Plainville Community School News

As the 2010-11 school year approaches, Plainville Community Schools remains steadfast in its commitment to aggressively enforce the district's residency policy. The policy, created in 1989 and updated in 2004, provides specific guidelines and procedures regarding the acceptance of students into the school district. The residency policy ensures that educational services are provided solely to Plainville students and those who have been granted permission to attend school in the district in accordance with the conditions defined in the policy regulations. Through enforcement of the policy, Plainville Community Schools maximizes the extension of educational resources to Plainville residents and minimizes the impact of additional non-resident students on the school system.

According to the policy, any parent or legal guardian wishing to enroll a child in the Plainville public school system must submit proof of residency within the town of Plainville. In the case of a school aged child who is residing with a relative in Plainville other than a parent or guardian, all parties are required to sign a sworn affidavit attesting to the fact that the child's residency in Plainville is intended to be permanent, and not solely or primarily for the purpose of attending Plainville Schools.

If evidence of residency is not deemed sufficient, steps will be taken to exclude the student from continued attendance. The policy also outlines scenarios in which non- resident students may be allowed to attend Plainville schools without tuition. Non-resident students who do not meet the residency requirement or exception criteria may attend Plainville schools with authorization of the Superintendent, payment of tuition, and adherence to a number of conditions, including parental responsibility for student transportation. Under this provision, the Plainville Board of Education is not responsible for special education and related costs while the student is enrolled in Plainville schools, and non-resident tuition students are expected to adhere to school rules of conduct. The tuition rate for non-residents is set annually by the Plainville Board of Education. The rate for the 2010-11 school year is $11,328 for grades 1-12, and $3,935 for kindergarten. The rate for non-resident special education students is calculated on an individual basis, based on actual services provided.

-Posted on August 31, 2010 at 11:17 AM

This summer, a number of students in Plainville enjoyed a variety of educational and enrichment activities as part of the After School Program's Summer Program. The program ran July 6 - August 13, from 9:00 AM â€" 1:00 PM each day. The Summer Program is an extension of the After School Program, which runs from September through June at the middle school for Plainville students entering grades five through eight.

"During the school year, the After School Program extends the school day for students, providing them with additional academic time, and enrichment opportunities as well," Program Coordinator Kelli Wallace explained. "The goal of the Summer Program is to do the same - - to extend the school year and provide academic and enrichment opportunities throughout the summer so that students are better prepared for school in September."

Students enrolled in the Summer Program participated in three different modules each day which included an academic, enrichment and recreation activity. Enrichment classes offered include: Kite Making, Math Madness, Environmental Club, Hip Hop Dance, Cooking, Guitar Lessons, Current Events, Percussion, Creative Writing, Jewelry Making, English Extravaganza, and more. Students were provided with a healthy snack, and a refillable water bottle in order to remain hydrated throughout the warm summer months.
During the Environmental Club class, students built an Eco-system under the direction of instructor Terri Schaffer. As part of the "hands on" project, the students researched and gathered the components necessary to create the Eco-system, while learning about science and the environment.

Shalina Mancarella, who will be entering sixth grade at the Middle School of Plainville in September explained, "At first I wasn't sure if I would like the Summer Program, but as soon as I took my first class, I really liked it. The Hip â€" Hop Dance class was my favorite, because we learned new dance moves."

Ben Ricks, who is new to the Plainville School system, will begin eighth grade in September. "The Summer Program was fun. I met some new people, made friends and also got to spend time at the middle school before school starts this year," he said.

The Summer Program is generously funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education, The United Way, and Gnazzo's Food Center. For additional information about the Summer Program or the After School Program, please contact Program Coordinator, Kelli Wallace at (860) 793-3250 x1608.

-Posted on August 23, 2010 at 03:30 PM

Plainville Community Schools will hold a "Meet The Principal" open house on Thursday, August 12, 2010, from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM in the Plainville High School Library Information Center. Parents and community members will have the opportunity to meet Plainville High School Principal Steven LePage, who began as principal on July 1. The event is open to the public.

Prior to becoming principal at Plainville High School, LePage served as the assistant principal of Wolcott High School since 2006. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Central Connecticut State University, and a master of education degree from the University of Hartford. In addition, he holds a sixth year certificate in educational leadership from Central Connecticut State University.

LePage was named the candidate of choice for the principal position at a special meeting of the Plainville Board of Education held on May 24.

-Posted on July 29, 2010 at 10:47 AM