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Frey, Neunzig, and Vogt for Board of Ed 

Letters to the Editor, slate

From Town Tribune Oct 21, 2021. To the Editor:  The Sherman School takes pride in providing a safe, congenial, and creative experience for all Sherman students.   On November 2nd, the voters of Sherman have an opportunity to ensure that the school will continue this tradition by electing James Neunzig, Kate Frey, and Matt Vogt to the Board of Education (BOE).

Kate Frey is an experienced educator who has been teaching for 33 years in public education.  Her formal training in K – 8 curriculum and proven practices in instruction will add a needed element to our Board.  Kate is a consensus builder, a necessary quality for the Sherman School community.

James Neunzig is running for election to the BOE and is presently the Chairperson.   A resident of Sherman for over twenty years and a parent of three Sherman school graduates, James brings a strong business and financial acumen to the position.  I find his communication style authentic and honest. His top goal is to provide an effective and efficient educational system for the students now and in the future.

Matt Vogt, a lifelong resident of Sherman, is presently a member of the BOE.  He is very active on the BOE maintenance committee and has spent considerable time studying the physical plant of the Sherman School.  His experience, knowledge, and communication skills are essential for the board at this time.

Vote for Frey, Neunzig and Vogt on November 2nd.

Robert Gamper

Sherman

Join me in voting for Kate Kelley Frey

Letters to the Editor, slate

From Town Tribune Oct 21, 2021. To the Editor:  To Sherman Voters,

Please join me in voting for Kate Kelley Frey for a seat on the Board of Education.

While the recent focus on maintenance issues at the school is of vital importance, even more important is what is happening inside the building. Kate’s long experience in and deep knowledge of education will be a vital contribution to the BOE. Her expertise in curriculum will help in designing educational programs that meet the current and future needs of our children.

It’s easy to ignore an election with few contested seats. The local election on November 2nd presents an opportunity to enhance the quality of education at the Sherman School.

Please elect Kate Kelley Frey to the Board of Education.

Andrea O’Connor

Sherman

In Support of James Neunzig for BOE—Authentic, Honest and Loves Sherman

Letters to the Editor, slate,

From Town Tribune Oct 14, 2021. To the Editor:
I support James Neunzig for another term on the Board of Education. James is an authentic and honest person who cares deeply about the school. With his recent appointment to Chair of the BOE, he is taking a thoughtful approach to solving the complexities that come with a small-town school.
James and his wife Kara have lived in Sherman for more than 20 years with their three children, who all attended The Sherman School. I know him to be a passionate advocate for our town and wants to ensure the best outcome for everyone in Sherman.
With 30 plus years in hospitality, and the success of the beloved J.P. Gifford Market in Kent, it is no surprise that James is easy to talk to and is regarded for his ability to listen and take concerns seriously. 1 hope you will join me in voting for James on Nov. 2nd.
Sunday Fisher,Sherman

Vote for James Neunzig Sherman BOE

Letters to the Editor, slate

From Town Tribune Oct 14, 2021. To the Editor:
For the last year, I have had the opportunity to work alongside James Ncunzig on the Board of Education. James has proven his dedication to the school and the taxpayers throughout the last 4 years as he worked tirelessly to improve The Sherman School. In his new leadership role, he has instituted changes to increase the transparency of the BOE that will give the town the opportunity to follow along with the work that is being done to meet the needs of the school.
I have been proud to work alongside someone like James who has the ability to be passionate about the BOE work, remain calm, is considerate to others when learning new information, and makes decisions thoughtfully. The Sherman School and the town have been lucky to have him and another 4 years of his talent is exactly what we need to usher in the next era of the Sherman School. Vote for James Neunzig on Nov. 2!
Matt Vogt, Sherman

Vote Kate Kelley Frey for Sherman BOE

Letters to the Editor, slate

From Town Tribune Oct 14, 2021. To the Editor:
Please join me as I vote for Kate Kelley Frey for a 4-year term on the Sherman Board of Education. Kate offers a very needed perspective to the Board. She is a 33-year veteran teacher with a heavy emphasis on curriculum development and best practices.
She has a very deep history in the town of Sherman moving here in 1976 with her parents Ray and Polly Kelley and brother Joe. She has also raised a daughter in Sherman and navigated the school as a parent through all the choices for her education which adds another much-needed perspective.
Kate would be a very collaborative and thoughtful addition to the Sherman Board of Education.
Mary Lee-Roulat, Sherman

Endorsing Kate Frey for Board of Education

Letters to the Editor, Press Clipping, slate

From Town Tribune Oct 7, 2021.

To the Editor:

Kate Frey, known to many of you as Kate Kelley Frey, is seeking to serve a four-year term on the Sherman Board of Education.  Kate is a dedicated, experienced educator having taught for 33 years in the public school system. She is an outstanding candidate for the Board of Education.

