Author: Carissa Rutkauskas

Student Events: Connecticut History Day

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Introduction by Christopher Todd

Body and participant data by Cyndee McManaman,
CT History Day Regional Coordinator

Connecticut History Day Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Storrs

On a beautiful Saturday in early March, more than 300 students accompanied by family, friends, and educators descended upon UConn’s Storrs Campus to participate in the Connecticut History Day’s Mansfield/Storrs Regional Contest. Organized by the Connecticut Democracy Center, in partnership with the Department of History at UConn, as well as UConn’s Office of Early College Programs, Connecticut History Day (CHD) built upon the program’s legacy of success. Students tackled this year’s theme, “Turning Points in History”, bringing to life the ideas, topics, and actions that directly and/or indirectly brought about change.

Connecticut History Day

Connecticut History Day (CHD) is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD) which annually engages nearly 5,000 middle and high school students in historical research, interpretation, and creative expression through project-based learning. As stated by the CHD, the program seeks to bring students, teachers, museums, and scholars together to support young people as they engage in history. Led by the Connecticut Democracy Center, CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities.
CHD offers a wide array of free resources for teachers and students to assist them with the History Day process,
including:
• Teacher Handbook (English and Spanish)
• Student Handbook (English and Spanish)
• Educator Workshops
• In-class student workshops
• Digital resources for research and writing

 

Mansfield/Storrs Regional Competition

Throughout the Northeastern Connecticut Region, 32 teachers representing 27 schools brought History Day into their classrooms during the 2023-2024 school year. The Northeastern region supported 868 of the statewide 4,392 school-level participants, with 272 students attending the Mansfield/Storrs Regional Contest at UConn on Saturday, March 2nd. In all, CHD held 5 regional contests around the state with the state contest held at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) on May 4th. The Mansfield Region was strong and represented a large portion of the medals and special prizes awarded: 23 entries won medals (first, second, or third place) with 18 of those qualifying for the National Contest, and 6 entries received special priz­es. At the National Contest, held at the University of Maryland-College Park campus June 9-13, 2024, students from the Mansfield region shined. The following students received medals, special prizes, or honorable mention for their entries:

  • Maura Armstrong & Teagan Dieterle (Ellington High School): 1st Place overall for their Senior Group Documentary The Creation of Sesame Street: A Turning Point in Educational History
  • Julianne Pashe & Katie Smith (Ellington Center School): Outstanding CT Entry, ranking 4th overall, for their Junior Group Exhibit The Capitol Crawl: A Climb for Disability Equality and the Push for ADA
  • Ishanvi Mahopatra (Timothy Edwards Middle School): ranking 8th overall for her Junior Individual Documentary William T.G. Morton’s Ether Day: A Turning Point in Surgical History
  • Aarush Kalia (South Windsor High School): Outstanding CT Entry, ranking 10th overall, for his Senior Individual Documentary The Great Swamp Fight: The Battle That Transformed American History
  • Aaron Aldrin (Timothy Edwards Middle School): received the Discovery or Exploration Special Prize for his Junior Individual Website Cogito Ergo Sum: Rene Descartes’ Cartesian Revelation (5th place overall)

The following students’ entries received Honorable Mention (each of these projects placed second in their judging room for the preliminary round of project evaluation):

  • Emmett Smith (Ellington High School): Senior Individual Exhibit A Battle of Rights for the Incarcerated: The Legacy of the Attica Prison Riot. Emmett’s entry also represented CT in the National History Day Exhibit Showcase at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
  • Andrew Doyle & Avishkar Kasiliya (John F. Kennedy Middle School): Junior Group Website Stalingrad: How the Triumph of the Red Army Turned the Tide of War in the East
  • Enaaya Mohammad & Musfira Bhuiyan (Madina Academy): Junior Group Website The History and Evolution of the Smallpox Vaccine
  • Bhaavni Krishna (South Windsor High School): Senior Individual Per­formance From Protest to Progress: Helena Hill Weed and the Birth of a New Activist Movement
  • Kalyani Tihaiya, Kayla Lin & Mia Chen (E.O. Smith High School): Senior Group Performance From Asian Exclusion to Inclusion: The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

 

Comments from students at the Mansfield Regional Contest:

“I decided to participate in CT History Day because it will help me learn how to do research better and will help me grow as a learner and it will be fun to present all my hard work. I will also get to try something new.” (middle school student)

“I decided to participate in CT History Day to explore his­torical events and innovations in further depth than I have traditionally in classes and gain new insight on how they have affected the present day.” (high school student)

 

Comments from parents at the Mansfield Regional Contest:

“This is my daughter’s 6th year competing. History day has been the single most influential factor in her personal and academic growth; from her writing and research skills to the confidence she now has when presenting or speaking. “

“This whole experience with National History Day has taught my children to care about people whose experiences are different from theirs. They are looking around the world with a critical eye to what these events mean, how they affect people, and what we can do about it. I love that!”

 

Comments from teachers at the Mansfield Regional Contest:

Juanita Richardson, Carmen Arace Middle School, Bloom­field CT: “This year was my first time coaching students through the History Day process. There was a lot to learn and consider, but between the coordinators and the website, I felt confident that my students had the tools to be successful. I’m very proud of my students for taking on this new, unfamiliar opportunity. Not only did they place Top 3 at the Regional Contest for junior exhibits, but they also learned invaluable skills that they are carrying with them into high school next year!”

Matthew Sivo, E.O. Smith High School, Storrs, CT: “History Day helps students build more social aware­ness and historical empathy and also furthers their understanding of their civic duties and other communities.”

