Update: Geoff Luxenberg Literacy Program

The following article appeared in full in this week's Reminder News:

BOE thinks RSVP program can help young readers be successful

BY JOAN HUNT ReminderNews Editor

If you can’t read, you can’t be successful in school, and educators agree that the early K-3 grades form an all important base for reading skills. So what happens to the child who needs a little extra help in these formative years? If he or she is lucky, they might get it at home, but it is very difficult within the parameters of a busy classroom to get the extra help that is needed.

This is where RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) comes in. According to newly-appointed Board of Education member Geoff Luxenberg, this program that matches senior citizens and retired people age 55 or older with students who have been identified by their teachers as needing extra help would fit the bill.

Luxenberg said several residents had approached him with ideas of having senior citizens become more involved in the schools. “One resident approached the board on senior citizen involvement and another senior mentioned a tutoring or mentoring program,” he said, “so I got a sense it might be something worth looking into.”

Once he started investigating, he found many options were expensive, hard to implement or inflexible. “Finally, I stumbled onto RSVP,” he said.

This is a program of the Community Renewal Team, Inc. that was started by Mary Wilcox, director of the Greater Hartford RSVP.

“This is a one-on-one reading program for children who want extra help but don’t qualify for special services,” said Wilcox. “It has proven that if they stay in the [grades] one to three program for all three years, they are reading most likely at the top grade level and sometimes above, and they have all the confidence in the world,” she added.

On the flip side, the seniors who have been involved in the program also benefit, said Wilcox. “It is so rewarding to a senior. Some of them are retired teachers or from other lines of work and they have a love of reading and know how important it is for children.”

During his research on the RSVP program, Luxenberg spoke to both Wilcox and to Kathi Young, who is the coordinator of the program in Vernon, which has been in operation for 10 years.

Young started as a volunteer with the program when she retired from teaching grades K-3 in East Hartford, the very grades that are impacted by the program.

“It is something that was meant to be, I think,” Young said. The Vernon program started with an after-school format in one school and has grown to include in-school and even summer activities at a total of five sites. Young believes strongly in the program.

“The seniors read with the same child every single week, and you see such bonds develop,” she said. At Maple Street School, where the tutoring takes place just before recess and lunch, some of the children would rather stay in and continue reading with their mentor than go out to play, she said.

“RSVP will not work with children who are severely learning disabled,” said Luxenberg. “They do work with kids who are below grade level and could be falling through the cracks at a critical early age.”

Training sessions are offered twice a year for senior volunteers, and Luxenberg said RSVP will help recruit the volunteers from the community. “What a great way to connect the community and the schools,” said Young.

Luxenberg said that Board of Ed Chair Margaret Hackett, the central office staff and most members of the BOE are supporting the program.

For more information contact Luxenberg at www.geoff07.com.

Director Topping Proposes Tax Credit for Firefighters

Yesterday the JI published a story about an tax-credit initiative proposed by Director John Topping.

The program, which Director Topping previously pursued as an 8th Utilities District Director, would provide an additional $400 tax credit for firefighters who "meet certain criteria based on the number of calls they respond to each year." Presently the 8th Utilities District offers a similar tax-credit for firefighters that live within the district, however, many do not and consequently are not eligible for the credit.

Director Topping estimates that between 40-50 firefights would benefit from the tax-credit.

According to the JI, eligibility for the program requires firefighters to respond to a minimum of 120 calls per year. Of those 120 separate responses, 25 must be mutual aid calls to assist the Town Fire Department. In addition, fire police and emergency medical technicians (EMT's) would be able to participate in the program as well. Unlike other paid town positions, fire police are volunteers.

Topping said of the program, "They [firefighters, EMT's and fire police] look with eager anticipation for something that recognizes the service they provide to the town."

Board of Education Candidate Geoff Luxenberg Introduces Program to Improve Student's Literacy Skills

Democratic Board of Education Member Geoff Luxenberg Introduces Innovative Partnership for Manchester Public Schools
Program marries trained senior citizen reading tutors with Manchester’s neediest students

During last Monday's Manchester Board of Education meeting, Democratic Board of Education member Geoff Luxenberg introduced a proposal for a new program designed to improve the literacy of Manchester’s students. The program, at no cost to the Town of Manchester, will create a partnership between the Manchester Public School System and the Greater Hartford Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

“This is a win-win for Manchester residents and taxpayers,” Luxenberg said. “RSVP will help our students improve their literacy skills at an early age and engage our senior citizens in helping to build a stronger community and better future for Manchester—all at no additional cost to the taxpayers.”

This new partnership, upon future passage by the board, will allow RSVP to recruit and train senior citizen volunteers from the Manchester community and then place them in the public schools to work directly with struggling elementary school children who are reading below grade level in kindergarten through third grade. The program is the culmination of months of in-depth research, and the initiative is designed specifically to address the achievement gap and bolster some of the lower reading scores from the recent Connecticut Mastery Test data.

The introduction of this program was received with glowing support from Chairwoman Margaret Hackett and other members of the Board of Education.

