I was a member of the sixth grade class which entered the newly constructed and just opened Chatfield School in September 1965.
Much of the school was incomplete on opening day. The school days were “half days” from opening day through Thanksgiving during which time the students did not have lunch or gym since the cafeteria and the gymnasium were incomplete.
Many other areas of the school were also incomplete during the fall of 1965 such as the flooring, ceilings and final finishes on the walls.
However, the students and the staff survived and the educational process flourished in a wonderful new environment.
My sixth grade classmates as well as all of the Chatfield School students did very well during the fall of 1965 in spite of the continued construction during that time. In fact, my most memorable and favorite school year during my 12 years as a student in the Seymour Public Schools (kindergarten was eliminated when I was scheduled to attend the same, so I effectively missed what should have been my first year of school) was my sixth grade year at Chatfield School.
Everyone will survive the few delays or issues with the opening of the newly renovated and expanded school.
Chatfield-LoPresti Elementary School is truly a tribute to the Community.
Everyone involved in the renovation and expansion thereof, especially the Members of the Chatfield-LoPresti School Building Committee, deserve to be applauded.
The “new” school will further bring our educational facilities into the 21st century and enhance the learning of our children while preserving the history and heritage of the two “old” schools and the memories of the many students and staff who attended and worked at Chatfield School and LoPresti School over the years while continuing to honor Paul E. Chatfield and Anna LoPresti.
The writer is a member of the Seymour Board of Education.
