District News and Announcements
Glastonbury Public Schools Announces Teacher of the Year 2019-2020!
Posted August 27, 2019
Congratulations to Ms. Diane Pintavalle, the Glastonbury Public Schools 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year! Ms. Pintavalle began her teaching career 30 years ago as a science teacher at Glastonbury High School. She has had a measurable and profound impact on biology and advanced research mentorship students every year since. Ms. Pintavalle was also selected as a CT State Teacher of the year Semifinalist!
Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year
Posted August 23, 2019
Glastonbury Public Schools is excited to welcome everyone to the new school year. We have been working hard preparing an exciting year of learning for your children. Below are welcome letters from the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education Chairman.
Glastonbury School District Excels in Area, State, and National Niche Rankings
Posted August 7, 2019
Niche has ranked Glastonbury Public Schools highly compared to other school districts in the Hartford area, the state of Connecticut, and the nation. Please click below to learn more. Congratulations to all our school staff for earning these impressive distinctions!
Best School Districts in the Hartford Area (#1)
Best School Districts in Connecticut (#3)
New Administrators
Posted August 5, 2019
Mrs. Kimberly Brown started her new position as Director of Special Education on July 1. Last school year she served as the Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor at Hebron Avenue Elementary School. Prior to that, Mrs. Brown worked in Clinton for fourteen years as an elementary school psychologist and early childhood program director.
Mrs. Andrea Kirby is the new Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor for Nayaug Elementary School. She replaces John Szalkiewicz, who now serves the same role at Hebron Avenue Elementary School. Mrs. Kirby has worked as a special education teacher in both Weston and Regional District 15. She also served as Supervisor of Special Services in Redding.
Mrs. Kerin Heemsoth joins the leadership team at LINKS Academy and the special education preschool program. Her role will be split as she serves as a part-time administrator and part-time school psychologist. Previously, Mrs. Heemsoth worked in Glastonbury as a school psychologist at Naubuc Elementary School. More recently, she worked as a Pupil Personnel Supervisor at multiple schools in Manchester.
SOS—Signs of Suicide
Posted July 15, 2019
Our schools use Signs of Suicide (SOS) to teach suicide prevention to students. This portal is designed to provide parents with information about our suicide prevention efforts and helpful tools for supporting your child’s mental health. Click the button to learn more. There is a link for parents.
Summer Reading and Summer Math
Posted June 11, 2019
Glastonbury Public Schools asks all students in grades 1-12 to participate in our summer reading program. We have also developed math activities to help students maintain and strengthen their mathematics skills over the summer months. Please visit our Summer and Independent Reading and Summer Math websites to help guide and inform students at each grade level.
Glastonbury Public Schools Receives Red, White, And Blue Schools Award!
Posted June 7, 2019
Glastonbury Public Schools was one of only five districts in the state to be honored this year by the Red, White & Blue Schools program.
This program promotes the importance of student civic involvement. The theme for 2018 was “Exploring our Historical Roots” and Glastonbury's application focused on our tremendous partnership with the Glastonbury Historical Society.
Secretary Merrill presented the award to Ilene Viner, the Director of History and Social Sciences. This is the second year in a row that Glastonbury has received this special recognition.
Summer Meals
Posted May 24, 2019
Childhood food insecurity remains at unacceptable levels across the country. Children are most acutely at risk in the summer when they do not have access to school meals. Children ages 18 and younger may visit Open Summer Meals sites anywhere in the state to receive a meal. There is no application, identification or commitment to participate in Summer Meals.
End of the Year Dismissal
Posted May 17, 2019
Please click here for the end of the year dismissal schedule by school.
GHS Stemposium
Posted May 6, 2019
All students in grades 6-12 are invited to attend Glastonbury High School’s 6th annual STEMposium scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 3:30–6:00 pm at GHS. The program is designed and presented by GHS's Advanced Research Mentorship students to inspire interest in and awareness of opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
GHS Art Show
Posted April 30, 2019
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Open to the Public from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Animation, ceramics, computer art, crafts, film and video, digital artwork, design, drawing, painting, and sculpture.
Please join us! For more information call 860-652-7954.
