NHS Dean Of Students Attends Education Policy Fellowship Program

By Susan Coney

Jason Hiruo, dean of students for Newtown High School, was one of 200 in the nation selected to participate in the Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) in Washington, D.C., from April 5 through April 10. On a national level, the fellowship consists of participants that range from school administrators and state leaders to heads of college and legislators.

EPFP serves professionals in education and related agencies who have had diverse professional experiences. Fellows work in local school systems, institutions of higher education, parochial and private schools, state agencies, commerce, economic development, and community-based organizations. They include school administrators, superintendents, college deans, and legislative staff. The diversity of the fellows also is reflected in their race, ethnic background, and gender. Fellows remain in their work positions full-time while taking part in the program and use their work settings to study important leadership and policy issues in their states and across the nation.

While at the Washington seminar topics of study included Pre-K Funding Programs, Technology in 21st Century Literacy, Legislative Actions on Higher Education and Special Education, and Demographic Realities and Opportunities, to name a few.

Mr Hiruo was able to set up direct communications with legislators, government offices that deal with NCLB (No Child Left Behind), and national networks at the local, state, and federal level. He is now a part of the National Governors Association as well as the National High School Alliance, both national connections. As time goes on these connections will strengthen, generating a strong tie between Newtown’s educational success and its models of success for leaders around the nation at local, state, and federal levels.

Mr Hiruo commented about his experience saying, “EPFP has been a tremendous contribution to my career. It has given me new opportunities to stretch beyond my responsibilities to learn and represent my district and state.” Mr Hiruo feels fortunate for the support he has received from Dr Pitkoff, as well as the rest of the administrative team at Newtown High School throughout his efforts. He plans to head back to Washington in August as a consultant to provide a picture of what is happening in terms of technology in the Newtown schools.