Foundation Issues Prompt 2019-20 Start Change For Tolland Schools

TOLLAND, CT — Tolland Superintendent of Schools Walter Willett said the start of classes in town will be delayed until after Labor Day while adjustments are made for a crumbling foundation issue at Birch Grove Primary School.

Portable classrooms are being used for the 2019-20 academic year at Birch Grove.

See more about the $46 million bonding project to fix the school here.

Willett said the delay will be systemwide for consistency. Here is a transcript of Willett's letter to parents and residents:

"Good morning Tolland Families and Community Members,

"Earlier this week, a meeting was held with respect to the Birch Grove Primary School project, and more specifically the readiness of the Birch Grove modular classrooms. I regret not having the option of communicating the status of the project and its impact on the start of school sooner; the stakeholders involved were unable to make a determination on readiness one way or the other until the meeting this week.

"Herculean efforts have been made on behalf of the staff of the district, the town, and the contractors to keep the project progressing on timeline. Due to our high expectations of our contractors, and our contractors hard work and dedication, this timeline has been largely adhered to and accomplished. Despite these efforts, however, after reviewing the situation thoroughly I made a request of the Board of Education in last night’s meeting to revise the school calendar and start date for students.

"I believe it is important for the district to have a consistent calendar, therefore this request was for the calendar of all schools and not only Birch Grove Primary.

"While teachers will start as planned on August 21st, a later start date for students is necessary.

"Therefore, the start date for students will be September 3, 2019, the Tuesday after the Labor Day weekend.

"The later start date for students will allow for a short time of staff recovery and personal preparation and will allow for a proper and thorough cleaning of the school ###emthe after the unpacking/move in process.

"Please see this new TPS Revised School Calendar Hyperlink:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RSPpcsS5mHZysiP66HuYKzMqrHdoYb5V

"A staggered start schedule on September 3rd is being planned for Birch Grove to allow for parents/guardians to bring their children to the school for a quick meet and greet open house of the school, with students remaining for the school day.

"Students and families who cannot participate in the meet and greet portion can have their students transported by bus.

"More information about this will be released in the next few days to Birch Grove families. I realize that such a change poses real challenges for families and I deeply regret it. I will do everything I can to help assist families in adjusting to this calendar and start date change.

"The FRC will have about 50 seats open for students who need supervision August 28 through 30th. I will also work in partnership with other entities to help provide assistance as well. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. "

____

For more back-to-school tidbits, see:

https://patch.com/us/dealtown/back-school-essentials-2019-backpacks-laptops-supplies