Hawley Project To Take Up 2022-23 School Year

The first day of the 2021-22 school year at Hawley Elementary School had eager students arriving off school buses greeted by school staff. —Bee file photo A classroom at Hawley Elementary School in mid-July had exposed ceilings due to the ongoing HVAC project. —Bee Photos, Hallabeck

By Eliza HallaBEck

Hawley Elementary School’s HVAC project is underway and there are many plans in place for the 2022-23 school year to accommodate the school being closed to students and staff during the project’s duration.

Before the 2021-22 school year came to a close, the Board of Education heard project plans at its June 7 meeting. With the project’s scope impacting the building, plans had been made to relocate Hawley’s younger students to Sandy Hook Elementary School and older students to Reed Intermediate School for the 2022-23 school year.

“We are ready to welcome Hawley kindergarten and first grade to Sandy Hook,” said Sandy Hook Elementary School Lead Teacher Kelly MacLaren. MacLaren shared that at Sandy Hook School there will be a total of 28 classrooms in use for both elementary schools, seven for Hawley and 21 for Sandy Hook School.

“We’re moving along,” said MacLaren.

At both Reed and Hawley, teachers were invited to see the spaces where their classrooms will be ahead of the transition.

At Reed, according to Assistant Principal Jenna Connors, the Hawley school students and staff will be located in the building’s Blue House hallway.

“They will almost be a school within a school,” said Connors. All of Hawley’s specials classes, like art, will be held in separate spaces.

“Hawley feels very welcome in both spaces, and it’s all very appropriate,” said Hawley Lead Teacher Carla Tischio.

Hawley was “abuzz” with packing, Tischio shared.

“We’re just grateful ... for how welcome we are,” said Tischio about both Sandy Hook and Reed.

After saying the school board members are looking forward to more updates throughout the 2022-23 school year, Board of Education Chair Deborra Zukowski said, “It sounds like it is going to be a successful start to a very successful year.”

Then, after the 2021-22 school year ended, Downs Construction Company, LLC, swiftly began working over the summer. As of July 14 Project Supervisor Jason Smith said, “Demo is going great. We’re right on schedule.”

Improving the school’s HVAC systems has been on the local project radar for at least 20 years, according to The Newtown Bee archives.

Both Smith and Newtown Public Schools Director of Facilities Bob Gerbert said the work was progressing well in mid-July and there had been no major hits to the budget.

“We’re excited it’s finally happening,” Gerbert said of the project, years in the making, and said there is a “good team in place” to make it happen.

According to a 2003 story published in The Newtown Bee, a Climate Control Committee

recommended HVAC projects, listed in the order of importance, for Head O’ Meadow Elementary School, Hawley Elementary School, Newtown Middle School, Sandy Hook Elementary School, and Middle Gate Elementary School. “Excluded from the report was Newtown High School, which underwent a series of renovations in 1999, and Reed Intermediate School, which was under construction as the committee did its work,” the August, 2003, story in The Newtown Bee reads. “Comprised of field experts, teachers, local administrators, parents, and ex-officio members, Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff, Finance Director Ron Bienkowski, and Buildings and Grounds Director Dominick Posca, the committee convened last November after a study by EnviroService Consultants, Incorporated, revealed slightly elevated levels of carbon monoxide in some district classrooms.” “Hawley School, built in 1921,” the 2003 article reads, “with an attached section constructed in 1948, has generated complaints of uneven heat, lack of ventilation, and classrooms that are almost unbearably hot in the fall and spring. In addition, the winter brings inconsistent heating that leaves classrooms too warm or too cold.” As of mid-July the ceilings in the original wing and the 1948 addition had been removed, according to Superintendent of Schools Chris Melillo. Sandy Hook School and Reed were also being readied to be home to Hawley’s students. “The areas are ready for students,” Melillo said. “Custodians are working really hard to make sure the buildings are cleaned and prepped.” Melillo shared that he plans to ride to school on a school bus, from a bus stop to either Sandy Hook School or Reed, with students who would have gone to Hawley School for the first day of the 2022-23 school year. “And I will see for myself if there are delays or how smooth it is running,” said Melillo. A view in mid-July of a hallway at Hawley Elementary Teachers had packed up Hawley by the end of June, and School with the HVAC project underway. all of the needed furniture had either been moved to Sandy Hook School or Reed. Some storage units will also be used to keep Hawley school cleared out during the project. “I’m very impressed with the detailed planning that has happened and I’m hoping we can maintain the relationships and community of that school,” said Melillo. Melillo is not alone in keeping an eye on making sure Hawley’s school identity and school culture is not lost next year: Hawley’s Principal Christopher Moretti will also be monitoring the situation, along with Hawley Lead Teacher Carla Tischio. Moretti said he has goals and wishes for the 2022-23 school year, including maintaining Hawley’s culture “even if being in another building for students to still feel like they are part of Hawley School.” Moretti said he is “really hoping for the year to be “normal,” even though for Hawley it will not be normal. The Hawley principal also has plans to use the 2022-23 relocation for any opportunities Wesley Learning Center it may provide. “It’s going to be different, so let’s celebrate that and maybe have some unique experiences,” said Moretti, sharing an idea that Hawley and Sandy Hook School kindergarten classes may do things together or that Reed’s Hawley alum may be able to mentor current Celebrating Over 29 Years of Excellence in Learning Hawley students. Moretti said he plans to communicate with families throughout the school year, especially at the start of the year to share what things like pick-ups and drop-offs will look like Registration For Ages 2 – 5 at both Sandy Hook School and Reed. “We have a great parent community and we have a strong staff so I just want people to Now Being Accepted For Fall 2022 – 2023 know that we are going to be watching out for the kids,” said Moretti. Early Learning Where we inspire Completing Hawley’s long-awaited HVAC project, to Moretti, also means that other district HVAC projects will move up on the project priorities list.

