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OUR BOARD Elizabeth Horton Sheff Co-Chair Elizabeth Horton Sheff is a justice seeker. Throughout her many years of community activism, she has advocated on many civil rights fronts, including championing the rights of persons who reside in public housing; those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS; families marginalized by economic challenges and grandparents raising grandchildren. Horton Sheff is also known for her role as named plaintiff of Sheff vs. O’Neill, the successful landmark civil rights lawsuit, with mandate to provide equal access to quality, integrated public education in Connecticut. She served on the City of Hartford, Court of Common Council from 1991-1995 and 1999-2001. During her tenure there, Ms. Horton Sheff initiated the “Campaign for Civic Pride,” which increased citizen access to and participation on City Boards and Commissions; promoted jobs and wealth building opportunities for Hartford residents and businesses in city assisted projects; created and led the city-wide literary effort “Keep Them Reading” campaign; encouraged community policing through strengthening the city’s Civilian Police Review Board; and hosted “Community Council,” a monthly public access television show through which she kept Hartford residents informed of resources available and happenings in Hartford city hall. Ms. Horton Sheff is a trained licensed nurse and a graduate of the Hartford Seminary Black Ministries Certificate Program. She holds an Associate and a Bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak State College, and a Masters of Education, Educational Technology degree, from the University of Hartford. She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including a Doctorate of Humane Letters granted by the University of Hartford in 2013. Jim Boucher Co-Chair James “Jim” Boucher is co-chair of the Sheff Movement Coalition and has been active in the Sheff Movement for two decades. Jim also served two terms on Hartford’s City Council, from 2004-2012. During that time, he was the majority leader and chaired the Council’s Education Committee. He was selected to serve on the Hartford School Board, State Trustees Overseeing Hartford Board of Education from 2000-2002. Jim’s extensive experience includes working to strengthen positive youth development in the Greater Hartford region as well as years of successful experience as a leader of a multi-service community organization. Jim received his M.S.W. in Policy and Planning from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, and his B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA. Jim resides in Hartford, CT with his wife Kristen. Jim has two adult daughters Kara and Nicole Boucher. Patricia Beckett Patricia (Patti) S. Beckett is a Connecticut native with a long history of involvement in education and social support programs. A graduate of Hartford Public High School, she earned a BA in ED from Arizona State University, then an MS in marriage and family counseling at Central Connecticut State University. She has taught at both elementary and technical schools, directed a young parent’s program, been involved in counseling in various settings and managed an independent family business. Patti has volunteered in a number of capacities with her church and in the community. She is a widow, with four adult children, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grand sons. Sam Gloeckner Sam Gloeckner is a certified public accountant licensed in Ohio and Connecticut. Sam is Manager in Ernst & Young's International and Transaction Tax Services practice. Sam has been the treasurer for Sheff Movement and a member of its board since February 2021. Sam and his wife Kayla are residents of West Hartford. Norma Neumann-Johnson Norma Neumann-Johnson, Director of the Breakthrough Training Institute (breakthroughtraininginstitute.com ), runs training courses and workshops in the powerful tools of mindfulness and brain science for parents, teachers, schools and communities. Her background includes several decades founding, designing, and being the principal of one, of the two Breakthrough Magnet Schools run by the Hartford Board of Education, known as "Global Schools for Students of Character." Norma testified in the Sheff vs. O'Neill court case for the plaintiffs and has participated in the Sheff Movement Coalition for the past two decades, serving on the Board of the SMC since 2016. Leslie Cayer Ohta Following college, Leslie taught Chemistry and Physics in the Philippines as a Peace Corps volunteer, and lived in Japan for five years, where she taught English and was a copy editor. Leslie was a U. S. Department of Justice attorney for over 30 years, where she handled a large variety of civil and criminal cases. Prior to her retirement, she volunteered to serve for a year in Iraq as a Federal Prosecutor. Leslie has done volunteer work in Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Thailand, the Czech. Republic, Bosnia, and on a Navajo Indian Reservation. In addition, Leslie has been