April Targeted For Move-Ins At New Mansfield Elementary School

MANSFIELD, CT — Mansfield Public Schools Superintendent Peter Dart has said Friday that school will start for students at the new Mansfield Elementary School in April.

The dates are Tuesday, April 18 for grades 2, 3 and 4 and Wednesday, April 19 for students in Pre-K, kindergarten and Grade 1.

In a letter to families, Dart said a Certificate of Occupancy has not yet been issued for the property, yet, "The April dates will give us plenty of time to best prepare staff and students while ensuring that the building is ready."

He said plans are under way for students to visit the building on field trips with their classmates in March and that campus and building tours for families will be scheduled prior to the start of classes at the new school.

Dart said a revised school schedule with amended days off for staff professional development and a summary of frequently asked questions are available and updates will be available in the coming weeks as additional details on move-in plans are finalized by the district and MES Principal Lauren Rodriguez.

The district has also been producing a series of Video Visits, posted on the school system website and social media, to give the community a view into the final months of construction and finishing progress.

In a letter to the school community, Dart expressed his appreciation to staff and families who have been "flexible," amid delays. It was originally expected students would start school at the new elementary school building in September.

"I truly appreciate all the support and flexibility that has been required to complete this project while best supporting our students. Families and staff have had to adjust to mitigate the many challenges that were caused by the delays in this project," he said. "We are excited to invite you to be a part of our team that delivers on the promise that we made to our students to unite our schools into one amazing campus. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming transition events that include campus walks and building tours."

Despite the construction and move-in delays, Dart said the school community has not lost enthusiasm for the new facility.

"I assure you that the wait will be worth it as the new building will fulfill the vision of creating a sustainable, state-of-the-art school that supports 21st century teaching and learning," he said.