Cheshire (CT) — The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) is pleased to announce the selection of the 2025 Schools of the Year. CONGRATULATIONS to:

• Somers Elementary School, Somers – Melissa Mucci, Principal
• Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School, Bridgeport – Emma Balter, Principal
• Woodland Regional High School, Beacon Falls – Kurt Ogren, Principal

The School of the Year award process begins with an application review by a committee of current administrators. Two finalists are then selected for on-site visits, which include classroom observations and interviews with parents, students, staff, and administrators. Winners are chosen based upon the outcome of the site visit as well as the strength of the written application.

SOMERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Connecticut Association of Schools has named Somers Elementary School (SES) the 2024-2025 Connecticut Elementary School of the Year, recognizing the school’s exceptional commitment to holistic, hands-on education and its vibrant, nurturing community. The selection process, culminating in an insightful site visit, revealed a school where the motto, “We’re a Family and We’re a Tree,” is not just a phrase, but a lived reality.
The first step in the process for the award is an application that is read by a committee of current administrators. The committee then moves two finalists forward in the process and conducts a site visit at each school, spending time in classrooms and also speaking to constituent groups consisting of parents, students, staff, and administrators from the building and the district.

During the site visit, the visiting CAS committee was immediately struck by the incredibly strong sense of community throughout the school and the school’s unwavering focus on the social-emotional well-being of its students. This dedication was evident in the school’s proactive approach to social-emotional learning, seamlessly woven into the daily curriculum, creating an environment where empathy, responsibility, and problem-solving skills are nurtured. The committee also observed the innovative integration of arts into academics and the school halls, honoring the creativity of students.

Hands-on, experiential learning stood out as a hallmark of SES’s educational philosophy. The Invention Convention projects in STEM classes showcased students’ creativity and problem-solving abilities, while the transformation of classrooms into covered wagons for westward expansion studies brought history to life, immersing students in the curriculum. The committee was deeply impressed by this commitment to making learning tangible and engaging.

Furthermore, the school’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion was clearly visible. A dedicated adaptive physical education program and staff member demonstrated a commitment to ensuring every student feels valued and supported. The committee witnessed a school where every voice matters and where the richness of diversity is celebrated.

The selection process also highlighted the school’s resilience and strong community spirit, particularly in the face of adversity. During the 2023-2024 school year, SES faced the unimaginable loss of three students and a staff member. The outpouring of support, including the presence of therapy dogs, exemplified the strength of the school’s bond and its ability to rally together during challenging times.

“I am incredibly honored that our school has been recognized by CAS as the Connecticut Elementary School of the Year. This award is a true testament to the resilience, dedication, and student-centered focus of our exceptional staff, the enthusiasm and hard work of our students, and the unwavering support of our families and community. Every day, we strive to create a nurturing and engaging environment where all students can thrive, and I am beyond proud to lead such an inspiring school community. SES is a special place to be!” said Melissa Mucci, Principal of Somers Elementary School.

CAS celebrates Somers Elementary School for its exemplary dedication to fostering a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment, making it a truly deserving recipient of the 2024-2025 Elementary School of the Year award.

SIX TO SIX INTERDISTRICT MAGNET SCHOOL

Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School has been honored as the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Middle School of the Year, recognizing its exceptional commitment to fostering a safe, healthy, and enriching educational environment. The school’s dedication to student well-being, academic excellence, and community engagement has set a new standard for middle school education in Connecticut.

Six to Six is deeply committed to nurturing a safe and healthy environment for all students, staff, and visitors. This commitment is evident in the school’s comprehensive approach to integrating emotional and social support with physical well-being. The school’s proactive measures include a robust School Safety Committee that collaborates with local police and fire departments, regular safety protocol reviews, and full-scale evacuation drills. The implementation of the RULER program for Social and Emotional Learning, partnerships with mental health professionals like ICAPPS, and the availability of an on-campus health center further demonstrate the school’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its community.

Academically, Six to Six is a STEM-focused school that has cultivated numerous meaningful community partnerships, including collaborations with the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, Eli Whitney Museum, Beardsley Zoo, CT DEEP, and Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center and Planetarium. These partnerships provide students with exciting field experiences, in-house events, and interactive lessons that support academic growth and encourage students to become considerate scientists. Community involvement is a cornerstone of Six to Six’s success. Parents are actively engaged through field trip participation and three annual Family STEM Nights, fostering collaboration and a shared investment in students’ education. The School Planning and Management Team (SPMT), which includes administrators, staff, and parents, monitors the School Improvement Plan and addresses school-wide needs, ensuring that all voices are heard. Additionally, Six to Six offers a wide range of student services that go beyond typical supports such as NASA Astrocamp, Rock Band, and a variety of book clubs, along with collaborations with local universities and extensive field experiences.