involved with The Children’s Law Center, The Children’s Law Center, Lawyers for Children America, Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, the Glastonbury Rotary Club, the Glastonbury Democratic Town Committee, Glastonbury League of Women Voters, and the Glastonbury Board of Education. Currently, Leslie is on the following Boards of Directors: ABC House, which provides housing and a high school education for minority students; the Glastonbury MLK Community Initiative; and the Board of Probus, which provides support to intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals. In addition, Leslie is on the Steering Committee for the Catalyst Fund of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Leslie is also involved with the League of Women Voters and the Social Justice Committee of TALK, a Glastonbury non-profit which addresses social justice issues; and serves on the Missions and on the Refugee committees of the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury. Jessica Pepin Jessica Pepin is a Hartford native and has worked in education for over 20 years as a School Counselor & Administrator. She earned her B.A. from Central Connecticut State University in Sociology and Criminology and graduated from the Honors Program. After studying the criminal justice system she decided that education and early intervention would be where she focused her energy. She returned to Central Connecticut State University to earn her Masters and 6th Year degrees in School Counseling and Educational Leadership. She is currently an Elementary Assistant Principal for Capitol Region Education Council. She is also licensed as a LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, in the state of Connecticut. Jessica has been steadfast in her commitment to equity in education and teacher development. Duane P. Pierre Duane P. Pierre is the Executive Director and founder of ParaDYM Academy, Inc, a tech ed program that combines critical conscious youth development with vocational training in the digital arts and sciences. Duane is a CCSU alumni with a BA in Communication who retains close professional ties to the University, particularly with the Department of Communication, the Office of Community Engagement and the Office of Continuing Education. Duane has been an instructor and an educator for over 21 years, including 3 years teaching at theJournalism and Media Academy in Hartford, CT for 3 years. Duane also works with youth in Title I school districts, charter and magnet schools throughout Connecticut. He is also a parent with 3 children who have either graduated or currently attend a Hartford magnet school. Rev. Dr. Chinma Uche Rev. Dr. Chinma Uche is a Math and Computer Science teacher at CREC Academy of Aerospace and Engineering. She holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mathematics, a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomathematics (Epidemiology), and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University Theological School. Three of Dr. Uche’s four children attended CREC magnet schools, thereby benefiting from the work of the Sheff Movement Coalition (SMC). Dr. Uche brings to the SMC board her experience advocating for access to quality Computer Science Education for all K-12 students, her experience as a teacher-leader and teacher-trainer, training teachers to bring Computer Science to their classroom across the nation. Dr. Uche also serves her community as a Pastor in the New Room Parish of the United Methodist Church.

OUR COMMITMENT OUR MISSION The Sheff Movement is a coalition of parents, students, educators, and community members working to assure full access to quality integrated educations for every child in the Hartford region. We envision a society where all children have access to high-performing, well-resourced, integrated schools in inclusive, prosperous communities; where capable, caring teachers and administrators reflect the diverse student body; where children learn together, explore together, and play together; where identities are embraced, valued, and uplifted. OUR GOALS The Sheff Movement is a coalition of parents, students, educators, and community members working to expand awareness about Connecticut’s successful voluntary, two-way interdistrict school integration programs and promote improvement and expansion of these programs. Our ultimate goal is to promote quality, integrated education for all children. We do this primarily through outreach, advocacy, and community building activities. The Sheff Movement coalition’s efforts play an important role in supporting families whose children participate (or would like to participate) in our region’s integration programs. Our ultimate goal is to make quality, integrated education available to all students and families who want it. To that end, we aim to: Increase public awareness about Sheff v. O’Neill and, more generally, the importance of integration; Ensure that parents and policymakers have access to data and information that helps them make sound decisions about whether to support and/or