 

Comments from judges at the Mansfield Regional Contest:

“Every year I leave the History Day contest impressed by the enthusiasm for learning shown by the History Day students. I love seeing what students choose as topics. The in-depth research and analysis that these students do to complete their projects requires perseverance and dedication. History Day is a special day!”

“At this past year’s Mansfield, Connecticut, History Day regional competition, I was so pleased to see such good work in the senior papers that I and my co-judges read, as well as the diversity of participants and their topics, and the en­thusiasm among the students. The quality of research and writing was remarkably good overall, and outstanding in some cases. And the diversity of student topics was impres­sive, ranging from war and politics to biography and popu­lar culture, and across different societies all over the world. Most importantly, the students were quite enthusiastic about their papers, which they readily shared with each other in a seminar including all paper writers at the end of the compe­tition. Several parents attended the seminar, and they were enthusiastic, too. As we co-judges left the seminar, a father and son stopped and thanked us for the opportunity to allow the son to present in a rigorous competition on his interests. It was great to witness such enthusiasm for history and good historical work.”

UConn ECE Instructor Summer Travel: They did it all!

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Aleatha Pelloni, Norwich Technical High School, Cincinnati, OH Emergency Chemical Response Certification and the Emergency Chemical Response Train the Trainer Course. It was an intensive and enlightening experi­ence that has enhanced my knowledge and skills in emergency preparedness. I am committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, and this certification will further enable me to respond effectively in any unforeseen circumstances.

Alyssa MacLean, Robert E Fitch High School, Diamond Cove Island, ME Exploring and having fun.

Amber Hammond, E C Goodwin Technical HS, St John USVI Spent time on St. John’s beautiful beaches

Amy McLeod, Bridgeport Reg Aqua Sci Tech, Acadia National Park Explored the beautiful national park

Amy Bigelow, Franklin Academy, Exeter, NH Phillips Exeter Academy for the week-long Anja S. Greer Conference on Mathematics and Technology. I immersed myself in the high school student experience by taking 2 classes (complete with hours of nightly homework after a full day) — Problem Solving in Geometry & Math of Gerry­mandering. When not in class or doing homework, I attend­ed a wealth of talks and small group discussions ranging from mastery-based grading to playing with bubbles to building the classroom community.

Andrea Kremzar, Trumbull High School, New River Gorge, WV I explored the trails and all that nature has to offer!

Angela Gulielmetti, Cheshire High School, ME I spent time at the beach and prepared a new course on Fin-de-siecle Vienna that I am now teaching at CCSU.

Beth McCormick, Portland High School, Alaska 1st ever cruise to Alaska from Seattle with 2 of my siblings

Bonnie Johnston, Marine Science Magnet HS, North Cascades, WA I traveled to multiple National Parks in the Southwest where I learned more about the processes that shaped the land over millions of years. I also visited multiple dams and learned about Hydroelectric power, and its impact upon human communities and the surrounding ecosystems.

Brendan Wilkosz, Berlin High School, UT Utah for grading AP Exams professionally and Maine to hike Mount Katahdin

Brett Flowers, Christian Heritage School, Acadia National Park, ME Hiked the mountains of Acadia – the Bee Hive, the Bubbles. Also biked the carriage roads through the park!

Catherine Kotula, East Windsor High School, Pensacola, FL Visited the naval museum in Pensacola and saw the Blue Angels fly which includ­ed the first female demonstration pilot in the Blue Angels: Amanda Lee.

Chase Martin, Greenwich High School, Glacier National Park, MT I completed a four day, 50 mile backpack­ing trip in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park. I’m passionate about hiking and backcountry camping. This was a personal, non-academic trip.

Chelsea Dodds, North Branford High School, CA Fund for Teachers grant to study John Steinbeck. Studied Steinbeck’s life and works and the setting for Of Mice and Men. I had the opportunity to visit the archives at the National Steinbeck Center and meet with leading scholars on Steinbeck.

Christopher Lacilla, Holy Cross High School, Cape Cod, MA My family went to Cape Cod this summer for a week in July. In all honesty, Cape Cod is where I find so much peace and solace. My dream is to live there one day.

Christopher Tait, Ridgefield High School, Charleston, SC We went to South Carolina to tour Charleston, go to the beach, and enjoy some family time!

Christopher Darby, Middletown High School, Kingsport, TN This summer my wife and I traveled to Tennessee and South Carolina to visit family. We also attended a family reunion in Sand Diego and visted Joshua Tree National Park.

Deb Field, South Windsor High School, NC A week hiking in the mountains, a week in OBX

Diane Szymanski-Herr, Waterford High School, ME Jackson labs PD for BIO 1107. I had a refresher on biotechnology technique and learned about bioinforatics resources and labs. I also learned how to order their free kits for my classroom.

Eileen Marquez, New Britain High School, Orlando, FL Educators Rising National Competitions are performance-based competitive events in which aspiring educators demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and leadership in education. With a blend of individual and team events, competi­tions are authentic, engaging opportunities for rising educators to stretch their creativity, commitment, and professionalism.

Elizabeth Criscuolo, The Morgan School, Salem, MA Visit family and introduce my new baby boy to his cousins, aunts & uncles, grandparents, and great-grandparents! The picture shows my grandparents (my son’s great grandparents), my son (in the red overalls), and my son’s first cousins (the three on the right) and second cousin (baby on the left)

Ethan Brown, Bristol Central High School, Puerto Rico We stayed in the jungle, raced through the mountains, explored caves, swam under waterfalls, went to the beach, and visited the forts in San Juan.

Friso Hermans, Shepaug Valley School, CO I took the train from New York to California and Colorado. I took my bike with me, and went mountain biking in Truckee, Point Reyes, Boulder and Cody.

