NEW LONDON

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

Dear Members of the New London School Community.

i am writing to provide an update on the efforts of our team to continue to support the children and families during this
challenging time. I am truly grateful for the voices we have heard regarding the ways we can build better
communication strategies and trust across the New London community. We acknowledge the upset and disruption that
the recent events have caused, and we are looking forward to collaborating on our journey to healing. We will continue
to be open to and evaluate the ways in which we can improve and best support the success of children in the New
London School District.

Our most recent community conversations revealed both challenges and opportunities for us to move forward. We
recognize and are committing to ongoing connections with families. You voice matters and your ideas matter. We will
continue to host regularly scheduled gatherings across the district to pull people together. Some of the events will be
guided conversations and others will be family-friendly, fun activities. These will take place within our buildings and in
various community locations. Below are the planned activities for the remainder of May.

May 22, 2019 - 5:00 - 6:00 PM Central Of?ce Conference Room A
Topic: Where Do We Go from Here: What do we need, what do we want, and what can we do to move our community
forward?

May 24, 2019 6:00 8:00 PM Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School
Topic: Family Game Night: Let's get together, eat some food and have some fun.

I also want to acknowledge there is a community-member sponsored event, which will be held Thursday, May 16th at
The Garde Arts Center. l, myself, have committed to another event taking place at this same time prior to receiving an
invitation to this one. In my absence, have assigned Randi R. McCray and other members of my team to be present,
supportive, and actively engaged in the conversation. Your feedback and insight continue to be valuable in driving
community conversations. If there are specific questions you hope to have answered, please email them to me
(rutchiec@newlondon.org) and Randi McCray (Mccrayr@newlondon org) prior to 3:00 PM on Thursday and we will work
to contribute collaboratively to the event.

 

Again, I cannot begin to express the deep gratitude have for such a wonderful community. I am honored to lead the
district as we share in a variety of emotions and as we work to address the needs of families and ensure the success of
our children.

Sincerely,

Ritchie
Superintendent of Schools
New London Public Schools

134 Williams Street 0 New London. CT 06320 0 (860) 447-6000

Hoax/lam ion