Cheshire and West Hartford, Conn. (PRWEB) May 19, 2014
For the second consecutive year, the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) and The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) have challenged students in grades 6-12 to develop creative and compelling videos that articulate their vision for improving education. With the judges’ scores and public votes tallied, CAPSS and CAS are pleased to announce the rankings of this year’s video submissions.
“The passion students have for improving their learning experiences was evident in each of the submissions we received this year,” Joseph J. Cirasuolo, Ed.D., Executive Director, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, said. “We’re pleased to recognize the achievements of those whose submissions ranked among this year’s top videos and encourage them to continue leveraging their passions and talents to help improve learning for all Connecticut students.”
Ranking among the top three in the middle school division, are:
1st place: Amanda Tuccillo and Annie Marcantonio for Authentic Learning Bethel Middle School (Bethel Middle School, Bethel)
2nd place: Olivia Vavasour and Andreea Albu for Student Voices: Technology (Bethel Middle School, Bethel)
3rd place: Madison Wilson, Zeel Patel and Amanda Vazquez for Washington Middle School Student Voices (Washington Middle School, Meriden)
Ranking among the top three in the high school division, are:
1st place: Michaela Phonkhoumphon and Jennifer Marrufo for Transforming Education: Technology (O.H. Platt High School, Meriden)
2nd place: Justin Beardsley, Melissa Ramos and Amanda Lavoie for Motivation in Education (Francis T. Maloney High School, Meriden)
3rd place: James Willis and Liam Keith for Technology in Our Schools Today (Weston High School, Weston)
Featured among this year’s top ranking entries were ideas for boosting student engagement, increasing the use of technology and providing more hands-on learning experiences.
Karissa Niehoff, Ed. D. Executive Director, The Connecticut Association of Schools, said, “I am so pleased that all the student entries were creative, thoughtful, and provided great suggestions for how we can improve schools. It is important for us to listen to students, consider their ideas, and involve them as appropriate in the work of bettering our schools. After all, schools are for kids.”
In the middle school division, the winners will receive $800 (1st place), $400 (2nd place) and $200 (3rd place) scholarships. In the high school division, the winners will receive $1500 (1st place), $700 (2nd place) and $350 (3rd place) scholarships.
The ‘Student Voices’ video contest was inspired by the CT NextEd Report, which provides a robust set of practical recommendations for how to reimagine Connecticut’s educational system.
About The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS):
The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), based in West Hartford, CT, has been the voice of superintendents of schools in Connecticut for 104 years. The mission of CAPSS is to lead the continuous improvement of public education for all students by advocating public policy for children and by developing and supporting executive school leaders. To learn more, visit http://www.capss.org.
About The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS):
The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS), located in Cheshire, CT, is an organization working to strengthen elementary and secondary education and athletics (CIAC) in Connecticut. Through leadership, administrative, and professional development services, CAS works to serve the collective interests and needs of Connecticut educators. CAS's mission is to provide exemplary programs and services that promote excellence in the education of all children. To learn more, visit http://www.casciac.org.