District News and Announcements
Student Designs Hartford Mural
Posted December 5, 2022
This summer, Glastonbury High School Junior Manuela Valencia designed and painted a large outdoor mural in Hartford, her hometown. The stunning 8-foot by 32-foot mural graces the new food truck park at WestSide Square.
Manuela is a talented, hardworking, friendly, and highly successful student. She is a member of the Glastonbury AgriScience Department and FFA. Please click here to learn more about her beautiful project.
Outstanding Art Teacher
Posted December 5, 2022
Congratulation to Smith Middle School Art Teacher Christopher DelCoro on his recent selection by the CT Art Education Association as their 2022 Outstanding Middle Level Art Educator. Mr. DelCoro, who worked as a professional costume designer before coming to Glastonbury, has also worked over the years at Eastbury, Nayaug, Hebron Avenue, and Gideon Welles Schools. We are proud of Mr. DelCoro and the way he shares his passion and knowledge with students.
Board of Education Budget Workshops
Posted November 29, 2022
Glastonbury citizens are encouraged to attend the Board of Education’s upcoming budget workshops and learn about the budget process. Budget workshops will be held on January 3, 4, and 5, 2023 at 6:00 pm in Town Hall Town Council Chambers. The third meeting on January 5 will be held if needed.
The Board plans to vote on the education budget at their January 9, 2023 meeting at 7 pm. To view budget documents as they become available, please visit the BOE Budget page. To view meeting information, including options for participating during public comment, visit the BOE Meetings page.
FFA Winter Sale
Posted November 21, 2022
Pointsettias, wreaths, boxwood trees, cemetery boxes, and candle centerpieces!
Online Ordering is open 11/21/22 through 12/16/22. Proceeds support our students in the AgSci program. See the flyer and our ordering website for details. Remember to order first and THEN schedule a pick up time.
FINALWinterSale2022.pdf
Paid School Meals UPDATE
Posted November 16, 2022
Updated November 23, 2022
Free meals for all students will end on Friday, December 9, 2022. Paid meals began on Monday, December 12, 2022. We encourage families who are in need of financial assistance to complete and submit the confidential Free and Reduced Price Meal Application if they have not done so already. Note: The SNAP income guidelines were recently updated.
Payment is due at the time of purchase. Click here for information on school meal accounts and payment options. Purchase of extra items (snacks, water, juice) will only be allowed if there are funds available in the a la carte portion of the account.
Meal Prices
Lunch: K-6: $3.00; 7-12: $3.50; Milk Only: $.50.
Breakfast (where available) is $1.50.
Additional Resources
Congrats GHS Girls Cross Country
TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENT!
Posted November 15, 2022
Glastonbury Public Schools Honors Veterans
Posted November 14, 2022
Veterans Day is an opportunity for everyone to learn about and reflect upon the importance of the day. It is also a time when we can all honor and express appreciation to veterans.
Thank you to all the veteran guests who participated in the events across our schools on Friday. Thank you to our students, staff, and parents, who contributed to making this day special.
This video highlights this year's Veterans Day activities across Glastonbury Public Schools.
November 23 Dismissal Times
Posted November 14, 2022
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving recess, our schools will dismiss at the following times:
12:25 pm - GHS
1:10 pm - Smith/Gideon (Gr. 5 & 6)
1:35 pm - Buttonball/Naubuc
1:55 pm - Hebron Avenue/Hopewell/Nayaug
Gideon Welles Student in the News!
Posted November 3, 2022
Outstanding Chinese Teacher
Posted November 1, 2022
Congratulation to Glastonbury high School World Language Teacher Xinyu Li. Ms. Li who was one of two U.S. teachers to be selected as a 2022 Outstanding Chinese Teacher by the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS). Ms. Li has worked tirelessly to promote our Chinese Language program through her curriculum work and engaging teacher style. We are so proud of Ms. Li!
Hall of Fame Coach
Posted November 1, 2022
GHS History and Social Sciences Teacher Maureen Perkins was recently inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame . This award recognizes her achievements as both a player and a coach. Ms. Perkins helped her Stonington High School team win the state championship before playing for UCONN as a two-time Big East All-Academic selection. She has coached the GHS Field Hockey team as head coach since 1999 winning multiple conference and state titles. Ms. Perkins has been recognized as the Class L Coach of the Year three times and was the CT Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 2008. In 2020 Ms. Perkins was a finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Special Sports Coach of the Year Award. What a list of accomplishments!
GHS Drama Production: Clue
Posted November 1, 2022
The GHS Drama Club will present Clue in the GHS auditorium at 7:00 pm on November 11, 12, 18, and 19. Come and enjoy this production based on a classic film and popular board game.