GHS Plant Sale
Posted April 30, 2019
We are a the one-stop-shop of locally produced hardened-off plants you’ll need for the year! Heirloom Tomatoes, new varieties of Eastern European berries, and many varieties of vegetable starts, seeds and and bedding plants are all available for purchase. This sale benefits the Glastonbury FFA. Please stop by the greenhouse in the back of Glastonbury High School Monday to Friday 8:30 am–3:00 pm, May 1 to May 17. If you have any questions, please call (860) 652-7200 x 11011 or email Lucien Bouffard at bouffardl@glastonburyus.org.
Board Votes on Final 2019-2020 Budget
Posted April 9, 2019
On April 8, 2019 the Board of Education voted on the final education budget for next school year. Accounts from the Board's originally projected budget from January needed to be reduced by $570,000. This was to accommodate projections that have increased since January (e.g., increases to electricity, natural gas, and special education). In addition, the Town Council reduced the budget by $459,052, for a total of nearly $1.3 million in reductions.
The Board chose to reduce areas they felt would impact student instruction the least. The following budget lines were chiefly impacted: transportation (one fewer bus), operations and maintenance, education and technology supplies, paraprofessional staff, and two high school teachers.
The Board monitors class sizes throughout the spring and summer. They will make any necessary adjustments to accommodate enrollment. More information about the school budget can be found on the BOE Budget page.
Vaping 101: Parents We Have a Problem
Posted April 5, 2019
On April 3, 2019 the Glastonbury PTSO hosted a Citizen's Academy Forum "Vaping 101: Parents We Have a Problem." The event was videotaped and can be found on the PTSO website. The video includes a discussion on vaping by three Connecticut doctors, two GHS students, a local police officer, the school superintendent, three school principals, a school social worker, and a state congresswoman. There was also a question and answer session with the audience. We encourage you to watch and learn.
Dr. Bookman to be Inducted into Hall of Honor
Posted April 2, 2019
This April, Glastonbury Public Schools Superintendent Alan B. Bookman will be inducted into the Hall of Honor of the Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CAS-CIAC). Recipients of this award are chosen for their significant and outstanding contributions to the CAS-CIAC organization over the course of their careers. Click here for more information about the 2019 Hall of Honor Honorees.
GHS Agriscience Spring Fair
Posted March 29, 2019
The Glastonbury Regional Agriscience & Technology Program is hosting the annual Spring Fair. This is a FREE event that is open to the public and appropriate for children of all ages. A variety of companion and farm animals, plants, tractors, and exciting activities will be available. Please review the schedule and RSVP accordingly by April 23rd to Patti Callahan, (860) 652-7200 x11101, CallahanP@Glastonburyus.org.
- Thursday, May 2: Program for elementary/nursery/pre-school students. Various tours scheduled from 8:30 am –12:00 pm. Please call to reserve a tour.
- Friday, May 3: Program for seventh graders and GHS classes during school hours. Please call to reserve a tour.
- Friday, May 3: Community members and program families are welcome to join us after-school from 2:30–6pm!
Town Council Adopts Final Education Budget
Posted March 22, 2019
On March 21, 2019 the Town Council voted to adopt the final education budget for the coming year (2019-2020). The Board of Education will need to identify $459,052 in reductions to the budget they approved in January. These reductions will be on the agenda of the Board of Education meeting on April 8, 2019 at 7:30 pm.
To view budget documents and learn more, please visit the BOE Budget page.
New Administrators
Posted March 12, 2019
Mary Poisson, Director of Elementary Language Arts
In July, Mrs. Mary Poisson will begin work as our Director of Elementary Language Arts, replacing Dr. Joanne St. Peter, who is retiring. Mrs. Poisson served as an elementary principal in Wallingford for three years. Prior to that, she was the assistant principal at Naubuc School for two years. We are confident Mrs. Poisson’s skills will help us continue developing our outstanding elementary language arts curriculum. Welcome back to Glastonbury, Mrs. Poisson!
Brenda Gregorski, Director of Mathematics K-12
Mrs. Brenda Gregorski will serve as our new Director of Mathematics, replacing Caroline Quinn-Alger who is retiring this July. Mrs. Gregorski began her career teaching math at Glastonbury High School. She has served as the head math teacher for the past 11 years. Mrs. Gregorski is highly respected by students, staff, and parents alike. We are so fortunate to have one talented leader following another.
