The Burr Middle School Student Council began collaborating with CT Senator Chris Murphy during the 2022-2023 school year in which the students began meeting on a quarterly basis, ending the school year with an opportunity to see President Joe Biden speak on gun control at the University of Hartford. Senator Murphy has been working with our students, creating an ongoing dialogue on topics of school safety, community safety and access to resources.
In January, Senator Murphy proposed to our students the idea of meeting him at work, where he works alongside Connecticut's lawmakers to make a difference in our community. Senator Murphy invited our students to tour the Capitol building on Friday, February 2 to meet with him and the newly appointed Mayor Arunan Arulampalam.
The students had been preparing a number of questions to ask the Mayor upon their introduction and got to do so in the House Chamber. In addition to Senator Murphy and Mayor Arulampalam (pictured above), students conversed with Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (pictured at top) on issues of safety in the south-end neighborhood.
Students also received an in-depth tour of the House and Senate Chamber and learned about the upcoming legislative session of 2024.
Students who attended the trip were Amaya Chinnock, Adelina Figueroa, Keityhangely Gonzalez, Ojani Lawrence, Yarelis Martinez, Melanie Serrano, Johnniel Toribio Pinto, and Arihanna Vazquez Santiago. Students are looking forward to another meeting with the Senator in the following weeks and hope to continue collaborating on ideas with Mayor Arulampalam.
Keep up the great work, Burr Eagles!
For more information please contact Principal Amanda Martinez or School Social Worker Connor Curland.