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Students present leadership workshops; district high school honored as 2026 CIASOC Unified School of the Year
Summary
Student presenters described a 'confidence–design–follow-through' framework and equity-focused workshops; the board heard a separate presentation explaining why EOSmith won the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference/Special Olympics Connecticut 2026 Unified School of the Year award and reviewed STAR and special‑services growth.
Students from the district presented two student-led sessions at the May 5 board meeting, sharing takeaways from regional conferences and workshops they led for peers across New England.
Presenters described a three-part student-leadership framework — "confidence, design, follow-through" — and explained how the equity council, a student-led think tank with staff support, produces tangible follow-up (a Thrive guide and accountability checks). One presenter said the goal is to move students from being "participants to partners," and presenters collected contact information so they can follow up with participants and support implementation.
A second student presentation addressed race and allyship in schools, centering the history and impact of the N‑word, restorative responses, policy variations across districts, and steps for moving from bystander to ally. Presenters emphasized that "intent does not outweigh impact" and outlined restorative steps the students recommend: educational modules, facilitated conversations, and accountability measures tailored to harm and reach.
In a separate presentation, special-education teacher Lauren Savowski outlined why the high school was selected as the 2026 Unified School of the Year by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference and Special Olympics Connecticut. Savowski detailed the district's unified offerings — year-long Unified PE and Unified Health, a new half‑year Unified Theater elective, unified basketball and cheer programs, and a Best Buddies chapter with more than 60 participants — highlighting partnerships with Eastern Connecticut State University and student vocational initiatives such as EOS Stitches. She described how unified activities (coached by staff and volunteers) created inclusive moments that contributed to the honor.
Special services reported continued growth in programs for students with significant disabilities, including STAR enrollment (26 students scheduled next year) and a student-led IEP initiative that gives students a central voice in their transition planning. District staff also reported incremental SAT gains for high-need students and steady progress on state indicators tied to ninth-grade credit attainment.
Board members praised the student presentations and the unified award; one said the presentations "put it right there" and urged continued support for student-led educational work. The district said it will follow up with students on next steps and suggested expanding space and opportunities for similar student-led programming.
