Student behavior and performance is improving in three New Britain middle schools, due in large part to an innovative classroom management model supported by United Way and other local partners, including the Community Chest of New Britain and Berlin.

Only about 20 percent of a student’s waking hours are spent in school. So while time in the classroom is important, after school programs can also significantly increase students’ engagement in learning and improve academic performance. The need for these programs is especially important in the Windham region.

On the August 2011 edition of United Way's Community Connections radio show, aired live on Saturday, August 27, 2011, we learned how partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, schools and government are helping young people explore local career opportunities and set goals for a brighter future.  

HARTFORD —“You are all part of how we define Hartford Public Schools,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto told a group of about 70 nonprofit and community leaders Tuesday at a gathering hosted by Achieve Hartford! and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We can’t be stopped."

Kishimoto, who took over as superintendent July 1, spoke about Hartford Public Schools’ goals in the areas of third grade reading, middle school success and college readiness and about opening doors for young people in Hartford.

The Hartford Community Schools partnership will have an additional $100,000 to support further development and expansion into more Hartford public schools, thanks to an award from United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

Local parents are taking the lead in advancing their children’s success by leading free courses to help improve family communication and discipline.

The Neighborhood Youth Center at Mi Casa Family Service and Educational Center in Hartford was honored with United Way’s 14th Annual Dr. Frederick G. Adams Award May 5 at a reception at The Village for Families & Children in Hartford.  The award, established in 1996 to honor Adams, a longtime United Way board member, recognizes innovative and effective programs at local health and human service organizations. The focus of this year’s award is on services and programs that help children build skills to succeed in school.