On April 1st, the New Britain school district and the Coalition for New Britain’s Youth was presented the Community Vision Award from the Childhood Conversations Conference Committee. “While the conference does not typically award cities, the work of New Britain is a beacon of hope for other communities looking to make gains through the power of school and community engagement,” said Ken Anthony, Director of Professional Development and Research at the Connecticut After School Network. “This has been reflected through the National Summer Learning Association and All-American Cities Award in 2016, as well as the tireless efforts in addressing chronic absenteeism as part of the Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
The Childhood Conversations Conference started in 2007 to provide parents with the same access to professional development and speakers that educators, child advocates, social service professionals have at annual conferences. The first conference was held in April and brought together parents and professionals. The conference was sponsored by the Windsor Family Resource Centers, Windsor Early Childhood Council and parents from Windsor and the surrounding communities. In the first year the conference had captured the vision of giving parents a day of pampering and access to cutting edge knowledge through impactful keynote speakers and workshops. Throughout the ten years since the first conference, partnerships have grown and developed. The conference draws between 200 and 250 people.
Standing: Robin Lamott Sparks, Executive Director The Coalition for New Britain’s Youth; Batman, superhero extraordinaire; Kimberley Russo, Executive Director of The Fund for Greater Hartford. Sitting: Nancy Sarra, Superintendent of the Consolidated School District of New Britain, Nancy Puglisi, Facilitator of Extended Day New Britain School District; Tracey Madden-Hennessey, Associate Director the YWCA New Britain.
Left to Right: Nancy Sarra, Superintendent of the Consolidated School District of New Britain; Robin Lamott Sparks, Executive Director The Coalition for New Britain’s Youth; Nancy Puglisi, Facilitator of Extended Day New Britain School District; Tracey Madden-Hennessey, Associate Director the YWCA New Britain; Kimberley Russo, Executive Director of The Fund for Greater Hartford; Ken Anthony, Director of Professional Development and Research the CT After School Network.