Superintendent Willett's Bulletin
3-3-2025 Update
Embedded Files
A QUICK LOOK @ WHAT TO KNOW!
A QUICK LOOK @ WHAT TO KNOW!
The Harlem Wizards are returning to Tolland
Harlem Wizard Game - Final Tolland Team Roster Announced!
Our teachers are ready to take on the legendary Harlem Wizards and it’s going to be an unforgettable night!
This fundraiser supports the work of the Tolland Education Foundation (TEF), whose mission is to inspire and fund innovative, creative learning experiences in Tolland Public Schools that enrich academics and build life skills for the youngest to oldest students of all abilities.
Over HALF of the tickets are already SOLD!
Don’t wait, this event will sell out!
Grab your tickets now and come cheer on your favorite teachers!
https://api.harlemwizardsinabox.com/game/event/tollandct03-21-26-05-00pm/
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Tolland Public School Literacy Newsletter for March
Check it out:
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CHECK OUT
The Phantom of the Opera
Click the link below for more Information
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Bn1y2YmqGQ8rUa-sng53A6QgHvsOYaO/view?usp=sharing
Click below to purchase tickets
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THS GRADUATION DATE
June 19, 2026
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TENTATIVE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 2025-2026
The tentative last day of School is now June 22, 2026, due to the snow days.*
*Additional snow days and/or action of the Board can change this date.
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ASK A BUDGET QUESTION!
Budget information
https://www.tolland.k12.ct.us/board_of_education/budget
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Birch Grove Primary School
247 Rhodes Road in Tolland, CT
will host the 2026-2027
Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7:00 pm
Check-in will take place in the atrium. The inclement weather date will be Wednesday, March 11, 2026. This informational meeting is for parents and guardians of students entering kindergarten in the fall of 2026. The online registration portal will be open after the March 10 informational meeting.
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TPS LITERACY CORNER
A NEWSLETTER & RESOURCE FOR Pre-K to 5 PARENTS/GUARDIANS & STUDENTS:
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LOCKDOWN & SECURE BUILDING DRILLS
Be advised:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kAHgXnPNJNhy9cGPavraIz7XYkIaWVIVfZNc_u-x2vQ/edit?usp=sharing
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Birch Grove Primary School Preschool Information
Click link below for more information
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HmYeBnxSzEq8Pmsn6XJCgwWlpesrAXU5/view?usp=sharing
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ONLY 4 Cards Left!
Tolland ALICE Enrichment Partnership in collaboration with the Tolland Public Schools and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut offer financial assistance for families
(for student clubs, sports, activities, and more)
Help your child find some FUN this school year!
The Tolland ALICE Enrichment Partnership can help your child participate in music lessons, dance classes, sports, field trip, clubs, and so much more!
Qualifying ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)* families
can receive $100 per child – up to $300 per family –
to subsidize fees for enrichment activities during the 2025-26 academic year.
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Early Release Days
March 11
March 25
April 29
May 13
June 3
and the last day of school
Tolland High School
Early Dismissal/Exam Days 7:15 am - 10:45 am
Tolland Middle School
Early Dismissal 8:00 am - 11:45 am
Tolland Intermediate School
Early Dismissal 8:45 am - 12:40 pm
Birch Grove Primary School
Early Dismissal 9:00 am - 12: 55 pm
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Superintendent Community Forum (Zoom)–
Come share ideas & ask questions!
4:00 pm on the following dates:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87375511973?pwd=eTZGUEZzNDlaYkl6N3lxdnA3UlprZz09
Meeting ID: 873 7551 1973
Passcode: 5sC9ud
February 26, 2026
March 26, 2026
April 23, 2026
May 28, 2026
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Class of 2026!
CLASS OF 2026 FUNDRAISING CONCESSIONS
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TcTsU7gkXWqLZNU-7uygoQrLcSD93JaF/view?usp=sharing
This Basketball Season...
SUPPORT THE SENIOR
CLASS OF 2026
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jjxOiRraHU78Y1E1WGHmIoqo8kYXQnfk/view?usp=drive_link
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PUBLIC SAFETY REMINDER
Snow Tunnels
With the recent snowfall, we want to remind families about the dangers of children playing in or around snow tunnels, snow forts, and large snow piles.
While these activities can seem fun, snow structures can collapse without warning and pose serious safety risks, including suffocation and injury. For this reason, students are not permitted to dig tunnels, build snow forts, or play on snow piles at school.
We ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home and talking with your child about safe winter play. Please encourage them to enjoy the snow in ways that do not involve digging or climbing into snowbanks.
Thank you for helping us keep all students safe during the winter season. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
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Family Resource Center
Preschool and Kindergarten Readiness Programs’
Open House
Click the link below for more information
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11ADAiUV67YyH12UVXiEr7y7sdqf9yfvC/view?usp=sharing
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BIRCH GROVE PRE-SCHOOL
Birch Grove Preschool is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Use this link to access the application and for more information on the preschool program.
