Open CHOICE HARTFORD REGION PROGRAM 2 Zone 860-524-4010 • www.crec.org/choice openchoice@crec.org 2016-2017 O 2 Zone Open Choice Makes a Difference The Hartford Region Open Choice Program, formerly Project Concern, is a 49-year-old program that offers Hartford students the opportunity to attend public schools in suburban towns, and it allows suburban students the opportunity to attend public schools in Hartford. These opportunities come at no cost to families. The goal of the Hartford Region Open Choice Program is to improve academic achievement, to reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation, and to provide all children with a choice of high-quality educational programs. Studies show that students who attend integrated schools are more likely to graduate from high school, go to college, and graduate from college. CREC is one of three agencies in Connecticut mandated by the state legislature to manage the statewide Open Choice Program, and funding for the program is provided by the Connecticut State Department of Education. CREC’s Open Choice team includes bilingual staff, and they work closely with school districts to support students and their families. Together, CREC staff helps children participate in a rewarding, diverse, and educational experience that will prepare them for a successful future. Open Choice Early Beginnings Open Choice Early Beginnings is the preschool and kindergarten component of the Open Choice Program. The goal of Open Choice Early Beginnings is to improve the academic success and integration of children in their new school districts. Students receive both social and academic instructional support in a full-day school program that is designed to meet the rigorous goals of both the school district and the Connecticut State Department of Education. Through the combined efforts of all educators involved in Open Choice Early Beginnings, students receive a well-rounded education. Resources include CREC math and literacy facilitators for preschool and kindergarten students, high-quality instruction aligned to state standards, an integrated educational setting, and home-to-school communication supported by Open Choice Early Beginnings resource specialists. Preschool children should be four years old and toilet trained. Open Choice Summer Academy The Open Choice Summer Academy provides a challenging academic curriculum for students enrolled in Open Choice districts and entering grades one through eight in the fall. The focus of the academy is to provide instructional development in the areas of reading, writing, and math and to provide activities that encourage students to explore and appreciate the diversity of our country and Greater Hartford. Transportation, breakfast, and lunch are provided. Families may also participate in the summer program at their child’s school. Open Choice Summer Academy highlights include: • Reading, writing, and math curriculum • Academic enrichment • Career exploration • Educational field trips • Breakfast and lunch • Free transportation • Common Core preparation O 2 Zone Choice After School Academy The Choice After School Academy is a place for students to remove limitations and pursue excellence. The academy is located at the Open Choice office, 34 Sequassen Street in Hartford, and the location provides classrooms and a variety of resources to assist students. The Choice After School Academy operates Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for 27 weeks, running October through May. It provides academic assistance and remediation services in the areas of math and reading for students in grades through nine, and services are tied directly to Common Core State Standards. In addition, staff members work with students to ensure that they understand their homework and develop a plan to complete it, but homework assistance is limited. Other services offered by the Choice After School Academy include: • Thursdays at the Academy, an interactive guest speaker session with community and business leaders • College preparation seminars • Behavioral counseling services • Facilitation of college tours • Credit recovery for high school students Parent Leadership Engagement Series The Parent Leadership Leadership Engagement Series is an innovative leadership training program that offers Open Choice parents the opportunity to gain the skills and tools they need to empower themselves to be better advocates for their children and family—both inside and outside of the classroom. The series focuses on parent leadership, life skills, community development, and diversity. Parents can participate in quarterly sessions to discuss a variety of topics, including values; communications; problem solving; parenting; and community action. Benefits of the Open Choice Program • Full-day preschool and kindergarten programs • Students attend school in their Open Choice district until high school graduation • Effort is made to place siblings in the same school district • The Open Choice team, including bilingual staff members, works closely with school districts to help support students and their families • Literacy and math facilitators are available for preschool and kindergarten students • Athletic programs are offered in all districts • The Choice After School Academy is available for middle and high school students • Summer programs are offered for elementary, middle, and high school students • The Parent Leadership Engagement Series is for all Open Choice parents • Free tuition and transportation Facts about the Open Choice Program • For the 2015-2016 school year, there are