The Connecticut Association of Schools is proud to have recently recognized Natchaug Elementary School in Windham and David Wooster Middle School in Stratford for their strong commitment to building positive school climate and culture. Schools seeking this recognition participate in a thoughtful application process that highlights their practices and outcomes. A review committee carefully examines each application to determine whether it moves forward to a site visit. During the visit, committee members meet with a range of stakeholders, including students, families, staff, and administrators, to get a full picture of the school’s climate and culture.

Natchaug Elementary School stands out for the way it centers belonging, relationships, and access in everything it does. As a dual language school, it has created a welcoming environment through multilingual communication and intentional outreach to families. Practices such as Responsive Classroom, restorative approaches, and supports like the “Lily Pad” reflect a belief that behavior is something to be taught and supported, not punished. Families are actively engaged, student voice is embedded throughout the school, and systems like MTSS ensure that all students are supported. These efforts are making a difference, with notable improvements in attendance and a reduction in disciplinary issues.

At David Wooster Middle School, a strong sense of community is built around the PRIDE framework—Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy. This shared language is evident in classrooms, common spaces, and daily interactions. The school has made a clear commitment to restorative practices and social-emotional learning, helping students learn from challenges and repair relationships. Student voice is a priority, with many opportunities for leadership, feedback, and civic engagement. Families are engaged through regular communication and feedback structures, and staff work collaboratively to support both academic and social-emotional growth. The school’s progress in areas such as attendance, discipline, and overall engagement reflects this consistent and intentional work.

CAS encourages Connecticut member schools that have fostered positive, impactful school climates to consider applying for this recognition.