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Job Openings
· 1.0 FTE Spanish Teacher at Tolland Middle School
· 1.0 FTE Paraeducators are needed at Birch Grove Primary and Tolland Intermediate School
· 1.0 FTE 10 Month Associate Behavior Intervention Specialists
1.0 FTE positions are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage as well as a retirement plan.
For more information and to apply visit our website at
District Offices/Human Resources/Employment Opportunities
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Approved 2026 – 2027 School Calendar
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lM1Zus3azYkjB-HsS06Ayi0wWskVVbts/view
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Tolland Public School Annual Notifications
https://www.tolland.k12.ct.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=891651&pageId=48325998
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MEAL CHARGING POLICY
5402 Meal Charging Policy
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ATTENTION PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Supplemental Student Accident
Insurance is Now Available
Click the link below for more Information
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18y4fiBXIRt10PifaFK4FhmX_5MOcTKTI/view?usp=sharing
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SMART-PASS Information
Have questions about the "SmartPass" software presented by Principals? Please see additional information here:
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TPS CLUB HUB
Information on TPS Clubs and Activities
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School Nurse Contacts
School Nurses
THS-
Cindy Davidson, RN
cdavidson@tolland.k12.ct.us
860-870-6838
TMS-
Laura Dolcelli, RN
(District Nursing Coordinator)
ldolcelli@tolland.k12.ct.us
860-870-6868
TIS-
Troy Carlson, RN
tcarlson@tolland.k12.ct.us
860-870-6891
BGP-
Victoria Lawhon, RN
vlawhon@tolland.k12.ct.us
860-870-6755
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Message from the High School Principal regarding AI Image Manipulation
Please see message below regarding an Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) trend in schools:
I am writing to inform you of a concerning trend that has recently come to our attention that is taking place in high schools. Some students have been utilizing A.I. tools/applications to manipulate images in ways that are inappropriate and potentially harmful to others. Specifically, students have taken or used pictures of students and generated altered images depicting individuals kissing, appearing shirtless, and/or placed in suggestive or misleading locations such as on a car or in other fabricated settings.
These actions, while often framed as jokes or digital experimentation, can have serious consequences. They may violate school policies and state laws, and they can deeply affect the emotional well-being and safety of the students involved. To ensure clarity and transparency in the potential steps taken to investigate matters of this nature, I have linked relevant Tolland Public Schools policies/regulations below for you to review with your student:
Policy 5070 - Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harrassment
Regulation 5070 - Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harrassment
Policy 5081 - Bullying Prevention and Intervention
Regulation 5081 - Safe School Climate Plan
Tolland High School is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students. We take these matters seriously and will respond appropriately when incidents are reported. This may include disciplinary action, counseling, and involvement of law enforcement if necessary. In the near future, I will reinforce this message to our students during announcements.
We ask for your partnership in speaking with your student about the responsible use of technology and the impact their actions may have on others. Please remind them that digital/electronic behavior is subject to the same standards of respect and accountability as in-person interactions. If your student has experienced or witnessed any form of harassment or bullying, we encourage you to report it to school staff immediately. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and valued at THS.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration in fostering a positive school climate.
In Partnership,
Thomas Poland
Principal
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Use FIRSTVIEW the Bus Tracking App for Parent/Guardians
https://sites.google.com/tolland.k12.ct.us/tps-firstview/home
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FREE & REDUCE LUNCH ? MEAL APPLICATION 2025-2026
The free/reduced meal application for the 2025-26 school year has been added to the Tolland Schools website. To access the application and all related information please use this link:
Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application Information
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Are you interested in being part of the School Wellness Committee?
If so - please contact wwillett@tolland.k12.ct.us and jpalumbo@tolland.k12.ct.us and let us know
School Wellness Policy
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Please see our community notices links at the bottom, and included here as well:
Recent community notices & information
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Connecting Schools to Care IV Students: School Mental Health Resource and Support Guide
Click link for more Information
Mental Health Support and Services
Click link for more Information
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We would love to have you volunteer in our Tolland Public Schools!
Please contact the Central Office with any questions. For those already volunteering, and those new to the game, the BOE will now do background checks every three school years. If you will be volunteering for the first time in the upcoming school year, please complete the volunteer form After you have submitted your application, please call 860-870-6850 extension 2 to provide your social security number. You can check with the school secretaries to verify your status.
Please note these procedures are required for safety and legal reasons. A person will not be permitted to join trips, work in classrooms, or do other work associated with the students in the schools without completing this process. Doing paperwork in advance and in a timely manner will prevent applicants from missing important events and avoids unnecessary disappointments and exclusions.
