In a letter to Killingworth Elementary School parents, Schools Superintendent Gary Mala and KES Principal Rita Peretto clarify the protocol used by the elementary schools for making class placement. Mala and Peretto acknowledge that this is a stressful time for parents and students alike. In responding to inquiries on student placement, they hope this letter addresses any questions or concerns. Mala plans to attend the KES-PTO meeting on Monday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the KES Music Room, to answer questions on the proposed $30.43 million school budget and to further clarify the class placement procedure.

The region-wide procedure is:
In the Spring of each year, typically during the month of May, elementary school principals arrange time for "sending teachers" (all teachers presently serving a particular grade level) and pupil services staff (special education teacher, school psychologist, speech and language pathologist) to meet and discuss students. It is at this point that students are separated into classes for the coming year. Many factors are considered when groups of teachers meet to accomplish this task. Among these factors are; considering any special learning needs of individual students, maintaining a balance of boys and girls, maintaining heterogeneous classes, and identifying any problematic issues between/among students.

After considering all of these factors, class lists are then assembled. The completed lists are then forwarded to the Principal. In consultation with the teachers, the Principal reviews the lists and makes any necessary adjustments. At this point, the Principal assigns specific "receiving teachers"(all teachers that are anticipated to be serving a particular grade level for the next year) names to each class list.

Lastly, the name of the teacher with whom your child is placed with for the next school year is included on the last report card of the school year. Please note that we cannot always anticipate when a teacher will not return to their position. Please also bear in mind that the Principal is responsible for resolving any placement issues that cannot be resolved by teacher groups ("sending" or "receiving") and for placing any students who enroll during the summer months. In general, assignments during the summer months are driven by class size.

If you have any specific concerns or information about your child that you would like considered during the placement process, please submit those in writing on or before May, 1, 2005

The Region 17 Building Committee recently received the zoning and foundation permit for the new Intermediate/Middle School and didn't waste anytime getting started on tree clearing and entry road work. According to Schools Superintendent Gary Mala, workers have finished clearing the trees all the way to the new school site. Building Committee member Howard Howes also reported to the Board of Selectmen Monday that the state had approved the wells. Mala said they have not received the building permit yet but expects it to be issued soon.

At Monday's Selectmen's meeting questions arose over traffic control and Department of Transportation permits. Board of Education member Rich Cabral said the District does not need any special traffic or DOT permits at this time. He said the DOT has approved the school's plan and will sign-off on the project on completion.

Construction of the Subway sandwich shop and expansion of James Valenti's wine shop is underway at the north end of the Killingworth Village on Route 81. Construction equipment is on the site clearing trees and getting ready for the 2,600 sq.ft addition to the five building complex. Subway currently has restaurants open in the surrounding towns of Madison, Clinton and Haddam. Read more about this in the New Haven Register.

Date Correction: Please note that the date of the book club is Tuesday, April 12.
The Tuesday Book Discussion Group will meet at the Killingworth Library at one o'clock to discuss Penelope Lively's novel, The Photograph. All are welcome to join the group. The selection for May 10 is Nuala O'Faolain's novel My Dream of You.

April is also Art Month at the Killingworth Library. Adults and children are invited to join us on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a try at watercolors, chalk or pen and ink.

by Kathy Amoia
The new face of Killingworth's Head Librarian is the familiar face of Tammy Eustis. Assistant Librarian for six and a half years, Tammy steps up to the plate with a thorough knowledge of the needs and workings of the Killingworth Library. A native of nearby Chester, she is a graduate of Hampshire College in Massachusetts, where she studied American Colonial History.

After graduation, Tammy worked in retail. But the call of books eventually brought her to graduate school at the University of Rhode Island. There she obtained a Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS). After graduation in May of '98, Tammy took a job at R.J. Julia's Bookstore and sent out a bunch of resumes. One of them reached the Killingworth Library Association and the rest is history.

Books and learning have always been a part of Tammy's life. Her father, Weymouth, taught Math at Daniel Hand High School for almost forty years. Her mother, Gloria, was Head Librarian at the Chester Library for eighteen years. Gloria Eustis also began her career as an assistant librarian. Tammy's sister, Beth, works as a Foreign Studies advisor with the Institute for the International Education of Students.

Well aware of the town's growth since she began working at the Library, Tammy recognizes that changes in the face of the town will be reflected in library changes. "We are keeping up with the town's evolution." She feels that recent moves into new technologies and updated computers attest to those changes as does the quality and enthusiasm of the Library Association's Computer Committee. Planning ahead, Tammy sees recent requests for a music collection being explored and the process of enhancing the reference section continued.

Over the years, Tammy has worked very closely with now retired Ginny Chapman. She credits Ginny with being a generous mentor, always passing on information, encouraging new steps, offering advice and guidance. One of Tammy's goals is to be the same kind of mentor to others. In fact, she has already begun assuming that mantle in training Lauren Davis, our new assistant librarian.

