

efforts. Expanding internal communication and sharing tasks, experience and

information is creating a better organization, and is truly making the whole

greater than the sum of its parts. This process is part of our Sustainability

Initiative, which was initiated to preserve and formalize institutional knowledge to

ensure the long term sustainability of this organization, regardless of the inevitable

change in staff.

During fiscal year 2012-2013, several weather events illustrated the

exceptional cooperation among Town staff who worked together, coordinating

activities and sharing information, to ensure the best outcome for our residents.

Also during this fiscal year, a major organization-wide technology upgrade and

“perspective shift” has been embraced by staff who quickly began taking

advantage of the opportunities it offers. The West Main Street Streetscape was an

integrated effort that has dramatically improved the aesthetics for that area of

town. Advances were made on the completion of the Farmington Canal Linear

Trail. The Town continued to sustain a financial stability that is not common in

the current economic environment, maintaining Fitch and Moody’s high credit

ratings. The successful implementation of an Automated Recycling program has

saved money and will hopefully have a positive long-term impact on the

environment. The Town’s infrastructure has been maintained to avoid big-ticket

fixes in the future, including the very successful use of a Town Roads Assessment

Index. A continuing need to do more with less has generated creativity and

efficiencies that cross department lines. These and other major projects and events

certainly showcase the professionalism of Town staff, but so does the dedication

to excellence in the day to day, seemingly minor tasks and duties and that are the

foundation of municipal service.

The following pages present an annual report on each Town department

independently, offering a review of the major highlights and the small successes of

each as well as a snapshot of the core responsibilities. However, I want to

reiterate that the high quality of our major, minor and even mundane services

would not be possible without “the whole.”

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Building Inspection Annual Report 2012-2013

Imagine having to understand and apply 3,000 pages of

State Code, with both regulatory, legal language and

highly technical references. And then to stay on top of

the ever-changing technologies and energy efficiencies

that constantly emerge, attend a minimum of 30 hours a

year on continuing education sessions, and try to

educate and inform the public on all these building

codes, requirements and processes. Meanwhile, you

need to conduct over 3,200 inspections annually, and

coordinate with Town Planning staff, the Fire and Police

Departments, and Town Engineering staff. And of course, you must address questions,

requests and complaints from the public quickly and correctly.

The mission of the Building Official to successfully safeguard the health,

safety and welfare of the community.

The knowledge and capabilities required to provide the core services to support this

mission is daunting. Fortunately, the staff has over 140 years collective experience in

construction and the building and permitting process, and hold multiple State certifications.

The Building Official, Assistant Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector and Secretary are

responsible for the review of all the applications and building plans for construction, additions

or alterations to all buildings and structures in Cheshire. They issue the necessary building,

plumbing, electrical, heating and sewer permits and perform the corresponding inspections, as

many as 15 for a single residential new construction project. They also respond to building

complaints and emergency situations such as fires and storms.

These core services fully engage the department’s three inspectors. However, in FY 12-

13, the department also began a review of the permitting process. The goal is to improve and

streamline service to the public, create efficiencies, and develop a more effective way to

explain the process to residents and contractors.

Staff also collectively attended 93 hours of educational programming to ensure they are

knowledgeable in all current regulations and technologies.

To assist contractors, the staff promoted educational opportunities available to them

through the State of Connecticut; the Town contributes a portion of its permit fees to this

educational fund created to educate Inspectors and contractors so they are better informed on

code and safety requirements.

Also in FY 12-13, the department was proactive by working to prevent safety issues

from arising by distributing information that promotes building safety. Staff also implemented

a new energy efficiency code as adopted by the State Legislature, and began the

implementation of new residential and electric code. It was a busy year.

One of the qualities of this department of which Building Inspector Bert Schiaroli is

most proud is their ability to provide quality service with limited staff.

J==T==J

Most inspections are conducted within 24 hours of a request. “We work together well,” says

Bert, “and we just do it.” Advertising slogans aside, Bert is also proud of the relationships they

have fostered in the community. As Bert explains, “Working with our community builds trust

and cooperation.”

Residents and contractors have commented in letters of appreciation that our Building

Inspectors are “knowledgeable,” “helpful,” professional,” “accommodating,“ and provide

“excellent service.” As one grateful resident wrote, “Thank goodness for their expertise.”

Staff

Bert Schiaroli, Building Official

Conrad Cyr, Assistant Building Inspector

Fred Herzman, Electrical Inspector

Jean McSweet, Secretary

FY 12-13 Budget

Total Expenditures: $263,046

The Building Official’s office is located in Room 215 in Town Hall

84 South Main Street

Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6640

[email protected]

www.cheshirect.org/building-officialinspections

0

10,000,000

20,000,000

30,000,000

40,000,000

50,000,000

Ten Year History

Value of Permitted Work in $

Value in $

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

12-13 11-12 10-11 09-10 08-09 07-08 06-07 05-06 04-05 03-04

# of Inspections

# of Permits

Ten Year History

Inspections and Permits

J==U==J

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cheshirect.org/building-officialinspections

Community Pool Annual Report 2012-2013

There is a place in town where all residents, of all

ages, can congregate, socialize, exercise, practice and

compete, get aquatic therapy, soak up the sun, watch

competitive events (or compete in them), have

birthday parties, relax, learn to swim and dive,

scuba, play underwater hockey, even occasionally

watch a movie. An average of over 130,000 visitors

join us annually at the Pool, not including spectators

at competitive events. Unfortunately, the pool has been closed intermittently due to storm

damage to the bubble, but we are looking forward to a solution that will enable this well-used

and beneficial community facility to be available to all, on a stable, year-round basis.

The permanent staff at the Pool work hard to make the pool a welcoming place, and to

accommodate the many and varied programs and patrons. Collectively, staff has almost 50

years aquatic experience. Aquatics Director Sheila Adams holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special

Education, has run aquatics programs and taught swimming lessons for 36 years and has 12

years of experience as a swim coach. Other staff members bring two decades of various

aquatic experience and all are certified, and the lifeguards and instructors bring a lot of energy.

Sheila and her management staff have also accumulated a significant amount of knowledge

about mechanical and technical equipment, both administratively and hands-on.

The mission of the Community Pool is to enhance the health and well-being of citizens

of all ages, by providing a physical, educational, therapeutic, social environment.

The staff does more than provide programming and operate the facility. Sheila says with pride

that the Pool “builds families and a sense of community. It’s more than just swim lessons and

lap swim. It’s a community service.” The value of both the pool itself and the sense of

community were mentioned in Money Magazine’s article in which they declared Cheshire one

of the top 39 small towns in which to live.

Managing the pool has been a challenge. Several mechanical issues and weather-related

closures in the past made it difficult to expand the user base and maintain the continuity of

programming, and three swim teams have had to find other temporary practice and

competition facilities. While the facility withstood the storm of October 29, 2012, the collapse

of the bubble from the huge snowstorm of February 9, 2013 closed the Pool for the remainder

of the winter season, and the damage to the bubble was significant. However, programming

has continued to expand over the summer season, with both new programs and activities and

programs to increase daytime usage. Improvements such as on-line registration, which allows

pool patrons to register for programs from home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week have been

implemented.

J==V==J

In addition, in FY 12-13 the Pool hosted a number of championship swim meets at

facility which helped promote the facility in the region and provided increased revenue

opportunities as part of the goal to reduce the subsidy to the Pool. Staff continued to work

with the Public Building Commission on de-humidification at the facility to improve air

quality. Enhanced Operation of the mechanical system was enhanced with use of

computerized controls and gauges that were installed with new blower system.

Insurance proceeds are being actively pursued and will help with future costs for

whatever construction is chosen by the Town Council.

Yet, through it all, patrons have remained loyal.

One patron said “I have been swimming at the pool since it first opened. I retired in April of this year and it was the first summer I’ve had off in 50 years. I came to the pool almost every day and enjoyed it immensely. I’m feeling like a kid again.” Another commented, “I go to the pool for my health. My knees have little cartilage left and I have arthritis in both hips, to put it very simply the pool keeps me walking and my level of discomfort very low.”

And one patron summed it up simply; “I have been coming to the Cheshire Pool since

it opened and have enjoyed it very much. It’s a fantastic pool and the staff is friendly and efficient. I hope to swim there for many more years.”

Staff

Sheila Adams, Aquatics Director

Karen Piedescalzo, Head Desk Attendant

Jason Williams, Pool Coordinator

Lifeguards and Custodian

FY 12-13 Budget


The Community Pool is located at


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6690

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/recreation-and-leisure/community-pool

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http://www.cheshirect.org/recreation-and-leisure/community-pool

Economic Development Annual Report 2012-2013

Cheshire is known as the “Bedding Plant Capital” of Connecticut.

Much of the commercial production in town is agriculture,

especially bedding plants. These flowers are a very visible part of

our community, and beautify our homes, businesses, roads and

parks year round. But Cheshire is also home to a growing and

diversified business base, which is part of the goal of the Economic

Development Coordinator and Commission.

Economic Development Coordinator Jerry Sitko works closely with the business

community, the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Commission,

the Town Beautification Committee, the Historic District Commission, and various study

groups, as well as other Town departments, to build compatible business growth for Cheshire.

Jerry holds a degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Urban Studies, and has over

30 years experience in municipal administration, as well as state and research experience.

The mission of the Economic Development is to expand and enhance the Town’s

economic base and quality of life by attracting compatible business development, and to

provide quality customer service and programs to existing and prospective businesses and

employers.

Jerry is proud of the growth in the business community in Cheshire that has occurred in

spite of the recession. And as Jerry explains, “This is not growth at any cost. It’s compatible,

planned growth.” He’s also appreciative of the support and cooperation from other Town

departments and the Chamber of Commerce, especially when dealing with setbacks and

underperforming property. “The cooperation of the Town, the Chamber and the business

community will leave something we can all be proud of.”

FY 12-13 saw the completion of all substantive work on the streetscape project for the

West Main Street commercial area. The Adopt-a-Spot program continued to improve the

attractiveness of selected locations. The department participated in the Chamber’s Home,

Garden & Business Expo, and hosted a meeting with the Chamber for the business community

to promote the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Small

Business Express low interest loan program. Staff coordinated the activities of Economic

Development Commission, the Town Beautification Committee, the Historic District

Commission, and the West Main Street Streetscape Study Group.

Also in FY 12-13, the department worked to recruit companies and assist the growth

plans of existing businesses, including: EDAC Technologies, HAI Group, JAD Partners, Cheshire

Fitness Zone, Bozzuto’s Music People, New York Graphic Society, Denali and the proposed

“Lifestyle Center” in the north end of Town, to further expand the Town’s Grand List and

retail choices. Staff aggressively pursued grant opportunities for Town projects, including

Linear Trail Extension, and completed Enterprise/Defense Zone designation for Pratt &

Whitney property to enhance marketability of the site. Staff collaborated on Phase I of the

Geographic Information System (GIS) project to ensure that it provides useful data for

economic development analysis for the department and existing and potential businesses.

J==NN==J

As Sheldon Dill, President of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce says, “The Economic

Development Commission and the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce have a long standing

relationship of working closely together to strengthen the town’s economic vitality. In

conjunction with the town’s economic development team, the EDC’s volunteer commissioners

and chamber leadership collaborate on a number of formal and informal initiatives with

federal, state and local government officials, local business leaders and chamber members to

spot local and regional economic trends, develop strategies and identify opportunities to

improve Cheshire’s business climate.”

