With the first day of school for Clinton students approaching on Wednesday, Aug. 28, Board of Education Chair Erica Gelven shed some light on some new faces and new initiatives students will find this school year.

Some of the biggest changes will occur at the elementary and middle school level after the departure of one of the most familiar facilities in town. The Abraham Pierson School, which housed grades 4 and 5, has shut its doors after serving generations of students. Instead, grade 4 will be sent to Lewin G. Joel Elementary School and grade 5 will go to the Jared Eliot Middle School.

The addition of students necessitated some new plans from administrators.

“We’re changing the traffic pattern at Eliot to maintain safety and improve traffic flow,” Gelven said.

In addition to the structural changes, Gelven highlighted some staff additions. Kimberly Pearce will be the director of support services, which is a position that works with special education and student accommodations.

“I was very impressed by her as a younger administrator that’s been doing this work for a long time,” Gelven said.

Pearce comes from the Hamden school district, so Gelven said she has experience in a larger school district that will benefit her in the Clinton.

“It’s challenging area to provide proper programming,” Gelven said.

Another new face is that of new Athletic Director Lewis Pappariella. Gelven said in the past the district had a part-time athletic director who primarily focused on items like scheduling.

“Lou has more experience with coaching and the management side, more like a director,” Gelven said.

Gelven said that parents will soon receive emails that contain more information about the upcoming school year. More information will also be posted on the district website, www.clintonpublic.net.

“I’m also excited about the continued preparations for the re-accreditation process at the high school,” Gelven said.

Every 10 years the high school must be re-accredited, which includes examining the school’s graduation requirements, curriculum, and programs. Gelven said the work started last year when the board began examining what the strengths of the school is and what areas could be improved.

“The work is going to be rigorous over the next year to make sure our program of study is rigorous and strong,” Gelven said.

While some kids and their parents are no doubt upset that summer is almost over, Gelven said she is excited for the coming school year.

“Particularly this year, we’re kind of redesigning out district in how we operative both physically and in culture and climate,” Gelven said.

Important Start of Year Dates

Wednesday, Aug. 28: First day of school

Monday, Sept. 2: Labor Day (no school)

Open Houses

Friday, Aug. 23: Joel Meet and Greet

Thursday, Aug. 22: Eliot Tours

Wednesday, Sept. 11: Eliot Open House

Thursday, Sept. 12: Morgan Open House

Wednesday, Sept. 18: Joel Open House

Hours

The Morgan School: 7:35 a.m. to

2:10 p.m.

Jared Eliot Middle School: 7:50 a.m. to

2:45 p.m.

Lewin G. Joel, Jr., Elementary School:

8:46 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

A.M. Pre-K: 8:46 to 11:35 a.m.

P.M. Pre-K: 12:30 to 3:15 p.m.

For bus routes and a complete school calendar, visit the school’s website www.clintonpublic.net