Gregg Basbagill, Trumbull High School, Mount Whitney, CA I wanted to summit the highest point in California (the highest point in the US outside of Alaska). This year, because of the historic snowfall in the Sierras, this was mostly a snowfield trek, requiring an ice axe and microspikes. It was a great adventure!

Holly Turner, Bridgeport Reg Aqua Sci Tech, Stellwagen Bank, Cape Cod, MA

James Vicario, Cheshire High School, Cape Cod, MA We went on a family vacation- lots of swim­ming, sea shell collecting and bird watching

James Royce, Xavier High School, Plym­outh, MA I visted the “living museum” of the Plimouth Village, Pautuxet Village, and recreation of the Mayflower (Mayflower II) with my family.

Jennifer Wood, Mark T Sheehan High School, Disney, FL We went to Disney for a Dance the World event. My stepdaughter danced in Disney Springs and Epcot and my son loved seeing the characters and eating ice cream.

Jennifer Stefanowicz, Stonington High School, Vieques, Puerto Rico My family and I night-kayaked through the bioluminescent bay in Vieques, hiked through el Yunque, splashed in the waterfalls, explored las Cavernas del Río Camuy, and savored the delicious food.

John Girard, Plainville High School, Brunswick, ME I attended a week-long professional development sponsored by The Jackson Laboratory learning more about genomics and bioinformatics.

Josephina Ferreiro-Morodo, Fairchild Wheeler Sci Magnet, FL I spent time reading, relaxing and reviewing curriculum. Read “Ornament of the World” by Maria Rosa Menocal and “Solda­dos de Salamina” (reread) by Javier Cercas.

Julie Barker, Cheshire High School, Syracuse, NY Syracuse International Horse Show. My American Saddlebred “Heir Raid NKF” participated in his first horse show!

Karen Cook, Norwich Free Academy, Yorba Linda, CA Nixon Presidential Library for Gilder Lehrman Seminar on U.S. Foreign Policy

Karima El-Hamraoui, Lyman Hall High School, CO First time going to Midwest and doing road trip for 2 weeks. i visited with my youngest daughter all the State park and first time doing sand boarding

Karon McGovern, New Fairfield High School, New England Appalachian Trail Trying to complete Appalachian Trail miles from NJ to VT

Kathleen Mack, Stratford High School, Block Island, RI My family (husband, teenager, and cat) sailed to Block Island on my Hunter 340 sailboat and spent a wonderful week on a mooring in the Great Salt Pond. We hiked the Clay Head Trail and enjoyed the great weather.

I turned my car into a camper and camped all over CT and NY states. I built a platform in my car and camped off the Appalachian Trail. In the Shenandoah Valley, I saw a full rainbow.

Laura Laflamme, Suffield High School, USA 13 states to camp and kayak. Drove over 5,000 miles throughout the eastern United States. Besides camping and kayaking, I was able to upload 100’s of photos of plants for my coursework.

Lauren Korman, Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, CO, WY, SD Visiting American landmarks such as Mount Rushmore, sites on the Overland Trails, old mining towns of the west,visiting the Badlands, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, Hiking in the Rockies and Grand Tetons.

Lisa Abel, Simsbury High School, Uncasville, CT I participated in the CT Teacher of the Year Council events as a state finalist including the Empowered to Lead Symposium at Mohegan Sun and the Mystic Seaport Workshop. I served on a panel for educators about teacher experi­ences, learned about educational programming available to teachers in CT, and formed meaningful connections with teachers in many districts.

Lori Bennett, Wamogo Reg High School, Everglades, FL South Florida for an Eco trip with students – Everglades, toured 10,000 Islands, Snorkeled & kayaked in the Keys, toured a Turtle Hospital & Dolphin Research Facility.

Maria Miraballes, Westhill High School, WA Personally I did a 12 day road trip through the Pacific Northwest through Washington and Oregon. It was amazing. Professionally I’m a master teacher for the Gilder Learner Institute and co-taught a course with Professor Margaret O’Mara from the University of Washington.

Nicole Wilcox, Southington High School, Alaska Observe Alaska’s approach to preserving natural resources (includ­ing wildlife rehabilitation/care, agri-tourism, gold mining, marine/ aquatics and outdoor recreation) to create related hands on learning opportunities for agriculture students.

Shelley Osowiecki, RHAM High School, MO I drove to Montana with my family, including my dog, and my sister’s family to visit our extended family. We explored Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The Gran Prismatic and the Little Falls are my favorite sections.

Susan Palmberg, Edwin O Smith High School, Cambridge, MA MIT for the Lemelson-MIT invention education Professional Development and to UConn for the DaVinci Program specifically the Virtual Reality session. UConn DaVinci program I learned how Virtual Reality can be used in the classroom. The takeaways I received will be used in the ECE Multivariable course. For the Lemelson-MIT workshop, I learned how stu­dents can be inventors and how I as a teacher can facilitate.

Tim Sweigard, Orville H Platt High School, Jackson Hole, Wyoming/Yellowstone and Teton National Parks

Trina Bowman, Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Plymouth, MA, We took in the sites – historic Leyden Street, 1749 Courthouse, Burial Hill, Brewster Gardens,Plymouth Rock, Plimoth-Patuxet Museum, Mayflower II

Xinyu Li, Glastonbury High School, RI Block Island, Philadelphia, and Mount WashingtonI traveled with my family during summer time and enjoyed a lot of good food, scenery, and stories we heard along the way

Alina Britchi, Daniel Hand High School, Taiwan I participated in the International Teacher Week Program (ITW2023) organized by CERN, European Center for Nuclear Research. I was one of the four American teachers and one of the 33 teachers from 24 different countries. We attended lectures given by experts in the field, collaborated in lab and group activities and visited numerous sites, many not open to the general public.