participate in our region’s integration programs; Identify policies, practices, and attitudes that undermine ongoing efforts to provide quality, integrated education for all children and take steps to improve them; Grow a network of parents, educators, and community members who are willing to share their perspectives and experiences; and Provide a space for families, students, educators, and supporters to coalesce around a shared commitment to quality, integrated education for all. WHY SCHOOL INTEGRATION? Studies consistently show that racially, culturally, and economically diverse schools are strongly associated with a range of short and long term benefits for all racial groups. This includes gains in math, science, reading, and critical thinking skills and improvements in graduation rates. Research also demonstrates that diverse schools are better equipped than high-poverty schools to counteract the negative effects of poverty. Over the long-term, students who attend diverse schools are more likely than students from homogeneous schools to choose diverse colleges, neighborhoods, and workplaces later in life. They possess better critical thinking skills and analytical ability and are more likely to form cross-racial friendships. SCHOOL INTEGRATION IN CT Approximately 19,000 students participate in our region’s school integration programs, which have been developed in response to Sheff v. O’Neill. Students in Greater Hartford have the opportunity to participate in many different types of integration programs, including: interdistrict magnet schools, Open Choice, reverse choice, vocational-technical high schools, and the interdistrict cooperative grant programs. Interdistrict/Regional Magnet Schools See a listing of Greater Hartford’s interdistrict magnet schools here . Interdistrict magnet schools in Greater Hartford are part of the public education system, but generally offer a specialized theme or focus and are designed to meet Sheff v O’Neill integration goals. Most are built with state support and admission is by lottery. Magnet schools offer an academic focus or theme that may suit your child’s interests and talents. Magnet schools also offer improved academic achievement; diverse student body; higher attendance rates, graduation rates, and lower drop-out rates; and greater parental involvement. The regional magnet schools offer a far more racially and economically integrated student body than most non-magnet public schools in the region. Our magnet schools promote economic integration, which has a positive impact on student outcomes. Nearly 17,000 students in Greater Hartford attended Sheff magnet schools during the 2013-2014 school year. In Greater Hartford, there are a few different magnet school providers. There are 21 Hartford host magnet schools, 19 CREC magnet schools, 2 magnet schools operated by LEARN/Goodwin College , 2 magnet schools operated by Bloomfield Public Schools, and 1 magnet school operated by East Hartford. Hartford Region Open Choice Program The Open Choice program offers public school students in Hartford the opportunity to attend non-magnet public schools in suburban towns. Open Choice increases diversity in area towns and for participating Hartford students. Currently, 25 school districts in Greater Hartford voluntarily participate in the Open Choice program, which is managed by the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC). In 2013-2014, about 2,000 students participated in Open Choice. This program (known first as “Project Concern”) has been operating since 1966; its name later changed to “Project Choice” and is now called “Open Choice.” Reverse Choice Through a policy known as “reverse choice,” public school students in suburban communities can apply to attend non-magnet public schools in Hartford. Interdistrict Cooperative Grant Programs The Interdistrict Cooperative Grant (IDCG) Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding for programs that increase student achievement and reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation. The IDCG program is administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 10—74d. The Sheff Integration Standard An integrated school, under Sheff standards, is a school with at least 25% white enrollment. Because lottery selection is not based on individual students’ race, this integration goal has also led to strong levels of economic integration in the magnet schools SUPPORTERS The Sheff Movement is grateful for current and past support from the following funders WILLIAM CASPAR GRAUSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND HARTFORD FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC GIVING FUND FOR GREATER HARTFORD NORFLET PROGRESS FUND