approximately 2,300 students enrolled in 135 schools in 27 school districts through the Open Choice Program. • Hartford resident students may apply to attend public school in 25 surrounding suburbs. • Suburban resident students may apply to attend designated Hartford public schools. • Free transportation is available to Hartford Pre-K4 through grade 12 residents and to suburban kindergarten through grade 12 students who reside in the Regional School Choice Office transportation zone. • All students are encouraged to apply to the program, including gifted and talented students, English language learners, and special education students. • The majority of Open Choice high school graduates attend higher education institutions, including four-year colleges such as Boston University, Howard University, and UConn. Eligibility • Hartford residents who are interested in attending a suburban public school and who are in Pre-K4 through grade 10 are eligible to apply. Students must continue to reside in Hartford through high school graduation. • Suburban residents who are interested in attending designated Hartford public schools and who are in preschool through grade 12 are eligible to apply. Students must continue to reside in a non-Hartford town and must remain a Connecticut, non-Hartford resident through high school graduation. Participating Open Choice Districts Hartford Region Open Choice districts include: Avon, Berlin, Bolton, Canton, Cromwell, East Granby, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Newington, Plainville, Portland, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor, Southington, Suffield, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. Lottery Application Process The Regional School Choice Office assists and supports parents with completing Regional School Choice Office lottery applications and making educational choices. You must submit a Regional School Choice Office lottery application online at www.choiceeducation.org, or by using the paper application available at the Regional School Choice Office. Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 29, 2016. Students are selected through a blind lottery process with placements occurring from April through September 2016. Students who are not selected during the lottery process will be placed on a waitlist, which expires annually on October 1. For more information about the Open Choice Program, attend an information session. Dates are available on the CREC website at www.crec.org/choice. O 2 Zone RSCO Lottery Placement Procedures • Hartford resident applicants may select up to five suburban public school districts by residential zone. After the fiveselections are made, they will have the option of checking that they are willing to accept a placement in any of the 25 districts with available seats in the grade the student selected on the RSCO lottery application. • Aftr the five selections are made, applicants will have the option of selecting “All Districts” if they are willing to accept a placement in any district. • Students who apply to both Open Choice and a magnet school will receive only one placement offer and will be removed from all waitlists once a placement offer has been made. If a student receives a placement in Open Choice, they will be removed from all magnet school waitlists and all remaining Open Choice district waitlists. • A sibling of an Open Choice student will receive preferential placement if there is a seat available in their grade in the same town as their brother or sister, as long as the enrolled student remains enrolled for the 2016-2017 school year. To receive the preference, an applicant must select the enrolled sibling’s district as their first choice on the Regional School Choice lottery application. • To receive sibling preference for two or more siblings who are submitting an application in the same year, applicants must rank the same school districts in the same order on each student’s application. • Students who only select Open Choice on the Regional School Choice Office lottery application will be given placement preference after enrolled siblings and before general waitlist applicants. District Placement On the Regional School Choice lottery application, Hartford students may select up to five suburban public school districts within the zone in which they reside. Hartford Residential Zones Suburban Public School Districts Zone 1 Avon, Canton, East Granby, Granby, Simsbury, Suffield, and West Hartford Zone 2 Bolton, East Windsor Ellington, Enfield, Somers, South Windsor, Vernon, and Windsor Locks Zone 3 Berlin, Farmington, Newington, Plainville, Southington, West Hartford, and Wethersfield Zone 4 Berlin, Cromwell, Glastonbury, Newington, Portland, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield O 2 Zone On the RSCO lottery application, Hartford students residing in the residential zones below may select up to five suburban public school districts listed within that zone. O 2 Zone Bolton School District Information Website: www.boltonpublicschools.com District Description: : Bolton Public Schools offers families a welcoming learning community in which students engage in academic and co-curricular opportunities that prepare them to become innovative and influential global citizens. Students receive personalized attention and are taught by dedicated faculty in a school system with a low student-to-faculty ratio. The school system’s Bolton curriculum is aligned with the Connecticut Common Core and is combined with the Schools opportunity to take college-level courses. This helps students prepare for