“Geoff has brought forth an initiative that our community can be proud of,” said Chairwoman Hackett.

Kathi Young, the Senior Coordinator for the Vernon program, which has been in existence for 10 years said, "The impact on the children with learning and emotionally has been great - mentors and mentees have formed a unique bond. It has been a true melding of community and volunteerism for all."

RSVP has been working for several years in the Vernon Public Schools, Middlesex County Schools and in Tolland Country Schools, with the overwhelming support of superintendents, teachers, senior citizens, parents, students and community members.

Following Up: Democratic Directors and Teen Night

Today the Journal-Inquirer has a follow-up story about last week's "Teen Night" at the Cheney Library.

Thanks to Directors Kevin Zingler, John Topping and Dave Sheridan, $4,500 from a youth-initiative account was used to purchase five LCD televisions, two Nintendo Wiis, and three Sony PlayStations for the participating youth - who have turned out in droves every Wednesday night from 6-8:30 to relax and spend constructive time with friends.

Director Dave Sheridan Calls for Realistic, Practical Change

Director Dave Sheridan has appeared before the Charter Revision Commission twice during the month of August and presented testimony on the following issues:

• Ethics Code Development
• Removal of the "Standards of Conduct" from the Charter
• Streamlining Boards and Commission

Ethics Code Development
When the Commission first took up the question of re-structuring how ethics codes are developed for the Town and how ethics complaints are handled, Sheridan stated:

"I don't believe we have an ethics issue in Manchester. But there are many, inside and outside of Town government, who believe that our current ethics system, which has not seen significant change for over thirty years, needs to be revised to reflect modern realities. I have felt from the very beginning that meaningful reform of our ethics system would require a Charter revision."

"Standards of Conduct"
Sheridan suggested to the Charter Revision Commission that it would be best to remove the "Standards of Conduct", which are currently in the Charter, and leave intact the provisions regarding the organization of the Ethics Commission and the procedures for handling ethics complaints.

"I feel very strongly that the Ethics Commission should be a body created by Charter, so as to give it a stature equal to the other Boards that fall within its ethical oversight, such as the Board of Directors and Board of Education."

At the same time, Sheridan explained, removal of the Standards of Conduct - to be replaced by an ordinance that would define appropriate conduct for Town officials and employees - would make the Ethics Code easier to amend and supplement.

"Right now, we have to go through a Charter revision process to make even the slightest change in the Ethics Code. Because its so cumbersome, we haven't bothered. As a result, we're trying to applying an ethics code from the 1970's to an era of cell phones and e-mails and the Internet."

Streamlining Boards and Commissions
At the last meeting of the Charter Revision Commission Sheridan testified on a proposal to consolidate and streamline the multitude of Town advisory boards and commissions (over thirty at last count) that have been created over the years. One potential road block to that effort has been that some of these boards and commissions were created in the Charter. Sheridan asked the Commission to consider removing some of the provisions from the Charter and replace them with complementary ordinances. An ordinance would allow the Board of Directors to begin a process of drafting supplemental ordinances that would consolidate the work of boards that have similar functions.

"All of these boards and commissions consume an enormous amount of administrative time and energy. Any time one of those boards meets - and some of them meet monthly - a notice of the meeting is prepared and published, an agenda is prepared, and written minutes are kept. If we could consolidate the work of three boards into one board, we would reduce that administrative workload by two-thirds."

Sheridan also pointed out that finding volunteers willing to give their time to the various boards and commissions has been a daunting task and that many vacancies exist.

"We owe it to all those dedicated volunteers to re-visit all of these boards and commissions in a comprehensive fashion and decide how best to carry out their important work in a way that does not duplicate efforts or create needless bureaucracy. This is a logical first step."

What's Next
The Charter Revision Commission will continue to meet throughout the Fall and is expected to make recommendations in February 2008. Sheridan concluded, "It's clear to me that this Commission is taking its work very seriously and giving much thought and effort to the task. I'm looking forward to their recommendations."

Democratic Directors Enjoy Expanded Teen Night

Last night Directors Dave Sheridan, John Topping and Kevin Zingler attended another "Teen Night" gathering at Mary Cheney Library. Earlier this month the three Directors, led by Director Zingler, requested that Town Manager Scott Shanley authorize the purchase of console games and equipment for the teenagers that attend. According to Director Sheridan the equipment has been purchased to "widespread acclaim".

Sheridan also noted that the following game systems and equipment were purchased:

• 5 LCD screens
• 2 Nintendo Wii's
• 2 PlayStations for Guitar Hero
• 4 Guitars for Guitar Hero
• 1 PlayStation for a Karaoke game

After watching the happy teenagers playing and thoroughly enjoying themselves, Director Sheridan commented further, "This most certainly is a success story."

New Candidates' Page

Go check out the new candidates' page on the Manchester Democrats web site.

Meet Dr. Bethany Silver

Below is video from last Thursday's Democratic Town Committee meeting where Dr. Bethany Silver was nominated to replace Linette Small-Miller as a candidate for the Board of Education.

