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08/21/2018 12:00 AMWith the first day of school for Clinton students approaching on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 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 level. Former Lewin G. Joel Elementary School principal Claudia Norman retired this summer, and Joe Macrino, her assistant principal, accepted a position in another district.
To replace them, Angela Guarascio will transfer from her role as principal of Abraham Pierson Elementary School to be the new principal at Joel, and two new administrators were hired to serve assistant principal at Joel and the principal at Pierson.
Abby Rice was selected to be the new assistant principal at Joel. She comes from the Greenwich school system. Gelven said that Rice coming with experience in the assistant principal role is “unique,” as there are not a lot of assistant principal jobs in the state.
Debra Murray will be the new principal at Pierson. Gelven said Murray is entering a “tricky situation” in Pierson: Murray was given a one-year contract because it is unclear if Pierson will be open much longer. The board is awaiting the results of a facility study due out in October that may recommend Pierson’s closure due to declining enrollment.
Gelven said that Murray “comes with a strong administrative background” and is “going to be a strong fit” at the school.
In addition to the staffing changes, Gelven said that the schools’ website, www.clintonpublic.net, is getting an overhaul and will be functional by the start of the year. Gelven said the new website will be more user friendly and offer school specific news, and as well district-wide news.
Gelven was particularly happy to share that the National Association for the Education of Young Children recently recognized the Pre-K program at Joel.
“It’s pretty cool to see in a public school,” Gelven said.
Gelven said that the fact the program was able to meet a rigorous set of standards to get recognized showed “a real commitment to education from our staff.”
Important Start of Year Dates
Wednesday, Aug. 29 : First day of school
Monday, Sept. 3: Labor Day (no school)
Thursday, Sept. 6: Jared Eliot Middle School
open house
Wednesday, Sept. 12: The Morgan School open house
Thursday, Sept. 13: Lewin G. Joel Elementary School
open house
Thursday, Sept. 27: Abraham Pierson Elementary
School open house
Hours:
The Morgan School: 7:35 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
Jared Eliot Middle School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:31 p.m.
Abraham Pierson Elementary School: 7:56 a.m. to
2:37 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: 12:25 to 3:15 p.m.
For bus routes and a complete school calendar, visit the school’s website www.clintonpublic.net.