higher education and develop the leadership skills required in Student future careers. and Teacher District Highlights: Ratio: 10:1 • Full-day kindergarten • Gold and silver award-winning high school that partners with Manchester Community College and UConn • Title 1 District, which offers a free and reduced lunch program 15 miles east of Hartford O 2 Zone Bolton Public Schools Bolton Public Schools The Bolton Public School community collaborates to encourage all learners to become ethical citizens who are innovative, influential leaders in their world. Current initiatives include engaging the community, staff, families, students, and alumni in supporting the schools, improving educational outcomes for all students, and coordinating an ongoing review of student performance for program evaluation and development. For the 2016-2017 school year, Bolton may offer new students in the Open Choice Program an opportunity to enroll in one of the following schools: Bolton Center School Mary Grande, Principal 108 Notch Road, Bolton, CT 06043 860-643-2411 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 8 School Description: Bolton Center School has 550 students and a dedicated staff, and they work together to provide students with personalized learning opportunities in a safe and caring environment. Bolton High School Joseph Maselli, Principal 72 Brandy Street, Bolton, CT 06043 860-643-2768 Grades Served: Grades 9 to 12 School Description: Bolton High School has 330 students and a dedicated staff that believes students who graduate from Bolton High School will be capable, thoughtful, ethical, and responsible citizens of the world. The school provides broad learning opportunities to prepare students to be citizens of the 21st Century. East Windsor School District Information O Website: www.eastwindsork12.org District Description: East Windsor Public Schools provides a climate that inspires school communities to achieve their full potential through continuous improvement and mutual trust and respect. The administrative team includes nine professionals throughout the district, including a principal and assistant principal in each of East Windsor’s three schools. There is also an assistant superintendent of preschool through grade 12 education, a director of special education, and a school superintendent. East Windsor Schools Student and Teacher Ratio: 12:1 16 miles north of Hartford O 2 Zone East Windsor Public Schools For the 2016-2017 school year, East Windsor may offer new students in the Open Choice Program an opportunity to enroll in one of the following schools: Broad Brook Elementary School Laura Foxx, Principal 14 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT 06016 860-623-2433 Grades Served: Preschool to Grade 4 School Description: At Broad Brook School, the instructional focus is, “We read, we think, we share our thinking, we succeed!” Through frequent assessment and direct instruction, the school ensures that all children are achieving academic success. Broad Brook Elementary School creates a positive school climate by implementing the philosophies of Responsive Classroom and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Families are actively involved in the school community through the School Governance Council and the PTO. O East Windsor Middle School Kimberly Hellerich, Principal 38 Main Street, Broad Brook, CT 06016 860-623-4488 Grades Served: Grades 5 to 8 School Description: East Windsor Middle School is focused on improving student learning in grades five through eight. The school emphasizes four key concepts called “The Way to ‘Be.” This includes: be respectful, be responsible, be productive, and be safe. The entire school community focuses on these concepts to help students achieve success both during their time at the school and in all areas of their lives. East Windsor High School Edward Keleher, Principal 76 South Main Street, East Windsor, CT 06088 860-623-3361 Grades Served: Grades 9 to 12 School Description: East Windsor High School is a learning community comprised of students; parents; faculty; support staff; and administrators, and they partner with caregivers and the community at large. This diverse and changing community provides a safe and secure learning environment that promotes lifelong learning for all students. Ellington School District Information District Website: www.ellingtonpublicschools.org District Description: Ellington Public Schools prepares students to enter a rapidly changing and complex world with strong academic skills; breadth of knowledge; depth of understanding; commitment to others; and the attitudes necessary to become productive and contributing citizens. The district keeps children as the focus of its endeavors, and it ensures that students can achieve the district’s vision by creating a safe and orderly learning environment. Ellington maintains high standards for the traditional components of a basic education and integrates research-based, innovative programs that both challenge and encourage students to reach their individual potentials and help to prepare them to lead productive lives and be responsible citizens. Ellington Ellington Public Schools Schools For the 2016-2017 school year, Ellington may offer new students in the Open Choice Program an opportunity to enroll in one of the following schools: Student and Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Center Elementary School 18.9 miles north of Hartford Trudie Luck Roberts, Principal 49 Main Street, Ellington, CT 06029 860-896-2315 Grades Served: Preschool to Grade 4 School Description: Center