Dawn Demeo, Cheshire High School, Uruguay I did a Fulbright for Global Teaching Exchange program.

Danielle Melino, Housatonic Valley Regional HS I traveled to Ireland and Scotland in July. While there we toured Kildare National Stud Farm, Dublin, Edinburgh, Ruthven Farm, Blarney castle, Belfast, Loch Ness, and Culloden Battlefields. This was a custom Agriculture trip that I designed for students and staff.

Gina Gallo Reinhard, Bristol Central High School, Italy I am researching street art in Italy

Jessica Chapman, Norwich Free Academy, El Salvador I look a year leave to teach at an American international school in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Jeremy Taylor, Old Saybrook High School, Alberta Province, CA Visited friends at University of Alberta, and toured national parks at Banff

John LaMendola, Brookfield High School, Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland Traveled with American Music Abroard Honor Bands, Choirs and Orchestras and performed in various locations throughout Europe

Joseph Deldebbio, John F Kennedy High School, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico Toured the Mayan ruins with my family. What a beautiful and captivating ancient city, such well-preserved temples & stunning coastal views.

Kacey Howard, Glastonbury High School, Peru My husband and I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We embarked on a 5 day homage to Machu Picchu. The trail is around 25 miles and has an elevation gain of 7,972 feet!

 

Karen Oliver, Glastonbury High School, Magog and Quebec City (province of Quebec) Walking, bookstores, restaurants, vineyard, reading

Kristen Sparks, Coventry High School, Bermuda

Maria Sanhueza, Wethersfield High School, Peru Visited family and went to celebration of the town of Cabana.

Marianna Wikarska, Nathan Hale-Ray High School, Gaspesie

Mario Ramos, Glastonbury High School, Salamanca, España Chaperoned 13 students from Glastonbury High School

Mary-Ann Sagnella, John F Kennedy High School, Italy I interviewed multi-ethnic Italian students who live biculturalism within Italian society with a Fund for Teachers Grant. I traveled to: Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Caserta, Terracina and Fondi.

Miao Hwang, Miss Porters School, Taiwan Take care of my 90 year old mother and meet with teachers who teach in US.

Nora Mocarski, Canton High School, Hopewell Rocks, Canada Travelled to experience the extreme tidal change – 36 foot tide.

Phillip Youker, Trumbull High School, The Canary Islands, Spain Through a Fund for Teachers Grant I was able to visit the Canary Islands. While there I toured two world-leading observatory installations on the islands of Tenerife and La Palma.

Rita Jackson, Warren Harding High School , Brazil, Dominican Republic I participate with a Missions Team who provides clothes, books and other supplies to needy families in the poor areas in Brazil and D.R. We also do fun things with the children of the towns with songs, dances and games. We typically leave them with school supplies and other necessaties.

Sarabeth Markham, Glastonbury High School, Japan Utilizing the amazing Shinkansen (bullet train) system, I introduced my four children to the beauty, culture, and cuisine of Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.

Stacey Scapeccia, Stratford High School, Guatemala Health ambassador with Squads Abroad

 

By the Numbers: 2023-24

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17,236 students enrolled in UConn courses through UConn ECE

1,586 UConn ECE course sections offered throughout Connecticut

1,070 UConn ECE Instructors teaching throughout Connecticut

188 Connecticut High Schools participating

Welcome !

  • Bristol Technical Education Center
  • Capital Prep Harbor Upper School
  • The Ethel Walker School

Welcome Back!

  • Wilby High School

Highest Number of Students Enrolled in UConn Courses:

  • 425 Edwin O. Smith High School
  • 381Glastonbury High School
  • 307 Manchester High School
  • 303 Trumbull High SChool
  • 292 Staples High School
  • 276 New Britain High School
  • 270 Conard High School
  • 270 Stamford High School
  • 261 Hall High School
  • 259 Ridgefield High School

Percent Enrollment Increase From 2022-2023:

  • 709%
  • 213% H. C. Wilcox Technical High School
  • 200% The Spire School
  • 150% Parish Hill High School
  • 135% North Haven High School
  • 132% East Hartford High School
  • 127% Joseph A. Foran High School
  • 115% Lewis S. Mills High School
  • 108% Newtown High School
  • 107% Stratford High School

Largest Percentage of High School taking UConn courses:

  • 41% Edwin O. Smith High School
  • 40% Marine Science Magnet High School
  • 34% Xavier High School
  • 32% Achievement First Amistad High School
  • 31% Academy of Science and Innovation
  • 31% University High School of Science and Engineering
  • 31% Old Saybrook High School
  • 29% Academy of Information Technology & Engineering
  • 29% Lyme-Old Lyme High School
  • 27% Berlin High School

Fall 2023 PD Overview

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By Stefanie Malinoski

 

This fall in Early College Experience we’ve hosted eighteen professional development workshops for groups of Early College Experience Instructors who offer UConn courses in English, Sustainable Plant and Soil Science, American Studies, Environmental Science, Philosophy, Physics, Economics, Human Rights, European History, Sociology, Animal Science, Communications, Music, Chemistry, Chinese, and Math. Our ECE affiliated library media specialists also met for a virtual training with Babbidge Library staff.  Another twenty-four events are slated to occur during the winter intersession and spring semester either in person or virtually. Notes on some of the events which occurred during the fall semester are below:

 

Sustainable Plant and Soil Science Instructors meet in person at Southington High School with Faculty Coordinator, Julia Kuzovkina. The workshop included diverse activities including a field practicum on analyzing soil for specific purposes, a discussion and update on plant diseases, and learning about new trends in the landscape industry. The group also discussed students’ preparation for future careers in the Green Industry and took part in a hands-on floral workshop where teachers were introduced to beautiful fall arrangements which can be introduced in their Floral Art classes.