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Tolland's own Lincoln-the-Dog's
Guide to Paw-some Attendance
Click Here for More Information
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FMX system Building Use Reservation/Sign Up Information
Click Here for More Information
FMX Sign in and Use by Community Members
FMX is our new software platform for the Tolland Public School schedule requests and replaces our former Building Use request process. Community Members wanting to request a school space for functions (not already scheduled and approved) can access the platform via the link below:
https://tolland.gofmx.com/login
You will be asked to create an account on this screen that includes a log-in and passcode that will be exclusively your own when accessing this system. You will also be required to submit proof of liability insurance upon initial sign-up. If you are not required to have insurance an FMX Administrator will be able to approve the account without it when they approve the initial account creation request.
FMX is a cloud-based system so you can access from anywhere that has access to the web.
For all previously submitted schedule request (via the old method) to make any changes, cancellations or adjustments to that event requires you to contact the school directly via phone, email, etc. All new schedule requests starting December 2nd, 2024, should be submitted via the FMX method as listed above.
Any questions regarding account activation can be made to the School Administrative offices at whichever school you are requesting to use:
Birch Grove Primary School- phone, 860-870-6750
Tolland Intermediate School-phone, 860-870-6885
Tolland Middle School-phone, 860-870-6860
Tolland High School-phone, 860-870-6818
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SUBSTITUTES ARE NEEDED DISTRICT WIDE
We need teacher, paraeducator, custodial, nurse, and food service substitutes.
You can choose what position, where and how often. Paper applications are available at the BOE office or can be printed from our website:
https://www.tolland.k12.ct.us/DistrictOffices/human_resources
Do you know someone that might be interested such as a college student (there is plenty of work over the winter break and/or mid May through end of year) or retired family member?
Please send them our way.
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NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE(S)
Welcome Back Students and Families to the 2025-2026 School Year. My how far we have come!
I wanted to take this opportunity to give some quick reminders to families to more easily navigate the school year.
Medications- all students who take a scheduled medication at school, or have the need for an emergency medication must have a current medication order on file with the school nurse. These orders are good for one year only and must be kept up to date. Please speak with your student’s school nurse for any specific medication questions you may have. Students are not allowed to carry their own medications with them during the school day in MOST instances, with the exception of of epi pens and inhalers. Those medications DO require a medication order to be given to the school nurse.
Required Physicals- ANY student new to Tolland Public schools, EVERY 6th grader, and EVERY 9th grader must submit a new physical from a qualified medical provider. This must include the third page which is an oral health assessment. The oral health assessment may be completed by either their medical or dental provider. If you would like a blue form, please reach out to your school nurse. Otherwise you may submit the form your provider uses OR you may use this link https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/school-nursing/forms/health_assessment_record.pdf
Illness and Attendance- please keep your student’s school nurse up to date if they are missing school due to an illness. Please do not send your student to school who has a fever that persists, who has vomited with the past 24 hours or is generally not well enough to be in school. General guidance for all respiratory illnesses (including COVID) is to stay home until you are fever free 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications, practice good hand hygiene, practice distancing as much as possible, use a mask for up to 5 days after symptoms begin. For any respiratory illness where a cough persists, consider using a mask to be mindful of others you will be around.
School attendance is important. Students need to attend to reap the benefits. Students missing school for reasons other than illness has a great impact on your student, as well as their classmates. Please reach out to your school administration, school counselor, and nurse if you are experiencing any difficulty with school attendance for your student. The school nurse will be able to direct you to needed resources that may improve your student’s attendance. Your student’s school nurse works closely with the attendance team at each school to help determine when an attendance letter needs to be sent. The letter sent home often does not reflect all school time missed. Encourage good attendance this school year.
We welcome your students back!
Tolland Public School Nurses
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Notice from Tolland Food & Nutrition Services - MEAL MAGIC!
Dear Tolland Families,
The Tolland Food & Nutrition Services Department is writing to inform you of this software. It requires a new biometrics scanning system for identification purposes at the point of sale. Therefore, we will need to rescan all students’ fingers for use with the new system. The rescan will occur at the beginning of the new school year. See additional information about biometrics below.
Meal Magic has a family portal where parents can create a free account to access the student meal information. On this portal, there are instructions and videos that walk you through your new account. Just click here to be directed to that portal system: https://tolland.familyportal.cloud/ The identifying piece of information that you will need to link your child to your parent account is their student identification number. If you do not have this number, it is the 5 digit number on the end of your student’s Tolland email address or you can contact us for the number.
The Meal Magic Family Portal will replace the My School Account system that is currently in use for online payments. You can use the Meal Magic Family Portal to view balances, see account and purchase histories, make deposits, transfer money among family members, and set parental controls.
You may still send in cash or a check made payable to “Tolland Food Services” to your child’s school if you choose not to make online payments to the account. Once you have created an account and accessed the system, you will see that your student’s balance has been transferred from the old system.
