Frequently Asked Questions
Do my students who create a Website and Paper have to attend the contests?
Yes, they do. Although Papers and Websites are due 2 weeks before the contests, students are still required to attend the contests and meet the judges.
How many Regions does Connecticut have?
Connecticut has six regions: Fairfield, Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, New Haven, and Torrington. Regional contests are held on Saturdays throughout March. We recommend that you attend the contest that is held in closest proximity to your school, but if scheduling conflicts arise please feel free to participate in the contest that is most convenient for you.
What should I do if one of my students in a group project can't make the competition?
Every effort should be made to attend the Regional and State Contests. History Day staff will work with you to accommodate specific schedule needs. However, if one of your students in a group is unable to attend a contest, the group is still eligible to participate. Please contact the State Coordinator to let her know the name of the student who is unable to attend the contest and the reason why they are unable to attend.
How much help can my student get from their parents or teachers?
All aspects of projects must be created by the students associated with it. However, in circumstances where power tools, or other dangerous materials, need to be used, parental assistance is absolutely fine. Do keep in mind that for the Performance category you or the students' parents may help carry staging items into the room, but the student needs to set up any props.
Is it okay for my student to make changes to their project in-between the District and State Contests?
Absolutely yes! We encourage students to use the constructive feedback that you received at the Regional Contest to improve their project before the State Contest.
Why can't my student choose a current event as my topic?
History Day projects should cover as a topic that is 25 years or more old because it allows the student to assess the topic's impact.
Are captions under photographs/images included in student-written word limit requirements?
Captions do not count if they are simply used for identification. They do count if they are interpretive. Examples -- identification: Photo of the collapsed mine. Interpretive: Photo of the collapsed mine that clearly shows the negligence of the mining company. Names, titles, etc. all count. Any student-composed words count except for those listed in Rule E2 on page 21 of the Rule Book.
Why were student's projects evaluated differently at the Regional and State Contests?
All judges receive the exact same type of training using a judging rubric from the State Coordinator or the History Day Assistant. Keep in mind that projects are being viewed by an entirely different set of people at each contest. Also, the judging at the State Contest is more critical since judges are reviewing top finishers from the Regional Contest.
I have a concern about judging at a contest, what should I do?
All concerns about any aspect of a contest need to be addressed in a letter to the State Coordinator. Emails and calls will not be accepted.
Do you have a question we haven't answered? Please send your question to the State Coordinator at Rebecca.Taber-Conover@cga.ct.gov
Yes, they do. Although Papers and Websites are due 2 weeks before the contests, students are still required to attend the contests and meet the judges.
How many Regions does Connecticut have?
Connecticut has six regions: Fairfield, Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, New Haven, and Torrington. Regional contests are held on Saturdays throughout March. We recommend that you attend the contest that is held in closest proximity to your school, but if scheduling conflicts arise please feel free to participate in the contest that is most convenient for you.
What should I do if one of my students in a group project can't make the competition?
Every effort should be made to attend the Regional and State Contests. History Day staff will work with you to accommodate specific schedule needs. However, if one of your students in a group is unable to attend a contest, the group is still eligible to participate. Please contact the State Coordinator to let her know the name of the student who is unable to attend the contest and the reason why they are unable to attend.
How much help can my student get from their parents or teachers?
All aspects of projects must be created by the students associated with it. However, in circumstances where power tools, or other dangerous materials, need to be used, parental assistance is absolutely fine. Do keep in mind that for the Performance category you or the students' parents may help carry staging items into the room, but the student needs to set up any props.
Is it okay for my student to make changes to their project in-between the District and State Contests?
Absolutely yes! We encourage students to use the constructive feedback that you received at the Regional Contest to improve their project before the State Contest.
Why can't my student choose a current event as my topic?
History Day projects should cover as a topic that is 25 years or more old because it allows the student to assess the topic's impact.
Are captions under photographs/images included in student-written word limit requirements?
Captions do not count if they are simply used for identification. They do count if they are interpretive. Examples -- identification: Photo of the collapsed mine. Interpretive: Photo of the collapsed mine that clearly shows the negligence of the mining company. Names, titles, etc. all count. Any student-composed words count except for those listed in Rule E2 on page 21 of the Rule Book.
Why were student's projects evaluated differently at the Regional and State Contests?
All judges receive the exact same type of training using a judging rubric from the State Coordinator or the History Day Assistant. Keep in mind that projects are being viewed by an entirely different set of people at each contest. Also, the judging at the State Contest is more critical since judges are reviewing top finishers from the Regional Contest.
I have a concern about judging at a contest, what should I do?
All concerns about any aspect of a contest need to be addressed in a letter to the State Coordinator. Emails and calls will not be accepted.
Do you have a question we haven't answered? Please send your question to the State Coordinator at Rebecca.Taber-Conover@cga.ct.gov