 

American Studies Instructors were provided with a copy of Ann Petry’s novel “The Street”. Shawn Salvant, Professor of English, and Africana Studies from UConn spoke to the group about the text and what it means to revisit the classic novel in 2023. Instructors led by Faculty Coordinator Laurie Wolfley then designed curriculum focused on “The Street” which was shared with all participants for future uses in their American Studies classroom.

 

Chemistry Instructors participated in a hands-on lab activity with Faculty Coordinator, Dr. Fatma Selampinar after hearing from Dr. Kerry Gilmore from UConn’s Chemistry Department. Dr. Gilmore’s research surrounds Green Chemistry and its facilitating impact on photochemistry. Dr. Kerry and the Instructors discussed how these chemistries can be performed in the classroom and opened up the discussion for collaborative work in the area in the development of new processes, screening natural catalysts, and bringing advanced chemical processes to their classrooms.

 

Economics Instructors met for their professional development workshop and heard from fellow ECE Instructor Ian Tiedemann from Greenwich High School, Scott A. Wolla, Economic Education Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Ariel Solomon, Curriculum Designer, Marginal Revolution University. Ian Tiedemann highlighted his students’ who created a podcast script for the 2023 issue of the Journal of Future Economists. The theme was “Economics of Globalization”. Ian’s students submitted their podcast script titled “It’s a (s)Mall World: Globalization, E-Commerce, and Shopping Malls” which can be reviewed in the Journal of Future Economists. Scott A. Wolla’s shared a teaching activity “Teaching Market Structures with Gum” and discussed “Monetary Policy has Changed. Has Your Teaching?” Ariel Slonim, Curriculum Designer, Marginal Revolution University presented on: “Supply, Demand, Action! Harnessing interactive tools to teach supply and demand” and “Cracking the Code: Understanding GDP and Inflation through interactive tools.” ECE Faculty Coordinator for Economics, Natalia V. Smirnova discussed “Teaching Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Topics in Economics”.

 

Environmental Science Instructors met with Faculty Coordinator, Dr. Morty Ortega at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington, CT where they interacted with staff from the Department of Environmental Protection learning about the private lives of bears and bobcats and habitats.

 

Marine Science Instructors set out aboard the “Mystic Seaport Express” captained by Liz Sistare (UConn ’13), Waterfront Operations Supervisor on the Mystic River with Faculty Coordinator, Dr. Claudia Koerting during their professional development workshop. The group of 13 teachers conducted water testing by taking readings using instruments that measure salinity, oxygen, and temperature. They deployed a water sampler to retrieve water samples near the bottom of the river and gathered surface water samples as well. Instructors performed two plankton tows and brought samples back for microscopic evaluation. An additional two sample sites were chosen, and all samples returned with the group to the seaport sailing center where they tested for chlorophyll content using a fluorometer and performed a light/dark experiment with water from two sites. At the sailing center the group ran their analysis, looked at the plankton tow and compared oxygen uptake in the light/dark bottle experiment. Conversations were held about how these samples could inform scientists and regulators about policy guiding water use in the river. By the end of the day Instructors learned a new method, a new instrument, and made new connections and shared ideas to implement in their UConn Marine Science courses.

 

Philosophy Instructors met with Faculty Coordinator Prof. Mitch Green who led a discussion on “post-truth” epistemology after instructors watched, a Ted Talk by UConn Professor Michael Lynch: “How to See Past Your Own Perspective and Find Truth.”

 

More information and pictures from the many professional development workshops hosted this fall can be reviwed on “ECE PD Blog” on the Early College Experience website. Dates for spring workshops will be posted to the ECE website’s “Dates to Remember” section once details are finalized. We look forward to continuing to utilize the winter months with additional virtual workshop opportunities and welcome our community members to campus in the spring for more professional development events.

 

 

 

2023 News to Know

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NACEP Leadership Academy

Christopher Todd was accepted into the 2023 cohort of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) Leadership Academy. Over the course of the next year, Chris will join two dozen emerging leaders from across the nation as they participate monthly topical seminars, peer-to-peer discussion groups and in-person meetings focused on the research and policies which drive concurrent and dual enrollment programs.  As part of the academy, Chris will attend a Washington Policy Summit in April and will be conducting a capstone research project.

 

NACEP National Conference

UConn OECP Executive Director Christopher Todd and UConn ECE Program Specialist for Outreach and Evaluation Carissa Rutkauskas attended the 2023 National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) National Conference October 22-25 in St. Louis, Missouri. Rutkauskas attended the Outdoor Conversations preconference event and Todd attended the first in-person session of the Leadership Academy, followed by the Welcome Reception at Busch Stadium, the legendary home of the St. Louis Cardinals. They were accompanied by Connecticut colleagues Ansley Diamond, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) System and Program Manager for Library Consortium Operations, Patrick Carr, first time NACEP attendees who were making connections with concurrent and dual enrollment for the State.

Welcome & Opening Plenary Shayla Rivera Aerospace Engineer and former Rocket Scientist with NASA turned corporate trainer, Int’l Speaker, TEDx Speaker, TV & Radio Host, Emcee/Host, Comedian, Actor, Writer motivated the audience on day one with the importance of people’s stories and the impact that verbal and non-verbal exchange has on others. Todd and Rutkauskas spent the next two days making connections with professionals from the CSCU System, New England Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NEACEP colleagues), and experts from the field across the country. In addition to wearing his Pedro Martinez Red Sox (#45) Jersey into Busch Stadium, Todd’s highlights of the NACEP conference were meeting his Leadership Academy Cohort colleagues for the first time and deep diving into several key issues during the state policy summit.  Rutkauskas appreciated the data sharing ideas present by Willamette Promise’s Pat Ketcham and Addie Howell and well as learning about IPEDs reporting from Amy Hubbard, Executive Director of Early College, University of Maine System, in the Research Forum.