Board of Finance Recommends Education Cut
Posted February 26, 2019
The Board of Finance has recommended a $1.15 million cut to the Board of Education budget for next school year. The Town Council will vote on the final education budget on March 21 at 7 pm. The Board of Education encourages citizens to review the education budget and the challenges our schools face. To view budget documents, learn about the school budget process, and confirm upcoming budget meetings, please visit the BOE Budget page.
Summer Camps 2019
Posted February 26, 2019
School staff members will be offering a variety of summer camp programs for students. Because these camps are tuition based, there is no cost to the Board of Education.
For a complete listing of summer enrichment opportunities, please visit our Summer Camps website. Program brochures are also available at the Glastonbury Public Schools Central Operations office, 628 Hebron Avenue.
New Administrator
Posted February 14, 2019
Mrs. Emily Muro-Trexler has been appointed Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor at Hopewell Elementary School. She replaces Karen Brown who has retired. Mrs. Muro-Trexler has served since 2016 as a PACE Teacher at Naubuc School. She also has experience as an instructional coach at EASTCONN and as a special education teacher in Windsor and Vernon. Mrs. Muro-Trexler is highly regarded for her passion for education and her expertise in curriculum and learning strategies.
Tickets on Sale Now for GHS Musical: Guys & Dolls
Posted February 11, 2019
The Glastonbury High School Drama Club and Music Department invite you to their production of Guys & Dolls this March! This classic Tony-Award-winning Broadway romantic comedy will take the audience from New York’s Time Square to Havana, Cuba and back. Show dates are March 1, 2, and 3 (Sunday matinee), 8, and 9. Evening performances start at 7:00 pm. The Sunday matinee is at 2:00 pm. Doors open a half hour before each performance. Tickets will be available for purchase online starting early February. Just click here to purchase. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
For more information, please call 860-652-7200 x11032.
Kindergarten Registration
Posted January 8, 2019
Any child who will be five years of age on or before January 1, 2020 and meets all residency requirements is eligible to begin kindergarten at the start of the 2019-2020 school year. A letter will be mailed in January to all potential students of whom our district is aware. The letter includes instructions for our registration process.
After pre-registering students online, parents/guardians will be prompted to schedule a brief session with our registrar at the central office. Families will need to bring the necessary documents for the registrar to scan. This will complete the registration process. Please complete the online pre-registration for your kindergarten student as soon as possible. Appointments with the registrar are available starting January 2nd. Visit the Kindergarten Registration website for more information.
Board Approves Next Year's Budget
Posted January 8, 2019 Updated February 14, 2019
At their January 7th meeting, the Board of Education voted to adopt a $109,158,898 education budget for the 2019-2020 school year. This is an increase of 3.6% to the current operating budget.
During the coming weeks the Board of Education will meet with the Board of Finance and the Town Council to discuss the education budget. The Town Council will vote on the final budget later in March. The BOE Budget page of our website provides more information on the budget process and upcoming meetings.
Board Approves School Calendars
Posted December 11, 2018
The Board of Education recently approved calendars for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. Please visit the District Calendars page of our website to review the calendars.
Glastonbury Citizens Invited to Budget Workshops
Posted November 27, 2018
The Board of Education welcomes citizen input as it prepares next year's education budget. The Board invites all citizens to its budget workshops. Workshops will be held on January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at 6:00 pm in Town Council Chambers. At the January 7th Board of Education meeting, the Board will vote to adopt its budget for 2019-20. Please visit the BOE Budget page for information, documents, and to confirm meetings.
New Bus/Van Tracking App
Posted November 26, 2018
We recently launched the Versatrans My Stop App for parents and guardians. This program helps our transportation department in several ways. In addition, it allows parents, guardians, and students to track their buses and vans in a secure, web-based application. Please click here to learn more about the Versatrans My Stop App.
GHS Boys Soccer Wins Yet Another State Title!!
Posted November 20, 2018
Congratulations to Coach Landers and the 2018 Glastonbury High School Boys Soccer Team!
