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08/18/2015 02:00 PMWith a new roof and a new associate principal, Essex Elementary School is ready to start the 2015-’16 school year on Thursday, Aug. 27. When the bell rings at 8:25 a.m., new Associate Principal Jennifer Tousignant will be there to welcome students to the building, which had some major work done this summer.
Immediately after school closed in June, work began on the extensive roofing project, which included replacing 90 percent of the building’s roof. The project called for the removal of the ballast, membrane, and insulation of the former roof. It also included the installation of day lighting devices, new metal copings, flexible flashings, rigid insulation, new membranes, and repair of other roof flashing as necessary.
“The roof has been in need of repair for several years. There were several leaks and this is a project that really needed to get done now,” said First Selectman Norm Needleman, who praised the work of the Capital Committee for the aggressive timeline that was laid out for the project.
Funding for the project came from the town’s general obligation bond, which was authorized late last year as part of the larger bond authorization by referendum, as well as partial state funding for eligible construction costs.
In addition to the roof, the school also received a new flag pole, new bike racks, sidewalks, and air conditioning in part of the building. There was also some barrier fencing installed to separate the front lawn area from the parking area. An upgrade that students are sure to love is a new wall for recess time wall ball.
“We want to make sure that our students get some of the things they want, so they can have a good time during their down time at recess,” said Principal Scott Jeffrey. “We have a great year in front of us. Our general theme is, ‘Every day is a new opportunity.’ We will be encouraging our students to take every day as a new opportunity to make new friends, do better in school, [and] work on listening and engaging in our student community.”
Tousignant will be on hand to help spread this optimistic message throughout the school.
“We are so very happy to have Jennifer on board. We are all excited to work with her,” said Jeffrey. “She brings a lot to the table, with her extensive experience in English and language arts, as well as her leadership capabilities. She is a distinguished elementary teacher and she is eager to share her experience, passion, and talents with Essex Elementary School.”
Jeffrey encourages parents to attend the open house/classroom visitation, which will be held on Monday, Aug. 24 from 2:15 to 3 p.m. and to attend the Tuesday, Sept. 15 Curriculum Night.
“We had a very busy and productive summer and we are all refreshed and rejuvenated, ready for the 2015-’16 school year,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Levy.
For more information, visit www.ees.reg4.k12.ct.us.