James Chittum-Superintendent
August 29, 2007
Dear Parents/Guardians: Colebrook Consolidated School's First Day Celebration marks the start of our new school year. The staff and teachers have been working diligently to prepare for the arrival of your children, and all of us
face the new year with high expectations and enthusiasm. As with every new school year, there have been changes and additions that will enhance our educational programs and increase opportunities for our students. The
biggest change to CCS will be the change in school leadership. At the end of June, we fondly bid farewell to Dr. David Wittmer, who served as superintendent/principal for 16 years, and wished him well as he entered his well earned
retirement. At the same time, Principal Beth Driscoll and I were welcomed as Colebrook's new school leaders. Principal Driscoll comes to Colebrook after 7 years as an elementary school administrator in Windsor and 12 years
as a teacher in Torrington. She is looking forward to working with the students, teachers and parents of the Colebrook school community and is eager to address the challenges of leading our district to higher levels of excellence. I have spent the majority of my educational career with the Brookfield, Connecticut school system with extensive experience as a teacher, elementary school principal, district curriculum director and superintendent. In
addition, I had short-term assignments as superintendent in the Somers and Litchfield school systems. Although my duties require only a part-time position in Colebrook, I will be working closely with the Colebrook Board of Education to
set policy, monitor finances and ensure that the goals of the school are met. Additional staffing changes include the change of Cathy Andersen from second grade paraprofessional to library technician. Due to Cindi Davidson
and Susan Zygmont leaving the district to pursue other interests, Colebrook welcomes Holly Shackett as the new grade 2 paraprofessional and Kristen Gelormino as the paraprofessional sharing her time among grades 3-6. A major
addition to our school is the construction of the new playground. Through the hard work of the playground committee`, a modern playground with an extensive addition of equipment is now available to the youth of our town. The
construction of the playground was a volunteer effort resulting in a great number or parents and other community members working together on the last weekend in June to create what is a fun-filled and healthy recreational resource for our
children. This year, students and teachers will have increased opportunities to incorporate technology into their learning activities. We now have a 30-station mobile computer lab available to our students. Since space
is at a premium at Colebrook School, the lab is on carts enabling laptop computers to be wheeled to classrooms for student use. This will enable our students to have similar computer lab instruction as do students of other districts with
larger schools and more space. The lab will enhance our students' skill at using technology as a tool for learning. Each year, mentors and volunteers are an important part of our school programs. If you have ever
thought about serving as a mentor or volunteer at CCS, please contact Principal Beth Driscoll. Our school thrives on the support of the community and your help is needed and greatly appreciated. Colebrook Consolidated School
prides itself with being open to parents and other members of the community. You are welcome at CCS and we look forward to working with you as partners in the education of your children. Working together we can provide the type of
school that the community expects and the students deserve. Best wishes for an enjoyable and productive school year. Sincerely,
James P. Chittum
Superintendent
Colebrook Consolidated School