Tickets are available online for $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Just click here to purchase. You may also purchase tickets at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm. For more information, please call 860-652-7200 ext. 11032.
Communication Awards
Posted October 28, 2022
Glastonbury Public Schools was recognized by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) with three Communication Awards: 1) for the Superintendent's 2022-2023 Budget Presentation, 2) for the school year's theme (Be Kind, Be Curious, and Be Well) and branding, and 3) for the GHS STEAM Lab Website.
Board of Education Recognition
Posted October 28, 2022
Updated November 27, 2022
The Glastonbury Public Schools Board of Education once again this year received the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Board of Distinction Award. This program recognizes excellence in the leadership activities of local boards of education. Pictured here are Board of Education member Julie Thompson, CT Department of Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, and Superintendent Dr. Alan Bookman.
District Rankings for Glastonbury Public Schools
Posted September 29, 2022
Niche ranked Glastonbury Public Schools highly again this year. The rankings compare our school district regionally, across the state, and nationally.
There are many data points that can be used in evaluating a school system and this is just one source for measuring our success. We are proud of how Glastonbury Public Schools prepares our students for the futures that await them. And we are happy to be recognized for the hard work of staff across our district.
Please click here for all Glastonbury Public Schools Niche rankings.
GPS 2023 Niche Award 2.pdf
GHS Fall Mum Sale
Posted September 7, 2022
The Glastonbury FFA is selling a variety of mums. Contactless pickup will take place at the GHS Greenhouse on September 16th from 12 pm to 5 pm and September 17th from 9 am to 12 pm.
GHS Alumni Art Show
Posted September 1, 2022
Please join us to celebrate the diverse careers of our Alumni spanning academia and visual, STEAM, and applied arts. Gallery hours for public viewing (beginning September 19) are Monday to Thursday, 3–8 pm. Please RSVP for the September 22 Artist Reception by 9/15/22 at 860-652-7954.
Great Start to the Year!
Posted August 26, 2022
Teacher of the Year
Posted August 22, 2022
Updated August 26, 2022
Congratulations to Miss Janice Skene, our 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year! Miss Skene is the Health and Physical Education teacher at Buttonball Lane Elementary School. In over 30 years with the district, she has taught in almost every school building. Her passion for health and wellness, exemplary teaching skills, and commitment to the school community have earned her the respect and gratitude of students, parents, and colleagues.
We are pleased to announce that Miss Skene has also been selected as a Connecticut State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist! Six out of Glastonbury Public Schools' last eight Teachers of the Year have become CT State Semifinalists. One was also selected as a Finalist.
COVID-19
Posted August 22, 2022
Please click here for COVID-19 resources, our district dashboard, recent communications, and current COVID school operations information. Test kits are available at our schools for students and families. Contact our school health office (after the start of the school year) to arrange for test kit pick-up.
Back to School Info
Posted July 1, 2022
Updated August 18, 2022
Superintendent Welcome Back Letter
Board Chair Welcome Back Letter
Elementary school class placement letters, secondary school student schedules, and bus assignments are sent to parents during the summer. Please click here to view details for how and when this information is shared.
GHS Fieldhouse Opens!
Posted August 11, 2022
This long-awaited modern facility will serve our student-athletes, coaches, visiting teams, and officials for years to come. We look forward to another great year of GHS sports!
COVID-19
Posted June 10, 2022
COVID-19 test kits are available at our schools during the summer months. If needed, please contact your school to arrange for test kit pick-up.
Please note that we do close our buildings occasionally when administrators and office staff are out of the building. If you find this to be the case, test kits are also available at our Central Office, 628 Hebron Avenue.
Summer Learning
Posted June 3, 2022
We believe that summer learning comes in many forms. We encourage student to explore a passion, learn something new, or gradually prepare for the coming school year. Our Summer Learning website provides a range of suggested activities. Just click to learn more..
GHS Spring Athletic Champions!
Posted June 2, 202
CABE Recognition
Posted May 26, 2022
Robert Rader has led the CT Boards of Education (CABE) as Executive Director since 1976. CABE works with superintendents and boards of education across our state providing tools and support to help them provide the best education possible for children in their communities. Bob, who is also a Glastonbury resident and parent, is retiring from CABE this year. We wish him the best!
Student Awards
Posted May 26, 2022
Several students were recently recognized at Board of Education meetings. They included the exiting Board of Education Student Representative Ben Wilkinson, CT Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Award winners Mace Beckius and Emilia Cemmatescu (from Smith Middle School) and John McCarthy and Nadine Noaman (from GHS), and William Christopher Haddad who has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy West Point.
