Our middle school science teacher, Mrs. Lutz, has is taking part in a program run by the Danbury Public Schools, in coordination with Western Connecticut State University, the Connecticut State Department of Education, and the Connecticut Science Center This program is called DESICA, which means Danbury Elementary Science Instructional Coaching Academy. This 3-year program is designed to increase student achievement in science, math, and reading. Approximately 30 teachers from schools in and around Danbury meet throughout the school year and summer. We learn graduate-level science and math content as well as more effective teaching techniques. Teachers who are part of this program will in turn support other teachers in their schools to better integrate student learning in science, math, and literacy. We hope and plan for this program to have a positive impact on teachers, students, and schools.