Knightly News - EHS Newsletter - Welcome Back Edition!

Hello Students and Families of EHS,

I hope this year's first edition of the Knightly News finds you well rested and excited for a new school year! After serving as the Interim Principal last year, I was honored to be named as the permanent Principal just after school let out. I can't tell you how excited I am to help continue the strong traditions of Ellington High School while building an even brighter future for our students.

Over the summer, there were some changes to our administrative team with Mr. HuBrins leaving to become the Principal at Bristol Central High School. Mr. O'Neill will now become the assistant principal along with his current role as the Director of Athletics. We also added a role of Lead Teacher at Ellington High School, which will be filled by our Director of Counseling, Dr. Marshall. In addition to supporting the administrative team as a Lead Teacher, Dr. Marshall will also be the coordinator of our Career Pathways program. She will work to expand the high school’s Career Clusters and specialized pathway programs and coordinate student internships, job-shadowing experiences, apprenticeships, and college/career fairs. We are so excited to have Dr. Marshall in this new role!

Freshman will receive their schedules tomorrow (Friday) at freshman orientation, and upperclassmen will be able to access their schedules sometime in the afternoon tomorrow. A reminder to students that we have a 5 day add/drop window to begin the year. Please be sure to reach out to your school counselor within the first 5 days of school to make any schedule adjustments.

In the rest of this newsletter, you will find some other updates and important information for the upcoming school year.

Have a great weekend and I look forward to seeing everyone next week!

All the best,

Jon Mitchell

EHS Principal

At the end of last school year, you may have heard some talk about the state of Connecticut enacting a state-wide cell phone ban in schools. While that didn't end up happening, the state did release a position statement on cell phones in school. To summarize, the state recommends a "bell to bell" ban of cell phones.

Our current policy does not completely ban cell phones and other personal electronic devices, but does restrict the use during instructional time. This year, we are expanding the instructional setting to include study halls. Cell phones and other electronic devices will still be allowed during passing time and at lunch, but not during study halls. Please be sure to review our progressive discipline model as it relates to personal electronic devices in our student/parent handbook.

The Ellington High School class of 2027 started a new tradition to kick off their senior year - they painted their parking spots! Over 70 seniors signed up to take part in the two day event. The first painting day was last Friday. Friends and family turned out to help their senior, listen to some music, and enjoy the beautiful day. Check out some of the pictures, but also be sure to take a drive through the back parking lot of the high school to see in person!

First and foremost, welcome to Ellington High School! I look forward to meeting all of you at Freshman orientation, and getting to know you during your time in high school. Take advantage of your time in high school - it goes quick! Step out of your comfort zone. Join a club, take a difficult class, try an instrument or a new sport. Below is some information that will be helpful, but please reach out to me, Mr. O'Neill (assistant principal for gr. 9), or Ms. Heuitson (gr. 9 counselor) if you have any questions.

Congratulations to Ellington High School's Taylor Cicciarella for being nominated for the ImpaCT award. Taylors nomination is due to her hard work and dedication in our school and the broader community around inclusion. She is the EHS Best Buddies chapter's president, she volunteers with Miracle League of Connecticut, is an active participant in Unified Sports, and is also involved with several other organizations supporting inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities.

There will be a fundraiser held at the Red Robin in Manchester on September 10th to benefit Best Buddies of Connecticut. I have attached the flyer should you wish to participate! I've also attached a picture of Taylor and her sister Brooke (2029) being interviewed by Fox61 about her ImpaCT nomination.