Four Honored for Work with Connecticut Students and Families

WATERBURY, Conn.—March 10, 2025 —The State Education Resource Center (SERC) has announced the winners of the agency's 2025 Parental Involvement Recognition Award. Jim Fleischer (Stamford), Elizabeth Gramling (Stratford), Dr. Ahlam Jalil (Milford) and Marissa Lachance (Bristol) are this year's honorees.

Jim Fleischer has been a champion of parental involvement at the Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE) since 2012, spanning the time during which all four of his children attended the school. He served as leader of the school's Parent Teacher Organization, led the Parent Teacher Council, served as Treasurer for the school's Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO), and has been a longtime member of Stamford Public School's Citizens' Budget Advisory Council. Most recently Jim has served as Treasurer for the school's PTSO, raising significant funds through events with a large portion dedicated to scholarships for graduating seniors. His financial acumen and steadfast dedication have created opportunities directly benefiting all students, reinforcing his commitment to equity.

Elizabeth Gramling served as the Director of Membership for Eli Whitney Elementary School's Parent Teacher Student Association (2020-2022) and as its President (2022-2024). Under her leadership in-school and after-school events became more accessible, equitable and engaging. Liz's thoughtful and intentional approach strengthened the sense of community and inspired broader family involvement in school activities. Elizabeth's work leading the school's annual Read-a-Thon raised nearly $57,000 over three years, significantly enriching programs and resources. Her participation in the school's SEE (Supporting Educational Excellence) program provided skills she used to drive change within the community, keeping the well-being of students and families first.

Dr. Ahlam Jalil mobilized and empowered the voices of the Milford Public Schools community to advocate for Eid-al-Fitr's inclusion on the system's observed holiday calendar. Her approach was not based on demands or statistics alone but rather on heartfelt, handwritten letters from students and families, courageous and passionate statements during Board of Education public comment sessions and community events. These efforts resulted in the Board adding Eid-al-Fitr to the school's holiday calendar. Dr. Jalil has modeled what authentic partnership looks like in action as evidenced in her work as Vice-President of Live Oaks' PTA. She has organized local library events in Milford where children can learn about Ramadan through art and storytelling, helping bridge cultural divides.

Marissa Lachance as the President of the West Bristol School's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) leads by example, fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment. She previously served in the roles of Secretary and Vice-President, and has organized the school's Mum Festival Parade float, Back to School Night, bake sale fundraisers and Trunk or Treat festivities. Under her leadership the PTO partners with the Family Resource Center to provide essential supplies for students, ensuring that every child has the tools they need for school. Marissa has led the Bristol Relay for Life as co-team captain and event co-chair for several years and is a volunteer for the Family Resource Center's Play and Learn Group. Her leadership is marked by tireless commitment and a vision for creating meaningful opportunities to benefit the entire school community.

SERC's Parental Involvement Recognition Award highlights and honors exemplary parental involvement in schools and community organizations and was inspired by Project Appleseed, the national campaign for public school improvement and home of National Parental Involvement Day celebrated each year in November. Honorees are selected based on nominations documenting:

• Active involvement in their child's/children's school and/or community;
• Support of their local school and contributions to high-quality education for all children;
• Evidence of their ability to make a difference in their local school and/or community, and;
• Dedication and advocacy to ensure equity for all parents and their children.

The State Education Resource Center (SERC) is a Waterbury, Connecticut based quasi-public agency providing resources, professional development, and a centralized library to educators, families, and community members in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education and other partners.

SERC believes that all students have the right to access opportunities and experiences that reflect and respect their differences and abilities. In Connecticut, educational outcomes for students of color, students who are English Language Learners, and students with disabilities continue to lag behind outcomes for other students. To help eliminate these opportunity gaps, SERC addresses institutionalized racism and other issues of social justice in schools and districts and both models and facilitates equity in education.

Contact: Bob Sembiante, Director of Public Relations & Marketing
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