Classes for Danbury students start on Monday.  Teachers have already been back at work, and Superintendent of Schools Dr Sal Pascarella says a convocation for all staff is being held today.  There are 70 new teachers in the Danbury district due to enrollment increases and some retirements. 

He says the district staff has been working diligently on repairs and improvements.  There was some working going on in various parking lots, interior painting being done and there are some walls going up because of added programs.  Pascarella says the High School entrance had some work done as well. 

Pascarella touted the integration of the newest sixth- to eighth-grade school, the Westside Middle School.  Entering it's second year, he says hands-on-learning is being integrated elsewhere to unify the three middle schools.  Pascarella says the district’s three middle schools are taking on projects that will prepare them for the rigors of high school, and there is now full day kindergarten running at all of the elementary schools.

A few buses have been added to accommodate full-day kindergarten programs and the increased enrollment.  With that has also come some redistricting and rerouting.

Pascarella says he is pleased that the city approved a $53 million plan to expand the high school by adding classrooms and conducting a facilities study of the Alternative Center for Excellence.  Pascarella says an addition at DHS will enable the district to handle growing enrollment, while being able to offer some of most progressive and challenging programs in the area.  The district is currently going through the process of choosing an architect for the DHS addition.