Navy Spouse to Represent Connecticut at Annual Moms Congress on Education and Learning Conference

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

LEDYARD, Conn. (NNS) -- A wife of a submariner stationed at the Naval Submarine Base New London has been selected to represent Connecticut at the third-annual Mom Congress on Education and Learning Conference in Washington, D.C., April 29 - May 1.

Parenting Magazine announced Stephanie Calhoun, who is married to Lt. Chris Calhoun, executive officer, Naval Submarine Library and Museum/History Ship Nautilus, was chosen for her outstanding contributions and dedication to improving local schools.

A total of fifty-one delegates, representing each state and the District of Columbia, have been selected to attend the annual event providing them an opportunity to connect with national leaders in education, Parenting Magazine editors, and past Mom Congress delegates to exchange ideas on how to improve our nation's schools.

"I am looking forward to spending time with other mothers who are passionate about supporting local schools. I hope to bring some of that energy and enthusiasm back to Connecticut to build on the great programs we already have," said Calhoun.

The theme of the 2012 Mom Congress conference is "Teach Me Something New," and it is dedicated to fostering crucially important relationships between parents and their children's teachers.

For the third consecutive year, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan headlines the roster of education and advocacy leaders scheduled to address the delegates at the conference. Others organizations scheduled to appear include First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move!, NBC News' Education Nation, Save the Children, National PTA, National Education Association, Teach for America, and more.

Calhoun was chosen to participate in the conference based on her work as an education advocate who has supported the integration of technology into the classrooms; the adoption of a comprehensive in-school and after-school enrichment program; and increased parental involvement district wide.

Her technology focus has enabled the purchase of Promethean Boards in all grade 3-6 classes to support interactive learning and instruction across a variety of media and modalities. She began an after-school enrichment program to provide an extended school day. The project included programs in science, foreign language, technology, and fitness.

Calhoun reflected on what she hopes to learn from attending the annual conference.

"I'm really hoping to get different perspectives and new ideas from the women I will be interacting with from around the nation," said Calhoun.

Under her leadership, the Gallup Hill School Parent Teacher Organization has provided financial and organizational support of the fine arts to provide students with exposure to classical symphonies, plays, musicals, and concert bands.

Her involvement has increased parent involvement including family programs to support the entire community in fine arts and physical fitness and has worked to strengthen the home-school-academic achievement connection with annual read-a-thons and science fairs.

In addition, she has encouraged fellow parents to engage in the dialogue that is happening in regards to changing curriculum and budget constraints in the local school district. Much of her accomplishments have been built on her success at inspiring other parents to bring their talents to the school's children, and motivating and organizing parents to work collaboratively for the benefit of all the students of Gallup Hill School.

Calhoun is a past member of the Ledyard Board of Education and currently sits on its policy committee as the parent representative.

To further support education locally she has joined the Ledyard Economic Development Commission as well as the Ledyard Town Center Committee; both groups are charged with encouraging and supporting economic development in Ledyard. Her objective is to help create a more substantial commercial tax base, therefore relieving some of the financial pressures that currently exist for the school district.

Calhoun is planning on arriving at this year's conference with an open mind to best find ways to help families and their children connect through education.

"I want to go to this year's event with an open mind to better understand how I can help all of Connecticut," said Calhoun.