Metacomet Elementary School and Carmen Arace Intermediate School have been identified by the Connecticut State Department of Education as “Schools of Distinction” for the 2021-2022 school year.
The recognition is connected to the recently released Next Generation Accountability Report, which measures how well a school is preparing students for college and meaningful careers. Both Metacomet and CAIS were in the Top 10% of Connecticut schools for growth of students identified as “high needs” in the area of English Language Arts.
“This recognition reflects the intensive work going on at those schools,” said Superintendent Dr. James Thompson, Jr. “To be in the top 10% of academic growth is a significant achievement.’’
Students listed as “high needs” by the CSDE meet one or more of the following criteria:
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Receive Special Educational Services
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Identify as an English-Language Learner
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Receive free, or reduced meals, based on household income.
As a school district, Bloomfield has about 60% of students meeting at least one of these criteria.
Thompson praised the leadership of Metacomet Principal Paul Guzzo and CAIS Intermediate Principal Sarah Williams.
“This honor and distinction validates the hard work and commitment our staff puts forth to all Carmen Arace Intermediate School students,” said Williams. “Our students use their growth-mindset to set goals and continually challenge themselves.”
Guzzo commended his Metacomet teachers and staff for their work ethic. He also gave kudos to staff at Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet and Laurel Elementary schools for “setting the foundational skills for our students.”
“This accolade also goes out to our students and their families for being our most valued partner in educating students,’’ Guzzo said.
The Next Generation Accountability Systems measures progress by using such indicators as: academic achievement and growth, course work, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, access to the arts and physical fitness.
Of the approximate 1,000 Connecticut schools ranked through the Accountability system, only 129 received “School of Distinction” recognition.
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