 

College Credit Self-Tracker

The new College Credit Self-Tracker, developed by UConn ECE, is a google doc-based spreadsheet that students can copy and keep track of the UConn courses they take in high school, along with other college-credit bearing courses­­. s.uconn.edu/self-tracker

 

Concurrent Enrollment Review

Volume 1 of the Concurrent Enrollment Review CER was released in Fall of 2023, with a strong connection to UConn ECE. Brian A. Boecherer, former UConn Office of Early College Programs (OECP) Executive Director and current Chief Executive Officer/Consultant, Olive Shade Higher Education Consulting is the publication’s Editor-in-Chief and Christopher Todd, OECP’s current Executive Director, joins colleagues from Syracuse University, Boise State University, and University of Pittsburgh to serve as an Associate Editor. Carissa Rutkauskas’s, UConn ECE’s Outreach and Evaluation Specialist, with former UConn ECE graduate student, high school teacher, and Labor Organizer with the Connecticut Education Association, Kathrine Grant’s paper Formative Threads in the Tapestry of College Credit in High School: An Early History of the Development of Concurrent Enrollment and a Case Study of the Country’s Oldest Program was included. Their research explores contributing factors to DE/CE development and provides a historical review of the longest running CE program in the United States, the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience Program, founded in 1955. surface.syr.edu/cer/vol1/iss1/3/

Concurrent Enrollment Review (CER) is the first independent, open access, peer reviewed journal dedicated to research in the field of dual/concurrent enrollment. CER, hosted by Syracuse University Libraries on Berkeley Electronic Press’s Digital Commons platform serves a variety of functions for the broad array of constituents and institutions that comprise the field of dual/concurrent enrollment. CER aims to build community through active readership, scholarship development, publication and peer review (https://surface.syr.edu/cer/about.html).

 

New Courses Offered

ASLN 1102: Elementary American Sign Language II (Dr. Linda Pelletier). Continued development of basic knowledge and understanding of conversational ASL.

CHIN 3210: Chinese Composition & Conversation I  (Dr. Chunsheng Yang). Development of high intermediate to advanced speaking and writing competency. Taught in Chinese.

CHIN 3211: Chinese Composition & Conversation II (Dr. Chunsheng Yang). Development of high intermediate to advanced speaking and writing competency. Taught in Chinese.

KINS 1100: Exercise and Wellness for Everyone (Ms. Allison MacKenzie). Overview of the five pillars of health (exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress and relationships); role of exercise in health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan; impacts of exercise in leisure time, culture, community, careers and the workplace.

MATH 1070Q: Mathematics for Business and Economics (Dr. Anthony Rizzie & Dr. Andrew Jaramillo). Linear equations and inequalities, matrices, systems of linear equations, and linear programming; sets, counting, probability and statistics; mathematics of finance; applications to business and economics.

ece.uconn.edu/courses/

Alumni updates – class of 2019

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Cassandra DiPierro

High School: Fairfield Warde High School 

College: Dickinson College, BA in Psychology, 2023

Favorite UConn ECE Memory: My favorite UConn ECE memories were the role play debates that I participated in for my US History and Modern European History courses.   

Best UConn ECE Benefit: The most useful benefit of ECE was the college credit I gained, which allowed me to take additional electives in college and further explore my academic interest in public health.  

What are you currently doing? I am currently pursuing a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of Toronto in Canada through the support of a Fulbright Graduate Studies Award. With the knowledge I gain from this experience, I hope to work to improve the access and quality of LGBTQ+ healthcare in the United States.  

Amara McNeil

High School: Classical Magnet School – Hartford, CT

College: Fordham University/Lincoln Center – B.A. in Theater Design and Production, 2023

Favorite UConn ECE memory: My favorite memories are the heated debates that we would all get into in Philosophy class. Even our teacher would get passionate! Everyone cared, and those early conversations sparked a love of philosophy that I carry into my artistry.

Best UConn ECE benefit/ takeaway: Having an insight into materials, I would be able to study more in-depth in college. There were many moments were I remembered a text or topic that was touched on in my ECE class. 

What are you currently doing? Now, I am a freelance lighting designer. After wrapping up my post-grad fellowship as the Howell Binkley Fellow, working on shows such as The Wiz and Come From Away tours. I am now prepping my own design here in NYC, as well as getting ready to assist Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons!

Karissa Touma

High School: Wolcott High School

College: Western New England University, B.S. Actuarial Science degree, 2022

Favorite UConn ECE memory: In one of the UConn ECE courses I took we had a huge party to celebrate everyone passing the final exam! It was so great to celebrate everyone’s hard work in the course and the amazing accomplishment.

Best UConn ECE benefit/ takeaway: The best UConn ECE benefit was having enough credits to graduate college an entire year earlier than expected. This saved me money in tuition and allowed me to begin my career sooner.

What are you currently doing: I recently got married in October 2023 and work full time for the Cigna Group as a Senior Actuarial Analyst. I am in a reserving role for our Vision and Individual and Family Plans (IFP) blocks of business. I have passed 6 Actuarial exams, all ASA pathway modules, and 3 VEEs.

Morgan Nace

High School: Daniel Hand High School

College: UConn, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, 2023

Favorite UConn ECE memory: My favorite UConn ECE memory was getting to do hands on labs in physics.

