August 18, 2022 

Dear Region 14 School Community, 

I hope that you are enjoying the summer with family and friends. I would like to welcome you to the 2022-2023 school year.  It is such an exciting time of year for our staff who are looking forward to the opportunity to work with your children. Each new school year invites the opportunity for new learning experiences, new friendships, and new relationships.  We look forward to welcoming back our students on Thursday, September 1st. 

My first official day as your new Superintendent is August 25th.  I am honored to be leading in such a wonderful learning environment where the staff has been so welcoming to me during my transition over the last several weeks.  I am profoundly grateful to the Region 14 Board of Education, Central Office and administrative team who have been so supportive during this time.  I am especially grateful to my predecessor, Acting Superintendent Wayne McAllister, for his leadership over the past year and a half, as he navigated the district successfully during challenging times. I look forward to meeting with staff, parents and community stakeholders over the next several months to gain a comprehensive understanding of Region 14.   

As we start the new school year, we have a lot to be proud of in the district, including the historic celebration of Nonnewaug’s nationally recognized Agriscience Program on August 26th and 27th. Please check this link for more information about the Open House and Family Picnic celebrating 102 years of this exceptional program.  

I have included the following information in this email:

2022-2023 Region 14 District Calendar
School Security Information
COVID-19 Updated Guidelines
Food Service Information
Bus Transportation
Student Privacy
Region 14 Website/Resource Center  

School Security Information 

The district’s number one priority is the safety of all of our students and staff.  We are committed to providing a safe learning environment for everyone and will continue to update our safety policies and procedures.  Our staff has reviewed our District Safety Plan and made the appropriate changes to our safety protocols.  Our School Resource Officers in each school are the best in the state and continue to provide an enhanced level of security.  The district’s administrative team works closely with local law enforcement officials to provide the best safety methods possible.  

COVID-19 Guidelines Update    

The pandemic has impacted school districts significantly over the past several years.  This month, the Connecticut State Department of Education released updated guidelines for school districts. These guidelines give school districts discretion in developing appropriate mitigation strategies. I have enclosed a link to the COVID-19 Operational Guidelines regarding this information.  The district will continue to review these ever-changing protocols.  We will consult with our local and state health departments to ensure the safety of our students and staff.   

Food Service Information     

EdAdvance will continue to provide managerial oversight of the Region 14 Food Service Program.  Region 14 is participating in the State of Connecticut School Meals Assistance Revenue for Transition (SMART) funds program.  This program provides free breakfast and lunch for a limited part of the school year.  We will notify you when students will need to purchase meals again. We will continue to participate in the National School Lunch Program and in the district’s My School Bucks program.     

Bus Transportation  

All-Star Transportation will continue to provide bus transportation for Regional School District 14.  

All the bus drivers have been provided with the most updated training and are committed to the safety of all our students.  You will receive an email from Region 14 when the updated bus routes are available on the website.  

Student Privacy  

Region 14 understands the importance of student data privacy. The district adheres to Connecticut’s student data privacy law posted on the CSDE website. The Region 14 policies regarding student privacy are posted on the district website, along with approved digital resources which are available to those who have agreed to the student acceptable use policy through the PowerSchool registration process..  

Region 14 Website/Resource Center 

The Region 14 website is a wonderful resource for up-to-date information. This website includes district, school and athletic calendars, news updates from principals, curricula, and links to school-based programs.  You can sign-up for calendar and news alerts to receive notifications when updates are made.  

We are filled with optimism and are excited to start the new school year!  We can’t wait to see all of the students on the first day of school.  

We value your continued partnership.  

Enjoy the rest of the summer!  

 

Sincerely, 

Brian Murphy
Superintendent of Schools
Region 14