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Board adopts new music curriculum, approves science electives and sets 2026–27 'snowflake' calendar
Summary
The Waterford Board of Education adopted a preschool–12 music curriculum, approved a slate of high school science electives (including Early College Experience classes), and approved a 2026–27 calendar with three built-in 'snowflake' days; the board also set graduation for June 18, 2026.
The Waterford Board of Education approved several curriculum and calendar items intended to expand student opportunities and provide scheduling flexibility.
Music curriculum: The board adopted a preschool through grade 12 music curriculum described at the meeting as a substantial, vertically aligned document (board members referred to it as a multi-hundred-page blueprint). The curriculum adds new course offerings — including a high school American popular music course, a middle school popular music course, and a middle school music-technology sequence — and formalizes pathways from early childhood through high school ensemble and capstone experiences. A board member said the work reinforces creativity and critical thinking and expands access to music for a broader set of students.
Science electives: The board also approved a set of high school science electives, including Early College Experience (ECE) chemistry and a newly built-out marine-science sequence (for which the board expects phased offerings and some year-to-year scheduling). Department leaders said some ECE courses will provide college credit through the Connecticut state university system.
Calendars and graduation: The board approved a revised 2025–26 calendar and set Waterford High School’s graduation for June 18, 2026, which the board said satisfies the Connecticut statutory requirement of 180 instructional days. For 2026–27, the board adopted a calendar that includes three built-in "snowflake" days (dynamic reserve days to be used in real time for inclement weather) intended to avoid adding days at the end of the school year. Administration will communicate the schedule details to families.
What’s next: instructional materials and textbooks for several courses will appear on the board packet for future approval; administrators said members can borrow physical copies before the next meeting for review.
