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Date: 9/8/2021
CHICOPEE – Discussion revolved around the introduction of vaccination clinics at schools during the Chicopee School Committee’s Sept. 1 meeting.
Superintendent Lynn Clark explained that three vaccination clinics will be established at Bellamy Middle School, Chicopee Comprehensive High School and Chicopee High School. The three clinics are set to open on Sept. 7, 8 and 9 respectively, according to Clark. She said the schools will make a concentrated effort to notify students through phone calls, text messages and Facebook posts.
The clinics will not be limited to students, with Clark stating that the areas will be open for all Chicopee residents to get vaccinated. She also shared that the school has sent home consent forms to students regarding the implementation of the “test and stay program” and the “screening testing program.”
Along with the vaccination clinic announcements, Clark noted that schools have enjoyed a smooth first day after opening on Aug. 31.
“The maintenance staff did a fabulous job getting the building ready, as did the administrators and teachers,” said Clark.
The School Committee also discussed the steady decline in youth athletics. Committee member Mary Elizabeth Pniak-Costello referred the item after noting concern with recent developments.
“It’s very important for students to remain physically active. I’m hoping that this trend will change.” said Costello.
Costello and committee member Doug Girouard noted that the theater program and baseball team have suffered declines over the last few years. In contrast, the youth golf and lacrosse programs have witnessed a minor incline, according to Girouard.
“For one reason or another, the youth aren’t as involved in sports these days. I urge the kids to get involved in something,” said Girouard. He told the committee that the school could potentially be forced to co-op or combine with other schools in order to fulfill team requirements.
The committee will call upon the athletic director to join them in a future meeting to discuss the matter, according to Pniak-Costello. She also said the committee should make a concentrated effort to work with the Chicopee Parks and Recreation program to promote youth involvement in athletics.
The Chicopee School Committee will meet again on Sept 15.