Promoting equity and inclusion is a priority at Six to Six. The school has implemented various initiatives, including auditing classroom libraries, celebrating cultural commemorations, hosting Cultural Arts Day and Career Day events, and providing translation services for families. The school also offers professional development on engaging in courageous conversations and trauma-informed care for staff. The school’s Social Justice and Equity Committee ensures continuous auditing of policies and procedures to promote equity in all facets of the school.

The school’s staff exemplifies collaborative leadership and fosters professional learning communities. The Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) ensures instructional practices are aligned with the school’s vision, and other committees, such as the SEL Committee and SJE Committee, work to promote holistic student development. Teamwork and professional development are integral to the school’s culture, with staff engaging in collaborative planning, monthly check-ins, and various training opportunities.

Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School’s commitment to excellence has created a nurturing and empowering environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school’s recognition as CAS Middle School of the Year is a testament to its unwavering dedication to its students and community.

WOODLAND REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Woodland Regional High School, serving students from Beacon Falls and Prospect in Region 16, has been honored with the inaugural 2024-2025 Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) High School of the Year award, recognizing its unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, healthy, and academically rigorous environment for all students. Despite this being the first year for the high school award, the exceptionally strong applications made for a highly competitive selection process. This recognition highlights Woodland’s dedication to student well-being, academic excellence, and community engagement.

Principal Kurt Ogren shared with the committee, “We are deeply grateful for the support of the families of Beacon Falls and Prospect in addition to our exceptional students and staff for their commitment to foster an environment of continuous growth and achievement. We look forward to continuing our work together to make Woodland Regional High School even stronger.”

Woodland’s commitment to student well-being was evident in both the application packet and the on-site visit evident with its comprehensive programs and initiatives, including the social-emotional learning “Choose Love” curriculum; an expanded Peer Buddies program that pairs regular education students with special education peers, promoting inclusion, friendship, and leadership; the Hawk Wings Kindness Club where students actively promote kindness and community through service projects and positive initiatives; and a robust athletics program that engages more than 60% of the student population in the athletics program. Additionally, the “Cop Talk” Program engages seniors in candid discussions with law enforcement professionals about responsibility and safety.

While there were many innovative programs and initiatives at Woodland, the school’s exemplary career-focused partnerships that provide for collaborations with local community colleges, EMS, and fire departments provide students with valuable certifications and real-world experience, including CNA and EMT programs. Woodland’s Advisory Program, a cornerstone of its success, also stood out to the visiting committee. The program pairs small groups of students with dedicated advisors for all four years, culminating in student presentations that address a passion area for the student or an electronic portfolio presentation that shows how the student’s learning has addressed all areas of Portrait of a Graduate. At the end of senior year, advisors in the program present students with their diplomas at graduation. This program has been so successful that Woodland has hosted numerous schools for site visits.

At Woodland, student services go beyond the typical, with initiatives like the Woodland Strong program, Math Lab, Unified Sports, and a wide array of student-driven clubs. Personalization and student ownership are key priorities, with initiatives like Senior Project, Internship Program, and Learning Pathways empowering students to take control of their education. Smaller class sizes and strong student-teacher relationships further enhance the personalized experience.

Collaborative leadership and professional learning communities are integral to Woodland’s success. The Portrait of a Graduate, department-centered offices, Woodland Metal Works collaborative, new teacher support, and the School-Wide Data Team exemplify the school’s commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement.

When learning of the school’s award, Superintendent Michael Yamin stated, “Woodland Regional High School’s exceptional social-emotional support, coupled with its comprehensive curriculum and vital advisory program, makes it an outstanding choice for Connecticut High School of the Year. Through rigorous, engaging, and personalized learning, Woodland empowers all students to thrive. The school’s commitment to fostering strong student-adult relationships cultivates a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring graduates are empathetic, responsible, and prepared for success.”

It is because of their dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and academically challenging environment for all students that Woodland Regional High School has earned the 2024-2025 CAS High School of the Year award.