Best UConn ECE benefit/ takeaway: The best benefit of my ECE course in physics was learning how to study for freshman year courses at college. Experiencing UConn level exams helped me feel confident for my future after high school.

What are you currently doing? I am currently a Product Engineer at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD) in Simsbury, CT. EBAD makes mission critical hardware for the aerospace and defense industry. At EBAD, I get to be on a team that makes separation stages and flight termination systems for launch vehicles and missiles.

Keegan Eveland

High School: Middletown High School

College: University of New Hampshire, B.S. Zoology with a minor in Animal Behavior

Favorite UConn ECE memory: I really enjoyed learning how to customize and design enrichment suitable for the species that you’re working with. There is something about seeing an animal’s mind at work and how they approach and solve puzzles that is so telling about their perception of the world and gives a glimpse into the inner workings of their cognitive processes.

Best UConn ECE benefit/ takeaway: Getting to learn about advanced subject matter that I otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to during high school was highly beneficial. Enrolling in dual-enrollment courses guided me to the line of work that I am passionate about and currently work in today.

What are you currently doing? During my undergrad years, I focused on studying population acoustics of Brazilian Free-Tailed bat swarms in New Mexico, as well as the acoustics of various bat species in Brazil. I got to dip my feet into some field work gathering acoustic data for Little Brown bats in a large hibernacula in Vermont. This year I am a post-baccalaureate research fellow at Johns Hopkins investigating the navigation behaviors of Egyptian Fruit bats. When I am not doing that I also assist in neurological surgeries and experiments for Big Brown bats that are looking at how they process sounds in the auditory pathway of the brain.

Jonas Goemans

High School: Edwin O. Smith High School

College: Hasselt University, Bachelor in Biology, 2023

Favorite UConn ECE memory: I truly loved taking these advanced classes with like-minded classmates, it made our interactions and lessons really interesting. I would say my favorite memory would be the dissection of a fetal pig in Biology.

Best UConn ECE benefit/ takeaway: Due to taking these college level courses I was ahead of my cohort when starting my Bachelor in Biology in Belgium.

What are you currently doing? I am currently doing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (TROPIMUNDO). I also recently completed an internship at Chondrolab in Chile studying juvenile sharks and have been pursuing my passion in rock-climbing, both indoors and outdoors.

 

2023 Italian Immersion Day and Quiz Bowl

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By Jessica Dunn

Photos by Greg Miller

 

On November 2, 2023, we welcomed about 75 students to the UConn Storrs Campus for the UConn ECE Italian Immersion Day & Quiz Bowl. Tina Chiappetta-Miller, UConn ECE Italian Faculty Coordinator, coordinated the event and was the Master of Ceremonies for the day. Dr. Chiappetta-Miller and UConn ECE Executive Director,    Christopher Todd, kicked off the day with a warm welcome to all student participants and Instructors from Bristol Central High School, Plainville High School, North Haven High School, and Newington High School. Students were set up for an exciting day full of immersing themselves in Italian culture, grammar, history, and much more. They were encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity – to interact with the amazing UConn Italian Teaching Assistants who facilitated the morning Immersion Sessions, collaborate with their peers from neighboring Connecticut high schools, and to bring their best to the head-to-head, jeopardy-style Quiz Bowl competition.

 

The three-year gap in offering this student event made the anticipation that much stronger. When students broke into groups to attend the morning immersion sessions, and Instructors gathered to finalize Quiz Bowl rules and expectations, it was evident that the energy and enthusiasm was present. As lunch concluded and the rules were finalized the students, Instructors, TAs, and staff reconvened in the theatre for the Quiz Bowl. Throughout the competition each high school took to the stage to compete head-to-head with another high school in hopes to buzz in first and answer enough questions correctly to qualify for the next round. Students had limited time to answer questions, and they had to provide their answers in Italian only. Dr. Chiappetta-Miller stated, “the Quiz Bowl ended in no less than a twist when it turned out that Newington and Bristol Central had drawn. We had to go to penalties and the Newington team came out on top!” It was a very exciting and close competition, with Newington High School winning first place, followed by Bristol Central High School in second place, and Plainville High School in third place. A bonus MVP round was played at the end of the event, where individual students competed on stage against one another. Alex from Newington High School was named the MVP of the day.

 

Thank you and congratulations to all who participated. We look forward to hosting this event again next year!

 

 

 

French Immersion Day & Quiz Bow

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By Jessica Dunn

 

Just one week after the UConn ECE Italian Immersion Day & Quiz Bowl, we held the French Immersion Day & Quiz Bowl on November 9th. Coordinated and hosted by Dr. Florence Marsal, UConn ECE French Faculty Coordinator, the day was set up in a very similar manner to the Italian event. The French Immersion Day & Quiz Bowl is the longest running UConn ECE student language event, dating back to 2001. Since its creation, several hundred students have participated from dozens of our partner high schools across the state. This year UConn ECE Instructors brought about 80 student participants, representing Lewis S Mills High School, Daniel Hand High School, Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Granby Memorial High School, Cheshire High School, Nathan Hale-Ray High School, Tolland High School, and Edwin O. Smith High School.

 

UConn ECE Students attend this event annually to participate in immersion sessions in the morning facilitated by UConn French Teaching Assistants, and to compete in a head-to-head, jeopardy-style Quiz Bowl in the afternoon. It is evident that the students are passionate about learning French and their Instructors have prepared them well for when they step on stage for the main event. Rules and expectations of the competition have been adjusted throughout the years, but some of the long-standing rules of the Quiz Bowl include:

  1. Teams are open to all registered ECE students with up to 4 students per team.
  2. The questions are set ahead of time: they have to do with history, literature, culture, grammar.
  3. The questions are read in French, and the answers are given in French. Only understandable answers will be accepted.
  4. When you press your buzzer first and it lights up after the end of a question, your team has 10 seconds to answer. If no answer is given, the other team has 10 seconds. If no answer is given then, another question is read.
  5. The first team who totals 5 good answers moves on to the next round. For the final game, the first team who totals 10 good answers wins the quiz bowl.
  6. Audience prompting is not allowed. Cheering yes, prompting no.