Staff

Gerald L. Sitko, Economic Development Coordinator

Catherine Donegan, Secretary

FY 12-13 Budget


The Economic Development office is located in Town Hall, Room 219


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203)271-6670

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/economic-development

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Elections Department Annual Report 2012-2013

Yes, Registrars of Voters make house calls. In addition to administering

elections, registering votes and updating voting records and maintaining

historical records, the Registrars visit Cheshire High School several times a

year to register students and to explain the voting process. They also visit

nursing homes to help patients with absentee ballots. The work of the

Elections Department is critical to our democracy. As Registrar Ann Marie

Hearn explains, “We make sure that people can cast a ballot and that their

vote is counted.” Registrar Susan Pappas adds, “We are required by the state to serve the

voters, and staff does so with professionalism and dedication to the process.”

The mission of the Elections Department is to ensure that every elector who is eligible

to vote may do so, and to safeguard the privacy of the voters and the democracy of elections.

The Registrars of Voters are elected every two years. Their deputies are political

appointees. Although the busiest time of year for them by far is during primaries and

elections, theirs is a year-round service. In FY 12-13, they conducted a state-mandated canvass,

which resulted in 450 known address changes. They assisted the Tax office, Public Works and

Animal Control in ongoing projects, including finding individuals who have relocated. They

registered 150 new student voters at Cheshire High School registration days. They established

emergency protocols for all Cheshire voting locations, and provided updated voter

information to political parties and candidates. And they assist with Youth in Government

Day, a program in which high school student to learn about the elective process and local

government.

Also in FY 12-13, the department administered a Preference Primary in August and a

Federal election in November with the assistance of over 100 trained poll workers. The

Federal election resulted in a 78.8 % voter turnout. In preparation for that election, registrars

and staff spent over 200 hours, including Saturdays and evenings, preparing

each voting district’s equipment and materials, and ensuring that all were

moved to the proper poll location. They also conducted a re-count of the

votes in Districts 3 and 1. Office hours were extended prior to election to

give maximum opportunity for voters to make changes or for new people

to register.

Staff

Susan Pappas, Republican Registrar of Voters (elected)

Ann Marie Hearn, Democratic Registrar of Voters (elected)

Ann McBain, Republican Deputy Registrar

Tom Smith, Democratic Deputy Registrar

FY 12-13 Budget


The Elections Department is located in Room 102 in Town Hall


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6680

[email protected] [email protected] www.cheshirect.org/voting-and-elections/voter-registration

J==NP==J



Finance Department Annual Report 2012-2013

Accounts payable. Audit. Debt service. Tax collection rate.

Grand List. Actuarial reports. Payroll accruals. Budgets. Disaster

Recovery and Business Resumption. Bonds. Capital assets.

Encumbrances. Fund balance. Revaluation. The language of

finance, and the work of the Finance Department, may put some

people to sleep, but it is the foundation of our Town government.

Finance Director Jim Jaskot is very proud of the staff who keep this

foundation strong. “The experience, quality and professionalism

of our staff, and this organization, are impressive,” Jim says.

“There is a dedication to excellence that is reflected in the Town’s

healthy fiscal standing.”

Comprised of Accounting and Treasury, Collector of Revenue, Assessor, Audit, General

Insurance and the Technology divisions, the Finance Department serves Town departments

and the Board of Education, employees, retirees and the public, and manages, monitors and

reports on well over $100 million a year in over thirty separate funds.

The mission of the Finance Department is to maintain the fiscal stability of the Town

through prudent management of fiscal resources. This is accomplished by discovering, valuing,

billing and collecting all Town revenues, monitoring expenditures in accordance with statutes

and policies, safeguarding assets, protecting the integrity of all financial data and maintaining

appropriate internal controls.

The core duties of the Finance Department are voluminous, yet the staff consistently

strives to improve methods, processes, documents and services. Their accomplishments for FY

12-13 reflect their efforts.

In FY 12-13, the FY 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) was

completed, with no reported significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal controls

or compliance with grant programs. The department received the Government Finance

Officer’s Association’s (GFOA) “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial

Reporting” for the 20th straight year, and the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” for

the 14th straight year.

The department issued $10.5 million General Obligation bonds, maintaining Aa1 rating

from Moody’s Investor’s Service and AAA from Fitch Ratings at an all-time low interest rate of

2.46%, resulting in significant debt service savings. They issued Request for Proposals (RFP)

for actuarial services and transitioned personnel data from pension and other postemployment

benefit plans to the new actuary to ensure the highest level of professional consulting services.

Projects and advances in Technology were extensive in FY 12-13. The contract for the

Town’s technology consulting services and Chief Technology Officer was renewed, and

significant progress was made on the development and implementation of our critically

important Technology initiative. A MUNIS Disaster Recovery Plan document was created to

identify contingency plans for restoring critical business operations.

J==NQ==J

The MUNIS software upgrade to Version 9.3 was completed, and core staff was trained

in use of the MUNIS dashboard web-based interface that simplifies sharing information,

viewing data and accessing daily work on the Town’s financial/accounting software system.

Staff also managed the Town-Wide Photogrammetric Mapping portion of the Town

Geographic Information System (GIS) program development, a key phase in this important

project.

Also for FY 12-13, the department achieved a tax collection rate of 99.71%, resulting in

approximately $400,000 in additional tax revenue over what was budgeted at the projected

collection rate of 99.0%. They prepared for an annual bulk lien assignment for delinquent tax

and sewer use accounts to ensure a high tax collection rate, and organized a Tax Sale for eight

delinquent properties to increase the collection of delinquent

taxes. Staff also reviewed approximately 1,500 personal

property declarations and performed 10 personal property

audits, and implemented personal property software which

stores prior year declarations and rolls the acquisition dates

and costs forward annually. The department completed the

data collection phase of the 2013 Grand List Real Property

Revaluation in accordance with State Statutes requiring a full

physical revaluation every five years.

Staff

James J. Jaskot, Finance Director/Treasurer

Gina DeFilio, Deputy Finance Director

Sharon Churma, Assistant to Finance Director

Mary Ellen Andersen, Payroll/Benefits Administrator

Karen Fernandez, Accountant/Payables Coordinator

Donna Ouellet, Deputy Treasurer

Hope Larson, Budget/Treasury Analyst

Kim Wantroba, Accounting Clerk

Mario Panagrosso, Assessor

Diane Waller, Assistant Assessor

Ann Balletto, Assessment Technician

Christine McCardle, Assessment Technician

William Donlin, Collector of Revenue

Cindy O’Bar, Assistant Collector of Revenue

Donna Tiriolo, Senior Revenue Clerk

Diane Hodgkins, Revenue Clerk

Ivana Pasquale, Revenue Clerk

FY 12-13 Budget

Total Expenditures: $1,687,402

The Finance Department is located in Room 218 in Town Hall


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6610

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/finance

J==NR==J


Fire Department Annual Report 2012-2013

It’s 3:00 a.m. A fire call goes out, and a

Cheshire firefighter drags himself out of bed,

wondering if this is a major fire, a horrible

fatal accident, or just a false alarm. He is

trained, prepared and equipped, and

responds quickly. He knows he could be at

the scene anywhere from ten minutes to

several hours. And he has to go to work at

8:00 a.m.; he’s a volunteer firefighter.

Cheshire has had a volunteer fire

department since 1912. The Fire Chief, the

Fire Marshal and three other staff members

are employees, but over 80 members attend

extensive training and respond to calls on their own time.

Chief Jack Casner is rightfully proud of this department, explaining “The dedication of

our men and women volunteers, not only to respond to emergencies but to go through

rigorous and repeated training, is an invaluable asset to our community and to the safety of

our residents.” He’s also pleased with the camaraderie that may not be unusual among those

who may need to trust a fellow firefighter with their life, but Jack states, “I am immensely

proud of the level of professionalism and dedication that is not always present in a fire

department.”

The mission of the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department is to safeguard the lives and

property of the people and business of Cheshire to maintain their quality of life, and to

preserve the health and safety of our members, by providing a vast range of emergency

services, and educating the public on fire safety.

This department is also responsible for Emergency Management and Disaster

Preparedness, and the Fire Marshal’s office is responsible for inspections to ensure that

construction is complaint with fire safety codes.

In FY 12-13, this department responded to 989 calls for service, an increase over the

previous year. The total dollar loss caused by fire was approximately $237,225.00. No

deaths from fire or smoke were reported, and there was only one fire injury.

The department added five Junior, five Recruit and six Regular firefighters to ensure

maintenance of adequate staffing level, and certified five Level 1 Firefighters, one Fire Officer

Level I, four 2-Q Operators, five new aerial truck operators and 4 new engine operators, as

part of the professional development program. The pay per call stipend was increased to

enhance the incentive for volunteer participation.

J==NS==J

The department received and placed into service the following equipment: more than

20 sets of firefighting gear to put our members on the street with the safest gear possible;

two thousand feet of large diameter supply hose; a forcible entry door prop to train

firefighters in their own station; updated three hydraulic rescue tools on car fire apparatus; and

an existing pickup truck was converted to a service delivery vehicle to expand the functionality

of rolling stock.

The department distributed more than 50 smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and

batteries and placed them in service in homes that did not previously have such detectors,

greatly enhancing residents’ safety.

Also in FY 12-13, in coordination with other Town departments, Fire staff created a

formalized Emergency Storm Shelter and Emergency Operation Plan, and participated in

several statewide emergency simulation exercises to ensure the safety of the public. The

planning and cooperation of multiple departments led to a more effective response to the

safety needs created by the two major storms that hit Cheshire during this fiscal year.

When a local resident was asked how the Fire

Department could improve their service delivery, the

response was gratifying; “Nothing - everyone was very

professional, helpful, and polite! Definitely helped me "calm

down."

Staff

Jack Casner, Fire Chief

Elaine Smith, Administrative Assistant

Jeff Boland, Fire Marshal

Donn Youngquist, Deputy Fire Marshal

Mike Kozlowski, Deputy Fire Marshal

FY 12-13 Budget


The Fire Department Headquarters are located at

250 Maple Avenue

Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 272-1828

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/fire-services

Fire Station 3

1125 South Main Street (south end)

Company 2

1151 Byam Road (west side)

J==NT==J


Human Services Department Annual Report 2012-2013

A Cheshire resident just finished a

yoga session (not bad for an 82 year

old) and is having a hot, healthy

lunch with friends. She will then be

attending a foreign language class

after getting a ride to and from her

doctor’s appointment. Meanwhile,

her teenage grandchild is learning leadership and the reward of volunteering by tutoring a

younger student, and her other grandchild is working with friends and mentors to plan a social

event to benefit a charity. Her neighbor’s family is getting counseling to help them cope with

a crisis, and her other neighbor’s family is warm and fed in spite of having been hit by

unemployment. She and her family and friends are being touched by the Senior Center, Youth

Services, Social Services and the Transportation services of the Town of Cheshire’s Human

Services Department.

These wide-ranging services are provided by department staff with impressive

educational and professional experience. Together they boast six undergraduate degrees,

three masters degrees, one PhD, one Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, two Licensed

Certified Social Workers, serve on the faculty at Southern Connecticut State University, manage

interns, and have dozens of years of clinical, social and administrative experience.

The mission of the Human Services Department staff is to meet the basic needs of our

residents throughout their lifespans and to help support their emotional and physical well-

being, to enable them to be positive, productive members of this community.