In Their Own Words

Today the following Letter to the Editor, written by Board of Directors candidate Jason Doucette, appeared in the Journal-Inquirer:

Director's Vision

I am pleased to be a candidate for the Manchester Board of Directors and would like to thank the Democratic Town Committee for endorsing me to continue serving on the board. Since I began serving on the Board of Directors, I have worked hard to ensure the town provides the best possible services to residents in the most fiscally responsible way.

In addition to constantly working to confront the day-to-day challenges that face town government, I have spent a great deal of time over the past year on several new initiatives that will benefit our community.

For example, I introduced an exterior paint program and proposed a "Housing Development Zone" program, each of which would assist with beautification and housing rehabilitation efforts in Manchester neighborhoods. I chaired a subcommittee to study the most effective way to preserve and protect our wetlands and watercourses, which resulted in several recommendations that have been implemented to improve our regulation and oversight of wetlands. Finally, most recently, I introduced to the Board of Directors the "Manchester Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth," which proposes initiatives geared toward improving opportunities for our youth.

I have a clear vision of what the future of Manchester should hold: a prosperous place with opportunity for all of our children, excellent town services, and the most reasonable taxes possible - a community we can all be proud of.

Please visit my Web site (www.doucetteformanchester.com) to find out more about me or to contact me with questions or concerns. I look forward to the upcoming election season as an opportunity to speak directly with as many residents as possible and hope to see you during my travels down the campaign trail.

Jason E. Doucette
Manchester
The writer is a member of the Manchester Board of Directors.

8th District Peach Festival

Despite heavy rain on Friday night, many of the Democratic candidates for the Board of Directors and Board of Education attended the 8th Utilities District Peach Festival to enjoy some delicious peach cobbler and meet with Manchester residents.

Welcome to the Peach Festival!!

State Rep. Bryan Hurlburt (D-Tolland) talking with voters about Board of Education candidate Geoff Luxenberg

Teddy Doucette supports his dad, Jason Doucette, for Board of Directors

Geoff Luxenberg talking with voters.

Jason Doucette meeting voters.

Geoff Luxenberg chats with Ms. Barry about his campaign.

Dave Sheridan and Warren Packer listening to a resident talk about the peach cobbler.

Wet attendees Rod O'Connor, Heather Doucette, Dave Sheridan, Warren Packer and Eric Prause discuss the passing rain storm.

Geoff Luxenberg shakes hands with young supporters.

Democratic Directors Propose Subcommittee to Finalize Elementary School Renovations

At last night's Board of Directors meeting, while discussing prospective bond referendum questions, the Democratic Directors suggested the creation of a bi-partisan subcommittee to study and develop a comprehensive and realistic plan to renovate the 8 remaining elementary schools.

The subcommittee - whose membership will be comprised of 4 members of the Board of Directors, 4 members of the Board of Education and 2 members of the Building Committee, in addition to town staff - will be tasked with developing a full and detailed strategy and timetable for the renovation of the 8 remaining school, taking into full account the Town's current and anticipated debt service and bonding, the expected reimbursement from the state and the actual cost to town residents.

During the meeting, Director Sheridan noted that a similar committee was responsible for breaking the logjam on the Bennet Middle school project and the Manchester High School addition. He noted that it is time to develop an overall strategy for tackling the renovation of the remaining schools - a strategy that the Board of Education, the Board of Directors and the Building Committee can all agree on.

All 3 Republican Directors were in concurrence with the Democratic Directors' subcommittee proposal.

You can read more about last night's meeting here.

Democratic Directors: Expand Teen Night

Last week three Democratic Directors, Dave Sheridan, Kevin Zingler and John Topping, attended "Teen Night" at Mary Cheney Library. They were so impressed at the turn out and benefits offered to young people that they have all pledged to finding funding sources to provide additional equipment, including televisions and gaming consoles.

Kevin Zingler has already submitted a letter to Town Manager Scott Shanley indicating that he has requested Library Director Douglas McDonough to develop a proposal for needed equipment. Additionally, Sheridan said he would speak with town staff to develop funding possibilities to purchase equipment before the kids return to school at the end of the month.

Below is a revealing excerpt from the article that details the success of the program:

"It's one of those things that just struck me and I think struck Kevin, too," Sheridan said, explaining that Teen Night is "low intensity" in that video game equipment and televisions are set up around the perimeter of the room, allowing teens to socialize around them. They also spend time with adults who are focused on them and their interests.

"The kids just hang out, which is what all kids just want to do," Sheridan said, adding that a dozen teens were waiting in line last week to play "Guitar Hero."

During a report to the board last month, McDonough said organizers thought Teen Night would bring out between 50 and 60 people each week. But 163 teens showed up one Wednesday in mid-July, and it grew to 200 in August.

"That Wednesday was their slow night," Zingler said of his visit. "And I'm thinking this is slow?"

Your Democratic Candidates for Manchester Board of Directors

Front Row: Director John Topping, Director Jason Doucette, Director Kevin Zingler
Back Row: Deputy Mayor Lisa O'Neill, Director Dave Sheridan, Pamela Cranford