Wall of Honor
being planned
PUTNAM — Following months of discussion and input from Putnam citizens, a committee has been established to recognize individuals whose deeds and character exemplify outstanding achievements in their life’s work and/or service to their communities. The committee known as the Putnam High School Wall of Honor is composed of nine Putnam High School graduates and includes ex-officio representation of the Board of Education as well as Superintendent of Schools William Hull.
A recognition program tentatively scheduled for May 7 is currently in the planning stages. The committee has also established nomination eligibility requirements. In order to qualify for nomination an individual must have graduated or attended Putnam High School prior to 2011. The nominee must have been recognized in their area of specialization or honored on a local, regional, national or international level.
In addition the nominee should have demonstrated leadership, character and service to society. Individuals may be nominated posthumously.
“The committee has been meeting regularly and working diligently in establishing appropriate criteria for nomination. We are prepared to accept nominations from the community in order to select the members who’ll be inducted in the initial class,” said Ronald P. Coderre, committee chairman.
In addition to Coderre, the committee includes Nelson King, vice chairman; Susan Johnston, secretary; Jeanne Benoit, treasurer; and members at-large Sandra Ames, Fabiola Cutler, Robert Garceau, Lee Konicki and Stuart Neal.
Board of Education members serving in an ex-officio capacity are Carrie Blackmar and Dr. David Gaudreau.
“Putnam High School has a long tradition of excellence. Many of its graduates have distinguished themselves in a variety of fields and brought honor to the school. We’re very proud to be able to honor them in the unique way,” said Superintendent Hull.
“I’d also like to commend the committee for the time and energy it’s devoted to moving this endeavor along in meeting the May deadline. I’d also like to thank the Board of Education for its support of this vital endeavor,” he added.
Anyone interested in acquiring a nomination form or receiving additional information should contact any member of the committee, contact the Superintendent’s office or e-mail Committee secretary Susan Johnston at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Nomination forms are also available at WINY Radio and RPC Associates at 66 Main St., Putnam.
Putnam High School is currently undergoing major “renovate as new” construction that is scheduled to be completed prior to its June graduation. The Putnam High School Wall of Honor ceremony will serve as a fitting tribute to those individuals who have been an integral part of the school’s illustrious history as the school moves into its next historical phase, said Coderre.
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Santa and Friends
Members of Putnam Ford held their annual party for children and adults from United Services' program. President Rick Place is standing, back left. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — Putnam Ford staff and President Rick Place helped to spread holiday cheer to local families Dec. 15 at their 19th annual “Christmas is for Kids” party.
The party, hosted at the dealership, was attended by more than 80 children and adults from United Services’ human service programs, including the Domestic Violence Program, Center for Autism, and other family-oriented programs, as well as participants in Northeast Opportunities for Wellness youth programs.
“Putnam Ford and its employees are really proud and excited to put on a little Christmas show to the kids of the programs of United Services,” said Place. “This is very self-gratifying to help those less fortunate than ourselves especially at Christmas time. We look forward to this event every year and this being our 19th consecutive year, we are very grateful for the opportunity.”
The evening’s festivities included a holiday scavenger hunt, caroling, snacks, and of course a grand appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who provided a gift for each child.
“Once again, Rick Place and everyone at Putnam Ford has done a wonderful job making spirits bright for local families,” said John Goodman, director of development and communications at United Services. “Although northeastern Connecticut still has many families struggling to makes ends meet throughout the year, thanks to Putnam Ford, dozens of local children and families have a chance to create lasting memories of holiday cheer.”
“NOW is very thankful to Putnam Ford for bringing this event to the community,” said NOW Executive Director Sarah Mortensen. “The ‘Christmas is for Kids’ party is a wonderful opportunity for the children we serve to experience the best of this season of giving and we were excited to participate this year.”
Then
This is the Union Block at the turn of the last century. Dances and stage performances used to be held on the third floor. Putnam Town Crier file photos.
& Now
This is the same area today.
Students
do well
on Test Day
WOODSTOCK— The Woodstock Academy recently completed its third year of the School Test Day program, which provides a College Board assessment to each student at no cost to students or families. Testing this year produced very positive results.
The SAT/PSAT changed in 2015-16, so The Academy has two years of data to compare all students’ individual growth through the SAT Suite of assessments: PSAT 8/9 for Freshman, PSAT for sophomores and juniors, and SAT for seniors. This October, The Academy added the new SAT Essay for seniors and an SAT-practice essay for grades 9-11 that is scored by Academy teachers using the College Board’s anchor papers and rubrics.
The benefits of the testing program include:
* Yearly data on each student in specific areas including reading, writing, analysis in social studies, analysis in science, algebra, advanced math, and statistics;
* The ability to use the data to make programmatic and curricular adjustments to meet students’ needs; and
* Preparation for the state assessment (The SAT replaced the Smarter Balanced Assessment for grade 11 in 2016)
The Academy’s students scored above the state average in all areas at all grade levels. Seniors were 60 points above the state on the SAT. On average, Academy students gained between 58 and 68 points since last year (Grade 10: 58 points, Grade 11: 68 points, Grade 12: 59 points).
“Our School Test Day has been a positive experience here at The Academy,” said Dr. Michael Harten, Academic Dean. “Students, families, and faculty all see the many opportunities it provides—opportunities for practice, opportunities for useful assessment data to measure growth over time, and opportunities to start thinking about post-high school plans. The School Test Day will continue to provide data to help us improve our academic program and will continue to open doors for our students after graduation.”