They do so by managing the Senior Center and The Yellow House, providing clinical

counseling services for youth and families, running positive educational, preventive and social

programs and events for all ages, administering food and fuel assistance programs, networking

with community, state and federal agencies to ensure access and awareness of available

resources, and arranging for outside help for needs that they can’t meet. One of the qualities

of the staff of which Director Michelle Piccerillo is most proud is their proactive and

collaborative approach; “They are constantly and cooperatively working to identify and stay

ahead of ever-emerging new issues and trends, and preparing flexible plans and programs to

address changing needs. I’m grateful for their dedication.”

In addition to providing the core services of the department during FY 12-13, the staff

completed a collaboration plan. They studied existing and potential community needs and the

methods used to serve these needs, across each division of the department, other Town

departments such as the Police and Fire Departments, and the Cheshire Public Schools. As a

result, the department has created efficiencies, enhanced services, and helped produced a clear

Town-wide plan for emergencies. These efforts also were responsible for the seamless

completion of a department reorganization that merged all relevant divisions into one unified

Human Services Department.

J==NU==J

In FY 12-13, this department was instrumental in guiding the Youth Services Committee

and the Human Services Committee to enable these volunteer committees to more tangibly

address and respond to community needs. Staff also secured grant and donor funding to that

took pressure off their operating budget down; improved the data collection system and

analysis of demographic data; developed off-site programming to attract younger members to

the Senior Center; expanded clinical and social services to meet the increasing and changing

needs in this community without increasing staff or costs.

Staff

Michelle Piccerillo, Director of Human Services, LMFT

Kristen Schechter, Town Social Worker/Crisis Intervention

Ann-Marie Bishop, Youth & Family Counselor

Robert Broce, Youth & Family Counselor, PhD

Mary Thompson-Kelly, Secretary

Lauren Blackwell, Youth Program Supervisor

Samantha Smith, Middle School Program Coordinator

Stephanie Ferrall, Coordinator of Senior Services

Eileen Colwell, Transportation Dispatcher

Laura Gravel, Program Supervisor

Stefanie D. Theroux, Senior Services Social Worker

Violet Howard, Administrative Assistant

FY 12-13 Budget


The Human Services Department is located in Room 104 in Town Hall


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6690

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/social-services

Senior Center

240 Maple Ave.

Cheshire, CT 06410

The Yellow House

554 South Main St.

Cheshire, CT 06410

J==NV==J

http://www.cheshirect.org/media/11913/yellow house photo.jpg














Cheshire Public Library Annual Report 2012-2013

A young mom is reading with her preschooler during

Storytime. Several senior citizens are reading the day’s paper.

A few avid readers are downloading their next novel from

home. Some high school students are doing computer

research. A staff member is arranging to borrow a book from

another library for a patron. Someone is using the online

software to learn a second language, and the patron on the

computer next to them is researching new cars though

Consumer Reports. Attendees are registering for the chocolate

making class, or the cello concert, or the classic movie. A patron is

enjoying perusing her favorite cooking magazines on her laptop in the

comfort of her own kitchen. Someone is borrowing a piece of artwork to

enjoy for a little while. A few people are quietly chatting over a cup of

coffee. The Library isn’t just for books any more.

Of course the Cheshire Public Library has books; lots of them. But they also have

eBooks, and videos, online learning software, public computers, artwork, and programs from

pre-school reading time, to making chocolate, to folk music concerts. And you no longer need

to go to the Library to take advantage of all it has to offer.

The mission of the Cheshire Public Library is to meet residents’ needs for life-long

education, enrichment, and entertainment.

Technology has dramatically expanded both the quantity of materials and information

available through the Library, as well as the means to access them. As Library Director

Ramona Burkey explains, “The library is becoming cultural center, offering access to

innumerable sources and venues for life-long learning.” The staff is enthusiastic about

providing the best service possible, and their relevant experience and impressive collective

education (one Juris Doctor Degree, 18 Master’s Degrees, and seven Bachelor’s Degrees) are a

valuable resource in helping the Library assimilate its growing role.

Residents are responding. The number of visits and the number of items loaned have

risen dramatically. Correspondingly, the staff has done a good job of implementing the

technology that makes it possible to offer so much more, without having to expand staff to

meet the growing demands. In FY 12-13, the Library implemented a successor Strategic Plan

(FY 2013-2016) to address this dramatically and continually changing library industry

landscape, and continued to expand community engagement through the implementation of

their Marketing Plan.

In addition to offering a shared collection of books and materials, free programs and

databases from our Library and libraries throughout the state (for a per resident cost that is less

than the average cost of one paperback book), the Library realized some impressive

achievements in FY 12-13. They implemented Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to enable

patron self-service. The Main Level was reconfigured to improve access to materials and

accommodate self-service, and to create an expanded Teen area separate from the Children’s

area. Free 24/7 downloadable eBooks, video and audio books for loan were made available

to residents. Credit and debit card payment options for library fines were offered to patrons.

Services were enhanced with the automation of Internet computer registration and print

management system.

J==OM==J

The Library also expanded outreach program to preschools and daycare centers in

Cheshire to improve children’s school readiness and early/emerging literacy opportunities;

they implemented STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming for

upper elementary-aged children; they added new digital resources such as online language

learning software for children and adults, as well as free patron access to the Consumer

Reports database; they hosted a successful Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours”

event at the Library and participated in Chamber programs to engage and encourage support

from the business community; they published new, mobile device-friendly website to expand

outreach; they continued green and sustainable initiatives (the 28 photovoltaic solar panels at

the Library have, since 2008, generated more than 26,000 kilowatt-hours of free, clean

energy; saving the Town more than $4,400). Overall, the Library performed at more than

seven times the statewide average in Collection Turnover, a measure of how well the library’s

collection is meeting the community’s needs.

Staff

Ramona Burkey, Director

Deborah Rutter, Deputy Director

Susan Hartley, Head of Children’s Services

William Basel, Head of Reference Services

Noureen Hakim, Head of Circulation

Gail Roberts, Head of Technical Services

Cheryl Stenson, Administrative Assistant

(Total of 38 full and part time Librarians, Clerks and Pages)

FY 12-13 Budget


The Cheshire Public Library is located at

104 Main Street

Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 272-2245

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/library

J==ON==J


Parks and Recreation Department Annual Report 2012-2013

Summer, with newborns in strollers at

Bartlem Park Playground, and evening

concerts in the park. Fall, with beautiful

foliage to admire at Roaring Brook Falls,

and perfect weather for tennis. Winter,

with quiet walks through snow filled

woods on the Linear Trail, perhaps

stopping for a moment to sit on a

memorial bench and remember a friend,

or limbering up in a yoga class. And

Spring, with so many sporting activities

that the participants and spectators

probably encompass half the town. Of

course there’s the Memorial Day Parade and the Fall Festival, the lighting of the tree on the

Green.

The work of the Park and Recreation Department touches everyone. “Our active and

passive recreational facilities and programs are part of the fabric of the community,” says Bob

Ceccolini, Director of Parks and Recreation.” It goes deeper

than fun and games. “We provide people with the

opportunity to be physically active, which is an essential part

of staying healthy,” explains Bob. “Our parks also facilitate

social interactions that are critical to maintaining family and

community cohesion and pride. Complementing the parks,

our recreation programs provide organized, structured,

stimulating and enjoyable activities for all ages and abilities.”

The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department is to maintain Cheshire as a

desirable place to live and play.

With five related degrees and 265 years of collective experience (245 of which have

been in Cheshire) among the ten full time employees, staff have the knowledge and ability to handle their core duties well. Staff take pride in their efforts, and are also enthusiastic about

building relationships with the community; in addition to maintaining six major parks which

are used constantly, the department strives to meet the needs and wants of the residents,

organizations and businesses of Cheshire.

In FY 12-13, the department successfully completed initiation of online registrations for

programs which allows patrons access to registration remotely on a 24 hour, 7 days per week

basis. A storage facility was constructed at Bartlem Park for centralize equipment storage

which has improved operational efficiency. New and improved programs were offered to

participants in the Adaptive Programs area through funds received through the Connecticut

Community Foundation; this program has blossomed, and is meeting a need in our

community. Organic fertilizer use was continued with good success.

J==OO==J

Eagle Scout projects, including a renovation of the changing rooms at Mixville Park,

trail improvements at Cheshire Park, and windows added to the enclosed area under the

picnic pavilion at Mixville Park have helped to maintain and improve our parks. The Cheshire

Dog Park group, in collaboration with the department, is approaching its financial goals and

has acquired several of necessary the permit approvals.

Also in FY 12-13, the department changed the summer concert series to a format of

Friday nights at Bartlem Park with quality musical groups to enhance and invigorate the

program. A Use Agreement with Youth Soccer for use of the Quinnipiac Concession Stand was

finalized, and the department worked with Youth Soccer to install a perimeter fence on the

west side of Quinnipiac Field. The department also initiated GPS on maintenance service

vehicles to ensure efficient deployment of staff.

The Parks and Recreation Department is also fortunate to have support from local

sports and civic organizations who offer volunteers and donations.

Staff

Bob Ceccolini, Director

Sandy Petela, Deputy Director

Cheryl Corey, Assistant to the Director

Kathy Forenza, Secretary

Elizabeth Mayne, Program Coordinator

Barbara Costello, Adaptive Coordinator

Parks Foreman, Four Groundskeepers, and various Seasonal Staff

FY 12-13 Budget


The Parks and Recreation Department is located at

Harmon Leonard Jr. Youth Center


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 272-2743

[email protected] www.cheshire ct.org/recreation-and-leisure

J==OP==J


Performing and Fine Arts Committee Annual Report 2012-2013

There is a hidden gem of talent in Cheshire called Artsplace.

Inside the inviting building with the purple awnings you will

find nationally recognized artists, with awards, prizes and

accolades too numerous to mention. Collectively they have

14 Bachelor’s Degrees and four Master’s Degrees. These

successful artists are there to happily teach students, young

and old, to develop their own artistic gifts.

Managed by Artsplace Director Joan Pilarczyk under

the auspices of the Performing and Fine Arts Committee

(CPFA), Artsplace is filled with classrooms, supplies, eager students, amazing talent, and

walls of artwork. 20 professional artists/teachers and four staff members run the programs

and teach almost 900 students a year. While there was no summer production in FY 12-13,

Cheshire Youth Theatre also adds another 150 participants a year.

Joan is so proud of all their students, and is in awe of the teachers. “Our teachers

have won national, regional and local art awards. They are recognized, respected artists,

and they are incredibly talented.” she says. “They don’t just teach art, they nurture every

student, by sharing their talent, their passion for art, and their creativity.”

The mission of the Cheshire Performing and Fine Arts Committee is to facilitate,

encourage and promote arts activities in the Town of Cheshire and to provide opportunities

for residents to participate in all areas of the fine and performing arts.

Teachers and staff take great pride in their teaching, and

also in their achievements. In FY 12-13, the most ambitious of

which is the recently completed three-year John Frederick

Kensett project which will soon be completed. This project,

supported with a grant from the Connecticut Community

Foundation and funds from Friends of CPFA/Artsplace, Inc.,

serves to heighten awareness of this famous native artist. An

activity book produced by teachers, staff and students has

become part of the Cheshire third grade curricula, and a half-

hour multimedia presentation on the life and artwork of

Kensett is be available to community organizations and civic

groups and soon will be available to Cheshire teachers.

Also in FY 12-13, CPFA hosted the 10th Annual Author Event featuring author Laura

Harrington, and the 25th annual ARTSDAY with special emphasis on historic arts and crafts.

The Art Heals Program, sponsored by Friends of CPFA/Artsplace, continued to help

homebound adult residents by bringing art enrichment activities to them, teaching them in

their homes, and framing their finished work.

