New Beginnings
Welcome back to the third year of "Community Connections". Over 1,300 parents receive this monthly emailed newsletter and it is also emailed to each teacher and staff member within the District.

If you know someone who you feel would like to receive "Community Connections," please forward them this issue and ask them to click here.

Some ISPs (internet service providers) do not allow bulk email without a receiver's permission. Check with your computer's ISP (particularly if you subscribe to AOL) to allow emails from this address (karenmkz@charter.net). If you or a friend have difficulty receiving this monthly emails, please contact me directly.

If you have school news and/or photos you would like to share with "Community Connections", please forward them to me.

Lastly, "Community Connections" will continue its practice of providing teachers, staff, and parents with the month's news at the schools and upcoming events/meetings. The newsletter will not, however, be able to publish any fundraising information, events, or meetings. We appreciate your understanding.

PTO Advisory Council Schedule & School PTO Meetings
The PTO Advisory Council meets each month at the Region 15 Central Office in Middlebury. The PTO Advisory Council also develops a monthly "Did You Know" flyer which is distributed in your school's newsletter and on the Region 15 home page. This flyer has notable information about safety, wellness, school budgets, and more.

Check your school PTO website and/or Region 15 calendar for meeting dates and times for PTO meetings.

Back to School
Welcome back, students, staff, and teachers!

GES student visits with his school nurse before heading off to his classroom.

GES student brings an apple for his teacher.

PHS students from the Class of 2006 hang out in the AP room, on the furniture donated by the Class of 2005.

Teacher of the Year
Joan Benson, MES Grade 4 teacher, has been named Region 15 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year. Joan is a dedicated teacher who ensures every child in her classroom is successful. 

LMES: Ice Cream Social
Students, teachers, and parents welcomed in the new year with their annual Ice Cream Social.... SEE PICS>>

New Director of Finance
Keith McLiverty (below, far right) helps GES principal John Mudry and his staff welcome back the children of Gainfield Elementary School on the first day of school, Sept. 1.

Food Service---Hot Lunch Cost Increases
Please note that the cost of hot lunch at the four elementary schools has risen to $1.80 and milk is 40 cents. The cost of hot lunch at the two middle schools and high school has risen to $2.00 and milk is 40 cents.

Click below for the month's activities at the schools 
PHS    MMS    RMS    GES    LMES    MES    PES

Board of Education
Click here for the Board of Education calendar and agendas. Region 15 Board of Education meetings will be held in the Pomperaug High School All-Purpose Room #269 at 7:30pm.

Oct. 7--- Early Release Day (Professional Development Day)
Oct. 10 -- No School (Columbus Day)
Just a reminder that Oct. 7 is an early dismissal day and Oct. 10 is Columbus Day, therefore schools are not in session.

SEEKING: Volunteer Cable TV Talk Show Host
Looking for interested individual to help host a local cable television talk show, featuring Region 15 School Superintendent Dr. Frank Sippy and a guest. This individual would volunteer approximately 3 hours per month. Duties include on-air talk show hosting, helping come up with topics/guests. Interested Talent, please contact me. No previous experience necessary. Have fun!