Bus/Van Drivers & Crossing Guards Appreciation
Posted May 25, 2022
Every Spring the Glastonbury PTSO hosts an appreciation breakfast for our district's bus and van drivers and crossing guards. Besides the beautiful buffet prepared by parent volunteers, the highlight of the morning is always the handwritten thank you cards prepared by elementary students for their drivers and crossing guards. Click here to enjoy a photo slideshow of this year's appreciation event.
Congrats to our Retirees!
Posted May 17, 2022
Click the presentation to see the exceptional educators retiring from our school system this year. They have touched the lives of countless students and will be greatly missed!
Student Awards
Posted April 29, 2022
The Board recognized six students for their achievements at a recent Board meeting.
Above, three students received CT Council of Language Teachers (COLT) awards for their winning submissions in the COLT 3-D and Digital Poster Contest. Pictured left to right: BOE Chair Doug Foyle, Nadja Bergen, Max Bulbandsen, Katie Thompson, and Director of World Languages Rita Oleksak
Above, three students were honored with CT Regional Scholastic Art Gold Key Awards. Pictured left to right are Director of Art Holly Constantine, Cindy Chen, Sofia Brummitte, Ruby Toolan, and BOE Chair Doug Foyle.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Posted April 22, 2022
Glastonbury Public Schools is actively working to ensure equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in our schools. Please visit our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion website for more information, including steps we are taking to promote our district’s EDI work. The next meeting of the school district's EDI Council is March 17, 2022 at 4:30 pm via Zoom. This meeting is open to the public. Meeting access information is posted on the EDI website.
Glastonbury Music Program Receives National Recognition!
Posted April 18, 2022
Glastonbury Public Schools has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities of Music Education designation. The Music Department has held this distinction since 2013.
Naubuc School Renovation
Posted April 8, 2022
In March 2022 the Glastonbury Town Council approved the renovation of Naubuc School's second floor as part of the town's Capital Improvement Project budget. Click here to learn about the project and track its progress.
GHS Pops Concert
Posted April 4, 2022
Friday, May 6, 2022, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
The GHS Pops Concert, featuring the GHS Band, Chorus and Orchestra is Back! Open to the Public. Click here to purchase a ticket online. Table Seats are $15 and Bleachers Seats are $10.
Girls Indoor Track & Field Champions
Posted April 1, 2022
Members of the 2022 Girls Track & Field Team were recently honored at a Board of Education meeting. They are the reigning CT Class LL Champions!
Art Month and World Art Day!
Posted April 1, 2022
This year, to celebrate Youth Art Month & UNESCO World Art Day (April 15), the Glastonbury Public Schools Art Department is hosting both a Youth Art Virtual Gallery and a UNESCO World Art Day Celebration Raffle.
Please visit our Virtual Gallery! Students are also encouraged to participate in our celebration by creating art or finding it in their world. It can be Visual Arts, Applied Arts/Design, or STEAM-based art. Click here to Upload Art and Enter the Raffle.
Students who submit images will be entered into our art-themed raffle. Prizes include 2 tickets to a local museum.
Board Votes on Final 2022-2023 School Budget
Posted March 29, 2022
On March 28, 2022, the Board of Education finalized the school budget for next year. The Board requested a 3.25% budget increase. The Town Council reduced this by $300,000. Budget lines were also adjusted to fund eight more high school teaching positions than previously anticipated.
The most significant reduction was to the district's health reserve balance. The fund has a healthy surplus. The reduction benefits staff members and taxpayers who share the burden of health insurance premiums.
The increase in faculty is due to several factors. First, more students will be attending GHS next year than assumed in the original budget. Second, GHS students are now required by the state to take 25 rather than 21 credits. Lastly, the new GHS block schedule provides a guaranteed lunch period so significantly more students scheduled 7.5 or 8 courses next year instead of 6 or 7, which was more common in the past.
By far, the extra courses students are enrolling in are electives, including STEAM courses such as technology, art, and computer science, as well as business and agricultural science classes. The breadth of course offerings is one of the many strengths of GHS. We are excited to provide these classes for interested and motivated students next year. To view budget documents, please visit the BOE Budget page of our website.
Town Council Reduces Education Budget
Posted March 17, 2022
The Glastonbury Town Council voted on March 16, 2022 to reduce next year's school budget by $300,000. The Board of Education will meet in the coming weeks to determine what budget lines to adjust. The Town Council also approved the renovation of Naubuc School's second floor as part of the town's Capital Improvement Project budget. Construction at Naubuc will not begin until after next school year. To view budget documents and confirm upcoming budget meetings, please visit the BOE Budget page of our website.
Summer Camps 2022
Posted March 1, 2022
Please visit the Summer Camps page of our website to learn about the camps and to register. Because these camps are tuition-based, there is no cost to the Board of Education.
Governor Lamont Visits GHS
Posted March 1, 2022
Glastonbury High School students were surprised by a visit from Governor Lamont recently. He greeted students during dismissal to mark the occasion of masks becoming optional in our schools.
