Diana Stricker Photo
The Board of Education (BOE) commemorated the retirement of a high school assistant principal Wednesday, and also announced a free summer meals “blitz” and gave an update on the Walsh renovation plans.
BOE chairman Michael Krause (left above) and Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez presented a commemorative chair to Assistant High School Principal Anna Puglia, who has been with the district 28 years. In addition to her duties at the school, Puglia has also served as a liaison between the district and the community for the annual Branford High School senior scholarship program.
“You worked very hard for the success of our schools,” Krause said as he made the presentation.
“It was really an honor to work with you,” Hernandez said to Puglia.
“Thank you for all the good memories,” Puglia said as she recounted some of her favorite ones. “You really touched my heart tonight.”
Hernandez said the district has received 150 applications for the assistant principal position.
Summer Meals Blitz
Diana Stricker Photo
Volunteers from End Hunger CT will be canvassing Branford neighborhoods from noon to 4 p.m. today to knock on doors, distribute flyers and leave informational door-hangers at home, the BOE was told.
“It’s a town-wide blitz to raise awareness of the summer meals program,” Hernandez said. “It’s to alert people the summer meals program is alive and well in Branford.”
This is the third year for the federally funded program, which served nearly 9,000 meals the first year, and 13,000 last year.
Marcia Chambers Photo
Free breakfasts and lunches will be served Mondays through Fridays through Aug.12 at Branford High School and Mary Tisko Elementary School cafeterias. Lunches will be served at Sliney Elementary School. The meals are free for all kids and teens ages 18 and under, regardless of economic level. There are no registration or identification forms required. Kids participating in summer programs sponsored by Branford Parks and Recreation and by the Soundview YMCA are transported by bus to the school cafeterias.
The summer of 2014 was the first year Branford qualified for the summer meals program which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Qualification for the summer program is based on several factors, including the percentage of students who participate in the free and reduced-cost lunch program during the school year, which in Branford is about 24 percent of the enrollment. The summer program ensures that students will have nutritious meals when school is not in session.
The school district partners with the Community Dining Room, Branford Parks and Recreation, and the Soundview YMCA. The Blackstone Memorial Library is also a partner, and will offer bag lunches as long as supplies last.
The meals are prepared by Chartwells, the district’s food service provider, and served by volunteers.
Walsh Plans on Target
Hernandez told the board that plans are proceeding for the Walsh Intermediate School renovation and expansion project.
“We made the progress we had hoped this year, and then some,” Hernandez said during his monthly report. He will be meeting with architects during the next few days to review the plans and the state application.
“The application is on schedule to be submitted to the state June 30,” Hernandez said.
Earlier this month, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) gave final approval), for the project, which is the largest building project in town history. The renovation and expansion is estimated to cost about $88.2 million, about $30 million of which could be covered by state reimbursement, if it is granted. The plans were approved by the Board of Finance (BOF) in January.
Hernandez said they are also starting to look at furniture for Walsh that will be suitable for “classrooms of the future.”
In other news, Hernandez announced that Mary R. Tisko Elementary School will have another half-day session of pre-kindergarten during the 2016 – 17 school year. That means there will be a morning and afternoon session for each of the three elementary schools, serving a total of 96 pre-schoolers.
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