J==OQ==J

The CPFA Committee sponsored a highly successful, two-week summer theatre camp

to meet the demand for theatrical arts programming in conjunction with Parks and

Recreation Department. They continued to award the annual CPFA Richard W. Conrad

Memorial Scholarship to a deserving high school senior pursuing a degree in the arts from

an accredited university. The scholarship promotes interest in arts among students.

Also, CPFA continued beautification of the exterior of Artsplace, collaborating with

the Town Beautification Committee, Cheshire Garden Club, The Friends of CPFA/Artsplace,

Inc., and volunteers.

When Artsplace asked its students what Artsplace meant to them, the positive

responses were overwhelming. Pre-schoolers through older adults all agreed that Artsplace

was “great,” repeating the phrases “opportunity to be creative,” “wonderful teachers,”

“encouragement,” “stress relief,” “happiness, ” “a treasure,” “my favorite two hours of the

week,” “discovering a talent you didn’t think you had,” ‘pride,” “a wonderful community,”

and emphasized by all, “I love Artsplace!”

Staff

Joan Pilarczyk, Artsplace Director

Liz Augustine, Clerk Typist

Ellen St. Pierre, Clerk

Agnes Wnuk, Clerk

Fred LaVigna, Building Supervisor

FY 12-13 Budget


The Performing and Fine Arts Committee (Artsplace) is located at

1220 Waterbury Road

Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 272-2787

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/recreation-and-leisure/artsplace

J==OR==J


Planning and Development Department Annual Report 2012-2013

As a department that advises and assists

regulatory agencies, the Planning

Department story might not be a thriller.

But it is certainly important. Planning for a

community impacts the aesthetics, safety,

convenience, quality of life and future of its

residents and businesses. It may not be

noticed unless it’s not there.

What Planning does is work with the

Planning and Zoning Commission, the

Zoning Board of Appeals, the Inland

Wetlands and Watercourses Commission,

the Beautification Commission, the

Economic Development Commission, and

the Environment Commission, the Building

Official, Public Works and Engineering

Department, the Fire and Police

Departments, Economic Development

Coordinator, attorneys, business and

residents. Staff needs to know and

understand local and state zoning,

environment and building regulations,

manage open space, and constantly think about the future.

Town Planner Bill Voelker is proud of the staff that assists with all of

this work. With a Master’s Degree in Community Planning and

Development, Bill is supported by Environmental Planner Suzanne Simone

who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology and a Master’s Degree in Geography

and 18 years of experience, and former police officer Dave Kehoss who serves

as the Zoning Enforcement Officer. As Bill says, “I’m proud of the stuff that’s

taken for granted, because that means we do it so well.”

The mission of the Planning and Development Department is to provide technical

assistance and customer service on land use matters to the general public and Town

agencies to facilitate the orderly development of Cheshire. The Department is also charged

with monitoring, interpreting and enforcing our planning and zoning regulations to protect

the quality of life of our residents.

Some of the achievements of this department and its agencies in FY 12-13, in addition

to their core duties, include the continued implementation of the Aquifer Protection

program to strengthen the protection of this resource, and continued coordination and

support of Earth Day for public enjoyment, expanded recreational opportunities and to

heighten environmental awareness.

J==OS==J

The West Main Streetscape improvements project was advanced, which will upgrade

this district. Staff collaborated on Phase I of the Geographic Information System (GIS)

project, which will provide this department and the public with greatly expanded visual

land use information.

Also in FY 12-13, the department created an Open Space Status Report to ensure

appropriate, ongoing use of passive recreation areas, and developed a schedule for creating

open space management plans for each parcel of open space property. Staff also worked

with the Environment Commission to modify and update existing open space management

plans to ensure the continuance of appropriate utilization of land and expand passive

recreation opportunities.

The department applied for and was awarded a State Open Space Grant to purchase

additional open space properties. Staff assisted with developing and launching Town wide

recycling program with an environmental benefit of reducing waste, as well as conducted

environmental informational programming to educate our resident, and also began

development of a more comprehensive open space webpage to expand awareness of

recreation.

Staff

William S. Voelker, AICP, Town Planner

Suzanne Simone, Environmental Planner

David Kehoss, Zoning Enforcement Officer/Inland Wetlands Agent

Jocelyn Patrignelli, Executive Secretary

Catherine Donegan, Secretary

Barbara LaVigna, Clerk-Typist

FY 12-13 Budget


The Planning & Development Department is located

in Room 219 in Town Hall


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6670

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/planning-zoning-and-wetlands

J==OT==J


Police Department Annual Report 2012-2013

Police work isn’t always about speeding tickets and

TV cop stuff. It’s also about building relationships

with high school students, teaching senior citizens

how to avoid scams, helping new parents install their

car seat properly for the new baby, teaching women

to defend themselves, promoting personal safety and

crime prevention to kids, tedious research and

investigations, providing comfort in difficult

situations. And there is always the possibility that, at

any given moment, a situation could instantly arise in which their reaction could become a

matter of life or death. Our Police Department handles all of this with professionalism and a

true concern for our residents and our community.

The severe snowstorm of February 2013 presented many examples of the dedicated

and concern of Cheshire’s men and women in blue. The police station was fully staffed, and

officers were out in the storm, rescuing stranded motorists, guarding downed wires, assisting in

medical calls, answering questions and calming residents. Many of these officers then went

home to their families after a very long couple of days, and began digging out at home. But

they put their community and its residents first, because that is their duty.

Chief Neil Dryfe is proud of how the members of the Police

Department conduct themselves. “Our level of service is high, and we

have very few complaints. That means more than being ranked the 29th

Safest Community,” Chief Dryfe commented.

Another of the intangibles that are important to the public’s

confidence in our Police personnel is experience. We estimate that, collectively, the men and

women of the department have over 1,000 years of experience serving the Town.

The mission of the Cheshire Police Department is to ensure and protect the safety and

welfare of all Cheshire residents and those visiting Cheshire in order to maintain and enhance

the quality of life.

In addition to making our community safe, teaching our residents how to be safe, and

handling an average of 600 incidents per officer annually, the department had some critical

achievements in FY 12-13. They completed the hiring and training process for two new police

officers who graduated from police academy in December of 2012, bringing the department to

full budgeted strength. The department continued to provide training opportunities for

officers as part of career development and our commitment to a high level of professionalism,

and also continued to provide training to supervisory, mid-management and command staff as

part of sustainability and succession planning. Over 100 hours of training per officer were

provided. A complete rewrite of all Cheshire Police Department policies and procedures was

initiated and related training was conducted, which will enhance operational effectiveness.

J==OU==J

The department completed the installation of the new Computer Aided Dispatch and

Records Management System (CAD/RMS), which has increased the efficiency in information

processing, the speed of information retrieval and the quality of stored information. Other

technology improvements were made, including the purchase of products to enhance

efficiency of staffing, scheduling and professional development.

Also in FY 12-13, the department continued to address citizen’s concerns regarding

traffic conditions and speeding on local roads, to ensure the safety of the motoring public and

our neighborhoods. They secured grant funding to participate in preventive operations

including Driving Under the Influence (DUI), seat belt and distracted driving enforcement

campaigns, at a minimized cost to taxpayers. In the wake of the Sandy Hook school shootings

in Newtown, the department worked closely with the schools to ensure the security of our

children. They also conducted a building security and personal safety program for all Town

employees to heighten awareness of responses to workplace violence, to help ensure the safety

of our personnel and the public.

Staff

Neil Dryfe, Chief of Police

Louise White, Administrative Assistant

Joseph Popovich, Deputy Police Chief

Robert Vignola, Police Captain Operations

Jay Markella, Detective Captain Support Services

James Fasano, Administrative Lieutenant

April Leiler, Animal Control Officer

Norma Charette, Assistant Animal Control Officer

Officers, Dispatchers and Recording Secretaries

FY 12-13 Budget


The Police Department is located at

500 Highland Avenue

Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-5500

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/police-services

J==OV==J


Public Works and Engineering Annual Report 2012-2013

In February 2013, a major winter storm hit Cheshire. Public works crews

and staff worked 57 hours straight, with a few sleep breaks, using every

piece of equipment available since the snow was too deep for the plows

in many places. They worked in close cooperation with the Police and

Fire personnel. Town roads were all passable by Sunday night; Cheshire

was one of the first communities in the area to have our roads cleared.

And even though they had to dig themselves and their families out when

they finally got home, the crews were back on the road the next day to

push back snow from the roads and clear intersections of huge snow piles. All in all, they

moved over 454 tons of snow. The Town received numerous calls, letters

and emails from residents expressing gratitude and praising the efforts of

Town personnel.

While this storm was out of the ordinary, it’s just one example of the

dedication of the Public Works crew and staff. “They set a goal to have all

the roads passable before they went home. They took ownership, they worked hard, they

worked together, and they took pride in their accomplishment,” says Public Works Director

George Noewatne.

The mission of the Public Works Department is to manage the development,

maintenance and improvements to the Town’s infrastructure and public assets including roads,

sidewalks, drainage and all public facilities, which are essential for a safe, efficient, and

attractive community. The Department also provides for residential solid waste disposal and

recycling needs of the community.

Public Works and Engineering is responsible for much more than snow plowing.

Fortunately, the department collectively boasts four Bachelor’s Degrees, four Master’s Degrees,

two PE licenses, almost two dozen certifications, and an aggregate of over 430 years relevant

experience. In FY 12-13 the department was reorganized to more effectively use the skills and

talents of personnel, and to more efficiently manage the wide range of department

responsibilities, which are illustrated in the following lengthy and varied listing of some of the

department’s accomplishments for FY 13-14:

Implemented a single stream recycling program, utilizing a biweekly automated pickup,

which reduced costs and benefits the environment by reducing waste.

Secured $650k in grants from Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge

Program for the replacement of Blacks Road and Creamery Road bridges, which equates to

a 30% reimbursement of design and construction costs.

In calendar 2012, milled and overlaid asphalt on 42 roads for a total of 10 miles, and chip

sealed 6 roads for a total of 2.8 miles.

Installed and repaired over 2,000 linear feet of storm drainage.

Cleaned and restored 1,000 linear feet of the heavily silted watercourse flowing through

the Forest and Fawn neighborhood to reduce flooding and improve public health.

Removed or trimmed over 125 dangerous public trees to insure safety of life and property.

Implemented intersection improvements at Mixville Road to create a three-way stop

thereby increasing public safety.

Assisted in removing the support structure and procuring and installing the replacement

community pool bubble.

J==PM==J

Supervised Public Building Projects that included five Town and six Education projects.

Enhanced pedestrian safety by replacing 0.6 miles of sidewalks.

Oversaw operation of Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection system and supervised

design of the treatment plant upgrade and the West Johnson and Cook Hill pump stations.

Assisted in two State grant applications for the future design and construction of 2.5 miles

of linear trail and supervised the design and permitting process for the Town’s section.

Assisted in the implementation of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) project that

will benefit both the citizen users and improve municipal operations efficiency.

Continued to upgrade computer access and software to enable the building maintenance

staff to customize the Library, Police Headquarters and Senior Center Heating Ventilation

and Air Conditioning (HVAC) controls and reduce energy costs.

Replaced the Police Headquarters roof on the front part of the building to proactively

address degradation issues and alleviate potential water damage.

Performed interior work at several of the Town buildings as part of the “winter blitz” to

improve the work environment and professional appearance of the buildings.

Replaced roof and selected exterior doors at the old Public Works Garage building to

proactively address degradation issues, alleviate potential water damage and improve

energy efficiency.

Monitored the air quality of the Town Hall, Library, Police Headquarters and Artsplace to

avoid any health issues and improve the work environment.