Elementary STEAM Celebration
Posted February 28, 2022
Our Elementary STEAM Celebration will take place throughout the month of March. There are STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) for your children to participate in every day. There is plenty to explore, question, research, and discover! Click below to learn more.
Student Support Centers
Posted February 25, 2022
The PTSO recently hosted a zoom webinar with School Counseling staff to help parents learn about this important resource for our students.
Posted February 22, 2022
Kaleidoscope of Cultures
Posted January 31, 2022
We have prepared an engaging collection of activities for you to sample during the month of February. It is all part of our "Lead with Languages Month." Many of the activities highlight our own school community's kaleidoscope of international students and staff members. We encourage your family to try one or try them all! Just click below.
Congressman Larson Visits GHS Coding Club to Present Award
Posted January 31, 2022
Congressman John B. Larson recently visited the Glastonbury High School Coding Club to present an award to the 2021 Congressional App Challenge winners. GHS students Jude Ramanan, Niteesh Kalangi, and Rahul Jayachandran (pictured here left to right) developed an app called "Mentality" which provides mental health tips and resources. Congressman Larson also discussed the students and their app during a recent U.S. Ways and Means Committee Hearing on America's Mental Health Crisis.
CTE Month/Coding Challenge
Posted January 28, 2022
The Association for Career & Technical Education® promotes CTE Month during February to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country. As part of the celebration, students are invited to participate in the Lt. Governor's Computing Challenge. This is a statewide coding competition for Connecticut students. The "Coding for Good - Inspiring Health and Wellness For All" challenge is open to all students who can enter on their own or as a team through their schools and through informal education partners. Please visit the Challenge website for details.
Virtual Calendar Art Exhibit
Posted January 27, 2022
At their January 24, 2022 meeting, the Board of Education celebrated our student artists who contributed to this year's district art calendar. Click here to enjoy the Virtual Calendar Art Gallery.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Posted January 25, 2022
Glastonbury Public Schools is actively working to ensure equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in our schools. Please visit our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion website for more information, including steps we are taking to promote our district’s EDI work. The next meeting of the school district's EDI Council is February 3, 2022 at 4:30 pm via Zoom. This meeting is open to the public. Meeting access information is posted on the EDI website.
Board Approves Next Year's Budget
Posted January 11, 2022
At their January 10, 2022 meeting, the Board of Education voted to adopt a $117,237,381 education budget for the 2022-2023 school year. It is an increase of 3.25% to the current operating budget. This is less than half the current annualized rate of inflation. Board members reduced Superintendent Bookman's proposed budget by $623,500. Reduced accounts include supplies across most departments, equipment, professional learning and curriculum development, athletic uniforms, non-certified staff retirement, fringe benefits, technology, and staff turnover.
The Board budget will be presented, along with the Town of Glastonbury budget, during the Town's Annual Meeting (date/time to be announced, probably late January). Then 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.
To view budget documents and confirm upcoming budget meetings, please visit the BOE Budget page of our website. To view meeting access information, visit the BOE Meetings page.
Kindergarten Registration
Posted January 3, 2022
Any child who will be five years of age on or before January 1, 2023 and meets all residency requirements is eligible to begin kindergarten at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. The registration process is now fully online. Please complete the registration for your child(ren) as soon as possible by visiting our Kindergarten Registration website.
Posted November 17, 2021
District Awards
Posted November 17, 2021
In the fall of 2021, Glastonbury Public Schools was recognized with a number of awards by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE). The Board of Distinction Award honors our volunteer Board members. It is based on several criteria that include: supporting the appropriate use of technology in education, incorporating professional development into policy, and working closely with local legislators to improve schools.
The district also received several Bonnie B. Carney Awards of Excellence for Educational Communications. We were recognized with the Website Award for the district’s Early Learning Center website, the Newsletter Award for our internal staff newsletter, and a Special Project Award for our Agricultural Science recruiting posters.
Board of Education Budget Workshops
Posted November 12, 2021
Glastonbury citizens are encouraged to attend the Board of Education’s upcoming budget workshops and learn about the budget process. Budget workshops will be held on January 3, 4, and 5, 2022 at 6:00 pm.
The Board plans to vote on the education budget at their January 10, 2022 meeting at 7 pm. To view budget documents and confirm upcoming budget meetings, please visit the BOE Budget page of our website.
Veterans Day
Posted November 11, 2021
We are proud of the meaningful Veterans Day activities that take place in each of our schools every year. The video here was created by the CT Association of Schools/CIAC in conjunction with the Glastonbury Public Schools AV Department to highlight how Glastonbury High School honors veterans.