Elementary School practices safety and respect, and its students take responsibility for their learning and their actions. Staff members do their best to make the school a peaceful place. Crystal Lake Elementary School Michael Larkin, Principal 59 South Road, Ellington, CT 06029 860-896-2322 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 4 School Description: Crystal Lake Elementary School, a Responsive Classroom School, maintains a focus on cooperation; advocacy; respect; empathy; and self-control. The small size of Crystal Lake Elementary School contributes to a family atmosphere where everyone gets to know one another. O 2 Zone Windermere School David Welch, Principal 2 Abbott Road, Ellington, CT 06029 860-896-2329 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 6 School Description: Windermere School embraces a community of learners who take responsibility for the well-being and success of the entire school family. The school aims to create a classroom culture that results in a high level of performance for all students, and it takes responsibility for learning, while also demonstrating respect for students, staff, and the school environment. Ellington Middle School David Pearson, Principal 46 Middle Butcher Road, Ellington, CT 06029 860-896-2339 Grades Served: Grades 7 and 8 School Description: Ellington Middle School cultivates a community of learners in an environment that is safe, supportive, and nurturing. It promotes academic, social, and emotional growth for all, and it fosters self-esteem, respect, and appreciation for one other’s differences. Ellington High School Neil Rinaldi, Principal 37 Maple Street, Ellington, CT 06029 860-896-2352 Grades Served: Grades 9 to 12 School Description: Ellington High School believes in creating a challenging academic environment. All students should gain the skills and knowledge needed for a lifetime of learning in a rapidly-changing global community. The school expects all members of its learning community to demonstrate responsibility; integrity; respect; cultural understanding; and ethical behavior. Enfield School District Information District Website: www.enfieldschools.org District Description: Enfield Public Schools offers students outstanding opportunities to grow and develop as thoughtful learners through its instructional programs and rich co-curricular opportunities. Enfield embraces a multi-disciplinary learning approach that focuses on developing students’ skills and knowledge in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Opening for the 2016-2017 school year, the Stowe Early Learning Center will offer the Early Beginnings preschool program for 4-year old students. The center will be located at the former Harriet Beecher Stowe School. Enfield Public Schools partners with the LEGO Group to offer LEGO education products that support student learning in the classroom. Partnerships with Enfield Asnuntuck Community College and Mass Mutual prepare students for advanced study Schools and career readiness. The district offers a wide-variety of college dual enrollment Student and programs, including Advanced Placement Teacher courses, UConn’s Early College Experience, Ratio: 13:1 and Asnuntuck College’s college and career pathway courses. Enfield Public Schools 20 miles north of Hartford For the 2016-2017 school year, Enfield may offer new students in the Open Choice Program an opportunity to enroll in one of the following schools: Age 4 Stowe Early Learning Center Enfield Public Schools Preschool at Stowe Michelle Middleton, Chief Academic Officer 117 Post Office Road, Enfield, CT 06082 860-253-6549 Grades Kindergarten to Grade 2 Enfield Street School Katherine Reeves, Principal 1318 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT 06082 860-253-6565 Hazardville Memorial School Jim Graham, Principal 68 North Maple Street, Enfield, CT 06082 860-763-7500 Henry Barnard School Nancy Hayes, Principal 27 Shaker Road, Enfield, CT 06082 860-253-6540 Nathan Hale School Irene Roman, Principal 5 Taylor Road, Enfield, CT 06082 860-763-8899 O 2 Zone Grades 3 to 5 Edgar H. Parkman School Sarah Collins, Principal 165 Weymouth Road, Enfield, CT 06082 860-253-6570 Eli Whitney School Sandie Ingalls, Principal 94 Middle Road, Enfield, CT 06082 860-763-7540 Prudence Crandall School Jennifer Miller, Principal 150 Brainard Road, Enfield, CT 06082 860-253-6464 Grades 6 to 8 John F. Kennedy Middle School Steven Sargalski, Principal 155 Raffia Road, Enfield, CT 06082 860-763-8855 Grades 9 to 12 Enfield High School Andy Longey, Principal 1264 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT 06082 860-253-5540 Somers School District Information Website:www.somers.k12.ct.us District Description: The vision of Somers Public Schools is to challenge students and staff members to pursue excellence, foster creative expression, and to develop a concern for the quality of life for all. The school’s vision embraces a culture and environment that promotes lifelong learning; develops self-worth; supports uniqueness and diversity; and empowers individuals to make choices that lead to lives filled with dignity, respect, happiness, and opportunity. Somers Public Schools For the 2016-2017 school year, Somers may offer new students in the Open Choice Program an opportunity to enroll in one of the following schools: Somers Elementary School Jennifer Oliver, Principal 4 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071 860-749-2270 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 5 Somers Schools Student and Teacher Ratio: 16:1 26 miles north of Hartford School Description: The