Kindess Garden
Posted November 1, 2018
Leaders of the Hopewell Kindness Rocks Garden were recently honored at a Board of Education meeting. The project was also spotlighted on the Better CT television program. See the segment below. In February, Hopewell School will host the Kindness Rocks Project founder, Megan Murphy. We are proud of the Hopewell community and how they are working to cultivate kindness!
GHS Drama Production
Posted October 23, 2018
The Glastonbury High School Drama Club will present Twelve Angry Jurors in the GHS auditorium on November 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th at 7:00 pm. Come and enjoy this updated version of the classic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men. Watch and listen as GHS’s talented drama club “jurors” grapple with questions of morals, values, reasonable doubt, and consensus building. Tickets are $6 for students and GHS teachers, $10 for seniors, and $13 for adults. Just click here to purchase. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm. For more information, please call 860-652-7200 x11032.
District Receives Communications Awards
Posted October 17, 2018
The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) recently recognized Glastonbury Public Schools with several Bonnie B. Carney Awards of Excellence for Educational Communications. The award categories are "District Budget" (for our Board of Education's 2018-2019 Budget document), "School Calendar" (for the district's 2017-2018 Art School Calendar), and "Special Audio-Visual Project" (for the district's 2017 Veterans Day slideshow). Our district also received an Honorable Mention for our community newsletter, School Report.
Parent Night (Open House) Schedule
Posted September 4, 2018
Please see the school Parent Night schedule for the 2018-2019 school year.
Air Conditioning
Posted September 1, 2018
Air conditioning all of our schools has been a top priority for Glastonbury Public Schools for many years. We are pleased to report that all our school classroom and libraries, with the exception of Gideon Welles School, are now air conditioned. We look forward to completing the air conditioning of Gideon Welles School in the spring or summer of 2019.
Teacher of the Year 2018-2019!!
Posted August 28, 2018
Congratulations to Mr. Robert Rose, Glastonbury Public Schools's 2018 Teacher of the Year! Mr. Rose has taught English at Smith Middle School for 15 years. His passion and dedication to the profession and to his students is unparalleled. He is beloved by students and staff alike. And he is always at the forefront of developments in teaching and technology, sharing his time and creativity generously. We are delighted to have Mr. Rose join the ranks of our esteemed Teachers of the Year. Mr. Rose was also recently selected as a CT State Teacher of the Year semifinalist!!
Looking Forward to a Great Year!
Posted August 23, 2018
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year. We are so excited to welcome back our students, teachers, and staff. Please click here for a a welcome letter from Superintendent of Schools Alan B. Bookman and a letter from Board of Education Chairman Susan Karp.
Best School District in Hartford Area
Posted August 15, 2018
Niche has ranked Glastonbury Public Schools the number one school district in the Hartford Area for 2019.
Please click here for the Niche rankings.
Two New Administrators
Posted July 25, 2018
New Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor
Mrs. Kimberly Herwerth has been appointed Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor at Gideon Welles School. Mrs. Herwerth has served as a School Counselor at Glastonbury High School for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, she worked in both special education and crisis counseling. Gideon Welles is fortunate to welcome such a knowledgeable, experienced, and conscientious educator.
New Assistant Principal
Mrs. Leslie Lopez has been appointed Assistant Principal at Smith Middle School. Mrs. Lopez has worked at Glastonbury Schools for the past 13 years as a band teacher in grades four to six. Before coming to Glastonbury, she taught band in East Hartford for six years. Mrs. Lopez is highly regarded by her students, their families, and her colleagues. Her listening and leadership skills will be a great asset to Smith Middle School.
Districts Adopts New Strategic Plan
Posted July 2, 2018
In June the Board of Education adopted a new five-year strategic plan for the district. The revised plan is the work of a committee of dedicated educators, parents and community members. It articulates Glastonbury Public Schools' values, vision, mission and goals.The plan will prepare our students to succeed in this dynamic world. Click here for more information about the new strategic plan. The Board also adopted a new tagline for the district: Bright Futures Begin Here.
Change in Inclement Weather School Delay Times
Posted July 2, 2018
The district has changed its standard school delay time from 90 minutes to 2 (two) hours. This additional time will provide a better opportunity for roads to be cleared for the safety of buses traveling in inclement weather. Click here for more information on school closings and delays.