All’s Well: Teachers Returning to Classrooms at Middle School Friday

The concrete is poured, entranceways and parking lots reopened at DePaolo and Kennedy middle schools and on Tuesday and Wednesday, movers were helping restore classrooms as they returned furniture and other items to the building.

The first day of school is quickly approaching, with students set to return to class on Aug. 29, and as workers continue to plug away on the town’s two middle schools, local officials said the work remains on schedule and a plan is in place to provide parents and students comfort before class is back in session.

“The schools are ready are we are moving forward to make sure the public has the latest information and parents are comfortable allowing their children to return,” said School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. “There will be a parent information session next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at DePaolo Middle School and later in the evening at Kennedy and we will stay as long as necessary to answer any questions.”

Brian Goralski, chairman of the Southington Board of Education and member of the Middle Schools Building Committee, said the task now is making sure everyone is comfortable.

Erardi has made himself available to answer questions, he said, and a special “walk-through” program on Aug. 28 from 3:30 – 6 p.m. will serve to provide a chance for students to familiarize themselves with the schools before opening day.

Erardi has also called for a moratorium on work from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Aug. 29 to allow parents to drop off their children without added interruption.

Thomas DiMauro, project manager with Newfield Construction, said although there were some challenges including issues with the gymnasium floor at DePaolo and a second, unexpected tank that was found, the project has remained on or even ahead of schedule since the groundbreaking.

“The schools are ready for students to return,” he said. “Teachers will be allowed back into the classrooms on Friday.”

The renovations, and fenced in areas around the work, have not left everyone with a good feeling as schools head back, however.

Christopher Palmieri, a town councilman, member of the committee and assistant principal at DePaolo, said several parents have expressed concerns about student safety and potential interaction with construction workers as the project continues.

Project managers with Newfield Construction have “vetted” workers to assure there are no criminal records or other issues with background checks that would serve as red flags. Furthermore, areas of the building that will be under construction are separate from areas where learning takes place and interaction during the school day will be minimal, if existing at all.

Palmieri said testing has also been completed to assure their in no environmental contamination in the building and no risk to parents.

Edward Pocock Jr. said although the schools will be “in good working order,” the renovation is a two-year project and much of the building will remain in usable, but unfinished condition when students return to class.

“We have taken all precautions to assure safety, but we don’t want people to go in expecting to see bright colors and a finished product,” he said. “There is still a lot of work to be done.”

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