Maple Street School's Community School Program Thriving

The Community School project at Maple Street School has begun its second year.

And it seems to be constantly expanding - and succeeding.

"This is a giant step forward in assisting the parents and, most importantly, the students of Maple Street School," said Thomas DiDio, a Town Council member and member of the Rockville Community Alliance and Vernon Community Network, which work with Maple Street officials and parents at community events. "This is a program that all of Vernon should be proud of. Hopefully we can soon expand it to the other schools in town."

The Community School project activities, "are geared toward expanding opportunities for students to engage in experiences that foster their love of learning," Maple Street School Principal Lois Possell said.

The school has been working with volunteers to offer activities like:

• Karate.                       
• Boys Scouts.
• Dance.                   
• Homework Assistance.
• Girls Group.                   
• Fit Club.
• Basketball.                   
• Cooking.
• A GED class.                   
• Parenting classes. 

Possell said she is particularly happy with the homework program. She said anytime a school can "expand the learning time," the students are winners.

It is the first year the Community School program has offered a General Educational Development course and more than 10 people came out to study toward an equivalency diploma.

The regional program serves 14 towns in conjunction with the regional adult education program is offered at Rockville High School.

"The turnout was fantastic and so is the program," Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway said. "The Community School program brings the GED to the families."

Speaking of families, additional offerings geared toward them this year include:

• Chess/checkers club.
• Lego club.
• Art lessons.
• Arts and crafts.
• Academic tutoring.
• Yoga.
• Science programs.
• Writing workshop.
• Book club.
• Mentoring.
• Sports.
• Music Lessons.

"Observing the Community School at Maple Street, it’s obvious that it is successful because it’s all about bringing together theory, best practices and good intentions for the benefit of the students and their families," said Bryan Flint, who works in the school system and is active in the RCA and VCN. "Vital relationships are being created and nurtured between the school with the families and our surrounding community. These partnerships are the key to its success. The bottom-line is that when everyone is vested in the success of our young people, the entire community benefits! I encourage everyone to support this important effort as these children are the future of our country."

Possell said anyone interested in volunteering to coordinate or assist with any listed activity (or to create a new program) can contact Sarah Sweetman, a family associate at Maple Street School at 860-870-6175 or sarah.sweetman@vernonct.org.

Donations of any kind are welcome, she said.

More information about the Community School can be found here.