Help Wanted
Posted October 12, 2021
Glastonbury Public Schools is looking to hire. We are particularly looking for day-to-day substitute teachers, part-time paraprofessionals, tutors, bus/van drivers, part-time custodians, and food services staff. If you have good interpersonal and communication skills and interact well with students, staff and the public, please consider applying. Click the Human Resources button below to learn more.
Tech Help Desk
Posted September 27, 2021
Wireless Issues? Missing an App? Forgot your Password? Something Else?
Students, parents, and staff members can create a support ticket for any school tech issue they may be experiencing. Visit the Technology and Information Systems Help Desk page for more information.
Glastonbury Public Schools Excels in Rankings
Posted September 24, 2021
Niche ranked Glastonbury Public Schools highly again this year. The rankings compare our school district regionally, across the state, and nationally.
There are many data points that can be used in evaluating a school system and this is just one source for measuring our success. We are proud of how Glastonbury Public Schools prepares our students for the futures that await them. And we are happy to be recognized for the hard work of staff across our district.
Please click here for all Glastonbury Public Schools Niche rankings.
Support the GHS Guardians
Posted September 1, 2021
Let's do all we can to keep our community safe and our athletes playing. Please visit the GHS Athletics website for the latest COVID-19 practices to keep our students, staff, parents, and community safe.
Teacher of the Year 2021–2022
Posted August 23, 2021
Glastonbury Public Schools is proud to announce our Teacher of the Year 2021-2022: Dr. Ethan Nash. Dr. Nash has served as the Glastonbury High School Choral Director for the past 14 years. He has instilled both confidence and a passion for beautiful music in countless students over the years.
Congratulations, Dr. Nash!
Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year
Posted August 19, 2021
As much as we hoped we would be “back to normal”—how it was before the pandemic ran through our country and world—many of the same health and safety practices will be in place from last year. Once again this year, we will be flexible, adaptive, and resilient. We will work together to make this year as safe and productive as possible. The Glastonbury Public Schools Community will continue to rise to the occasion. Below are welcome letters from the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education Chair.
Free School Meals
Posted August 19, 2021
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended approval for school districts to continue providing free meals during the 2021-2022 school year. Just like last year, all student meals will be available at no charge. There is no action required (no registration) to receive the free meals.
More information is available on our Foods Services website.
CONGRATULATIONS GHS STATE CHAMPS!
Posted June 18, 2021
FREE Summer Meals
Updated June 14, 2021
We will offer free Grab & Go summer meals during June and July. Pick up will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 12 noon at the Gideon Welles School side entrance. We will continue providing 5 days of breakfasts and lunches. Please complete the Summer Meals Form if you plan to participate. More information is available on our Foods Services website.
Summer Learning
Posted June 8, 2021
We encourage parents and guardians to support their children’s learning and exploration during the summer months. Our Summer Learning website provides a range of suggested activities. We hope you find this a helpful resource.
Congratulations GHS Class of 2021!
Posted June 7, 2021
GHS Yearbook Incident
Posted June 3, 2021
Glastonbury Public Schools has received numerous inquiries from members of our community and the local media regarding the recent Glastonbury High School yearbook incident. In response, we are posting this text of the email sent to the GHS community on March 26. There is no place for hateful acts like this in our school system. We are committed to the ongoing work needed to address their root causes.
GHS Art Show
Posted May 27, 2021
Join us in celebrating our high school student artists by viewing the 2021 Virtual GHS Student Art Show. The slideshow is posted on the Art Department home page. Just click the image above.
2021 End of the Year Dismissal Schedule.pdfEnd of School Year Dismissal
Posted May 14, 2021
The 2020-2021 school year will soon come to an end. Please see the dismissal schedule here for the last days of school.
GHS STEAM Lab
Posted May 7, 2021
The Glastonbury High School STEAM Lab is a bold vision to prepare the next generation for careers and colleges in 2030 and beyond.
It will provide a flexible, modern space with state-of-the-art equipment for students to develop the skills employers and colleges are looking for today and in the future. This exciting project will transform not only classroom space, but our curriculum as well. STEAM courses will be truly multidisciplinary, encompassing the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Click here to learn more about the GHS STEAM Lab and how you can support it.
Leadership Award
Posted April 27, 2021
Congratulations to Director of World Languages Rita A. Oleksak, recipient of the Nelson H. Brooks Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Profession. The annual award is given by NECTFL, the Northeast conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. It is just one of the many awards this outstanding administrator has received over the years!
Support the FFA!
Posted April 19, 2021
The plants in our two fundraisers were grown by GHS FFA students. Visit the AgSci Website for more information.
FFA Spring Sale. Bedding plants, herbs and vegetables. Online ordering from April 30–May 13. (Link will be added.) Contactless pick up May 7, 8, 14 & 15.
