Opinion

Letter to BOE: Find a Way To Move Forward with School Start Times Change

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Dear BOE,

Although the TC’s vote Thursday night to cut $1 million is disappointing, I hope you will still honor your policy decision to start school times later. 

Your belief in the policy has not changed. The science has not changed. Only your ability to achieve this goal has been challenged. Yes, these are tough times. Everyone will be doing more with less this year. However, the science of sleep and our children’s health must prevail—even in these times. Especially in these times. So yes, something else will have to fall away. However, there is no program or administrator more important than their health. I encourage you all to do what may seem like the impossible. To find a way to still move forward with later start times given the now approved budget. It is ironic, inconsistent and downright foolish for us as a society to faithfully adhere to the CDC’s Guidelines per this virus and then to disregard that same organization’s guidelines regarding the science of sleep for middle/high school students. 

Clearly, I’m preaching to the choir.

News

Letter: Daniel LaGattuta for Board of Education

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Dear Editor,

Please join me in supporting Daniel LaGattuta for a Board of Education position at next week’s Republican Caucus. I had the pleasure of first meeting Daniel eight years ago through the New Canaan Newcomers Club and have spent many summers with his family at the Waveny Pool.  

He is extremely well educated—BA from NYU in mathematics and political science and a PhD in Economics from MIT. He has spent his recent years founding and running, Learning & the Brain, a company that provides professional development for K through12 educators through the creation of education conferences, one-day seminars and summer institutes. 

The combination of his education and career pursuits gives Daniel a unique perspective that would greatly benefit our Board of Education. He is thoughtful and well researched.

Christa Kenin

Letter: Town Council Member Christa Kenin Will Not Seek Re-Election

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It has been an absolute honor to serve on the Town Council for the last four years. From my Town Council colleagues, I have learned what it means to be passionate about an issue, committed to a principle, protective of an organization, concerned about the future and respectful of yesteryear. That legacy stays with me. From my constituents, I have discovered perspectives so diverse that it brings a smile to my face and a recollection of the phrase, “this is what makes the world go ‘round.”

And somewhere in between, I have learned patience and humility. 

I have been so very proud to represent my typically under-represented peer group on the Town Council—whatever we are considered these days: young families, middle aged families, school district families, Mead Park families, Saxe playground families, Waveny Pool families, Library families, commuting families, divorced families. Families. 

I wanted to let you know of my decision to not run for re-election to the Town Council.

Christa Kenin

Councilman: Selectmen Erred in Sending Back Mead Park Brick Barn Demo Question

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Dear Editor,

I would like to comment on your recent story regarding the Mead Park Barn. I would like to talk about a “P” word and that word is not ‘Preservation,’ it’s ‘Process.’ Although the concept is less glamorous, it warrants its own respect. I so appreciate all of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance’s hard work and their passion. However, we must deal with the facts before us. Last week, the Board of Selectmen was incorrect to table the demolition contract.