State Funding for Before-and After-School Programs

August 23, 2024


Students and parents will be thrilled to learn that our before and after-school programs are getting a major boost! I'll let you know how new state funding will improve those vital programs.

Windham is constantly undergoing positive changes, and the head of the town's economic development took a deep dive into that on our weekly radio show. Keep scrolling to learn about the transformation taking place in our community.

Dozens of classic cars made their way to our town for a great show, so please look below to see pictures of some of the antique vehicles!

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • $140,000 for Before-and After-School Programs
  • Let's Talk About It: Windham's Economic Development
  • Windham Veterans Association Antique Car Show
 
$140,000 for Before-and After-School Programs

Superintendent Youngberg, Sen. Flexer, me, Principal Jeannine Enamait
I am proud to join Senator Mae Flexer and local education leaders in welcoming $140,000 in new state funding for before-and after-school programs in Windham. The money comes from a state budget adjustment we negotiated using unspent federal ARPA dollars. This investment will give hundreds of our students and their families additional time for educational opportunities and socialization.
The before-and after-school programs provide a safe, structured, and engaging environment for our students that working families depend on. Windham's before-school program runs from 7 A.M. to 8:15 A.M. Students have different recreational activities to choose from, including open gym, games, puzzles, and coloring activities.

The after-school program runs from 3:10 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. and offers academic support, recreational activities, snacks, learning centers providing extra tutoring, homework assistance, access to books and technology, family events, and field trips several times a year.
We announced the new funding at the Natchaug Elementary School, which was just named the 2024 Connecticut Association of Schools Elementary School of the Year. This investment underscores Natchaug’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education and its dedication to fostering a vibrant, inclusive learning environment. The before- and after-school programs are so popular that Natchaug's program is already fully enrolled for the year.
 
Let's Talk About It: Windham's Economic Development

My radio co-host Dennis O’Brien spoke with Windham’s director of economic and community development on our weekly show “Let’s Talk About It.” Jim Bellano discussed how he has promoted our town, the work he’s undertaken to improve our community, and his new sports book.
 
Jim Bellano has accomplished the following in his 10 years as head of economic and community development:

  • Creation of the Shaboo Stage and improvements to Jillson Square
  • Funding and construction of Windham Community & Senior Center
  • Substantial Windham High School renovations
  • Downtown parking garage
  • Promotion of new businesses on Main Street including Latino restaurants

Currently the town is undergoing some major developments including:

  • Demolition of the Poya building on Main Street
  • Knight Oil removing tanks from old Eversource building
  • Hartford Healthcare moving into the old Planet Fitness
Bellano also discussed his new sports book entitled “Fond Memories from the Forgettable Decade.” It’s a personal history of sports, life, and humor in the 1970s, which includes many championships for some of Bellano’s favorite teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Yankees. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

Be sure to click on the video below to listen to the entire interview.
Jim Bellano, Windham's Director of Economic Development discusses
the progress the town is making and his new sports book.
 
Windham Veterans Association Antique Car Show
We all had a great time checking out the amazing rides at the Windham Veterans Association Antique Car Show. It was a great day to go down a nostalgic journey through automotive history, with each vintage vehicle telling its own unique story.
Thank you to all the organizers and those who displayed their vehicles at Jillson Square. It was great day filled with admiration, conversation, and shared passion for these timeless classics!