RESOURCES ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS COVID19’s Impact on Urban School Districts The coronavirus crisis is showing us how regional approaches work; it’s time to apply those lessons to urban schools https://www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed/hc-op-stone-sheff-schools-coronavirus-0510-20200511-pnthqxzpzvb57at7m4jx7j6rle-story.html MARCH 6, 2017 Sheff Movement Legislative Priorities 2017 Sheff Movement’s three legislative priorities in 2017: Ensure that state education finance reforms strongly support and incentivize racial and economic integration both at the district and interdistrict levels. Develop a unified and sustainable statewide school integration program. Require that “progress toward racial and socioeconomic integration” be included in Connecticut’s education accountability systems. Interested in attending […] DOWNLOAD DATA & RESEARCH MARCH 2, 2015 Sheff v. O’Neill in the Universities: Another Impact of Connecticut’s Landmark Case A selection of the growing literature that has reviewed and discussed the implications of the Sheff case. DOWNLOAD DECEMBER 1, 2014 CREC: 2013 Student Achievement Overview by Sarah Ellsworth, Ph.D 2014 Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) released its 2013 Student Achievement Overview, finding that CREC magnet schools are outperforming schools across state in virtually all areas and for all subgroups on the CMT and CAPT. STORIES & MEDIA JANUARY 10, 2020 Hartford Courant : "Milestone Agreement in Sheff vs. O'Neill-school - Hartford " “Milestone agreement in Sheff vs. O'Neill school desegregation case adds 1,000 magnet school seats to ease racial isolation of Hartford students" NBC CT : Judge Approves Settlement in Sheff v. O'Neill, Hartford Public School Integration Case MARCH 17, 2017 Courant Op-Ed: “Big Gains, No Time to Let Down” “The plaintiffs in the Sheff v. O’Neill school desegregation case are more frustrated than anyone that a significant number of Hartford students of color remain in highly segregated, low-performing schools. We are now more than two decades past the Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that, as a result of racial and ethnic isolation in Hartford’s schools, […] FEBRUARY 27, 2017 Taking a closer look at Hartford’s Regional School Choice Lottery From FOX 61: HARTFORD — Hartford parents Susannah and Frank Marchese are anxiously awaiting the school lottery results for their 10-year-old-daughter, Nola, who will be entering sixth grade in the fall. The parents have been researching school options for their daughter since the fall, until submitting her into the Regional School Choice Office Lottery. “We […] FEBRUARY 24, 2017 Betances STEM Magnet School offers unique path to tech future HARTFORD — As part of FOX 61’s mission of HOPE — Helping Organizations Promote Education — Good Day Connecticut is exploring options for students in the Hartford area. In Thursday’s segment, we look at Betances Magnet School and the unique program they have to offer. Principal Tyrone Richardson and engineering teacher Michelle DeLisle talked with […] SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 The Courant: Brand-New Discovery Academy Magnet School Opens in Wethersfield Regional Cooperation Better Than Competition Christopher Hoffman September 3, 2015 © Hartford Courant WETHERSFIELD — After years of waiting and dreaming, students and staff of the Discovery Academy regional magnet school moved into their new state-of-the-art building Wednesday. “We are excited to be in our permanent home,” said Principal Lynn Toper, standing in the new […]

TIMELINE 2013 Phase 3 Settlement (December 2013) The parties announce a one-year “Phase 3” settlement, which increases the number of magnet school seats and seeks to expand Open Choice, while allocating funds to strengthen a Hartford neighborhood “lighthouse” school. 2013 Progress on Integration Goals (Fall 2013) The state releases data showing positive achievement outcomes for Hartford students attending regional magnet schools and the Open Choice program. The 2012-13 integration goal of 41% is achieved. 2013 One Year Stipulation Gives State More Time to Reach Integration Goals (April 2013) The parties adopt a one-year, court-ordered stipulation that gives the state an additional year to reach the 2012-13 goal that 41% of Hartford minority children be in “reduced isolation settings.” 2008 Phase 2 Settlement (Early 2008) Early 2008: The state and plaintiffs agree to a new five-year “Phase 2” settlement that calls for expanded regional magnet schools and use of Project Choice to expand access to quality, integrated education. 2003 CT House of Representatives Approves First Settlement (February 2003) The House of Representatives votes 87-60 to approve an out-of-court settlement in the Sheff v. O’Neill case, which includes plans for eight new integrated magnet schools in Hartford. 1997 Legislature Responds to Sheff v. O’Neill Decision (Spring 1997) The Legislature passes a 3-part response to the Sheff v. O’Neill decision, including: 1) a five-year state takeover of the struggling Hartford school system; 2) a major new commitment to early childhood education throughout the state; and 3) the basic structure of the current two-way, voluntary integration program, including a new regional magnet school system and an expanded interdistrict transfer program to be known as “Project Choice” and, eventually, “Open Choice.” 