Dr. Scott V. Nicol, Superintendent
August 2019
This summer I went on a two week vacation with my wife and two sons – ages 9 and 13. I have never been very good at vacationing. Actually, I'm not sure what that statement even means. Good at vacationing? What is there to be good at? It should be easy to be present with your family, enjoy each other's company, laugh, joke, and play, right?
Present? Too often, I was physically present but not really present. My mind was racing with other matters of seeming importance. Sigh. But how, how was I truly present for this family vacation.
The Zac Brown Band is one of my favs. Their music and lyrics speak to me in ways that inspire reflection. The chorus of Quiet Your Mind did just that.
Quiet your mind
Soak it all in
It's a game you can't win
Enjoy the ride
No doubt, I am getting better at appreciating each and every experience, emotion, interaction, failure and achievement. It is my decision to be present for my life. Yes, enjoy the ride!
I've noticed that Ellington Public Schools' (EPS) staff and students have become quite good at staying present and enjoying the ride. Here is a review of last year as a precursor for 2019 – 2020.
(video) Welcome Back 2019 – Larger Than Life (feat. Benji Jackson)
New Members of the Ellington Family: 2019-2020
Again, we welcome our newly hired principals at Center, Windermere and Ellington Middle School. Here are their introductory letters sent out last Spring.
EMS Co-Principals Nash & Murray
In addition to internally promoting Co-Principals Nash and Murray, we were pleased to promote Liz Cole to the position of Ellington High School Assistant Principal.
With an approximate average of twenty-two teachers hired in each of the past six school years, this year EPS welcomed only seventeen new teachers to Ellington. Many of those educators are experienced teachers, possessing anywhere from four to nineteen years of experience. While some of our new teachers will commute from as far away as the CT shoreline, three of our new hires reside in Ellington. This adds to an already impressive number, close to fifty teachers, who make their home in Ellington.
As hiring is ongoing, here is the most up to date list.
We also welcome all of our new paraprofessionals and other support staff throughout the school district. Their service to Ellington is invaluable.
And, as a preview for our new staff, here is a summary of colleagues recognizing colleagues for amazing work during the 2018 – 2019 school year.
Convocation Recognitions 2018 - 2019
EPS teachers will report to work on Monday, August 26th, with the first day of school for students on Wednesday, August 28th.
What did I hear on my vacation?
For two weeks, my mind was quiet and my hearing was never so clear. The sounds of nature, wildlife, and interactions with everyday people were beautiful and refreshing. Yet, the true reward for being present was the sounds of my boys' childhood. "Daddy, what are we going to do next?" "Dad, watch me do this!" "Mom, Dad, thanks." Sigh.
The future is present in Ellington. EPS will continue to improve teaching and learning, efficient operations and social and emotional learning. The 2019 – 2020 school year will be filled with quiet minds, larger than life dreams, and most importantly, our Ellington Family enjoying the ride.