FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 15, 2024

STATE AND WINDHAM OFFICIALS CELEBRATE MONEY FOR BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Superintendent Youngberg, Sen. Flexer, Rep. Johnson, Principal Jeannine Enamait

WINDHAM – Just two weeks before classes are set to begin for the 2024-2025 school year, State Senator Mae Flexer, state Representative Susan Johnson, and Superintendent of Schools Tracy A. Youngberg today welcomed $140,000 in new state funding for before-and after-school programs in Windham.

The money was secured in the state budget adjustment in May by Sen. Flexer, Rep. Johnson and other Democratic legislators using unspent federal ARPA dollars.

“State investments in our students are critical if we want to see them be confident and succeed.  I was committed to restoring the funding to maintain these critical before- and after-school programs and am thrilled that our fight for these resources will result in hundreds of students and their families having access to the great support of these programs,” Sen. Flexer said. “I am so proud of the Windham public schools and all they have to offer and all of their dedication to our children, especially right here at the Natchaug Elementary School, which is the 2024 Connecticut Association of Schools Elementary School of the Year. That’s the kind of success possible with a committed staff and teachers.”

“I am extremely pleased that Senator Flexer was able to work with the House, Senate, and Executive Branch to take care of the families as well as Windham’s Before and After School Programs,” said Rep. Johnson. “This will give our students additional time for educational opportunities and socialization.”

“Windham Public Schools is incredibly thankful for the funds that have been allocated for our Before and After School (BASP) programs for the 2024-2025 school year,” said Superintendent Youngberg. “These programs, which provide a safe, structured and engaging environment for our students are absolutely necessary for our working families. We are often asked when we might be able to expand our offerings and include more students in our Before and After School Programs. We would like to extend a very big thank you to Senator Mae Flexer, and her colleagues in the Democratic legislature, for going to bat for Windham’s families.”

Windham’s before-school program runs from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., and 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, and family events and field trips several times a year.

Today’s announcement was held at the Natchaug Elementary School on Jackson Street; Natchaug was just named the 2024 Connecticut Association of Schools Elementary School of the Year, underscoring 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.

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