Performed mold remediation at Fire Station #3 to restore full use of the building and

adjusted HVAC controls to eliminate the growth of mold in the future.

Assisted in teen center renovations at the Library, replaced a section of shingle roof that

was compromised and performed sidewalk repairs to eliminate any tripping hazards.

Performed a comprehensive preventative maintenance assessment of the HVAC systems on

the major Town buildings to optimize controls and prevent costly failures.

Responded to over 600 work requests by public property users, and continued to refine

operational procedures to respond to work orders more effectively and efficiently.

Performed parking lot striping at the Town Hall to ensure safe vehicle operation.

Supervised an energy performance contracting audit of various Town buildings for future

project determination and energy savings.

Staff

George Noewatne, Director of Public Works and Engineering

Walter Gancarz, P.E., Operations Manager/Town Engineer

Mark Cunningham, Highway Superintendent

Warren Disbrow, P.E., Assistant Town Engineer

Don Nolte, Engineering Technician

Stephanie Dunn, Assistant to Director of Public Works

Janet Ray, Secretary

Kathy Doherty, Secretary

FY 12-13 Budget


The Public Works Department is located in Room 213 in Town Hall


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6690

[email protected] www.cheshire ct.org/public-works

J==PN==J


Town Clerk’s Annual Report 2012-2013

There may be ten visitors in the Town Clerk’s office,

each doing something different: recording on the land

records, looking up a property map, licensing a dog,

getting a copy of a marriage license, having a signature

notarized, getting a fishing license, looking up minutes

from a past Council meeting, filing an absentee ballot,

registering to vote, getting sworn in as a new

appointee, filing a trade name certificate.

Town Clerk Carolyn Soltis is an elected official,

and her office is the statutory “keeper of the records.”

She is also responsible for compliance with several

hundred state statutes. New technology has enabled the office to begin to offer information

and services electronically, but there are still quite a few residents, attorneys, title searchers,

and other members of the public who visit this office, since the range of services is so broad.

The mission of the Town Clerk’s office is to maintain and safeguard the integrity of

town and state statutory records; to issue legal licenses in compliance with state statues; to aid

the general public in retrieval and reviewing of public records and to support the voting

process.

In FY 12-13, the Town Clerk’s office recorded over 8,000 land record documents, and

issued over 2,500 licenses. In addition to providing these core services, the department

applied for and received a $6,500 state grant for organizing town records. With the Registrars

of Voters office, they co-administered the 2012 primaries and election, issuing over 3,200

absentee ballots. The office also implemented new user friendly computer system for land

records and dog licenses, developed a new vital statistics master index,

and connected vault computers to a pay copier to make it easier for the

public to print copies. Also in FY 12-13, the staff continued to

update commissions lists and to have commission minutes filmed. Staff

continued the indexing of military discharges and created a master index

form to simplify retrieval, and continued foreclosure procedures as

required by State Statutes.

Staff

Carolyn Soltis, Town Clerk

Laura Brennan, Deputy Town Clerk

Kirsten Augliera, Assistant Town Clerk

Patti Dickinson, Assistant Town Clerk

Francine Bowman, Assistant Town Clerk

FY 12-13 Budget


The Town Clerk’s office is located in Room 109 in Town Hall


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6690

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/town-clerk

J==PO==J


Town Manager’s Annual Report 2012-2013

The Town Manager is appointed by the Town Council and is

responsible for managing all Town departments. And I am grateful for

the caliber of people running those departments. Our department and

division heads are consummate professionals. The Town of Cheshire

has one of the most educated, experienced and dedicated staff of any

municipal organization in the state. They have a remarkable and

gratifying ability to work together. Their mutual support, respect and

camaraderie makes this organization more efficient, more effective,

and more responsive.”

With a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and 36 years

experience in municipal government, I’m familiar with many

municipalities, so I can appreciate the Town of Cheshire; its sense of

community and volunteerism, its character, its financial stability, its beautiful open space, its

public safety, its quality education system, its success stories. There’s a reason we were ranked

39th among the best small towns in which to live by Money Magazine.

The mission of the Town Manager is to administer and support the finances, regulations

and services of the departments and officials of the municipality of Cheshire to insure that all

municipal functions are as efficient as possible and that these functions maintain the fiscal

stability of the Town, best serve the community, its residents and businesses, and perform at

the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

Working closely with the Town Council and with the support of Town Departments,

the Town Manager’s office realized the following accomplishments in FY 12-13:

Achieved a healthy surplus, strong fund equity position, continuing reduction in debt

obligations, and very well funded reserve accounts to mitigate the challenges of the

economy and continue to maintain the fiscal stability and foundation of Town operations.

Maintained high ratings of Aa1 from Moody’s Investor Services and AAA from Fitch

Ratings, and issued $10.5M General Obligations Bonds at an all-time low interest rate of

2.46%, resulting in significant debt service savings.

Diversified ongoing professional development and enrichment, and expanded number of

programs through use of webinars to strengthen morale and enhance employee skills to

better serve the Town and the public.

Continued to enhance the work environment and build morale with frequent

communication with and from Town employees through emails, programs and workshops,

and interpersonal interactions.

Continued to enhance communication with citizens to encourage our residents to be well-

informed about Town programs, services and issues through the Town website, the local

government access television channel, direct mail, CodeRED emergency notifications, by

frequent contact with local media, and by staff making themselves available.

Continued to achieve very successful recruitment of personnel to fill vacant positions,

including a new Public Works Director and an Operations Manager/Engineer.

Settled Library bargaining unit successor agreement, achieving a beneficial outcome.

With the Police Department, conducted a building security and personal safety program for

all Town employees to heighten awareness of responses to workplace violence, to help

ensure the safety of our personnel and the public.

J==PP==J

Initiated or continued key Town projects such as: Public Safety software conversion;

Geographic Information System (GIS) software; West Main Street Streetscape

improvements; Linear Trail extension; Energy Audit/Performance Contracting initiative;

road improvements; Technology Initiative. These projects provide significant benefits to

our residents and for our operations.

Developed an Organizational Sustainability program, including succession planning among

department heads, to preserve continuity and quality of programs, services and

administrative functions, to ensure a strong, dynamic local government organization that

will consistently thrive and provide a high quality of life for residents.

Implemented first phase of the Technology Strategic Planning project, contracting for a

Chief Technology Officer and consulting engineers who made significant improvements to

our aging, outmoded infrastructure, our Disaster Recovery and Business Resumption

abilities, and to the support for our current and future technology needs, realizing cost

savings, improvements in operational efficiencies and enhanced service to the public.

Implemented a Townwide automated single stream

recycling program to achieve significant cost savings,

benefit the environment by reducing solid waste,

and offer more extensive recycling opportunities.

Expanded funding available for previously planned

road improvement program through

deauthorization of appropriations for completed or

nearly completed capital projects.

Created a formalized Emergency Storm Shelter and

Emergency Operation Plan and participated in a

statewide emergency simulation exercise; this plan

was utilized to ensure the safety of the public with

an effective coordinated response to Superstorm

Sandy and Storm Nemo.

Continued to expand the pre-planning operating

budget process to enhance the development and

decision-making process of the FY ‘14 budget, and

to strengthen our financial planning analyses.

Staff

Michael A. Milone, Town Manager

Louis A. Zullo, Personnel Director/Assistant Town Manager

Arnett Talbot, Executive Assistant/Public Information Officer

Pat Sepp, Executive Secretary

FY 12-13 Budget


The Town Manager’s Office is located in Room 221 in Town Hall


Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6690

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/town-manager

J==PQ==J


Water Pollution Control Department (WPCD) Annual Report 2012-2013

It may not seem like much, but

going a week without power yet

managing to prevent flooding at

the Waste Water Treatment Plant

(WWTP) and pump stations and

keeping them operational and in

compliance with all permits is a

significant accomplishment. The

two major weather events in FY

12-13 brought challenges to the

WWTP that the staff met with

their usual dedication and

professionalism.

With several degrees, a dozen certifications and over 85 years collective

experience in the operation and maintenance of waste water treatment plants, WWTP

Superintendent Dennis Dievert and his staff progressively and proactively manage a plant

that averages a daily flow of 2.69 million gallons per day, and that releases effluent that

surpasses all current environmental requirements. They maintain nine pump stations and

120 miles of collection system piping, and manages sludge handling and disposal. Theirs

is a job that would be noticed if it wasn’t done correctly, so they aren’t in the spotlight

much. However, the industry has repeatedly recognized Dennis and the plant for their

excellence in the field. The fact that there were only five sewer backups in Town in FY

12-13 underscores the successful job they do.

The mission of the WPCD is to protect general public health by providing the

sanitary sewer needs of residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Cheshire.

The department supports and works closely with the Water Pollution Control

Authority (WPCA), a regulatory agency appointed by the Town Council who set fees

and oversee construction projects.

In addition to handling the day to day duties of the department and weathering

the storms, the WPCD realized some significant accomplishments in FY 12-13, most

notably achieving a successful referendum vote for $ 32.15 million to design and upgrade

the aging Wastewater Treatment Plant. The department also completed the design of

the upgrade, bid the project for construction, and selected and hired the contractor.

Also in FY 12-13, the department completed the in-house design, installation and

start up of new level controller for Cook Hill Pump Station, and the West Johnson pump

station design was completed; both are now ready for upgrade as needed.

J==PR==J

The plant successfully achieved nitrogen levels in the effluent well below the

permitted level in the General Nitrogen permit, and is in fact among the top 14

Connecticut plants in achieving nitrogen levels 55% below permit.

Staff continued the joint monthly bidding process with Southington and Meriden

for the purchase of Methanol, which has continued to achieve considerable cost savings

with a stable cost per gallon. They also renewed the contract with Connecticut Light &

Power (CL&P) Independent System Operator (ISO) Program, allowing the plant to

operate under generator power during high loading on electric grid and selling unneeded

power back to CL&P, thereby providing additional revenue. In addition, the department

initiated GPS on maintenance service vehicles to ensure efficient deployment of staff.

The department also continues to work to reduce inflow.

Staff

Dennis Dievert, Waste Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Scott Hallier, Assistant Superintendent

John Cronin, Laboratory Supervisor

Patricia Samselski, Clerk Typist

FY 12-13 Budget


The Water Pollution Control Department is located at

1325 Cheshire Street

Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 271-6650

[email protected]

www.cheshire ct.org/water-pollution-control-department

J==PS==J


CCHHEESSHHIIRREE PPUUBBLLIICC SSCCHHOOOOLLSS 2299 MMaaiinn SSttrreeeett

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((220033)) 225500--22440000 ((220033)) 225500--22445533

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J==PT==J

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2

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RRiicchhaarrdd SSaannssoouuccyy,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

LLaauurriiee VViiccaarriioo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

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AAllbbeerrttaa LLaannddiinnoo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

EELLEEMMEENNTTAARRYY SSCCHHOOOOLLSS

AAnnnn DDoonnnneerryy,, PPrriinncciippaall –– DDaarrcceeyy

RRuusssseellll HHiinncckklleeyy,, PPrriinncciippaall –– CChhaappmmaann

SShhaarroonn WWeeiirrssmmaann,, PPrriinncciippaall –– DDoooolliittttllee

KKeellllyy GGrriilllloo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall –– DDoooolliittttllee

BBeevveerrllyy SSccuullllyy,, PPrriinncciippaall –– HHiigghhllaanndd

MMaarrlleennee SSiillaannoo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall –– HHiigghhllaanndd

MMaarryy KKaarraass,, PPrriinncciippaall –– NNoorrttoonn

KKeellllyy GGrriilllloo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall ––NNoorrttoonn

J==PU==J

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3

DDAARRCCEEYY SSCCHHOOOOLL

AAnnnn DDoonnnneerryy,, PPrriinncciippaall

NARRATIVE OVERVIEW

A significant area of focus for the Darcey kindergarten team this year was the

implementation of the new math curriculum “Investigations”. The initiative was

embraced by the entire kindergarten faculty and was implemented with fidelity and

enthusiasm. The summer curriculum work promoted a greater understanding of the

math program and the CCSS which resulted in a more effective implementation.

