Press Releases
08/10/2022
Connecticut State Department of Education Announces Connecticut PK-12 School Staff Appreciation with a Digital Backpack of Discounts
(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut State Department of Education is pleased to announce a PK-12 special school staff appreciation opportunity in collaboration with local businesses and partner state agencies. This promotion will begin on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, and will continue through September 1, 2022. This promotion includes a Digital Backpack with discounts to local Connecticut businesses that have opted-in to provide discounts to school staff.
These discounts will be made available to all school and district staff working with students from PK-12th grade who hold a valid school or employer identification card. Eligible public and private school staff including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, administrators, school nurses, teachers, school nutrition staff, school counselors, school psychologists, custodians and everyone who plays a part in the school ecosystem.
“Connecticut has the best teachers and school professionals of any state in the nation, and this Digital Backpack is an opportunity to let them know how much we appreciate them and how grateful we are for the opportunities they are providing to our state’s youngest residents,” Governor Ned Lamont said.
“Our state’s teachers and school staff do more than teach our children, they are active parts of students’ lives and offer extra levels of support and guidance both in and outside of the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Connecticut has some of the best public schools in the country, and this amazing Digital Backpack program is a great opportunity to give back to our teachers and school staff and show our appreciation for all of their incredible, dedicated work.”
“All of our school staff have worked incredibly hard to support our students throughout the pandemic,” Education Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “This is a special thank-you for school staff to enjoy during the remaining weeks of summer before the start of the next school year. We thank Connecticut's local businesses for participating in this initiative”
Additionally, this Digital Backpack highlights existing promotions at state parks, including free entry and parking for Connecticut registered vehicles in Connecticut’s 110 State Parks and 32 State Forests through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Passport to the Parks program. Free transportation to several state parks and beaches during the summer months is also available through ParkConneCT, a collaboration between DEEP and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
If you are a business interested in participating, please contact Sammi Bray, sammi.bray@ct.gov, by August 15, 2022.
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For Immediate Release: August 2, 2022
CSDE Contact:
Eric Scoville, Director of Communications
Email: Eric.Scoville@ct.gov
DPH Contact:
Chris Boyle, Director of Communications
Email: Christopher.Boyle@ct.gov
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