1996 Connecticut State Supreme Court Ruling (July 1996) The State Supreme Court rules that the racial and socioeconomic isolation of Hartford school children violates the state constitution but sets no goal, remedy, or timetable to resolve the problem. 1989 Sheff v. O'Neill Lawsuit Filed (April 1989) Elizabeth Horton Sheff and other parents file the lawsuit against then-Governor William A. O’Neill, on behalf of their children. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Join the UConn School of Law to celebrate John Brittain and reflect on his many significant achievements as a faculty member. < Back Racial Equity in Education: Honoring the Achievements of John Brittain Past Event Who: Speakers: John Brittain When: March 31, 2022 at 11:00:00 PM Where: UConn School of Law Starr Reading Room Join the UConn School of Law to celebrate John Brittain and reflect on his many significant achievements as a faculty member. Previous Next

SMC Updates < Back September 2014 Meeting Who: Led by SMC Staff/Leadership What: SMC Updates Where: Capital Prep Magnet School - 1304 Main Street Hartford, CT 06103 When: September 27, 2014 at 2:00:00 PM Previous Next

SMC Updates < Back March 2017 Meeting Who: Led by SMC Staff/Leadership What: SMC Updates Where: Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School - 5 Cone Street Hartford, CT 06105 When: March 18, 2017 at 2:00:00 PM Previous Next

MAGNET SYSTEM IN GREATER HARTFORD NOTE: THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED (MARCH 2022) Nearly 17,000 students in Greater Hartford attended Sheff magnet schools during the 2013-2014 school year. In Greater Hartford, there are a few different magnet school providers. There are 18 Hartford host magnet schools, 17 CREC magnet schools, 2 magnet schools operated by Goodwin College, 2 magnet schools operated by Bloomfield Public Schools, and 1 magnet school operated by East Hartford. INTERDISTRICT/REGIONAL MAGNET SCHOOLS IN GREATER HARTFORD (40) Bloomfield School District (2) Global Experience Magnet School Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School CREC (17) Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Elementary School Academy of Science and Innovation Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary School Civic Leadership High School (new name, Academy of Computer Science and Engineering) Discovery Academy Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts (GHAA) / Middle Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts [Full Day] Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts [Half-Day] International Magnet School for Global Citizenship (new name, Academy of International Studies Elementary School) Metropolitan Learning Center Magnet School for Global and International Studies (new name, Academy of International Studies) Montessori Magnet School (CREC) Museum Academy Reggio Magnet School of the Arts Two Rivers Magnet Middle School (new name, Academy of Computer Science and Engineering Middle School) University of Hartford Magnet School East Hartford School District (1) Connecticut IB Academy Goodwin College (2) Connecticut River Academy at Goodwin College Riverside Magnet School at Goodwin College Hartford School District (18) Betances Learning Lab Betances STEM Magnet School Breakthrough Magnet School, North Breakthrough Magnet School, South Capital Preparatory Magnet School Classical Magnet School Environmental Sciences Magnet School at Mary M. Hooker Great Path Academy at Manchester Community College Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy Hartford PreKindergarten Magnet School Kinsella Magnet School of the Performing Arts Montessori Magnet at Batchelder Montessori Magnet School at Annie Fisher Pathways Academy of Technology and Design Sport and Medical Sciences Academy STEM Magnet School at Annie Fisher University High School of Science and Engineering Webster MicroSociety Magnet School ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Magnet Schools of America To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

The Sheff Movement is a coalition of parents, students, educators, and community members working to assure access to quality integrated education for every child in the Hartford region. Picture by Frankie Graziano - Connecticut Public Radio What's New in Our Community SMC Reps Meet with Hartford City Council Hartford City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Sheff in Hartford Courant Plaintiff in CT's defining civil rights education suit speaks" SMC Honors Legacy of Justice Ellen Peters "Chief Justice Ellen Peter was a courageous trailblazer for social justice on many fronts. Her legacy lives on all around us, most especially in the lives of those privileged to attend schools of their choice." ~Elizabeth Horton Sheff, Sheff v. O'Neill Plaintiff/Co-chair Sheff Movement Coalition "Ellen Ash Peters, as the first woman appointed to the Connecticut Supreme Court, courageously extended civil rights through her landmark decision in Sheff v. O'Neill, ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all. Her bravery has positively impacted countless