10 Things Parents Should Know From This Month’s BOE Meeting in Pomfret

The latest Board of Education meeting included good news on student achievement, updates on new student supports, a look ahead at family events, and information on expanded high school opportunities. Here are 10 highlights parents should know.

#1. Pomfret Community School received STRONG assessment results

We ranked eighth in Connecticut on the most recently released state assessment measure in math. The board credited students, teachers, staff, and administrators, and said parents can expect a more detailed review of the results at an upcoming meeting.

#2. Parents will have a chance to learn about state testing next month

At the next Board of Education meeting in October, the assistant principal will be giving a presentation on state testing. The presentation will help parents better understand how the assessments work, how we measure student growth, and what the results represent.

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 21

#3. PCS is expanding its focus on prevention and de-escalation

Staff are moving to a new Safety-Care training program, which emphasizes prevention, relationship-building, and de-escalation strategies.

#4. Teachers will focus more on organization and executive-functioning skills

The district is developing a stronger schoolwide approach to executive functioning. This includes skills such as planning, organizing, starting assignments, time management, and follow through.

#5. The PTO has money available for field trips and enrichment

The PTO reminded teachers and families that it funds classroom grants, special enrichment projects, supplies, and field trips.

#6. The demand is high for more after-school activities

Discussion about how the new Chess Club has already attracted a significant amount of interest, and Pokémon Club continues to be a popular way for students to connect with peers.

Board members discussed exploring additional after-school options, potentially led by teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, or community partners. The conversation focused on creating more opportunities for students to build friendships, explore interests, and feel connected to school.

#7. The PTO is encouraging more family participation

The PTO’s Harvest Hustle 5K and Kids Fun Run had more participants in its second year and received positive feedback from families.

The next PTO meeting is scheduled for October 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. It will be open-house style, and families are encouraged to stop by, learn about upcoming events, and share ideas.

#8. The Board is looking at ways to make meetings easier for parents to attend

The Board and PTO discussed the possibility of offering child-care support during major meetings or community events, particularly when a topic is expected to draw significant parent interest.

No plan has been finalized, but the conversation reflects an effort to remove one of the biggest barriers that can keep parents from participating: finding care for younger children.

#9. Woodstock Academy presented its expanded high school opportunities

Woodstock Academy shared updates on academic, career, and extracurricular opportunities available to local students. The Academy offers more than 230 courses, including Advanced Placement classes, dual-enrollment options, career and technical programs, visual and performing arts, athletics, and clubs.

New academic concentrations are launching in engineering, architecture, computer science, biomedical studies, music, and global studies. Students who complete a concentration can earn recognition on their transcript and diploma, along with career-readiness support such as résumé writing, mock interviews, and internships.

Families interested in learning more can attend Woodstock Academy’s open house on November 5.

#10. The district is gathering input to shape future priorities

The superintendent is meeting with staff, Board members, and local community leaders as part of an entry and listening process. A parent survey is also planned, and the superintendent expects to attend the October PTO meeting.

The feedback will help inform future school-improvement goals, professional development, and decisions about where the district should focus its time and resources.

The biggest takeaway from this month’s meeting is that our schools are moving forward with both momentum and purpose—from strong academic results and expanded student opportunities to practical supports that help children grow more confident, capable, and connected. Progress is strongest when families, educators, students, and community members stay involved, ask questions, share ideas, and show up for the conversations that shape our schools. Whether it’s attending a PTO or Board meeting, supporting a school event, volunteering, or simply staying informed, every voice helps build an even stronger experience for our children.

Disclosure: This recap is provided for informational and community-discussion purposes only. It reflects my personal summary and interpretation of the publicly discussed Pomfret Board of Education meeting and is not an official record, statement, opinion, or communication of the Pomfret Board of Education, the school district, or any individual Board member. For the official agenda, minutes, recordings, and notices, please refer directly to Pomfret Public Schools and the Board of Education’s published materials.