What is on the personal bookshelves of this librarian? There is a major collection on birds and bird watching which enhances a favorite hobby. Another assortment on colonial America reflects an interest in a period of history which involved Revolutionary ancestors. Eustis, Maine and Eustis, Florida were established by branches of Tammy's family tree.

"Dumping all the old stuff out of my head and getting the new stuff in," is a task Tammy is relishing as she assumes her Head Librarian responsibilities. Her new office, with its familiar view, will bring new perspectives and new challenges as both she and the library grow into their future.

The New Haven based contractor, G.C. Construction Co, is currently the low bidder for the Estuary Council of Seniors regional center expansion project. G.C. Construction is in the final stages of building a $650,000 senior center on the ground floor of the Teresa Mulvey Municipal Center in Westbrook. The Old Saybrook-based Council, that serves nine area towns including Killingworth, received a $640,000 grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development to pay for the construction. Project architect, William Wendler, will review the bids and make a hiring recommendation. Read more about this in the Middletown Press.

KillingworthToday continues its monthly feature on how the Town of Killingworth operates. Each month 'Town Works' visits a different town office, agency, board or commission to find out its purpose, what role it plays in the operation of the town, and how its decisions affect the town and its residents. Comments and questions are welcome from all and encouraged from students in grades 6-8.

This month, 'Town Works' visits with the Chairman of the Board of Finance, John McMahon. McMahon has served on the Board of Finance for six years; is a former member of the Housing Partnership, the Board of Directors of Youth and Family Services and the Killingworth Scholarship Committee. He is currently a member of the Lions Club and the Republican Town Committee. He and his family have lived in town for 27 years and he works in Bristol as a sales representative in the steel industry.

The Board of Finance is the third branch of the Town's government. The Board of Selectmen was discussed in January and next month the Town Meeting will be reviewed. The Board of Finance holds regular meetings once a month, adds meetings as needed during the budget discussions, is responsible for holding a public hearing prior to the Annual Town Budget Meeting in May, and for preparing the Town Report. Read the full article.

Next month 'Town Works' visits with Town Clerk Susan Adinolfo, who will explain the Town Meeting structure.

The Killingworth Scholarship Association, a committee of the Killingworth Elementary School PTO, is offering scholarships to graduating seniors who are residents of Killingworth.

Applications are available in the guidance departments at the following schools: Haddam-Killingworth High School, Xavier High School, Mercy High School and Vinal Technical. Income is not a consideration for awarding these scholarships. The application deadline is May 20. Interviews will be held the first week of June.
The application process involves completion of a questionnaire and handwritten essay, with an interview for the most promising candidates. All interested students are encouraged to pick up an application at their school Guidance Department. Applications are also available via email by contacting: phelanfe@comcast.net

The Killingworth Scholarship Association has awarded over $50,000 to many outstanding students over the last two decades. Each year, the committee, which consists of community volunteers, reviews applications from an impressive group of young men and women. Based on their academic achievement, character, leadership skills, and participation in school and community activities, the committee selects several students for the scholarships. The amount of each scholarship varies depending on both the number of successful applicants and the amount of money contributed.

If you are interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, please send your check to the Killingworth Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 763, Killingworth, CT 06419

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member Gwenne Lally comments on Connecticut Magazine's recent ratings of Connecticut's small towns. She writes, "Killingworth residents like it here and it's nice to have our satisfaction confirmed by an outside, objective source. But some of the things that make Killingworth so desirable also reflect issues that we must address if we want to maintain the quality of life we all enjoy." Read her complete remarks here.

•Monday, March 28:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Coginchaug High School Lip-Synch
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Youth and Family Parenting Video
•Tuesday, March 29:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HK Underclassman Awards
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Hyde vs. Old Saybrook Boys Basketball Game
•Wednesday, March 30:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HK vs. Morgan Shoreline Finals 2002
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Throne and Missing Joe Concert
•Thursday, March 31:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Morgan vs. Old Lyme Shoreline Finals 2003
10:00 a.m.& 9:00 p.m. Spring Concert 2002
•Friday, April 1:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook vs. Hyde Semi-final 2004
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Lip sync 2005
•Saturday, April 2:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook vs. Hyde Semi-final 2004
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Lip sync 2005
•Sunday, April 3:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook vs. Hyde Semi-final 2004
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Lip sync 2005
information provided by HKTV

Pianist Mike LeDonne, Bassist Ben Wolfe and Drummer Carl Allen rehearse before their performance at the Arts Center in Killingworth's Jazz Night Out. The event, hosted at the Living Rock Church last Saturday night, is one of many art events and activities planned by Artistic Director Barbara Nair and her volunteers to promote the arts in Killingworth. For more information on the Arts Center please contact Nair at 663-5593 or bnair@artscenterkillingworth.org

The Board of Selectmen have established a Charter Revision Study Committee after several months of waiting for volunteers to step forward. The Board, last night, established the committee and appointed 10 residents to serve. The committee will consist of Republicans Diane Gladstone, James Cutler, John Amport, Richard Cabral, and Peter Venuti, and Democrats Ed Sipples, Rick Albrecht, Mike Saunders, Debra Griswold and Michael Board. Griswold was the chairperson of the previous committee that completed the 1997 revision.