families and set the foundation for ongoing legal and legislative efforts to provide quality integrated education across the state." ~Jessica Pepin, Educator/Sheff Movement Board Member Sheff Honored as Unsung Hero in 7th Grade Art Project For her 7th grade art project at The Unquowa School in Fairfield, Connecticut, Oola Breen-Ryan honored Alumni Specialist, Elizabeth Horton Sheff, as an unsung hero. We are so grateful for Elizabeth's committment to education and for her hard work at GUMSS. Oola is quoted saying, "For my project, I made a stack of cardboard books to show how Elizabeth Horton Sheff paved the way for education in Connecticut. I glued printed versions of the original complaint for the case, as well as the eventual agreement, onto my books. I also included a map of Hartford and a cut-up map of Connecticut. The different counties are separated and scattered around the sculpture to represent the differences in funding for education in parts of Connecticut, but also to show that, ultimately, the differences that are made in one part of a state could affect the rest of Connecticut. Finally, I put some inspiring quotes by Elizabeth Horton Sheff onto the covers and spines of the books." "Use Your Voice" Sheff Movement Leadership Recently Accompanied a Group of Students from Sheff Magnet Schools to the Capitol and Met with Legislators, including Governor Ned Lamont. Stone, Knopp, & Horton Sheff Receive Honorary Doctorates On May 23, 2024 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, Martha Stone, Alex Knopp, and Elizabeth Horton Sheff were awarded honorary doctorates from Goodwin University at the 2024 Commencement Ceremony. WHAT IS THE SHEFF MOVEMENT? The Sheff Movement is a coalition of parents, students, educators, and community members working to assure access to quality integrated education for every child in the Hartford region. Our coalition has an extensive track record of success illustrative of its past, present, and future capacity to effect change. A deep commitment to this work is our greatest strength. We have been meeting monthly for approximately 20 years (among other things), demonstrating a sustained community commitment to actualizing Sheff v. O'Neill's vision of quality integrated education. Learn More... To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. GET IN TOUCH Email us directly or fill out the form to get in touch with us. We will try to respond is as timely a manner as possible. Email: sheffmovementcoalition@gmail.com Submit Thanks for submitting! Where We're Located 75 Charter Oak Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 Contact

SMC Updates < Back February 2017 Meeting Who: Led by SMC Staff/Leadership What: SMC Updates Where: SMC Offices - 75 Charter Oak Ave. 06106 When: February 18, 2017 at 3:00:00 PM Previous Next

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES OUR MISSION: WHY THE SHEFF MOVEMENT COALITION EXISTS The Sheff Movement is a coalition of parents, students, educators and community members working to assure full access to quality integrated education for every child in the Hartford region. OUR VISION: WHAT WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE FOR THE PEOPLE WE SERVE We envision a society where all children have access to high performing, well-resourced, integrated schools in inclusive, prosperous communities. In these schools, capable, caring teachers and administrators reflect the diverse composition of the student body. Children learn together, explore together and play together, forging friendships and celebrating differences. Identities are embraced, valued and uplifted. Shared best practices drive positive learning outcomes and students’ social and emotional growth. And in each school setting, students feel valued and families are respected partners in their children’s education. A legacy of this effort is a just, thriving community that transcends geographic borders as well as divisions of race, ethnicity and socio-economic status. For its work in creating such a community, Greater Hartford is known as a national model for quality integrated education and its impact. OUR VALUES: WHAT CORE BELIEFS WILL GUIDE THE SHEFF MOVEMENT COALITION Quality Education : Academic excellence, skilled, committed professionals, culturally relevant instruction, a safe and healthy environment, ample resources, and a diverse student body and educators who look like them are all hallmarks of a quality educational institution. We believe that such factors should be the standard for all schools. Integrated Education : By learning together, children learn to respect and value people whose racial, cultural, and socio-economic characteristics differ from their own. By learning together, they prepare themselves to understand and thrive in an increasingly diverse and integrated world. Extensive research shows that cross-racial and cross-class learning environments have beneficial effects on all aspects of a child’s educational experience, in contrast to the detrimental effects of segregation for children of all backgrounds. We believe that