CTECS Celebrated Staff Convocation to Kick-off the 2022-2023 School Year

The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) officially kicked off the 2022-2023 school year at a Convocation celebration, welcoming back teachers and staff from 20 school locations. The event was held on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

Executive Director Ellen Solek welcomed CTECS teachers, staff and administrators in the audience.

“We are the most effective, powerful, meaningful and purposeful school system in the state of Connecticut,” she said. “We cover thousands of miles, serve over 11,000 students a day and over 3,000 students in the evening. There is not one district in the state that does what we do.”

Speakers also included Board Chair Patricia Keavney and Assistant Superintendents Dr. Nikitoula Menounos and Richard Cavallaro.

“CTECS is the best thing since sliced bread”, said Keavney.

Dr. Solek recognized the service of staff in schools and central office, many who have worked at CTECS for over 20 years.

“You are tightly knit organization that supersedes being a school system,” she said. “Yes, we are a school system and we are an excellent one, but we are also a family with a network like no other throughout the state. Be proud of who you are and be proud of what you represent. Give your best – our kids deserve nothing less than that.”

Setting the tone for the school year ahead, Dr. Solek ended with a statement about CTECS’ purpose. 

“We recognize the need for a powerful, strong and effective workforce for the state of Connecticut. Our families and communities expect that whenever students graduate from our district, they go on to become successful workforce pioneers and entrepreneurs. We give them that. We do this not only for the state of Connecticut, but the rest of United States…I am so proud of what you will do this year and in years forward.”