Students Are Out For Summer, But Schools Are Still Busy

By Sarah Ferris

The final bells have rung and the last locker has been cleaned out, but Newtown schools are still alive with activity.

Throughout the district, schools undergo extensive physical maintenance during July and August.

“When kids and parents walk into the schools in August, the buildings are sparkling clean,” said Superintendent of Newtown Schools Janet Robinson. “The custodial staff works hard all summer.”

Building projects include stripping the floors, polishing desks, repainting rooms, redoing carpet, and rearranging furniture.

This summer, the custodial crew, as well as summer school and other summer classes, will have to work around the two-week period that Newtown High School will be shut down for electrical work. As of this week, these dates are unknown, which makes it “very difficult for the school to work around,” said Dr Robinson. During this time, the building crews will carry on with the high school construction, but no one else will be allowed inside the building.

These summer months are also an opportunity for academic upkeep. Last year, more than 100 teachers districtwide participated in curriculum development.

“Committees of every subject come together and talk about what works and what doesn’t and why,” explained Dr Robinson. “They’ll also look at the state standards and make sure Newtown is not only meeting them, but going beyond.”

Due to budget constraints, much of the regular curriculum maintenance has been cut. The district is, however, going ahead with new concept-based curriculum, beginning in the social studies departments. Concept-based curriculum, Dr Robinson explained, is when teachers put less emphasis on memorizing facts, but instead focus on the big picture. This practice will go into effect in the 2009-2010 school year as a pilot.

“This is a big idea,” said Dr Robinson. “We’re hoping to extend it to other departments as well this summer.”

At the same time, the District Senior Leadership Teams will also be examining their current academic practices. Principals from all Newtown schools will look at the quality of instruction in their own school to find consistency in districtwide practices, explained Dr Robinson.

The team will also attend a two-day seminar with professional academic advisor Howard Fedima. Mr Fedima, who oversaw the district’s Strategic Planning Process, will work with the principals on implementing the changes proposed in the Strategic Plans that were recently approved by the Newtown Board of Education.

“Many of our academic plans have been delayed,” said Dr Robinson. “We have to take smaller steps.”

Funding for professional development has also been cut because, as Dr Robinson said, “We just don’t have money.”

There is also less hiring this year compared to past years because of the together budget, she described.

“Having less money does impact our schools,” said Dr Robinson. “But it is our responsibility to make sure Newtown educations do not suffer.”