Jukins Wins Local Hero of the Year, Macdonough Wins Reading Challenge

At the monthly SURFS Up assembly at Macdonough Elementary School, Principal Jon Romeo announced that the Ronald McDonald House had chosen Macdonough Second Grade Teacher Joanne Jukins as Local Hero of the Year for Connecticut in the teacher category.  Jukins will be presented her award at a statewide event, October 26 at the Governor's mansion.

A surprised Jukins, who was prepared to take a photo of the teacher who would win, was greeted with a huge ovation, presented bouquets of flowers, and surrounded by her happy family who had kept the secret from her.

Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette was also on hand to announce that Macdonough had won the citywide superintendent's Summer Reading Challenge with 100% of students handing in book lists for summer reading.

SURFS Up celebrates monthly achievement at Macdonough including students with high achievements on CMT tests.  Macdonough fourth grade students were number one in the city for math scores with 97% of students demonstrating proficiency.