Team meetings throughout the year provided teachers with the opportunity to share

effective strategies and modifications to ensure success of all learners. Assessment

results indicated high level of student mastery. The team developed a new report

card which reflected the Common Core State Standards in Math.

Another area of focus for kindergarten was in the area of literacy and the effective

use of data analysis to increase overall student achievement. Benchmark data, the

Letter Sound Fluency (LSF), was analyzed to identify students who were not on

target for meeting grade level expectations for the spring and did the following:

Trained the Instructional Assistants (IAs) on how to administer the LSF

assessment correctly, and established inter-evaluator reliability by ensuring

that the LSF was administered exactly the same way with every student

regardless of who was assessing

Kept data daily on which letter sounds students below the 40th percentile on

LSF did or did not know, and delivered daily intervention coaching and

practice that targeted the sounds each student needed to learn

As soon as a student demonstrated knowing 90% or more letter sounds,

practice was modified to address letter sound fluency, being able to state the

corresponding sounds of given letters “automatically and without hesitation.”

All IAs received training on a small set of strategies that would help students

develop letter sound fluency; these IAs further received in-class coaching and

feedback by the reading specialist to ensure consistency of strategies and

adult feedback or coaching talk.

The LSF was re-administered in April and May to all students at Darcey, to

monitor progress towards grade level expectations of 35+ letter sounds in a

minute by year’s end.

The response to this intervention plan was measurable: In March, 35% of the

students scored in Bands 4-5 on the LSF, and in June the number rose to 60%

J==PV==J

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4

in Bands 4-5, a gain of 25%. Further, the number of students above the 40th

percentile (Bands 3-4-5) was 56% in March and rose to 83% in June.

The Darcey Strategic initiative of preserving and perpetuating the philosophy

and methodology for early childhood learning developed by Lois Rho was met

through a collaborative effort of past and present Darcey faculty. The

committee reviewed and categorized slides as well as organized paper

documents, creating the Lois Rho Archive Collection. The Consultation Center

Trans-Disciplinary Play Based Assessment Team (CCTAT) developed an

information packet highlighting the unique assessment. The training packet

included the history and background of the model, a brochure, a report

template and an administration kit. The team presented to teachers and area

preschool directors. A follow up to this informative workshop included a visit

by area preschool teachers to Darcey where they learned more about the

Parent Center and the Lois Rho philosophy.

2012/2013 HIGHLIGHTS OF DARCEY SCHOOL

Implementation of Responsive Classroom practices in the kindergarten

classrooms. All teachers facilitated engaging and interactive class meetings

which promoted stronger classroom communities. End of the year teacher

reflections indicated that class meetings were successful and have become an

important component of their daily teaching practice.

The completion of the EIC deck. After several years of fundraising and

planning and a year of building, the deck was ready for children. Anyone who

attended the dedication ceremony on June 13th would certainly agree that the

end result was magnificent. A true highlight was an EIC sing-a-long where all

the children participated under the canopy of the beautiful outdoors.

On January 29th the EIC hosted a very successful Open House for prospective

parents who were interested in learning about Darcey’s reverse mainstream

preschool program. The teachers were excited to share their classrooms as

well as their expertise-The EIC wing never looked more inviting. The boost in

community awareness resulted in many applicants and full RM enrollment for

the 2013-14 school year.

After a great deal of editing, revising and formatting the Common Core State

Standards in math were included in the report card for the first time in

January. A workshop titled “Understanding the Common Core in

Kindergarten” was offered to parents to help them understand the CC as well

as gain a greater understanding of the new report card.

As part of the grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation, the

Cheshire Early Childhood Roundtable met four times at Darcey School to

discuss ways to promote best practice in early childhood through varied

J==QM==J

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5

professional development opportunities. A plan of action was developed for

year 2013-14.

B-3 is currently servicing 42 children with 5 evaluations pending. In addition

to the direct services B-3 provides to Cheshire families the team has also

contributed in the following ways to the Cheshire community:

o A presentation to area daycares on Positive Behavioral Support and Autism,

“Home Visiting" was presented to EIC faculty on CPS professional development

day, a presentation to Mothers of Preschoolers, and a presentation on best practices

when working with toddlers and babies.

o The B-3 team attended in services on the topics: Kinesiology Taping, Evidence-

Based Practice-Writing Functional Outcomes for Families, Infant Mental Health

and Video Taping as a Tool to Assist Families, Emotional Labor, Infant Massage,

and Motor Development in Infants.

Darcey is proud of Donna Notti for receiving the Service to Youth Award for

her outstanding contributions to the children and families of Cheshire.

62 families attended the EIC Parent’s Center this year and 48 requested

testing or evaluation. The Parent Center was able to offer sufficient parenting

support and/or screening, resulting in only 3 Consultation Center Evaluations.

This resulted in 3 students entering the EIC program. In addition there were

26 speech screenings resulting in 2 speech referrals. Community outreach

services included 38 phone contacts and 7 program visits.

The PTA provided curriculum enrichment events throughout the year

including an operatic version of the Billy Goats Gruff presented by UConn

Opera Outreach, a children’s author, a singer/story teller and touch tanks for

the sea life unit.

New locks have been installed in all the kindergarten classrooms. New doors

have been installed in Room 1 and 2 in the EIC.

J==QN==J

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6

CCHHAAPPMMAANN EELLEEMMEENNTTAARRYY SSCCHHOOOOLL

RRuusssseellll HHiinncckklleeyy,, PPrriinncciippaall

NARRATIVE OVERVIEW

During the 2012-2013 school year Chapman School completed three important

strategic plan objectives: Implementing Investigations Math resources in grades 1-5;

developing and refining the Safe School Climate Committee; and revising and

improving the SRBI process. Judy Gardner and the fourth grade team helped to

ensure that teachers understood the Math Investigations program and had a game

plan for implementation. Chapman’s Safe School Climate Committee met to revise

the plan and monitor the incidents of bullying and mean spirited behavior in school.

The SRBI team was facilitated very well by new RAM, Emily Jagos, and the team

put into place many ideas based on training received during the 11-12 school year.

After careful analysis of CMT scores and data from previous year as well as

throughout the year, Chapman teachers focused on making sure students read

independently, wrote in an authentic manner and had time for Math each day.

As usual Chapman Students were fortunate to participate in wide array of engaging

activities either facilitated by the outstanding teachers or by the extraordinary

PTSA. Students participated in a variety of events such as a Fall Fun Fair, the

Bubble Man show, book fairs and a laser light show. Students were able to go on a

number of field trips and participated in school activities such as field day, Nature’s

Classroom and Arbor Day celebration. On June 20, the school year concluded by

promoting 56 sixth grade students to middle school.

2012/2013 HIGHLIGHTS OF CHAPMAN SCHOOL

Chapman School Successfully implemented the Math Investigations program

in grades 1-5.

o Grade Level Teacher Meetings were held with Judy Gardner

o Classroom Labs were hosted by 4th

grade classroom teachers to facilitate

communication about implementing the program

Chapman revised and improved its Safe School Climate Committee

o A list of Mean Spirited Behavior was created for the committee to review

o Data was kept on the types of actions taken to address this mean spirited behavior

to determine if it was in line with responsive classroom.

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7

o In response to the tragedy in Newtown security measures were tightened including

the visitor procedures.

The SRBI team implemented ideas from the SERC Workshop attended last

year o Tier 1 Conversations were held at Grade Level Teacher Meetings

o A thorough Intervention Planning Document was completed for all Tier 2 students

o A Behavior Sub Committee was created to meet separately with teachers whose

students received behavior interventions.

o Emily Jagos, Chapman’s new RAM, facilitated the SRBI process

Chapman’s Mentor Program, facilitated by Guidance Counselor, Stacie

Markoski grew to serve more of the students. Over 40 people attended the

Mentor Celebration on 6/11/13.

Chapman successfully included 5 Open Choice Students.

6th grade students participated in the “Step Up” program offered by the Anti

Defamation League and World of Difference Institute

55 sixth grade students attended Nature’s Classroom in Wakefield RI

All Students had a chance to present at one of the monthly Town Meetings

Students participated in many educational trips and experiences including: a

tour of Boston, activities at the Eli Whitney Museum, visiting the CT River

Museum, smart living center and trash museum, raising and releasing

salmon, attending theater productions, taking a tour of Cheshire, visiting

Lyman Orchards and the Science Center, working in the star lab

Andy Dousis, Responsive Classroom Consultant, met with teachers, led model

morning meetings and gave staff great feedback about their implementation of

RC strategies.

Chapman’s active PTSA worked with the school for the benefit of students and

provided the following activities: Bubble Mania, Two successful book fairs, Ice

cream and Pizza Social with the Book fair, 2 Movie Nights, Weekly Notices to

communicate with families, Fall Fun Day, Lego Afterschool Program

Christine Robidoux was hired as the Science Room IA. She met with grade

levels of teachers and facilitated the use of the Science Room.

Students participated in winter and spring concerts – featuring the chorus,

strings and band

Chapman’s Annual Talent Show, facilitated by music teacher, Jamie Sima

was a success and performed for a packed house.

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8

DDOOOOLLIITTTTLLEE EELLEEMMEENNTTAARRYY SSCCHHOOOOLL

SShhaarroonn WWeeiirrssmmaann,, PPrriinncciippaall

KKeellllyy GGrriilllloo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

NARRATIVE OVERVIEW

The 2012-2013 school year welcomed five new staff members to Doolittle School, and

a focus on the needs of non-tenured staff. The Reading and Math Support (RAM)

teacher assisted greatly in acclimating new staff to the curriculum expectations and

classroom procedures. The monthly grade level team meetings were especially

effective, focusing on SRBI and student needs, offering data driven dialogue which

centered on decision making for instruction and appropriate interventions for

student achievement. The grade one data demonstrated positive growth for all

students in reading and math. Grade level teams worked at “forming, norming, and

conforming” as they set goals and worked to implement curriculum changes

involving the new CCSS in math, grades 1, 2, 3, and 5, and writing, grades 4 and 6.

Team building was also spotlighted for the Teacher Assistants, lunch/recess aides.

They applied team building strategies to problem solving and decision making, led

by the Principal. This proved very successful throughout the year.

NAEP testing took place in grade 4, and SBAC Pilot testing took place in grades 4

and 5. These sessions were successful with the assistance of teachers, the RAM, the

Curriculum Coordinator, and the technology staff.

Responsive Classroom approaches, including interactive modeling and logical

consequences, were a focus in all classrooms. Consultant Andy Dousis visited

Doolittle School several times and presented for teachers. Teachers reported for the

Strategic Plan initiative that these approaches are an important part of the school

culture. The Parent Pickup procedure was successfully revised to require a sign-out

process as part of the increased safety policy.

