High School Construction and Summer Fun: Farmington Board’s Busy Agenda

A stipple drawing in black and white of a busy school board meeting with attendees discussing the construction of a new high school and summer educational programs.

Farmington Board of Education Discusses Key Updates on School Construction and Educational Programs

Farmington, CT — In a recent Board of Education meeting held on June 3, 2024, significant updates were provided on the ongoing construction of the new Farmington High School and various educational programs in the district. Here are the key takeaways from the superintendent’s report.

Summer Learning Programs
The district has planned a variety of summer learning opportunities for students. These include the Summer Exploration Academy at Westwoods, which combines the extended elementary school year program and unique services. With around 140 students enrolled, this program promises a robust educational experience. Additionally, music enthusiasts can look forward to the Strings Camp and Music Band Camp, boasting enrollments of 150 and 50 students, respectively. Middle-level and high school students also have opportunities for academic enrichment and credit recovery, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed.

Farmington High School Construction Update
The new Farmington High School construction is progressing on schedule and within budget. Megan Guerrero, Chair of the FHS Building Committee, provided an encouraging update. The new facility is set to open for the 2024-2025 school year. Key dates include the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 26, 2024, inviting the community to tour the new building. The renovation of the central office building and the demolition of the old structure are also on track, with completion expected by early 2025.

Continuing Education Annual Report
Laurie, the Coordinator for Continuing Education, highlighted the successes of the 2023-2024 academic year. The state-mandated programs, including ESL, GED, ABE, and citizenship classes, saw a significant increase in enrollment, with 334 students participating. The GED Math Bootcamp, a new initiative, aims to help students prepare for their exams more effectively. Additionally, the enrichment programs have seen a steady increase in participation, offering a wide range of courses and activities to students in the district.

Farmington Extended Care and Learning (Excel) Update
Brian Zario, the coordinator of the Excel program, reported on the program’s growth and success. The program has significantly increased with over 548 students enrolled from the previous year. The Pay to Participate and Intramural programs also experienced high participation, with 401 students involved. Financially, the program remains self-sustaining, a testament to its effective management and the strong demand from the community.

Conclusion
The Board of Education meeting underscored the district’s commitment to providing its students with high-quality educational opportunities and facilities. With the new high school set to open soon and various summer programs in place, Farmington continues to support and enhance the learning experience for all students.

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-JB-