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Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
ClubRunner Mobile
Bulletin Editor
Gary Miller
Speakers
Oct 02, 2020
Native Plant Gardens and Pollinators.
Oct 09, 2020
Mediators Beyond Borders
Oct 16, 2020
Exchange Student Impact
Oct 23, 2020
Bringing Health and Hope to Masooli- Uganda
View entire list
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Immediate Past President
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Foundation Chair
 
Membership
 
Board Member-at-Large
 
Board Member-at-Large
 
Asst Treasurer
 
Interact Chair
 
Club Information
Rotary of Avon-Canton - Founded 1973
Avon-Canton
Service above Self
We meet Fridays at 7:30 AM
Avon Old Farms Hotel
279 Avon Mountain Rd.
Avon, CT  06001
United States of America
DistrictSiteIcon District Site
VenueMap Venue Map
 
August 28, 2020
 New Horizons
Stephanie Tetreault
 
The meeting will be held on Zoom. 
Watch for an email from Alicia.
 
Watch the presentation live on:
 
Sgt-at Arms Report
 
Members Present: 26 
 
Visiting Rotarians: Rick & Chris Heath  
Guests: None
Happy Dollars Moments: More valuable when they are shared
Raffle Winner: No Raffle. No Winners. No Losers.
 
Fines
None today.
 
Birthdays
None today.
 
 
Happy Dollars Moments
Editor's Note: If you missed our Zoom meeting, the full meeting is posted to our Group Facebook Page
 
Heather Pantano was subbing for President Alicia Canning who is enjoying the Cape with her grandchildren. Heather had just returned from the Cape where they celebrated her son Sal's birthday with a Batman cupcake especially made for him.
 
Dale Bronson sent a message saying that he recently had a cancer cell removed from his tongue. We all wished him well with his recovery.
 
Kirshwin Singh had a story about his kind neighbor who had been monitoring the generator during their absence. Kirschwin was pleased to say not only did his neighbor check their generator but also cleaned up all the fallen branches and other debris from the storm.
 
Gary Miller recently had a phone call from Linda Pendergast who has been checking up on the golf tournament. Linda was happy that the spot on her pancreas turned out to be stage one cancer and has been removed. She is not working on building up her strength and all the weight she lost (18 pounds -- is that possible?!). She will then undergo prophylactic chemotherapy. Linda wanted to assure us that she would be having her Pendergast Family tee sign again this year and that Ann Clark had the help she needed at golf registration.
 
Don Bonner gave congratulations to the tournament team for all the ads, sponsors, etc. Personally, Don has entered an exhibit in the West Hartford Art League Show. He will also be shooting photos for the Fore Autism golf tournament following the meeting.
 
Rollie Sterrett held up a ruler that used to be given to visitors to our club. A premeeting discussion centered around the gifts that used to be given to visitors--coffee mugs,  umbrellas, the rulers, etc. Tom Voorhees figured the rulers dated back to the 80's.
 
Announcements
Golf Tournament Update:
 
Sue Budde reported that we had 70 ads, about 120 golfers, and a bunch of tee signs. Sue and Sales Team Captain Chris Lamadrid met to determine the status of sales team incentives. Larry Sullivan is in the lead, followed by Lisa Barall-Matt, and a tie for third: Alicia Canning, Sue Budde, Brian O'Donnell, Greg Demanche, and Gary Roman. Several others are close behind.
Don Bonner has add an additional week to close in on missing advertisements. 
 
Jolly Lux said that she could help Don with ad artwork.
 
Phil Ferrari says the Pencil Box get together is all set for the 24th at 5pm at Craig Nation's home.
 
Chris Lamadrid reported on the Senior Luncheon on September 24th at the Canton Community Center. She is working on a pickup lunch with several local restaurants. The seniors will drive in to pickup their bag lunches. Canton Interact will be helping with some. music during the event.
 
Induction of New Members
None this week.
 

Awards
None this week.
 
Community and International Service Grants
None this week.
PRESENTATION

 Kevin Case, Superintendent of Schools
Canton Schools Reopening Plan

 

Salin Low introduced Kevin Case who has been the Superintendent in Canton for 14 years. He is originally from Winsted and has been in teaching for 35 years. Kevin misses not being at our meetings on a regular basis.
 
The School Reopening Taskforce was formed in June from Board of Education members, administrators, teachers and other school staff. They began the planning process in mid-June and have been meeting weekly ever since. The team is divided into several focus groups covering Systems and Operations, Student and Staff Health/Wellness, and Teaching and Learning. Kevin said that the key has been adapting to the ever changing environment and state guidelines issued as recently as June 29th. The plan centers on four main topics: Cohorting, Transportation, Physical Distancing and Face Coverings. Kevin pointed out that the details are available on the school district's website: Canton School Reopening Plan Overview.
 
The Taskforce had to prepare three possible plans--return all students to face-to-face instruction, a blended model, and a full remote model. In late July, the Governor clarified his guidance added that hybrid model would be allowed. The latter is the current plan for all students to return starting on August 31st in a hybrid model. Families can choose whether to return their students to school or keep them at home doing remote learning. The expectations would be the same for all students concerning school work and attendance. Remote students will be assigned a remote teacher. Approximately 100 students have opted out--50 at Pre-K to 6th grade and 50 at middle and high school. To support this option the district has had to hire new teachers with no additional budget support. The district will not likely receive additional state funding. Students will participate in Synchronous and Asychronous Learning.
 
Students at Pre-K to 6th grade will be divided into two cohorts. Cohort A will meet at school on Monday and Tuesday and then meet remotely on Wednesday to Friday. Cohort B will meet remotely Monday through Wednesday and in school on Thursday and Friday. The schools will receive intense cleaning on Wednesday while the buildings are vacant. 
 
The middle and high school students will also be divided in two cohorts to the extent that course offering and other scheduling allows.
 
Health and safety precautions will be paramount and taught to students in elementary during the first week of school. Kevin said they are relying on parents to focus on their student's health and attendance.
 
Phil Ferrari asked about special classes like speech and language services, music and physical education. Kevin said that they have plans for these activities including being outdoors as much as possible, special coverings for instruments, and other activities. The conflict between the CIAC and DPH has been issue. Kevin said that having the students in cohorts and then participating in after school sports doesn't make sense. Kevin also said that the CT Education Association is calling for a later school opening.
 
Kevin explained that the current plan has K-6 students transitioning to full time on September 29th and grades 7-12 in October. 
 
Gary Miller asked about the need for additional support staff, i.e., custodial and food service, to maintain the buildings. Kevin expects overtime and some additional staff. The district has spent over $200,000 for PPE and other equipment over the approved budget.  Chris Lamadrid about the challenge of maintaining morale. Kevin stated that the district has been working on Emotional Intelligence training. He has met with 45 teachers addressing their concerns. Mental health and wellness are part of the teachers professional development training. 
 
Rollie Sterrett asked about the Warrior nickname. Kevin said that a committee has been formed to discuss removing the nickname and logo. A committee in 2006 decided to retain the name and emphasizing it's historic significance. A recommendation to the Board of Education is due in October.
 
 
 
Special Announcements
None this week.
 
Mail Bag
None this week.
 
Photo Credits
Lauren Gardner, Editor & Simply Smiles Website
 
Technology Credits
Zoom platform management expertise by Mike Mezheritskiy.
 
Editor's Notes
Submission Deadline: Members are kindly encouraged to submit all materials for each week's Early Riser as early as possible. Please note that some editions may be published and distributed as early as the Saturday following our meetings, and during those weeks further contributions to the Early Riser will be included in the subsequent week's edition.
“The FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do”:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all Concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?