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It's The First Day Of Classes In Danbury, Including At New Middle School

DANBURY, Conn. -- As the school year opens Monday in Danbury, the new Westside Middle School Academy will be welcoming students for the first time. 

The Westside Middle School Academy in Danbury will open its doors for the first time to students on Monday.

The Westside Middle School Academy in Danbury will open its doors for the first time to students on Monday.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
The Westside Middle School Academy in Danbury is housed in the former Mill Ridge Intermediate School, which was expanded and rebuilt to house the magnet school.

The Westside Middle School Academy in Danbury is housed in the former Mill Ridge Intermediate School, which was expanded and rebuilt to house the magnet school.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
A new sign points the way to the new Westside Middle School Academy.

A new sign points the way to the new Westside Middle School Academy.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
Danbury High School has a new electronic sign at its entrance on Clapboard Ridge Road.

Danbury High School has a new electronic sign at its entrance on Clapboard Ridge Road.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
Park Avenue is one of three elementary schools in Danbury opening an expansion this fall.

Park Avenue is one of three elementary schools in Danbury opening an expansion this fall.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
A two-story addition has been built at Park Avenue Elementary School, along with a new driveway for buses only.

A two-story addition has been built at Park Avenue Elementary School, along with a new driveway for buses only.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
New playground equipment has been installed at Park Avenue Elementary in Danbury.

New playground equipment has been installed at Park Avenue Elementary in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa
The new sign at Danbury High School can include time, temperature and upcoming events.

The new sign at Danbury High School can include time, temperature and upcoming events.

Photo Credit: Karen Tensa

The Westside Middle School Academy, which is based in the former Mill Ridge Intermediate School, will welcome 400 students in its two academies: one with a focus on a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and one for global studies.

The STEM program, which was previously housed at Rogers Park Middle School, will have 300 students this fall. The global studies program, which is launching this year, will have 100 students. The students from across the entire Danbury school district were selected by entering a lottery. The global studies program will be phased in over the next two years. 

This fall also marks the completion of 18 additional classrooms at Stadley Rough, Shelter Rock and Park Avenue Elementary Schools to reduce crowding. 

Danbury High School boasts a new electronic sign visible from Clapboard Ridge Road. It was partially funded by the school's $100,000 prize money in last fall's "Celebrate My Drive" online challenge from State Farm Insurance. In the challenge, participants promised to practice safe driving habits.

The first day of school Monday will be a full day. Here are the school times: 

  • 7:20 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Danbury High School
  • 7:40 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.: Middle Schools: Broadview, Rogers Park, West Side Middle School Academy 
  • 8:25 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Early elementary schools: Hayestown Avenue, King Street, Mill Ridge, Morris Street, Shelter Rock and Stadley Rough 
  •  8:55 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Late elementary schools: Great Plain, Park Avenue, Ellsworth Avenue, Pembroke, South Street and Academy for International Studies 

For more information and for bus routes, visit the district's website

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