FFA Mother's Day Plant Sale. May 8 from 9 am to 1 pm. In-person sales at St. Paul's Church, 2577 Main Street. Four inch pots are $5 and six inch pots are $10 or 2 for $15.
Board Votes on Final 2021-22 Budget
Posted April 6, 2021
On April 5, 2021, the Board of Education voted on the final education budget for the 2021-2022 school year. The Board's originally projected budget from January was reduced by the Town Council in March and several accounts were adjusted to reflect updated cost projections. The final budget of $113,549,684 is a 1.61% increase over the current year's education budget.
The Board reduced areas that would not directly impact student instruction. The most significant budget adjustments were made in the areas of the health insurance reserve fund, utilities, and elementary and secondary supplies.
The Board monitors class sizes throughout the spring and summer. They will make any necessary staffing adjustments to accommodate enrollment. More information about the school budget can be found on the BOE Budget page.
Town Council Adopts Final Education Budget
Posted March 24, 2021
On March 23rd the Town Council voted to adopt the final education budget for the coming year. We will need to identify $517,721 in reductions to the Board of Education budget that was approved in January. In addition, the Board will need to cut additional funds to cover $182,279 in revised pension obligations. We will look for areas to reduce that least impact student learning. Reductions to the budget will be on a future Board of Education agenda. The BOE Budget webpage provides budget documents and additional information on the budget process.
Student Travel Protocols
Updated March 23, 2021 Posted November 5, 2020
Our student travel protocols remain in place (this includes all out of state and international travel). Prior notice of student travel is required and proof of a negative test upon return will also be required.
Please refer to the following information regarding Glastonbury Public School protocols for student travel.
Change in GWS, SMS and GHS School Operations
Posted March 10, 2021
We are TENTATIVELY planning to return students in grades 6–12 to full-time in-building learning 5 days a week at Gideon Welles, Smith Middle and Glastonbury High School starting immediately after Spring Recess on Monday, April 19, 2021. Parents will have the option to commit to either in-building learning or all eLearning (Plan A) for their grade 6–12 children. There will no longer be a 2-day in-building option. Parents will commit for the remainder of the school year. There will be no switching between in-building and eLearning for the remainder of the year. Elementary schools will continue operating under Plan A as they have been all school year.
The return to in-building learning is contingent on a continued low rate of infection in our state, town, and schools. We will continue to watch if the new strains of COVID-19 cause an uptick in infections. If necessary, we will change these plans.
GHS Drama Club Presents…a FREE Drive-in Event!
Posted February 19, 2021
March 5 and 6 at 7:00 pm
The GHS Drama Club will present “Thriller on the Air Radio Play” Listen Live programming in the GHS Senior Parking Lot.
On Friday, March 5th you can hear The Hitchhiker and Sorry, Wrong Number both by Lucille Fletcher. On Saturday, March 6th you can hear The 39 Steps by Alfred Hitchcock, adapted by Joe Landry. These shows are FREE and are appropriate for those 13 year old and up. “Doors” open at 6:30 pm both nights. Join us for this drive-in radio experience!
Board of Finance Recommends Education Cut
Posted February 19, 2021
The Board of Finance has recommended a $317,721 cut to the Board of Education approved budget for next school year. This recommendation does not include a recently revised pension increase of approximately $182,279 which will further reduce the Board budget. The Town Council will discuss and vote on the final education budget on March 17 and/or March 23 at 7:00 pm.
To view budget documents and confirm upcoming meetings, please visit the BOE Budget page of our website.
Summer Enrichment Camps
Posted February 19, 2021
School staff members will be offering a variety of summer camp programs for students in June, July and August. Because these camps are tuition based, there is no cost to the Board of Education. Please visit the Summer Camps page of our website to learn about the camps and to register.
Virtual Calendar Art Exhibit
Posted January25, 2021
At their January 25, 2021 meeting, the Board of Education celebrated our student artists who contributed to this year's district art calendar. Click here to enjoy the Virtual Calendar Art Gallery.
Board Approves Next Year's Budget
Posted January 12, 2021
At their January 11, 2021 meeting, the Board of Education voted to adopt a $114,067,405 education budget for the 2021-2022 school year. This is an increase of 2.07% to the current operating budget. It is the lowest percent request in a Board approved budget in 29 years. Board members reduced Superintendent Bookman's proposed budget by $455,225. Reduced areas included athletic uniforms, new and replacement equipment, and fringe benefits.
The Board budget will be presented, along with the Town of Glastonbury budget, during the Annual Town Meeting on January 27 at 7 pm (held via Zoom conference). Next, 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.
To view budget documents and confirm upcoming meetings, please visit the BOE Budget page of our website.
