As part of this year’s Summer Youth Employment Program students have been working to beautify Newtown High School throughout the program’s six-week term.

According to program supervisor and NHS teacher Janice Gabriel, the 13 youths in the program have been “great.”

Ms Gabriel, who is overseeing the program for the first time, said it is “changed up a bit” each year.

The program, which is provided by a grant through the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board based in Waterbury, offers students who apply 20 hours of work a week for six weeks throughout the summer. The program is for students in tenth through twelfth grade.

Ms Gabriel said when she first went to NHS Principal Lorrie Rodrigue for ideas of what the Summer Youth Employment Program could have students work on this summer, Dr Rodrigue immediately thought of beautifying the high school’s grounds. Original ideas included having the students build a tranquility garden.

“It’s taken on so many different renditions,” said Ms Gabriel, about the possible work the students could have completed this summer.

The students have worked on a number of projects since the start of the summer, including placing plants in a number of areas, landscaping, and more.

On Tuesday, July 28, students were working under the direction of Connecticut certified teaching artist Debora Aldo to paint a mural on a wall outside the school’s cafeteria.

“They had to do research on all of this too,” said Ms Gabriel.

Students also planted different varieties of hosta plants and Solomon’s Seal near the wall. Students researched the different plants that would work well and last in the area.

The design for the wall the students were working on Tuesday, July 28, according to Ms Gabriel, represents Newtown High School’s spirit. Dr Rodrigue said the students came up with the idea of creating the mural. Another “graffiti” mural is planned for an adjoining wall next to it.

Three designs were presented to Dr Rodrigue before a decision was made on the final mural, which will include mosaic work.

“The design has come together through a couple of rounds,” said Ms Gabriel, adding that NHS art teacher Carol Skolas also worked with the students on the project.

Dr Rodrigue said on Monday, August 3, the idea of beautifying the high school has been “brewing” for a while. She also said the project engages the students in research while giving them “real world” learning experiences.

The students also went on a field trip to Planters Choice Nursery, according to Dr Rodrigue, to learn more about the projects they would be completing this summer.

As the students worked on July 28, Ms Aldo, who works through the Connecticut Office of the Arts, oversaw the stenciling work for the mural and the planting work alongside the wall.

A “graffiti” design is planned for the wall next to the wall with the mural.

“They get to be outside,” said Ms Gabriel, noting one of her favorite aspects of this year’s Summer Youth Employment Program projects. “I don’t think that kids should spend their summers inside. They are inside all day, all year, and they should have a summer. I love that they are working. It teaches them responsibility and having a job, but I wanted them to be able to experience being outside for the summer, too.”

Ms Gabriel said the students have been working hard and they have been getting along while working together as a team.

“It just makes you so proud that we have students that are that hardworking and invested in their own campus,” said Dr Rodrigue, who said she believes the work the students are completing this summer will be sustainable for years.