Program creativity and learning through play Board of Education Chair Deborra Zukowski said while it is very expensive to put good air circulation in schools, other projects are on the district’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). CALL TODAY! “I am hopeful that we will bring the building up to 21st Century health standards. And primary on that, given this time, is that we have good air circulation,” said Zukowski. 203-426-6149 The school board’s CIP/Facilities Subcommittee will be providing oversight on the project to the school board. 92 Church Hill Road Zukowski said she thinks completing the Hawley HVAC project will be a “big, big relief.” Sandy Hook She is also hopeful the town will, overall, prioritize air circulation in all of its buildings. “I’m just so glad it is finally beginning, and I can’t wait for it to be over and students back in their proper schools,” said Zukowski. Education Editor Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.

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BUS ROUTES 2022-2023 School Year Overview Of School Bus Expectations And Policies

For Newtown Bus Routes

The 2022-23 school bus routes for the Newtown Public/Private Schools are listed under the school that the students will be attending.

Residents are asked to share issues or concerns with their child’s bus stop location by calling AllStar Transportation at 203-304-9778.

Parents of kindergarten students attending Newtown public elementary schools should check their school and district websites for information about early dismissal days (for example: conferences and early release days). The primary website is newtown.k12.ct.us.

School Hours / Bell Times Newtown High School 8 am–2:32 pm Newtown Middle School 8 am–2:32 pm Reed Intermediate School 9:05 am–3:32 pm St Rose of Lima 7:50 am–2:50 pm Fraser Woods Montessori School 8:15 am–3 pm Housatonic 8:15 am–3 pm Sandy Hook 9:05 am–3:37 pm Head O’ Meadow 9:05 am–3:37 pm Middle Gate 9:05 am–3:37 pm Hawley 9:05 am–3:37 pm Note

The bus schedules are subject to revision due to enrollment changes such as transfers, address changes, or additional registrations. Any changes or additions will be posted to the school district’s website and residents are encouraged to check the website, newtown.k12.ct.us, often.

The time printed with each bus route is the approximate time the bus will make its first pickup in the morning. Adjustments will be made as necessary and as soon as possible. Please do not worry if a bus is late. It generally takes a few days for kindergarten children and new students to become accustomed to the bus routes and schedules.

Students should be at the appropriate stops 10 minutes before the time listed on the bus route. The stop times can vary 10 minutes either way, depending on traffic, weather, and the number of students riding the bus.

Henry Abbott Technical School

In the morning, Henry Abbott Tech Students will ride shuttle routes to Newtown Middle School where they transfer onto Bus 40 to Henry Abbott Tech. Bus 40 will depart NMS approximately 6:40 am. Please call All-Star at 203-304-9778 with questions. In the afternoon, Henry Abbott Tech Students ride home direct from HAT on Buses 40 & 39 to Newtown High (39) and Middle Schools (40) to ride buses home. Drop-offs at locations other than home require approval. Please call AllStar at 203-304-9778 with questions. For weatherrelated delayed openings, buses and times will follow Newtown’s schedule, regardless if Abbott Tech opens on time. If Newtown closes due to inclement weather, NO bus service is available for this school.

Shepaug High School

In the morning, students will ride shuttle routes to Newtown Middle School where they transfer onto Bus 51 to Shepaug High School at 6:40 am. In the afternoons, Bus 51 will pick up students at Shepaug, return them to town and drop them home. For weather-related delayed openings, buses and times will follow Newtown’s schedule, regardless if Shepaug opens on time. If Newtown closes due to inclement weather, NO bus service is available.