school’s mission is to provide a challenging and nurturing learning environment where all children are empowered to develop their unique talents and are prepared to contribute in an increasingly complex world. O 2 Zone Mabelle B. Avery Middle School Clay Krevolin, Principal 1 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071 860-749-2270 Grades Served: Grades 6 to 8 School Description:It is the mission of the Mabelle B. Avery Middle School to emphasize the whole child in search of individual excellence. It also works to provide instruction that matches the developmental needs of young adolescents in a mutually respectful environment, and it seeks to encourage educational partnerships with families and the community. Somers High School Gary Cotzin, Principal 5 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071 860-749-2270 Grades Served: Grades 9 to 12 School Description: Everyone at Somers High School works to foster a learning community that is characterized by academic excellence; intellectual curiosity; creative expression; responsible citizenship; personal growth; and respect. South Windsor School District Information Website: www.southwindsorschools.org District Philosophy: South Windsor Public Schools promotes an engaging and dynamic culture of learning that prepares students to achieve their own individual excellence. Within an emotionally safe environment, educators foster students’ academic, social, and personal growth. Students demonstrate critical and creative thinking; self-direction; collaboration; adaptability; compassion; and civic responsibility in an ever-changing global society. South Windsor Public Schools For the 2016-2017 school year, South Windsor may offer new students in the Open Choice Program an opportunity to enroll in one of the following schools: Eli Terry Elementary School Marilyn Sevick, Principal 569 Griffin Road, South Windsor, CT 06074 850-648-5020 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 5 South Windsor Schools Student and Teacher Ratio: 20:1 8 miles north of Hartford School Description: Eli Terry Elementary School’s mission is to provide a safe, caring community where a challenging curriculum motivates children to realize their potential as active, lifelong learners. Philip R. Smith Elementary School Michelle Dixon, Principal 949 Avery Street, South Windsor, CT 06074 860-648-5025 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 5 School Description: “Success for Averyone” Pleasant Valley Elementary School Tiffany Caouette, Principal 591 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT 06074 860-610-0291 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 5 School Description: The school is a place to learn, to grow, and to care! O 2 Zone Orchard Hill Elementary School Michael Tortora, Principal 350 Foster Street, South Windsor, CT 06074 860-648-5015 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 5 School Description: Orchard Hill Elementary School promotes a positive, safe environment where students, staff, and families are respected and where they feel a sense of belonging. It is also a place where students are motivated to achieve their personal best. Wapping Elementary School Laura Hickson, Principal 91 Ayers Road, South Windsor, CT 06074 860-648-5010 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 5 School Description: Wapping Elementary School’s goal is for students to develop as confident, capable, caring, and cooperative individuals who will enthusiastically pursue learning as a lifelong goal. Timothy Edwards Middle School Nancy Larson, Principal 100 Arnold Way, South Windsor, CT 06074 860-648-5030 Grades Served: Grade 6 to 8 School Description: Timothy Edwards Middle School community is committed to creating a healthy, interesting, and prosperous environment where a child’s positive selfconcept is cultivated through academic, physical, social, and emotional growth. South Windsor High School Daniel Sullivan, Principal 161 Nevers Road, South Windsor, CT 06074 860-648-5000 Grades Served: Grade 9 to 12 School Description: The mission of the South Windsor High School community is to cultivate intellectual growth, global citizenship, and personal wellness. Vernon School District Information Website: www.vernonpublicschools.org District Description: Vernon Public Schools, in partnership with families and community, is committed to providing a quality education with high expectations in a safe environment where all students can become independent learners and productive contributors to society. Vernon Public Schools For the 2016-2017 school year, Vernon may offer new students in the Open Choice Program an opportunity to enroll in one of the following schools: Vernon Schools Lake Street Elementary School Tracy Duenzl, Principal 201 Lake Street, Vernon, CT 06066 860-870-6085 Grades Served: Preschool to Grade 5 School Description: Lake Street Elementary School is a community of learners, and they treat one other with respect, take responsibility for their own learning, cooperate with others, and strive for a safe and positive school for all. 17 miles east of Hartford Vernon Center Middle School James Harrison, Principal 777 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066 860-870-6070 Grades Served: Grades 6 to 8 School Description: The faculty, staff, and administration at Vernon Center Middle School are committed to providing an atmosphere and program that offer students sound academic, social, artistic, and emotional growth. They also help with the educational transition from elementary school to high school. The school is devoted to