Binkowski ready for 2008-09 school year

More than 2,600 students and 175 teachers are ready for the first day of the 2008-09 school year, a time Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Binkowski describes as her "favorite time" because of the anticipation of a new beginning.

 Binkowski said she already met with new teachers and thanked support and facilities staff. The teachers were due to be in their classrooms Aug. 26, in preparation for the return of the students Sept. 2, which is a regular and full day at the district's five schools.

One of the biggest changes will be the opening of the $44 million Plainville High School construction and renovation project, which looks as if it will be ready on schedule. Binkowski said she just finished talking with PHS Principal Gregory Ziogas, and he told her the floor in the cafeteria is being finished and the large freezers are due to be brought in.

 Binkowski said school officials will get past the first day before scheduling a open house and ceremony showcasing the completion of the project.

Sept. 2 will be the final combined opening day for Linden and Toffolon schools, also called Toffolon at Linden, which have been sharing space in the old and new parts of Linden Street School. Binkowski said plans are under way for a January grand opening of the renovated Toffolon School project on Northwest Drive. She said if all goes well, Toffolon students, teachers and staff will see their new school shortly after the December holiday break.

She said when the new Toffolon is unveiled, Plainville will have state-of-the-art facilities that will continue to serve students for many years into the 21st century. Binkowski said she likes the anticipation of a new beginning and the successful goal of educating Plainville students. "We welcome our kindergartners taking their first formal education steps, our elementary, middle and high school students, continuing on the journey of learning, and our adult learners rejoining the path to furthering their education," she said, adding she is proud of the commitment being made by students, teachers, staff and administrators. She described education as "the noblest profession."

On Sept. 2, Binkowski will visit each local school, greeting students and parents and making sure all is well. She advised parents and guardians when listening to any school-related problems concerning the first days to make an effort and meet with their teachers, who are committed to a quality education.

A characteristic of education is that there are many goals and events that will make the 2008-09 year a special one. The Dattco Bus Co. of New Britain is contracted to transport students back and forth to school. Bus schedules will be published in the Aug. 28 issue of The Plainville Citizen.

School hours for opening day and beyond are 7:30 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. for PHS; 8:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for elementary schools; 8:50 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. for morning kindergarten; 12:40 to 3:30 p.m. for afternoon kindergarten; and 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for the Middle School of Plainville.

Binkowski said 2,676 students are projected to attend the public schools, which is 16 more students than last year, A more exact count will be completed in October.
Plainville High School is located at 47 Robert Holcomb Way. Its principal is Gregory Ziogas. The Middle School of Plainville is led by Principal Matthew Guarino. MSP is located at 150 Northwest Drive. Both Toffolon and Linden Street Schools are combined at Linden Street School, 69 Linden St. Lynn Logoyke is principal of Toffolon, and Suzanne Greenbacker heads Linden Street School. Frank T. Wheeler School, located at 15 Cleveland Memorial Drive, is led by Principal Catherine Frayler.