integration is vital to quality education, and to the dismantling of structural racism. Equal Access : We believe that all children deserve access to quality integrated education, opening up a range of opportunities – social, economic, educational – regardless of the town they live in. Constitutional Justice : The Connecticut State Supreme Court has affirmed that the principle of equal access to education is embedded in the constitution of the state. It has ruled that the racial and socioeconomic isolation of Hartford school children violates their constitutional rights. The State of Connecticut is required to provide every student access to quality integrated education. We believe that it is the State’s legal and moral obligation to fulfill that mandate. Honest Communication : Clear, honest information is necessary for people to make good decisions. We are dedicated to increasing people’s awareness about the value of quality integrated education as well as information about programs that promote it. We support an open dialogue and transparent process regarding access to quality integrated schools. Inclusive Environments : Inclusive educational environments feature culturally competent educators and culturally responsive teaching methods and curriculum. All students are consistently held to high standards, and students’ cultural differences are viewed as assets that will help them achieve at high levels. Students feel a sense of belonging and see their cultural backgrounds and identities reflected throughout the classroom, in the instructional materials, and among the educators and school leaders. We believe every school must offer a nurturing, inclusive environment. Community : We view Greater Hartford as a single interdependent community that can thrive only so long as there is constant communication and cooperation across town, school zone and neighborhood boundaries. We are dedicated to building a just and prosperous community by forming coalitions of families, educators, policy makers and concerned citizens drawn from all parts of Greater Hartford. Anti-Racism : We are committed to examining how racism affects the lived experience of people of color; how racism is systemic and has been part of many foundational aspects of society throughout history; how it is manifested in both individual attitudes and behaviors as well as formal (and ‘unspoken') policies and practices within institutions; and how white people participate, often unknowingly, in racism. As leaders of the Sheff Movement coalition, we pledge vigilant, ongoing self-reflection and promise to incorporate this value in all aspects of our work. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

You are invited to celebrate with us at The Heroines of Hartford unveiling ceremony and view portraits of the honorees painted by renowned D.C.- based artist Levi Robinson. The paintings will remain on display for the community to appreciate < Back Heroines of Hartford Unveiling Ceremony Past Event Who: w/ Master of Ceremony Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad When: May 12, 2022 at 5:00:00 PM Where: EHI Equestrian & Therapeutic Center. 337 Vine Street, Hartford, CT You are invited to celebrate with us at The Heroines of Hartford unveiling ceremony and view portraits of the honorees painted by renowned D.C.- based artist Levi Robinson. The paintings will remain on display for the community to appreciate Elizabeth Horton Sheff to be Honored at Heroines of Hartford Unveiling Ceremony RSVP - info@ebonyhorsewomen.us Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. will pay tribute to eight women who have served the Hartford community through acts of kindness, advocacy, and leadership on Thursday, May 12, 2022. You are invited to celebrate with us at The Heroines of Hartford unveiling ceremony and view portraits of the honorees painted by renowned D.C.- based artist Levi Robinson. The paintings will remain on display for the community to appreciate. The event, made possible with grants from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the City of Hartford, will start at 1:00 PM at EHI Equestrian and Therapeutic Center at 337 Vine Street in Hartford. The special occasion will be hosted by Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad and includes remarks by EHI CEO and President Patricia E. Kelly. Our heroines include women who have had an immeasurable impact on our community, both past and present - attorney Cynthia Jennings, community activist Elizabeth Horton-Sheff, former councilwoman rJo Winch, activist and former city official Patricia M. Williams, social worker and advocate Elba Cruz Schulman, politician and change maker Ella Cromwell, Artists Collective co-founder Cheryl Smith, and environmental leader and "Hartford's Tree Lady", Charmaine Craig. Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. would like to remind Hartford just how appreciated our community and its leaders are. Please join us for this special occasion! Info cited from ebonyhorsewomen.org - https://ebonyhorsewomen.org/heroines-of-hartford Previous Next