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Clinton Heading Back to School with Some Changes

School started in Clinton on Aug. 28 and the Harbor News has a rundown on what’s new for this year.

Clinton Superintendent Maryann O’Donnell outlined the new changes for the school district this year.

One big change is the hiring of a new principal at Joel Elementary School.

“Teresa Gingrave is the new principal at Joel Elementary School. She and Assistant Principal Abby Rice have been working together this summer to plan for the opening of school,” O’Donnell said.

O’Donnell added that prior to coming to Clinton, Gingrave was the principal of McKinley Elementary School in Fairfield for the past five years. She also has served in administrative and teaching roles in in Rhode Island.

“The selection committee, which included parents, teachers, non-certified staff, administrators, and Board of Education members, recommended Ms. Gingrave after an extensive interview process that included over 50 applicants. Ms. Gingrave brings to our school community a proven ability to create a culture of staff collaboration and learning grounded in best practices to support all students,” O’Donnell said.

O’Donnell said that Gingrave impressed in several areas in her interview.

“She impressed all with her depth of knowledge of elementary-level education, her engaging energy, her experiences in working with the K-5 grade span, and her work in developing opportunities that empower and engage young learners. She is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish and has a strong commitment and proven ability to work collaboratively with teachers, students, and their families,” O’Donnell said.

The 2023-’24 school year will also include new curriculum changes to the schools.

New curriculum initiatives for the 2023-’24 school year include the launch of EL Education literacy program for grades K-8 and new course offerings at The Morgan School.

O’Donnell described the EL Education literacy program for K-8 as “…a knowledge-building literacy program based on the science of reading that provides students access to a rich and engaging selection of fiction and non-fiction titles.”

Meanwhile there are also new changes coming to The Morgan School.

“At The Morgan School, new courses being offered this year include introductory courses in clothing & interior design, musical theater, and sociology. Additionally, a new course in personal fitness is being added to the physical education and health department.” O’Donnell said.