Tolland Public Schools have been using a finger scanning ID system for many years and have found it successful in allowing the students to optimize their time in the cafeteria. Here are some pieces of information for you about this system:
Nothing in the process of purchasing lunch will change for the students. However, each student will need to have their finger rescanned. This will be done in school with as little disruption to instruction as possible.
Being part of the system is voluntary and you may OPT OUT if you don’t want your child to participate. Also, if you have already OPTED OUT your child, you will not need to contact us again. Those students who have already opted out of participation will continue to be opted out in the new system.
There are no images of any fingerprints taken. The initial finger scan is converted to an encrypted string of numbers - the template. The template is only associated with the student’s name, student ID number, grade and school.
All templates are located behind the school district’s firewall with all the security protections currently in place for all our data. The vendor providing the software for the finger scanning does not host or have access to any of our data.
The templates are only being used to identify students who are enrolled in our system.
How does finger scanning ID work?
We will be using finger scanning ID similar to many smart phones. Using a finger scanner, the software scans certain unique points on the finger to create and store individual numerical templates that identify each student. When the student returns, the software again scans the finger and looks for a numerical template match in the database. When a match is found, the student is identified. This all happens in about a second.
What about the privacy of our students?
The software scans the finger for identification. It does not store a copy of the fingerprints. Instead, the software creates a template of the unique points on the finger. The template is converted to a unique number and is stored in the school district’s database with the same high level of security of all our records.
It is important to understand that we are NOT fingerprinting students. In addition, fingerprints cannot be recreated or delivered to any agency - governmental or otherwise.
It is important to us that your child’s experiences in school are educational and rewarding. This way of identifying our students is safe, easy, accurate, efficient and secure. If you have any questions or do not want your child to participate and opt out of the system, please contact me at the number or email below.
Sincerely,
Kim Mecteau
Food & Nutrition Services Director
860-870-6854, ext. 2
kmecteau@tolland.k12.ct.us
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Public Service Announcement - Firearm Safety in the Home
Information Message - Please click below
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Please check out our COMMUNITY NOTICES link below
Check out the many important activities!
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Please see this important information regarding Medication Administration on field trips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tie3f5oIfl972l86NY1X2OaJy8Ir4ttbdxsRGyzOqc4/edit?usp=sharing
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VIDEOS OF INTEREST & GENERAL INFORMATION:
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ASK A BUDGET QUESTION!
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Check out the Superintendent’s Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tollandpublicschools
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Annual Notifications
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2026 Board of Education Meeting Dates
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2025-2026 Bus Lists
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d8aOyJkMx1ok-UqlkUMVnT6Kqhr_VrEp/view?usp=sharing
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FIRSTVIEW the Bus Tracking App for Parent/Guardians
https://sites.google.com/tolland.k12.ct.us/tps-firstview/home
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HELPFUL #'s for Parent's and Guardians
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y7OeNUXheugoJzbVHKBIssekgACmqaIX/view?usp=drive_link
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2025-2026 School Calendar
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School Lunch Menus
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School Nurses
THS-
Cindy Davidson, RN
cdavidson@tolland.k12.ct.us
860-870-6838
TMS-
Laura Dolcelli, RN
(District Nursing Coordinator)
ldolcelli@tolland.k12.ct.us
860-870-6868
TIS-
Troy Carlson, RN
tcarlson@tolland.k12.ct.us
860-870-6891
BGP-
Victoria Lawhon, RN
vlawhon@tolland.k12.ct.us
860-870-6755
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Snow Procedures
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Interested in the data?
Check out the Superintendent's new
TPS Data Portal
https://sites.google.com/tolland.k12.ct.us/sqr/home
The TPS Data Portal is a site that provides rolling data on academic subject areas and social and emotional programming (updated as data becomes available) for the TPS community. If you have any questions, please contact me!
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REGULAR - 2 HOUR DELAY - & Early Release Schedules
Tolland High School
Regular School Day 7:15 am - 1:43 pm
2-Hour Delay 9:15 am - 1:43 pm
Early Dismissal/Exam Days 7:15 am - 10:45 am
Tolland Middle School
Regular School Day 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
2-Hour Delay 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Early Dismissal 8:00 am - 11:45 am
Tolland Intermediate School
Regular School Day 8:45 am - 3:15 pm
2-Hour Delay 10:45 am - 3: 15 pm
Early Dismissal 8:45 am - 12:40 pm
Birch Grove Primary School
Regular School Day 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
2-Hour Delay 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Early Dismissal 9:00 am - 12: 55 pm
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Check out the Superintendent’s Page
You can find many resources there from the Capital Improvement Plan to Superintendent Community Forums – to Community Workshops
Check it out today:
http://www.tolland.k12.ct.us/DistrictOffices/superintendent/superintendent_willett_s_page
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