2012/2013 HIGHLIGHTS OF DOOLITTLE SCHOOL

Successful acclimation of five new staff members to Doolittle School

Grade level teams developed goals and worked to achieve them

Student achievement demonstrated growth in areas of reading and math

CCSS implemented in new curriculum – writing and math

Team building for TAs successful and positive

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9

HHIIGGHHLLAANNDD EELLEEMMEENNTTAARRYY SSCCHHOOOOLL

BBeevveerrllyy SSccuullllyy,, PPrriinncciippaall

MMaarrlleennee SSiillaannoo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

NARRATIVE OVERVIEW

During the 2012/2013 school the strategic initiative focused on teachers

collaborating to learn and apply classroom instructional strategies and create

classroom environments to raise achievement in reading, writing, math and the arts,

and physical education. Teachers utilized the district curriculum; mini-lessons;

teacher/student conferences with effective feedback and goal setting; and the district

curriculum resources. Participation in professional development opportunities

including faculty meetings, grade-level meetings, and selective workshops offered by

the district enhanced teachers’ knowledge and understanding.

A co-teaching initiative has continued. Two teams of teachers, a special educator and

a regular education classroom teacher, are trained as facilitators to continue to

support the inclusive environment. This initiative has promoted student success in

the classroom for both regular education students and students with special needs as

well as facilitating a collegial atmosphere at Highland. Teachers in co-teaching

situations met to discuss student data, monitor progress and design instruction to

meet student needs. Small groups were created utilizing various co-teaching models.

Weekly meetings afforded the teachers an opportunity to plan instruction, including

modifications and accommodations, as needed. The special educators also developed

“hot sheets” for their students, which were given to regular and specialist teachers.

In addition, after completing an evaluation, an educational diagnostician, special

educator and the school psychologist continued to use a multidisciplinary report,

which was used as a reporting tool at PPTs. This report was well-received by

parents/guardians. At Highland the implementation of technology was at the

forefront of the work with the students who are most needy. iPads, Kindles, and

software programs have given many of the students a voice and have allowed

students to reach their potential.

For the RTI/SRBI initiative, teachers used data to monitor progress, develop focus

objectives and intervention plans in reading, mathematics, and behavior. At the

beginning of the 2011/2012 school year, to identify Band 1 and 2 students teachers

used data from the CMT, DRP, DRA, Key Math, and the Characteristics of

Successful Learners section, on the report card. After that, classroom teachers, the

Reading and Mathematics Teacher (RAM), and literacy support personnel utilized

diagnostic assessments to determine focused objectives. Progress monitoring

occurred twice a month, from September through May. Furthermore, classroom

teachers created and used pre-assessments, formative assessments, and post-

assessments to monitor students’ progress in the classroom. Beginning in

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September, the grade-level meetings operated as SRBI/data teams. The SRBI team

met to discuss student data and progress, as well as strategies to support student

learning. Grade level meetings were used to support SRBI and to discuss student

growth in Tiers 1 and 2. Using the Rounds Protocol, teachers presented student data

and interventions. Together the teams created alternate strategies to meet the

student/teacher needs. SRBI forms were updated, grade-level binders of Band 1 and

Band 2 students were organized, and a database of focus objectives and dates was

developed. Teachers were required to analyze student learning every six to eight

weeks. Resource personnel were added to the SRBI/data teams, as necessary:

speech/language pathologist, occupational therapist, school psychologist, and school

counselor.

The focus on teaching and learning and collaboration and communication continued

with Highland Collaborative Learning Groups (professional learning communities).

The strategic initiative stated that teachers will participate in collaborative

professional growth opportunities. Teachers analyzed their classroom data, and

based on this information, chose collaborative learning topics that would help them

make instructional decisions for their students. These teachers collaborated to learn

and apply classroom instructional strategies to raise achievement in reading,

writing, math, and science. This year at Highland School, 86% of teachers who teach

regular education participated in at least one collaborative learning group. This

includes: 98% of regular education teachers; 25% of specialists; 100% of related staff;

100% of special educators, and 100% of RAMS.

In August 2012, the Responsive Classroom I and II trained teachers presented the

staff with the book, 80 Morning Meeting Ideas, for teachers to use throughout the

school year. Teachers found the book a helpful reference. Teachers have consistently

implemented the following responsive classroom practices: morning meeting,

greeting students at the classroom door each morning, morning messages, and using

precise language and implementing logical consequences. The Responsive Classroom

I and II trained teachers wrote monthly Helpful Hints, which were posted in the

weekly staff newsletter, the Friday Focus. In May 2013, Andy Dousis, former RC

consultant, spent four full days coaching the staff in Responsive Classroom practices.

To extend a positive classroom and capitalize on diversity, Highland focused on

developing opportunities for ethnic diversity for students and staff. Highland School

sought to increase students' awareness of various cultures and traditions. To support

this initiative, Highland works in partnership with its sister school, Franklin

Elementary, located in Stratford, CT. The benefits of a sister school program

include: increasing students' understanding of and interconnectedness with other

cultures; increasing students' awareness of different styles of learning and

expressing knowledge; and improving student skills in a language other than

English. Three classes from Highland School were paired with three classes from

Franklin School. These classes worked together and shared ideas as pen pals.

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Highland students wrote back and forth with their pen pals several times

throughout the school year. The partnership culminated with a group field trip to

the Festival of Cultures at the Orange Fair grounds. While on this field trip,

Highland students were able to meet and spend time with their pen pal. The new

friends attended the full day, outdoor program, designed for children to have a first-

hand experience with wildlife and gain an understanding of the many cultures in the

neighborhoods. Students had the opportunity to dance with Native Americans,

Spanish Americans and West Africans. They enjoyed the wonders of nature as they

watched the Birds of Prey soar through the sky. The entire day proved to be a great

celebration of the variety of cultures that the world holds. This year Highland had

five students attending grades two, three, and four from Open Choice.

In conjunction with the PTO, Highland continued to develop community contributor

projects using “Highland Helping Others” as the theme. These projects are all

curricular related and help to connect the school with the greater community. The

projects were as follows, in: collecting school supplies for the sister school in

Stratford, collecting over 100 notebooks along with many other school supplies;

collecting over 85 coats for the neighbors who need them; held the traditional

Veterans Day Breakfast; participated in Lights of Love and collected $955.24 to

donate to the Ronald McDonald House; collected items for the Meriden Humane

Society, delivering 67 blankets, 177 cans of cat food, 36 cans dog food and many

other items they needed; collected 261 pairs of shoes for Soles for Souls; collected 30

games for classrooms at Highland School; collected 1,238 books for Read to Grow;

and collected food for the Cheshire Food Pantry. In addition, held Alex's Lemonade

Stand where $1807.98 was donated to children who suffer from cancer. Also

throughout the year, the sixth graders, in conjunction with students from the upper-

grade Students on the Autism Spectrum classroom, continued Highland’s Recycling

Project, and donated the proceeds from the plastic bottle returns ($243) to the

Cheshire Animal Shelter. This year 83% of the sixth students had a “Highland job.”

The students were: morning announcement broadcasters, bus runners, peer recess

helpers, peer classroom helpers, nurse helpers, custodian helpers, library helpers,

and recyclers.

The after-school Highland School Drama Club successfully completed its sixth

season with an exciting production of “Seussical Jr." The show featured over 60

student performers in grades five and six, who sang, danced and acted their hearts

out. All students who audition are given an opportunity to shine and experience

creating the magic of theatre. The students rehearsed for October through February

to prepare for four shows, two in school and two at night. Both evening shows were

sold out of tickets. In addition to students on stage, there were five select sixth

graders who worked as stage managers and assistant stage managers, coordinating

all scenery, props, costumes, and lights during the shows.

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The Highland Drum Team was established last year and was comprised of fifth and

sixth grade students who were recommended by their general music teacher based

on the following criteria: personal responsibility, outstanding musicianship,

especially in the area of rhythm and instrumental performance, and independence.

This year, 15 students participated on the team and worked independently to plan,

rehearse, stage, and conduct their performances as well as compose all their own

music. They created school-wide energy and helped to develop a positive attitude

toward these community events, contributing to the overall positive school climate.

The Drum Team also accompanied the choruses at both Dodd and Highland choral

concerts and modeled exemplary personal and musical behavior.

During the 2012-2013 school year, Highland School piloted a mentoring program

with the support of Webster Bank and the Connecticut Mentoring Partnership.

Mrs. Nicole Usher, school counselor, attended a full day training provided by the

Partnership on Designing and Building a Mentoring Program. In addition, Mrs.

Usher, Mrs. Scully, and Mrs. Silano were able to receive additional support at

Highland School to assist with the implementation of a program specific to

Highland. The Webster Bank mentor met with her mentee each week for an hour.

The time was spent playing games, reading books, and engaging in other activities to

nurture a positive bond and healthy relationship. The match will continue next year

with the goal of maintaining the relationship until the student graduates Highland

School. This year, the program was able to create one mentor-mentee pair, with a

plan to recruit more mentors through Webster Bank for the 2013-2014 school year.

At Highland they continue the Summer Reading Program to solve the problem of

summer reading loss for the students who are performing in Band 1 and Band 2.

Teachers will again send home summer book bags for students to fill up with “just-

right books” that they could borrow from their classroom or school library. Each

student also went home with a listing of additional titles for “just right” books and a

letter to the parent/guardians that explained helpful reading strategies for reading

at home with your child.

Highland's Literacy Volunteer Program continued involving the support from both

the parents and the community. The program included one senior citizen from the

Cheshire community and 14 parents of students from Highland School. The Literacy

Volunteer Program provided additional reading practice for 32 students. Teachers

in Grades 1, 2 and 4 sought the support of the Literacy Volunteers. In the first week

of October, a total of 15 literacy volunteers completed a two-hour training session.

Training included modeling and guided practice of sound pack drills, sight-word

drills and rereading protocols. Explicit feedback was offered to allow volunteers the

opportunity to perfect the protocols. Collectively, the volunteers spent 16 hours a

week providing extra reading practice. As a result of this additional practice, the

students demonstrated growth. Specifically, all students in 1st grade achieved the

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goal for the Letter Sound Fluency Assessment by the last week of October. Of the 23

1st grade students, supported by the Literacy Volunteer Program, 19 students were

able to meet the R-CBM Spring goal; 55 words correct per minute. Two of the five

2nd grade students met the R-CBM goal; 95 words per minute. Also, three of the four

4th grade students met the R-CBM goal; 127 words correct per minute.

2012/2013 HIGHLIGHTS OF HIGHLAND SCHOOL

Teaching and Learning focus, as follows: SRBI, Reading Instruction;

collaborative learning groups; Responsive Classroom; and data analysis.

Co-teaching Initiative (described above)

Responsive Classroom: Morning Meetings, logical consequences, effective

feedback

Collaboration with the PTO (described above)

Implementation of the Highland Safe School Climate Plan

Student Council - In addition to participation on numerous community service

projects, the student council developed bus safety rules and taught the

Highland students those rules

Participated in the Cheshire High School Cadet Program with five cadet

teachers at Highland School.

Student Community Meetings with Mrs. Scully, Mrs. Silano, and Mrs. Usher

(school counselor). Held an all-school informative meeting that explained the

definition of bullying and the consequences of mean-spirited behavior

Town Meetings were held throughout the school year.

Year-long focus on building collaborative relationships with the

parents/guardians, for example: teachers send home/email Classroom

Newsletters, teachers establish a web page and post information on

PowerSchool; continue Highland Twitter account; participation at evening

PTO meetings (each team signed up for a month), participation at PTO

evening events

Senior Center volunteers – this year there were two volunteers from the

Cheshire Senior Center. The volunteers worked in the literacy volunteer

program.