helping every student achieve their maximum potential, recognizing that this goal requires the collective best efforts of the staff, students, parents, and the community at large. Vernon Center Middle School encourages students to cultivate a respect for themselves and others and to make positive personal choices and decisions. O 2 Zone Rockville High School Andrew Rockett, Principal 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon, CT 06066 860-870-6050 Grades Served: Grades 9 to 12 School Description: The Rockville High School community is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment where all members are dedicated to lifelong learning. By working collaboratively with families and community members, the school will graduate students who are productive and contributing members of a dynamic, global 21st Century society. The school believes rigorous and meaningful academic and extracurricular programs afford all students the opportunity to become responsible, open-minded, critically thinking, and knowledgeable citizens. O Windsor Locks School District Information Website: www.wlps.org District Mission: Windsor Locks Public Schools creates and sustains a community of lifelong learners where all students are engaged, empowered, and expected to achieve at the highest levels. They are also expected to become responsible and contributing citizens in an ever-changing global society. District Vision: Windsor Locks Schools Student and Teacher Ratio: 15:1 By the year 2020: 22 miles north • Windsor Locks’ educational system and of Hartford structures will be flexible and adaptable to fit what students and teachers need to fulfill the district’s mission • All students’ learning will be personalized, and these individual plans will be tailored to meet students’ academic, social, emotional, and career interest needs • All teachers will use their well-developed instructional skills to engage students at the highest levels to master and exceed both cross-curricular and content-based standards • All students will be leaders of their own learning as they design, apply, document, and defend their learning in active and visible ways • All students will always know where they stand in terms of meeting district-wide standards • Parents and community members will be strong partners in this work in a variety of ways District Highlights: The district has worked diligently to create a student-centered, mastery-based learning system. Not only are students expected to master academic standards, but they should do so within a learning system that is tailored to their unique goals and needs. Students are more engaged than ever before in their learning, and the district has become a model for other schools that want to develop a student-centered, mastery-based approach. Windsor Locks’ students are making significant growth in performance indicators, such as the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress assessment, specifically in reading and math. The district offers students the chance to participate in individualized pathway programs where they can explore career paths, college experiences, and job opportunities beginning in high school. O 2 Zone Windsor Locks Public Schools For the 2016-2017 school year, Windsor Locks may offer new students in the Open Choice Program an opportunity to enroll in one of the following schools: North Street Elementary School Jeff Ferreira, Principal 325 North Street, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 860-292-5027 Grades Served: Kindergarten to Grade 2 School Description: North Street Elementary School’s goal is to provide a quality education in a warm and supportive atmosphere. The school is committed to establishing a very close connection with families since it cannot be successful without support from home. South Elementary School Monica Briggs, Principal 87 South Street, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 860-292-5021 Grades Served: Grades 3 to 5 O School Description: South Elementary School’s goal is to provide a high-quality education in a supportive educational community. Students are the center of everything that happens at South Elementary School. The school offers an engaging curriculum where students are challenged to set goals and chart their progress toward meeting those goals. Students gain independence, purpose, and essential academic and life skills as a result of their experience at South Elementary School. Windsor Locks Middle School David Prinstein, Principal 7 Center Street, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 860-292-5013 Grades Served: Grades 6 to 8 School Description: Windsor Locks Middle School’s vision and mission is to ensure that all students leave middle school prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond. The school’s students engage in rigorous coursework in a variety of subject areas and have opportunities to explore music; fine arts; world language; science;, technology; engineering;, and math through an exploratory unified arts curriculum. The school has a mastery-based and student-centered school focus, and it works to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education. Intramural and interscholastic athletics are available in addition to a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Apply online at www.choiceeducation.org by Friday, January 29, 2016. Hartford Region Open Choice Program 34 Sequassen Street, Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: 860-524-4010 Email: openchoice@crec.org www.crec.org/choice Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.