Registration for Kindergarten
Posted January 4, 2021
The kindergarten registration process is now fully online. Please complete the registration for your child(ren) as soon as possible by visiting our Kindergarten Registration website.
BOE Budget Workshops
Posted January 2, 2021
Glastonbury citizens are encouraged to attend the Board of Education’s upcoming budget workshops and learn about the budget process. Budget workshops will be held on January 4, 5, and 6, 2021 at 6:00 pm via Zoom video conference. Access information will be posted on our BOE Meetings webpage.
The Board plans to vote on the education budget at their January 11, 2021 meeting at 7 pm, which will also be held via Zoom conference. To view budget documents and confirm upcoming budget meetings, please visit the BOE Budget page of our website.
Snow Days will alternate between eLearning days and closing schools
Posted January 2, 2021
We recently surveyed parents and staff to determine their preference for snow days during the 2020-2021 school year. The options were to hold eLearning days with all students learning from home on inclement whether days or to cancel school and add days to the end of the school year (except for grade 12).
There was no clear preference so we have decided to alternate the two options.
If there are widespread power/internet outages impacting teachers and students, we will not have a remote learning day. Instead, we will close school for the day and it will be made up at the end of the school year (except for grade 12). In-person extra-curricular activities will be cancelled, unless road conditions improve enough to hold the activity.
Switch to ALL eLearning for Five Days
Posted December 14. 2020
Due to staffing issues across our district, Glastonbury Public Schools will switch to full eLearning (Plan C) for 5 school days starting Thursday, December 17 through the end of the holiday recess. This applies to all schools, all classes, and all grades.
School offices will remain open during this time. (Because inclement weather is forecast for Thursday, it is possible that school buildings could be closed on this particular day.) After-school activities are canceled during this period, unless they take place virtually.
Important notes:
We intend to reopen our buildings on Monday, January 4, following the holiday recess. We will be closely following student and staff COVID cases, quarantines, and staffing numbers throughout the break to ensure that it is safe to reopen and that we have the necessary staff. We will send further communication about this as the date approaches.
It is critical that parents continue reporting COVID-19 cases and quarantines to their school principals during the coming weeks. We need this information to ensure a safe reopening.
We expect this temporary change in school operations might prompt concern and anxiety for some and, perhaps, relief for others. We understand this may be especially difficult for parents who work outside the home and who have young children in need of supervision. Our decision was made with the health and safety interest of students across the district in mind. We hope that providing a few days notice will help children and parents to plan ahead for the smoothest transition possible
Butterfly Intentions
Posted November 23, 2020
"Renew and Reimagine" is our theme for this school year. We invited art students and staff members in all our buildings to create colorful origami and paper butterflies. The butterflies represent the changes and adaptations of the past year, as well as the resilience we've all needed to help us through.
Participants wrote their positive intentions for the year inside their paper butterflies. Then our art teachers installed the artwork into a stunning display in the breezeway at Glastonbury High School.
The video linked below, created by Director of Art Holly Constantine, highlights the project.
We also invite you to drive under the GHS breezeway (entrance "C") and look up to see the beautiful butterflies inside.
Butterfly Intentions installation at Glastonbury High School
FREE School Meals
Posted November 10, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended approval for Glastonbury Schools to continue providing FREE meals to all students and residents 18 years or younger through June 30, 2021. We offer these meals in all schools for in-school learners and at the grab-and-go meal sites (Glastonbury High School and Smith Middle School) for remote learners and any other children 18 years or younger. More information is available on our Foods Services website
Districtwide COVID-19 Update
Posted November 9, 2020
At this time we are continuing to operate our schools under the current Hybrid Plan B. There has been a notable uptick in positive COVID-19 cases in our state in the last few weeks. Glastonbury Public Schools also saw an uptick in cases during the last week. Contact tracing continues to indicate that these exposures are occurring outside of our schools. Contact tracing also indicates that these cases are mostly the result of contact with household members as well as extended family members (e.g. uncles, aunts, cousins) and friends visiting the home. A large majority of student quarantines at this time are a result of non-school activities, primarily youth sports groups.
We ask that everyone be prepared in the event we decide to send a school or the entire district home for eLearning. It is possible this decision could be made quickly, with little advance notice. Again, we have no plans to switch to Plan C (all eLearning) at this time. We just wish everyone to be prepared.
We are carefully monitoring the spread of the virus in our state and our community. We remain cautious and urge everyone to please follow state guidelines for health practices including wearing masks, washing hands, keeping socially distant, and limiting gatherings with those outside your household. Student and staff member health and safety remains our priority.
Please visit our COVID-19 Resources/Dashboard page for more information.
Snow Days will be eLearning Days
Posted October 28, 2020
During the 2020-2021 school year, normal "snow days" will now be eLearning days. On inclement weather days, students will connect with their teachers and classes from home, using the internet. We will notify families of an inclement weather eLearning day as soon as possible so that they may be prepared.