     

    This year, Nathan Hale-Ray High School came out on top, bringing home the first-place trophy. Second place was awarded to Daniel Hand High School, and third place went to Edwin O. Smith High School. We commend all students who participated and appreciate the passion and enthusiasm the Instructors and students bring to learning the French language and competing in this event. We are always amazed by the student talent exhibited throughout the event and how the students continuously challenge themselves to reach the next level of language mastery.

    2023 UConn ECE Cardboard Boat Race

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    By Jessica Dunn

     

    Amidst a very wet fall season, and a rain delay from our original scheduled date of Friday, September 29th, we were able to host our UConn ECE Cardboard Boat Race at the Avery Point Campus on Friday, October 6th. With over 300 students in attendance, we kicked off the academic year with one of our largest annual student events! This year’s theme, School Mascots, in honor of UConn’s newest addition Jonathan XV, brought about much collaboration, dedication, teamwork, and school spirit which was quite evident as students prepared for and participated in the event. Students spent countless hours prior to race day planning and building their handcrafted cardboard and duct tape boats, and then arrived at the event eager to listen, engage, and share failures and successes with their peers and presenters.

     

    Students spent the morning in academic demonstrations and presentations with esteemed UConn faculty and staff, enjoyed lunch, UConn Dairy Bar ice cream, and of course were eager to test out their cardboard boats at race time. Amongst the thirteen participating high schools, 19 boats entered into the race for a chance to be named the 2023 Champions and to take home the coveted Championship Trophy. Teams were recognized with trophies for placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each of the four heats. The 1st place boat in the Championship Race, The Morgan School’s “M.S.S. Dog Pound”, took home the cardboard trophy for the second year in a row! In addition to the awards presented for placing in the races, The Morgan School’s “M.S.S. Dog Pound” took home the Best Visual Award, The Sound School’s “Usain Boat” won the Best Boat Name Award, East Granby High School’s “The Templor Transporter” was awarded the new Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award, and University High School of Science & Engineering’s boat, “The Raging Rooster”, earned the People’s Choice Award.

     

    This event would not be possible without the dedication of the UConn ECE Instructors who participate, the UConn Faculty and Staff who share their wisdom and knowledge throughout the day, and the amazing student participants who inspire us to offer opportunities such as the Cardboard Boat Race where they express their enthusiasm for learning and challenge themselves to reach new heights in their educational journey.

     

     

    Heat 1 Trophies

    1. Waterford High School- Blue & White Skipper
    2. BRASTEC- ANG Haddock
    3. Ellington High School- The Great Knight Shark

    Heat 2 Trophies

    1. The Morgan School- M.S.S. Dog Pound
    2. Waterford High School- Lancer Battle Bus
    3. The Sound School- Usain Boat

    Heat 3 Trophies

    1. Valley Regional High School- USS Pags
    2. Waterford High School- S.S. Samuelson
    3. The Sound School- Row v. Wave

    Heat 4 Trophies

    1. East Granby High School- The Templor Transporter
    2. Ellington High School- The Dark Knight
    3. Waterford High School- WH-yeS!

     

    Students Shine at Connecticut Science Olympiad

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    By Janet Belvel
    CT State Director, CT Science Olympiad
    UConn ECE Instructor at South Windsor High School
    (UConn AH 1000, Intro to Allied Health Professions & AH 2001, Medical Terminology)

     
    UConn ECE was happy to host the return of the in person 2023 CT State Science Olympiad Com­petition (ctscioly.org) on March 11th. This annual event brought together some of the brightest young minds from across the state to showcase their scientific skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. The day was filled with excitement, collaboration, and intense competition as these bud­ding scientists left no stone unturned in their quest for victory.

     
    Science Olympiad is a highly regarded competition that challenges students in various scientif­ic disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and more. With an impressive lineup of over 23 events, the participants were required to exhibit their knowledge, innovation, and analytical thinking. Over 40 Science Olympiad teams from around the state showed remarkable dedication, preparing rigorously for months lead­ing up to the event.

     
    This year South Windsor High School defended their title to emerge as the State Winners and will represent Connecticut at the National Tour­nament in Wichita, Kansas in May. Rounding out the top high school teams were Glastonbury, Hopkins, and Staples with outstanding perfor­mances. Wilton was awarded the Best New Team for this year by demonstrating their exceptional skills throughout the competition. The spirit of camaraderie was palpable as team members encouraged and supported each other, showcasing the true essence of the Science Olympiad. Their passion for science was reflected in every task. It was apparent that their hard work, combined with their commitment to excellence, propelled them towards success.

     


     

    Participating in Science Olympiad is more than just a competition; it is an opportunity for young minds to explore their passion for science and ignite their curiosity. Teams are challenged in building and engineering events as well as written performance and experimental design. On campus, you could see everything from glider planes being flown in Hawley Armory to a Forensic Crime Lab run in the Chemistry Building. These are the experiences that create lasting memories for high school students and inspire them to join the next generation of scientists.
     

    The success of the Connecticut Science Olympiad competition reflects the importance of cultivating scientific curiosity and encouraging students to pursue their passion for science. This would not be possible without the support of the coaches, parent and community volunteers, and the staff of the ECE program.