Special Services/Special Education Allison Van Etten, Director of Special Services

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I am delighted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Director of Special Services for Stonington Public Schools.  As you are probably aware, Mrs. Brown will be transferring to Guilford Public Schools, in a similar position.  I know you all join me in wishing her the best of luck in her new position!  During the transition period, I have had ample opportunity to meet with Mrs. Brown to discuss many of the important systems and practices that are already in place for our students.  I look forward to continuing this important work with our special services staff, students and their families.

My background in education includes eighteen years in Stonington Public schools both at the middle school and high school levels.  I served six years as a special education teacher at Mystic Middle School, and have spent the remaining years as a guidance counselor at both Mystic Middle School and Stonington High School.  For the past several years, I have also served as both the Director of the Guidance Department and the administrator for all special education services at SHS.  Last, but not least, I am a former Stonington Public Schools' student, and proud member of the Stonington High School Class of 1990.

During the next several weeks, I will be visiting our schools, meeting with principals, support staff and students.  As parents and family support providers, your input, advocacy and participation are valued components of each student's educational plan, progress and future.  Therefore, I would invite you at anytime to contact me by phone, email or to arrange a meeting with me in person and share your experiences, questions and/or concerns.  Furthermore, this information will assist me as I move forward with future programming, setting goals for our department, and putting into practice services that meet the needs of our special education students in the most optimal way.

In closing, I look forward to working collaboratively with each of you througout the remainder of this school year, and for many years to come!  I can be reached at (860) 572-0506 or avanetten@stoningtonschools.org