Press Releases
05/20/2024
Three Cheers for Cornwall Consolidated School! Cornwall Consolidated School Named 2023-2024 Red, White & Blue “Outstanding” School with Program’s First-Ever $1,000 Prize
Bridgeport’s Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School and Colchester’s William J. Johnston Middle School Named “Schools of Distinction"; 11 Additional Schools Honored as “Red, White & Blue Schools”
(West Cornwall, CT) – In a ceremony earlier today, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, alongside Steve Armstrong from the Connecticut State Department of Education and Brian Cofrancesco of the Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House, recognized Cornwall Consolidated School in West Cornwall as the 2023-2024 “Outstanding Red, White & Blue School” for its 7th grade civics project. This year, the program’s sponsors presented Cornwall Consolidated School with $1,000, the program’s first-ever monetary prize, thanks to a grant provided by CT Humanities.
“We were incredibly impressed by the scope and scale of this year’s Red, White & Blue Schools entries,” said Secretary Thomas. “Students from across the state demonstrated that anyone, of any age can create a lasting impact for their community, if they use the power of civics. Congratulations, to CCS’ students, teacher Will Vincent, and Principal Leanne Maguire for their project, and to all the participating schools for their efforts and dedication to improving their communities through civics.”
Each year, the Red, White & Blue Schools partners select a theme to encourage participants to think creatively about civic education and engagement through an interdisciplinary approach. The theme for 2023-2024 submissions was “Connecting Communities,” which challenged students to consider not only their school environment, but their surrounding community as well.
As part of their project, CCS’ 7th graders focused on bringing attention to the challenges people with disabilities often face. The students researched the Americans with Disabilities Act and looked for ways to make their school and community more inclusive: they learned beginner sign language and Braille; they then taught 2nd graders elements of both forms of communication and informed them about the ADA; they 3D-printed more than 70 Braille signs and hung them around CCS; and more. Cornwall Consolidated School’s 7th grade students described their involvement as: “fun, informative, and something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
The Red, White & Blue Schools committee also named Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School in Bridgeport and Colchester’s William J. Johnston Middle School this year’s “Red, White & Blue Schools of Distinction” for their civics program offerings. Another 11 schools were honored as “Red, White & Blue Schools.” Six to Six’s project focused on connecting with their local communities through a Career Day and a Cultural Arts Day. William J. Johnston Middle School’s submission demonstrated their “climate of community” through a variety of projects, including public service announcements about local issues and a podcast that showcased businesses and community organizations from the area.
“I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Cornwall Consolidated School for being named the Outstanding Red, White, and Blue Schools program for 2023-2024. The school’s efforts are a testament to the power of civic involvement and education,” Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “I am delighted to see a record number of applications for this year’s program, reflecting a commitment to connecting students, schools and districts to their larger communities. Congratulations to all the schools being honored for their participation in this year’s Red, White & Blue Schools program.”
Added Sally Whipple, Executive Director, Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House: "We're happy to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of this year's Red, White & Blue Schools! We're inspired by the students' creative projects and the teachers' commitment to providing authentic, hands-on civic education experiences. This type of learning prepares students for a lifetime of civic participation."
The Red, White & Blue Schools Program, administered in partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House, recognizes K-12 schools that go above and beyond in their delivery of civic education. The goal of the program is to increase the innovative teaching of civics and government in Connecticut and emphasize the importance of active and informed citizenship throughout students’ education in a collection of ways to spur whole-life community engagement.
2023-2024 Red, White & Blue Schools Program Honorees:
“Outstanding School”
• Cornwall Consolidated School (West Cornwall)
“Schools of Distinction”
• Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School (Bridgeport)
• William J. Johnston Middle School (Colchester)
“Red, White & Blue Schools”
• Andover Elementary School
• Bristol Public School
• Deep River Elementary
• East Hartford High School
• Hamden High School
• Mile Creek School (Old Lyme)
• Natchaug School (Natchaug)
• Odyssey Community School (Manchester)
• Plainville Community Schools
• Seymour Public Schools
• Wheeler High School (North Stonington)
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