Danbury Magnet School

In the morning, Danbury Magnet students should meet at either the front of Reed School or at the Exit 9 Commuter Lot. Bus 35 will depart Reed approximately 7:55 am and should arrive at Exit 9 Commuter Lot for 8:05 AM. In the afternoon they will be picked up by Bus 35 and returned to town, first at the Exit 9 Commuter lot (3:50 PM), then at the front of Reed school (4:05 PM). For weatherrelated delayed openings, buses and times will follow Newtown’s schedule, regardless if Danbury opens on time. If Newtown closes due to inclement weather, no bus service is available.

Frasier Woods and Housatonic Valley Schools Parents must contact All-Star Transportation directly at 203-304-9778 to arrange transportation.

Important Information from All Star Transportation

In order to maintain the pickup times listed below, Newtown Public Schools requests that students be at their bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.

Students should stand back 10 to 15 feet from the road whenever possible.

Students should wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop and for the doors to open before approaching the bus.

Children should never run after the bus as it pulls away as the driver may not see them.

If your child has to cross in front of the bus they should be instructed to wait until the bus driver nods their head to signal it is safe to cross the street.

Students should also be instructed to cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus; so they can see the driver and the driver can see them.

If they should drop something in front of the bus, they should leave it until they get the driver’s attention and permission to retrieve the item.

Bus Drop-Off Procedure/Waiver

Students in kindergarten through fourth grade must be met at the bus stop by a parent or known adult, or older sibling. If no parent or known adult, or older sibling is at the bus stop, children will be transported back to their home schools. If a student must be returned to a school, the following policy is in place: Reed students will be returned to Reed School. Elementary students will be returned to their elementary school. If siblings being returned are from both Reed and an elementary school, both students will be returned to the elementary school together.

If a family chooses, a waiver may be signed allowing its first through fourth grade children to disembark from the bus even if no adult is there to meet the children. No waivers for kindergarten students will be accepted. Please check your child’s school webpage for the complete procedure and download the waiver.

If you have any questions regarding the transportation schedule, please e-mail alan.colangelo@allstartransportation.com or call All-Star Transportation at 203-304-9778.

For Drop-Off Waivers, please see your child’s school webpage for complete information regarding afternoon drop-off procedures.

Bus Waivers/Stop Change Forms

Each school had sent these to parents and requested that they be completed and returned to the schools. If any parent has not yet done so, please get them to the school their child will be attending as soon as possible (elementary schools only).

Bus Waivers: Applies only to students in grades first–fourth. No waiver to get off of a bus unattended will be accepted for any kindergarten student. The waiver is intended to allow the bus to release a student if no adult is visibly present. We don’t know based on if a car is parked in the driveway… the driver needs to base this on if they do not visibly see an adult present.

Stop Change Form: If any family has moved or a student will be getting on/off at a stop different from the home address on a daily basis, this form must be completed. A stop change form is not intended to specify where someone wants a stop; it is solely for notification that their child will not get on/off the regularly scheduled stop, but rather at another regularly scheduled stop.

Bus Stops/Expectations

Students should be out at the bus stop about 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Times change slightly based on a number of factors (road conditions, weather, students at previous stops not there, etc.). Students should not be inside house at top of driveways waiting to put coats on when the bus arrives. When the bus stops, students should be ready to board immediately.

Below is a list of bus expectations. The school bus is an extension of the classroom and students are expected to maintain behavior acceptable in a classroom setting. It helps the driver out tremendously if parents would go over these behavior expectations to promote a safe, hassle-free ride for all students.

Students should never cross in front of a bus without a visible signal from the driver that it is safe to do so. Likewise, no student should ever run towards/from the rear, alongside of a bus. A driver may not see a student in some danger zone blind spots. If a student drops something, never run up to the side of the bus to retrieve it. There is a danger zone around a bus where a driver may not see the student in a mirror. Always yell out to get the driver’s attention if you need them to remain stopped for any reason.

Bus Conduct Expectations

Don't lose riding privilege, follow these expectations: 1. Demonstrate respectful conduct as in the classroom. 2. Be courteous, kind, do not use profanity. 3. Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus. 4. Keep the bus clean. 5. Cooperate with the driver. 6. Do not smoke. This includes electronic cigarettes/vaping. 7. Be respectful of equipment and others' belongings. 8. Remain seated until bus is stopped completely at student's bus stop. 9. Keep head, hands, feet inside bus. 10. Bus driver is authorized to assign seats.

For the Reed and elementary buses, grade level seating is enforced with youngest grades at the front of the bus and Reed students at the rear of the bus.