District Partnership Advisory Council
District Partnership Advisory Council (DPAC) is a district coalition that meets regularly during the school year to discuss and highlight all that Griswold Public Schools has to offer. Community members learn about our students and staff, their achievements, and our collaborative work as a school district and community.
The goal and mission of DPAC is to move Griswold Forward.
The council consists of parents from all schools (Griswold Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, as well as the Griswold Soule Street Academy), school administrators, teachers, Board of Education (BOE) members, students, and several other community organizations. DPAC welcomes any interested participants to ensure that all are informed. Please join us on a virtual meeting!
Partnering organizations include:
- Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce
- Griswold Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone (PRIDE)
- Griswold Senior & Social Services
- Griswold's Youth & Family Services Bureau (GYFS)
- Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA)
- United Community & Family Services (UCFS)
2026-2027 Meetings
DPAC is open to the public! DPAC meets virtually throughout the school year.
2026-2027 Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. EST on Zoom:
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- Wednesday, February 3, 2027
- Wednesday, April 7, 2027
Topics TBD.
Previous DPAC Meeting Content:
2025-2026 Meetings
- Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (flyer link) - the April DPAC meeting was an Introduction to HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) with SERAC and Griswold PRIDE. HOPE aims to fundamentally transform how we advance health and well-being for our children, families, and communities.
2/4/26 DPAC Recording
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (flyer link) - Griswold High School’s School Counseling Director, Elaine Taylor, and Griswold Elementary School’s Early Start CT Representative and Wolverine Forward Extended Learning Director, Jaselyn Caviness, presented a clear, practical overview of registration for early education and high school in Griswold. This presentation covered:
- How to register for Griswold High School (for families in our sending towns: Canterbury, Franklin, Lisbon, Norwich, Preston, Sprague and Voluntown)
- Preschool and Kindergarten registration at Griswold Elementary School, including Connecticut’s updated Kindergarten age requirement (effective since Fall 2024)
11/5/25 DPAC Recording
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (flyer link) - Griswold High School school counseling director Elaine Taylor presented "Paying for College 101" to provide families of students who plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college, university, or trade school with more information on college costs, financial aid, scholarships, and more.
The presentation covered:
- Understanding college costs – public vs. private, net price vs. sticker price
- Types of financial aid – grants, scholarships, work study, and loans
- FAFSA & CSS Profile overview – what they are, when to apply, and key tips
- Scholarship search strategies – using SchooLinks and other tools, staying organized, avoiding scams
- Building a financial plan – creating a family college budget, comparing award letters, and having open conversations with your student
- Plus, additional college resources
10/8/25 DPAC Recording
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (flyer link) - EASTCONN’s Dr. Erin Dunn and Dr. Ravit Stein helped attendees explore what motivates—and disconnects—today’s teens, inspired by the book The Disengaged Teen by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop. To gain valuable insights into adolescent disengagement, the influence of learning styles and technology, and actionable strategies to promote lifelong learning and emotional well-being, view the slides here.
2024-2025 Meeting Archive:
- October 9, 2024 - this meeting was dedicated to the new focus on cellphone use in schools. The meeting included an expert panel of GPS administrators and regional thought partners. Learn more here (PDF flyer) and see the slides and video recording below.
- November 6, 2024 - this meeting was dedicated to advanced technology utilized in our schools. Download the November 6 flyer PDF here or see the slides and video recording below.
- February 5, 2025 - this meeting was dedicated to informing families about registration for the Griswold Early Education Program (preschool) as well as Griswold High School registration for sending town students. See the recording below.
- April 2, 2025 - this meeting served as a spotlight on district community partners, including Griswold PRIDE and Griswold Park & Recreation and Youth & Family Services. Learn more here (flyer). See the slides below.