The initial tasks of the committee will be to elect a chairperson and receive the charge from the Board of Selectmen. The committee will hold a public hearing to receive resident's input and will invite each town board and committee to meet with the them to present revision ideas. The committee will not be able to complete its charge before the November 2005 elections so it will likely present the revisions for approval in November 2006.

Killingworth Elementary School celebrated its annual 'Read Across America Day' yesterday with an assembly and guest readers throughout the day. Initially created as a one-day event to celebrate reading on Dr. Seuss' birthday, the NEA's Read Across America has grown into a nationwide initiative that promotes reading every day. The aim of this nationwide celebration is to generate enthusiasm for reading and to focus the country's attention on how important it is to motivate children to read. KES kicked-off its celebration with a school assembly with Principal Rita Peretto reading a short story to the students, then staff, parents and community members volunteered throughout the day to read for 30 minutes to different classes. Students also had the chance to "drop everything and read" where students stopped whatever they were doing and read a book of their choice.

The Killingworth Lions Club will sponsor an adults night out this Saturday, April 2 at the Old Town Hall on the grounds of the Congregational Church in Killingworth. This Killingworth Coffee House will feature talented local artists from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Last Fair Deal, new American roots music, from 9:00-11:00 p.m.

The band features Paul Howard on vocals and guitar; Tom Hagymasi on vocals, fiddle, and bouzouki; Phil Zimmerman on vocals, mandolin, and banjo; and Todd Howard on vocals and five-string bass. Last Fair Deal has an eclectic repertoire drawing on old-timey, bluegrass, swing, and pop music. The Waterbury Republican called their style, "an acoustic treasure chest".

Admission is $5.00 at the door. Coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, desserts and snacks will be sold. For directions or more information, call 663-1789 or 663-2226.

The Michaels Achievement Cup award is presented annually to state high schools that achieve high levels of success on and off the playing fields. Haddam-Killingworth High School is a finalist for the award as the Division Class SS winner. One of the six divisional winners will be announced as the The Michaels Achievement Cup winner at the 64th Gold Key Dinner of the Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance on April 17 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

The Cup is administered by a committee chaired by John Michaels, CEO of presenting sponsor Michaels Jewelers, and includes representatives from the CIAC, Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance, Connecticut High School Coaches Association and Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors.

The criteria for determining winners are won-loss percentage, participation, scholarship, sportsmanship, and drug/alcohol education.

The other divisional winners include Simsbury in Class LL, Amity Regional-Woodbridge in Class L, Darien in Class MM, Holy Cross-Waterbury in Class M, and Shepaug Valley-Washington in Class S.

The Killingworth Lions Club Annual Spring Egg Hunt was transformed this year into a Chocolate Egg Give-Away. No one seemed to mind the change of venue or the lack of hunting with warm, sunny weather and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny hours before his big day. And oh yes; there was chocolate! Event coordinator Mike Irwin decided that despite snow covered fields, the event would go on. An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the elementary school on what seemed like the first warm day of Spring.

Voyage to the Bunny Planet
by Rosemary Wells
ISBN: 0803711743

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go as planned? For Claire, this type of day begins as she spills her breakfast cereal after only three bites, gets snow in her shoes as she walks to school, is served her least favorite lunch in the cafeteria, and then is the only girl in gym class not able to do a cartwheel. What Claire needs is a trip to the Bunny Planet.

"Far beyond the moon and stars, twenty light-years south of Mars, spins the gentle Bunny Planet and the Bunny Queen is Janet." Suddenly, Claire is transported away by the Bunny Queen, who gives her "the day that should have been".

Claire's story is told in First Tomato, one of the three small picture books that make up the boxed set Voyage to the Bunny Planet. In Island Light, Felix gets sick at school and then has to go to his doctor to get a shot and terrible tasting medicine. In Moss Pillows, Robert has to endure a long car ride to visit his noisy and quarrelsome cousins, and is then served cold soup for dinner. Luckily, the Bunny Queen also rescues both Felix and Robert.

These delightfully illustrated picture books and universally appealing stories will be an immediate favorite for both children and adults. Rosemary Wells is author and illustrator of more than forty children's books. Visit her web site at www.rosemarywells.com

Susan Miller is the Associate Director of the Arnold Bernhard Library at Quinnipiac University. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from Ohio State University and a M.S. in Library Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Contact Susan at covertocover@killingworthtoday.com