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Amity Board of Ed Approves 2025-26 Calendar with New Cultural Holidays

January 23, 2025
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Amity Board of Education Adopts 2025-2026 School Calendar

After three months of thorough review and thoughtful discussions, the Amity Board of Education has approved the 2025-2026 school calendar. Designed to prioritize student needs, the calendar aligns closely with the elementary districts and expands opportunities for seniors participating in the Unpaid Experiential Learning Program (UELP) and Senior Interest Project (SIP). A three-day February break extends end of the year internship periods to 14 days, addressing feedback from students, school counselors, and community partners. Notably, the calendar now includes Diwali and Eid Al-Fitr as holidays, highlighting cultural sensitivity following a three-year campaign by the Student Government and community advocacy. Balancing academic goals, community input, and operational efficiency, the calendar reflects Amity's continued commitment to excellence. View the full calendar on the District website.

Board of Education Honors 2024 CIAC LL Championship Baseball Team

The Board of Education proudly recognized the Class LL State Champion Baseball Team at its January meeting. After a remarkable 21-6 season, the team triumphed over Staples High School to claim the title. Team members and coaches were honored with plaques celebrating their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all players and coaches who made this achievement possible! Recognized were Players: Drew Pedigo, Anthony Lucibello, Dylan Agvent, Cam Delvecchio, Johnny Aldi, Derek Porto, Derek Vuolo, Robert Solsbury, Tim Cap, Ben Cewe, Jack Lewis, Riley Numberg, Joseph Wyskiel, Jack Windsor, Justin Minaya, William Cameron, Robert Pulie, Carlo Lombardi, Erik Leszczak, Sam Gettinger, Brennan Camus, Colin Tenney, Luke Gianquinto, Jake Boguniecki, James Pellegrino, and Coaches Sal Coppola, Brendan Moss, Mike Francese, Jarrod Smith, Eric Mills, and Rob Rosner.

Bee’s Storage Shed

In an exciting collaboration, the Board approved funding for a student-led project to build a storage shed for Spartan Academy’s beekeeping program. Career Technical Education (CTE) students, in partnership with Spartan Academy, will construct the shed as part of their coursework. The structure will securely house beekeeper suits, PPE, and equipment, enhancing the program’s sustainability and educational impact. Supported by high school administration and facilities staff, this project highlights Amity’s dedication to hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary initiatives.

Library Renovation Clears Key Grant Hurdle

Amity’s $3.15 million high school library renovation project is one step closer to reality. The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services has included the proposal in its School Building Project Priority List submitted to Governor Lamont. The plan aims to modernize the library and surrounding classrooms, with an anticipated $1.35 million grant. Pending approval by the Legislative Education Committee and the General Assembly, this project promises to enhance learning spaces for students.

ACT Wows with "The Minutes," Prepares for Spring Musical

Amity Creative Theater’s (ACT) December production of Tracy Letts’ The Minutes brought humor and introspection to the stage, earning praise for its exploration of small-town politics and power. Thanks to the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation for supporting this production. Up next: Disney’s The Little Mermaid! Keep an eye out for ticket sales, as this spring performance is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Curriculum & Documents

The Board received an update on Amity’s collaborative curriculum development efforts, rooted in the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework. Since 2023, over 125 educators have been trained, leading to revised curricula in English, Social Studies, and World Languages. Guided by the Amity Curriculum Council, this systematic approach ensures clear goals, essential questions, and enduring understandings. The Board will review recently updated curricula, underscoring its commitment to fostering engaging and effective learning experiences and developing our students into the BOWA Portrait of the Graduate. The Board of Education will take action on revised curricula presented at the December 16th Board meeting. (Please see the December 9, 2024 Curriculum Sub-Committee packet for links to the proposed revised curricula).

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