If there are widespread power/internet outages impacting teachers and students, we will not have a remote learning day. Instead, we will close school for the day and it will be made up at the end of the school year (except for GHS Seniors). In-person extra-curricular activities will be cancelled, unless road conditions improve enough to hold the activity.
Glastonbury School District Excels in State and National Niche Rankings
Posted October 22, 2020
Once again this year, Niche has ranked Glastonbury Public Schools highly compared to other school districts in the state of Connecticut and the nation. Please click below to learn more. Congratulations to our school staff for earning these impressive distinctions!
#1 Safest School District in CT (#36 in America)
#1 Best School District for Athletes in CT (#3 in America)
No Plan to Change Our Current Learning Model
Posted September 28, 2020
We have begun to receive questions regarding future plans for learning. At this time we have no plans to change our current learning model (Hybrid Plan B). Overall our reopening plan appears to have worked well.
We are watching carefully as some local schools have had to close for a few days or a couple of weeks due to the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, some districts are preparing to open secondary schools five days a week in the coming month. We will continue to monitor these communities, especially those with large high schools like ours, as we regularly evaluate our learning plan. We will also be cautious about changing plans as cooler weather and the flu season approach.
While we have no set date to transition to Plan A (full-time in-school classes for all grades), we would provide parents, students, and staff with 1-2 weeks notice before making such a change. A transition to Plan C (eLearning for all grades), on the other hand, could be made quickly if needed to protect the health and safety of our community.
For more information, please visit our School Reopening and COVID-19 web pages.
Lieutenant Governor Visits Early Learning Center
Posted September 16, 2020
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz recently visited the district's Early Learning Center at Eastbury to learn about our successful new program. Our state has lost tens of thousands of childcare slots since the coronavirus pandemic began. The center provides Glastonbury Public Schools teachers and Glastonbury community members with affordable, quality childcare in a safe and engaging center.
The center is self-supporting with no cost to taxpayers. Click here to learn more about the ELC at Eastbury.
Free School Meals for all Glastonbury Children
Effective Monday, September 14, 2020 through December 31, 2020 subject to USDA funding
Posted September 10, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved an extended waiver making all school meals free for every child that resides in Glastonbury. Glastonbury Public Schools will provide FREE breakfast (at those schools that offer breakfast) and FREE lunch for all children age 18 and under. This includes children who are present in school, children who are eLearning from home, and children not enrolled in our school system but residing in Glastonbury.
For those attending school in-building, there is no action required (no registration) to receive the free meals.
Parents may pick up Grab & Go meals (for children not in-building) on Monday through Friday at Smith Middle School (far left of the building) and Glastonbury High School (entrance D, garage door, far left of the building) between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Both breakfasts and lunches will be available for pick up, but you may only pick up meals for a single day. To help with planning, please complete our eLearning Grab and Go School Meals form to indicate your expected regular pick up schedule.
Lunch options (including Grab and Go) can be found on our Nutrislice site. The Grab & Go hot option will need to be reheated at home. Breakfast options usually consist of a muffin, cereal or bagel with fruit and milk.
Note: At this time, in-school breakfast is available in all schools except Buttonball Lane, Hebron Avenue and Hopewell.
GHS Agriscience Mum Sale!
Posted September 3, 2020
To order mums: Scan the QR code with a QR reader app or your cell phone and visit our online agriscience order site. Or just click here: order online from GHS Agriscience.
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year
Posted August 21, 2020
The beginning of this year will certainly look and feel much different. It is likely we will all face numerous challenges, but Glastonbury Public Schools will continue to provide the best possible education to our students. Below are welcome letters from the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education Chair.
New Childcare Program
Posted August 12, 2020
Glastonbury Public Schools has established a new childcare center to support employees in need of quality, affordable care for their young children.
There are a few spots remaining for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and we are now opening up enrollment to the Glastonbury community.
Please visit the center's website to learn about the program, staff members, fees, registration process and more.
New First Days of School
Posted July 28, 2020
The first days of school for 2020-2021 have been changed. This will provide teachers and staff with three additional days for reopening activities, facility and classroom set-up and staff training. Training topics will include new health and safety protocols, classroom teaching strategies, video conferencing, teaching apps, and supporting student social and emotional learning.
2020-2021 First Days of School
Grades 7-12: August 31
Grades preK-6: September 1
Draft School Reopening Plan
Posted July 13, 2020 Updated July 24, 2020
During the summer of 2020 we continue to develop health and safety protocols for the reopening of schools. Our plans remain a work in progress. They are in compliance with the CT State Reopening guidelines. Please click the red button to learn more.