With a Master of Science degree in Curriculum from Western Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern, Kate has a deep knowledge of curriculum development and best practices which would provide a much-needed perspective to the Board. In addition, her collaborative nature and ability to develop consensus will be vital assets to the challenges facing the Sherman Board of Education.

Kate’s connection to the Sherman School goes back to having her first teaching job there, watching her daughter and nephews attend the school, as well as her mother, Polly Kelley, teaching there for many years.  She would love to serve this community that means so much.

Carol Muska, Sherman

Endorsing James Neunzig for Board of Education

Letters to the Editor, Press Clipping, slate

From Town Tribune Oct 7, 2021.

To the Editor:

Sherman is fortunate to have James Neunzig as a candidate for our Board of Education. James communicates in an organized, transparent, team-oriented style. His communication skills have been developed through 30 years of effectively managing staff, employees, and the public. James listens to all sides, assesses the situation, and seeks expert guidance to gain perspective before making a decision. He communicates in an open, civilized, unvarnished fashion and doesn’t become discouraged or confrontational when faced with challenging or unpleasant situations.

Sherman School is facing a critical time and James has demonstrated the ability and temperament to make a positive difference. He has devoted a significant amount of time, thought, and research in an attempt to achieve positive outcomes on issues that benefit the school, our children, and our town. His vision for our school is forward-thinking and one which I wholeheartedly embrace.

I’ve listened to him communicate his vision for our school and our town – he’s the real deal – authentic and honest. I ask you to please join me in voting for JAMES NEUNZIG for Board of Education.
—Ann Chiaramonte,Sherman

Kate Kelley Frey seeks position on the Board of Education

Biography, Press Release, slate, ,

Kate Kelley Frey seeks a position on the Board of Education. This would be her first run at an elective office.

Kate was asked why she is running and why she would be a valuable member of the BOE.

“To volunteer my time and give back to a town that has supported and given so much to me personally, and to my family over many years, would be a tremendous privilege. My expertise in curriculum design and best practices would fill a practical need currently existing on the Board of Education (BOE). Running for a seat on the BOE is a stroke of good fortune: to have the special abilities to give back and a strong sense of indebtedness to Sherman.

“I am currently an elementary school teacher with 33 years of experience in public education who has worked with high needs children in Texas and Connecticut.  I have my Master of Science in Curriculum from Western Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University.  I feel my knowledge of curriculum, best practices, and my collaborative nature would be an asset to the Board of Education. I am a good listener, reflective, and value different perspectives. I believe in cooperation and that when we value all perspectives and work together as a community we get a far better outcome than working alone or in isolation. The needs of the children in our community are my top priority and strive to balance that with ensuring that the taxpayers get the best value for their hard-earned money.

“The Sherman School holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. My first teaching job was at the Sherman School. I  taught 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade social studies filling in as a long-term substitute for several months. It was a supportive, close-knit staff who welcomed me with open  arms and who were delighted to have “one of their own,” come back to teach. The students and parents were also a joy to work with, eagerly participating in our celebrations of Ancient Greece and Rome. One parent volunteered to share a slideshow of her life in Iran before she moved to Sherman with my students.  It was a privilege to work alongside my mother and be part of an engaged community of parents, grandparents, caregivers, and friends who all played a role in supporting student learning in the classroom and beyond.

“In 2007 I moved back to Sherman and built a house in the field behind my parents’ house. I would soon gain a new perspective of the Sherman school community as a parent. My daughter and my brother’s boys would all ride the bus together each day and I would get to know all of my daughter’s classmates and families. We fundraised together, attended art shows, talent shows, musicals, chorus and band concerts, and open house night each year. I have heard many stories from friends over the years about how they felt like their child was part of a bigger community at the Sherman School,  being raised and cared for by a community of adults.  I am so grateful that my daughter and nephews were able to belong to a unique  K-8 school community,  make lifelong friends, experience small class sizes, and participate in all the wonderful programs that the school offers.

“My family became full-time residents of Sherman in 1976 when we moved into what we affectionately called “ the camp.” while we waited for our new house to be completed. I have such fond memories of Lake Candlewood and the bugle call at the Boy Scout Camp that would wake us each summer morning to our parents’ chagrin. Little did I know that one of my future Sherman classmates, whose family were caretakers of the Boyscout camp, would be one of my friends, and we would spend winters ice skating and have sleepovers at the lodge. My brother and I made many friends those first years at Sherman School and I still see many of my classmates around town at the IGA or stay in touch through Facebook.

“I realize that my experiences differ from others but I think all students deserve a great public school with the resources, programs, and curriculum to nurture their curiosity, imagination, spirit, talents, and desire to learn. I am honored to be running for a seat on the Board of Education and will work hard to earn that trust.”