People all over Connecticut will be rocking out in support of Autism this summer! On July 24th, Roses for Autism at Pinchbeck Rose Farm in Guilford , will host “Autism ROCKS”, a benefit concert to raise awareness and funds in support of its programs. It is also a great chance to come and learn more about the program for schools, parents and agencies!

 Autism ROCKS will feature eight local, acoustic musicians and three celebrity judges. Roses for Autism has partnered with WEBE 108 to help select contestants for the event. Acoustic musicians may enter by e-mailing an mp3 of their music to WEBE 108. Eight finalists will be chosen and their songs will be posted to the WEBE 108 website prior to the event.

The winner of Autism ROCKS will have their music promoted on WEBE 108 and their sister station WICC 600 AM, an interview with radio personality Robby Bridges and visibility on the WEBE 108 website.

The concert will be held on July 24th from 3-7 pm at Pinchbeck Rose Farm, 929 Boston Post Road , Guilford , CT. The event will also feature local vendors and farms selling food and beverages, a Guitar Hero competition, tours of the greenhouse and autism resources provided by the ASRC and ASCONN. It is a great way to see how Autism Works and the overall program too!

Tickets are $10 each, but for $15 you will also receive a sample bouquet from Roses for Autism as you leave the concert. All proceeds will support employment opportunities for people with Autism. Tickets may be purchased via the phone: 203-453-2186, on the day of the event

To the Editor:

Academic alternatives have always existed in abundance in the central Connecticut region. In addition to the public schools of all varieties and parochial schools, independent schools have flourished in Connecticut for decades and some for centuries. The existence of these independent schools is often overlooked in many cases because of a bias against what is perceived to be a “private” institution where access is granted only to those with sufficient financial resources. Connecticut’s independent schools have progressed well beyond this limited view.

In Connecticut, roughly thirty-one thousand students are being educated in approximately one hundred independent schools that vary in size, environment, and program. They are coeducational and single-sex schools that range in grades from pre-K to grade twelve and some offer a post-graduate year. Our schools are as varied as the communities in which they exist. We are all connected by a bond of collegiality that has been cultivated over many years.

But what specifically do we offer that makes us a valid alternative to the public schools? Our schools offer a wealth of academic programs that have consistently and thoroughly provided for the educational needs of a wide variety of learners. We provide challenge for those looking for it, and we provide skills for those needing it, in some cases within the same school. Because of our relatively small school and class sizes, we are in a position to work closely with parents to provide an environment in which our students and children learn in physical, emotional, and social safety. Our schools provide an effective counter measure to the vagaries of modern media, and at times, the questionable values they convey. Our students learn and grow in caring nurturing environments.

The benefits of an independent education come at a cost, to be sure. While closely tied to one another, each school survives on its own and within its means. Most of our schools are tuition driven, the greater portion of which supports the experienced and professional faculty who make these schools what they are. Nevertheless, our schools are mindful of the cost of tuition. Financial aid, and in some cases merit grants, are available to families of all means. The process for filing is confidential and easily accomplished.

Connecticut independent schools are diverse, future-oriented schools who look to prepare students for the complexities of modern life. We foster a sense of community and service as a natural outgrowth of our philosophical approach to learning and working together. We provide experiences that awaken the hearts and minds of young people to the world of opportunities around them. We invite you to learn more about us.

Michael D. Dooman
Mooreland Hill School
Kensington