Suffield curriculum panel favors OpenSciEd kits for grades 3-5, preschool Heggerty buy

SUFFIELD - The Suffield Board of Education Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee favored moving ahead on OpenSciEd science kits for grades 3-5 and a preschool phonemic-awareness purchase at a special meeting Oct. 23, according to minutes posted Nov. 4 on the town agendas and minutes page.

Assistant Superintendent Norbut and Justin Kaput told the subcommittee a grades 3-5 OpenSciEd pilot last year produced positive results and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards, and that University of Rhode Island partner GEMS-Net most recommended the curriculum. Supporting one unit in each of grades 3-5 would cost about $26,000 next year, with a $10,000 Title IV grant offset and $6,000 for professional development, the minutes say. The subcommittee was in favor and asked for updates on progress and Grade 5 NGSS scores.

The subcommittee was also in favor of a one-time $636.05 purchase of Preschool Heggerty phonemic-awareness materials. Music staff said growing symphonic-band numbers may require two sections in 2027-28, with AP and ECE fine-arts courses possibly offered every other year. The minutes record no formal roll-call votes and do not show approval by the full Board of Education.

Source: Town of Suffield, Board of Education Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee special meeting minutes, Oct. 23, 2026 (PDF; posted Nov. 4), linked from the agendas and minutes page.

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