PTO Sponsored/Highland-Sponsored Events: Parent Volunteer Program

Connections, PTO Meetings are held monthly in the evenings, Book Fairs (fall

and spring), Ice Cream Social, School Store (twice a month)

Community Connections: Cheshire Grange Presentation of Dictionaries,

SMART Music Demonstration w/Parents, First Instrumental Lesson

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w/Parents, Literacy Support Parent Meeting, Halloween Parade, CHS

Marching Band & Jazz Ensemble, Student Community Meeting: Safe School

Climate, High Touch-High Tech – Weather or Not, Dr. Dennis Waring –

Sound Program, Visit to Mark Twain House & Museum, Student Town

Meetings, Veteran’s Appreciation Breakfast, In-school Concerts, High Touch-

High Tech – “What’s the Matter”, Evening Choral & String Orchestra

Concerts, State Archeologist, Trips to Eli Whitney, Julie Collier-Birds of Prey,

Mad Science – Mineral Mania Program, Town-wide Spelling Bee, PTO Career

Day, Trip to Lyman Auditorium to see “Give a Mouse a Cookie”, Trip to Noah

Webster House, Hartford Viking Quintet Performance, Nature’s Classroom

Trip to Ivoryton, CT, Parent Music Visitation in Music Classes, CT Historical

Society/State Capitol (O’Donnell/Otis), CT Audubon Society – Sound in a Jar

Program, Incoming First Grade Parent Orientation, visiting authors, after-

school chess club for 18 students

PTO Sponsored Visiting Authors Steven Kellogg and Kate Klise

Opportunities for Ethnic Diversity for Students and Staff including PTO

Cultural Program – China Patterns; Continued collaboration with the sister

school (Franklin Elementary School in Stratford), PTO In-School Educational

Program –Mariachi Band, & Laser Light Show

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NNOORRTTOONN EELLEEMMEENNTTAARRYY SSCCHHOOOOLL

MMaarryy KKaarraass,, PPrriinncciippaall KKeellllyy GGrriilllloo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

NARRATIVE OVERVIEW

During the 2012-2013 school year, progress was made at Norton school on the work

to increase student achievement, improve teacher implementation of interventions/

effective instructional practice based upon analysis of student performance data, and

providing a safe, school environment through increased Responsive Class (RC)

practices.

Student progress was evident throughout teacher assessments, DRP results, reduced

number of students requiring LST interventions, and progress reviews at grade level

meetings. Through continued focus at grade level and SRBI meetings, teachers were

accountable for and required to provide evidence and on going data to support their

focused interventions. The Principal worked closely with the RAM to provide

teachers with needed professional development or coaching to assist with effective

instructional practices and interventions.

Progress in Responsive Classroom practice, which led to a more supportive school

environment, was accomplished through the work with Andy Dousis as well as

additional teacher training sessions for RC. Teacher teams, specialists, and special

education teachers all participated in PD sessions with Andy which included

observation of and reflection on teacher practice. Given the four days available to

work with Andy, he was able to follow up on teacher progress as well as observe a

Norton Town Meeting and provide feedback. In addition, review of office referrals

from the 2011-2012 school year and the 2012-2013 school year, indicates a reduction

in referrals and many fewer referrals for the former repeat offenders. The practice of

teachers intervening sooner to address behaviors as well as the implementation of

RC practices has had a positive effect on the student behaviors. The Safe School

Climate survey results that 82% of students in grades 1-3 and 84% of students in

grade 4-6 feel that the adults in the school care about them. The areas of need

indicated in the survey, the bus, bathrooms, and recess were all discussed and ideas

planned for implementation next year.

Students were active members of the community through a more involved student

council, community services projects in grade 6, safety patrol responsibilities, school

presentations and the school play, “Flat Stanley”. The school year ended with an

active Field Day supported by all staff and family volunteers. PTA contributed

$18,000 towards school wish list including increased technology through purchase of

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chrome books indicating continued community support and parent involvement for

Norton.

2012/2013 HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTON SCHOOL

Increased student achievement as demonstrated by the number of students

moving Band levels in reading as evidence in eDRP scores and reading levels

especially in grade 1.

Successful work with the RAM and teachers to assess, plan, and implement

effective instruction interventions and teaching strategies. Meetings and

professional development sessions held to provide teachers with professional

development in reading and math which led to successful interventions for

students as evident in improved student achievement and reduction in

number of students requiring intervention support.

Students in grades 4-6 survey results indicate (most of the time or sometimes)

99.9% feel happy; 99% feel interested and 98.6% feel safe at Norton.

Work with Andy Dousis on Responsive Classroom practices and effective

Teaching strategies. This increased teacher implementation of RC practices

and increased amount of positive teacher feedback regarding the impact of RC

practices for students in classroom.

Successful implementation of Investigations Math program.

Work with the Safe School Climate Committee to review survey results and

plan for next year based upon these results.

Increased use of Norton School Twitter account to improve community

communication. Parent feedback was positive.

Sixth grade involvement in community service projects.

Veteran’s Day breakfast and school program.

Second year of Invention Convention at Norton School.

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AAllbbeerrttaa LLaannddiinnoo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

NARRATIVE OVERVIEW

The 2012-13 school was a year of success and transition. The year opened with a

familiar face in Don Wailonis as the Interim Principal to replace Jeff Solan who went

to Cheshire High School. The transition was seamless as Mr. Wailonis led the school

since 1991. Transitions were also being made in technology and curriculum with the

adoption of a “Bring Your Own Device” program as well as the Common Core State

Standards curricula for Math and English/Language Arts.

The second half of the year brought a new Principal, Michael Woods, to Dodd. Mr.

Woods transitioned with the assistance of Mr. Wailonis, Ms. Landino, Mr. Solan, and

the Dodd and Central Office Staff. The second half of the year Mr. Woods

maintained the positive direction of the school and the initiatives that were adopted

in technology and curriculum. The Faculty and Staff at Dodd were overwhelmingly

welcome to Mr. Woods

2012/2013 HIGHLIGHTS OF DODD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dodd implemented a BYOD policy for students and teachers to utilize devices

to expand instructional strategies and higher order thinking skills.

The Dodd Performance Standards were operationalized and assessed by all

teachers through PowerSchool. Parent received a report that informed them

of the level their child had attained in the five domains of the performance

standards.

Dodd Teachers worked hard to incorporate the Common Core State Standards

into existing curricula and creating new curricula to align to the federal

initiative.

School Counseling Services and students created a Dodd Orientation video for

sixth grade students to inform them of the environment. The video was

student directed, edited, and produced with the oversight of Bonnie Winer and

School Counseling Services.

Core Academic Teams participated in several community services projects

that ranged from food pantry donations, monetary donations to the United

Way, Toys for Tots, Humane Society, to creating care packages for troops

overseas.

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The Dodd Kindness Counts Committee formed as a continuation of the

Rachel’s Challenge committee to promote kindness and kind acts throughout

Dodd and the Cheshire Community. Greeting cards, quotes of the month, and

student led meetings were the highlights of the committee as students and

adults followed a well-designed Mission Statement.

Dodd hosted speaker and law enforcement consultant, Scott Driscoll, for an

internet safety program for students and parents. The program was by some

accords the best exposure to the dangers of the internet that Dodd student

have ever seen.

Career Day 2012 was a great success as presenters from the community

exposed students to different industries and potential job fields.

The seventh grade Math-a-thon raised a remarkable amount of money this

year for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Dodd Middle School hosted its second Invention Convention. Teams from

around the state competed in an invention design forum that was sponsored

by the Petit Family Foundation.

In January 2013, eight students from Dodd participated in a leadership and

sensitivity training at Weslyan University. Students brought the experience

back to Dodd and implemented strategies through the Kindness Counts

Committee.

Our Visual and Performing Arts team performed flawless concerts with Band,

Orchestra, and Choral performance that highlighted the learning of Dodd

students. The Dodd Performance of Alice in Wonderland was a huge success.

41 students participated in a leadership seminar at Cheshire High School

hosted by Dan Lee and his leadership group. The students participated in

activities to promote and grow leadership skills.

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CCHHEESSHHIIRREE HHIIGGHH SSCCHHOOOOLL JJeeffffrreeyy SSoollaann,, PPrriinncciippaall

MMaauurreeeenn RReeeedd,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

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LLaauurriiee VViiccaarriioo,, AAssssiissttaanntt PPrriinncciippaall

NARRATIVE OVERVIEW

Cheshire High School spent the 2012-13 school year positioning itself to be prepared

for success with the new state teacher evaluation system and Common Core State

Standards implementation in the coming school year. In doing so, they focused on

developing the capacity to meet the needs of diverse learners and educating teachers

about the expectations inherent in the Common Core. These objectives were met by

coaching teachers through a variety of educational strategies from reading and

discussion to departmental presentations in faculty meetings.

The faculty was trained in the ATLAS online curricular platform this past year.

This platform will allow for better collaboration on curriculum planning and

implementation. Ultimately, teachers will use this resource to collectively assess the

effectiveness of their instruction. This technology integration was reflective of a

more generic transformation in the approach to education this year. Many teachers

integrated technology to support diverse learners for the first time. The flipped

classroom was perhaps the highlight of these strategies as was presented to the

Board of Education this past May.

2012/2013 HIGHLIGHTS OF CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL

CHS updated the crisis response and preparation strategies further

mitigating the probability of injury or loss. The implementation of a greeter

desk for visitors was perhaps the most significant change toward that end.

Cheshire High School improved their communication to parents and students,

employing regular correspondence through Naviance, email, and PowerSchool.

Administration worked collaboratively with video production classes to film

informative briefings which were shared with parents. They also installed

three big screen televisions through a gift from the class of 2012 which scroll

important announcements including student produced newscasts during lunch

sessions.

Cheshire High School math teachers successfully integrated the flipped

classroom into a full year Algebra II course. This application ultimately

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yielded higher academic performance, more efficient pacing of curriculum, and

strong student engagement.

Cheshire High School completed the New England Association of Schools and

Colleges five year assessment this past March. A multidisciplinary team

worked throughout the year to reflect on the feedback provided in the last

evaluation and assess the integration on their recommendations. (NEASC

responses have not been received to date)

The Instructional Leadership Team explored data indicating that Cheshire

High School was below the standard in students engaging in Advance

Placement and Early College Experience courses. In spite of the students’

high performance in those courses, some adjustments were made to provide

more students the opportunity to avail themselves of those courses.

Cheshire High School Peer Leaders ran multiple leadership conferences for

other students including Dodd 8th graders and high school students from the

New Britain area. Both presentations focused on student driven leadership

and coping with peer pressure.

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About Our Town ......

Cheshire is a family-oriented community with

an excellent school system, exceptional public

safety, and a full range of municipal services. A

wonderful place to live and work, Cheshire is a residential community located in New

Haven County with a population of just over 29,000 and a land area of 33 square miles.

Cheshire is close to New Haven and Hartford, and is easily accessible from Interstates 84,

91 and 691 and state routes 70, 68, and 10.

Incorporated as a town in May of 1780, Cheshire was predominantly a rural farming

community. During the past 50 years, the Town has grown into a residential suburban

community. Even with significant industrial and commercial growth, Cheshire retains its

rural characteristics with thousands of acres of open space. Historic homes blend with

newer tree-lined neighborhoods. Local retailers provide a variety of goods and services,

with commercial, industrial and agricultural businesses unobtrusively rounding out the

composition of the community. In fact, the active agricultural industry has led to

Cheshire’s designation as the "Bedding Plant Capital of Connecticut."

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Documents

ecopy document for publishing - Town of Cheshire