Thursday, May 31, 2012
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MONTHLY MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012
FREE COOKING CLASSES
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
HIKE TO CASTLE CRAIG ON JUNE 9TH
COMMUNITY POLICING: SEND US YOUR HOT SPOTS
Free talk at MAC 650 on Wednesday May 30th.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
May 25th is last day to Apply for Schools!
If you would like more information about these opportunities, please call RSCO at 860-713-6990 or visit the RSCO website. For a direct link, click here. If you need assistance, please feel free to stop by the NEAT office and use our computers. Our staff would be happy to assist.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
COOKING CLASSES
REGIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE FAIR TONIGHT MAY 23RD 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
CMI - music for families this Saturday!
Hey everyone! The Community Music Initiative (CMI) has only TWO more events before the summer. Hope you can join us!
THIS Saturday, May 26th - Fun with Rhythms
And also Saturday June 9th - Games and Songs
11am-1pm, at the Green Street Arts Center
These events are great for families, open to all ages, and best of all, FREE! We start with a workshop at 11am, then break for a potluck lunch, and finish up with an Open Mic. Bring a song or story to share, or even a silly joke, and sign up when you arrive. Hope to see you Saturday!
CMI is a program of the North End Action Team. Give us a call for more info: 860 346 4845. You can also email me directly at emily@neatmiddletown.org.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
SONG-DANCES AT CMI - THIS SATURDAY, MAY 14TH
APPLY NOW: NEW SCHOOL CHOICE LOTTERY
Attention Parents and their kids! The Regional School Choice Office has announced that it has started another application and lottery process for available seats in six (6) new schools and five (5) existing magnet schools. Seats are available in the following grades: PK3, PK4, Kindergarten, elementary grades 1 through 4; middle-school grades (6,7,8) and in high school, grade 9 only. The deadline for submitting a lottery application is Friday, May 25, 2012. Click here for descriptions of the 6 new schools and 5 existing magnet schools, which have available seats.
If you would like more information about these opportunities, please call RSCO at 860-713-6990 or visit the RSCO website. For a direct link, click here. If you need assistance, please feel free to stop by the NEAT office and use our computers. Our staff would be happy to assist. This week the NEAT office will be open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you need assistance after hours this week, please call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845 and if possible, we can schedule someone to be available later in the day. Next week, the NEAT office will return to its normal schedule and be open until 5:00 PM.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
MONTHLY NEAT MEETING
Childcare and Pizza for the kids will be provided. If you are bringing your child, wear clothes that can get dirty.
This week, as a special treat, kids will be working with Wesleyan Students on a Visual Arts Project.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Loan Scams Make National Headlines Again
ATTENTION RESIDENTS: LOAN SCAMS ARE ON THE RISE!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
COMMUNITY MUSIC

BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET MEETING
Monday, April 23, 2012
Check out the pics from North End PRIDE Day, 2012. There were projects all over the neighborhood including opening up the established Erin St. Community Garden, working in the up and coming Ferry St. Community Garden and general cleaning.
Because we had so many volunteers, we were able to build the amazing Alondra Hernandez Community Garden in one day! We still have more to plant, but we're well on our way to a new community space. For those who remember what 20 Portland St. looked like last year (see below for a reminder), this garden is a big change. The Mayor declared Saturday North End PRIDE Day in the City of Middletown, which was quite an honor for our residents and their hard work.

Thank you to our amazing residents, volunteers, Comcast Cares Volunteers, Macdonough School, the Young Democrats, the Republican Town Committee, Minuteman Press, Sherwin-Williams of Cromwell, Stone Depot, Home Depot, Gorilla Graphics, St John's School in Old Saybrook, Ballek's Garden Center, CT SignCenter and the City of Middletown Public Works Department for all of the help!! Comcast even gave the North End Action Team and Macdonough School a grant to help support our programs.
*History: When 20 Portland St. was condemned and taken in foreclosure, the city offered the lot for free (and they were going to give $$ to help rehab) to anyone willing to take the lot and rehab the buildings. The houses were in such bad shape that the city couldn't find any takers. They were a safety concern and were bringing down the quality of life for the people who lived around them.
The city ultimately tore down the properties and issued an RFP (Request for Proposals) for ideas with what to do with the space. NEAT submitted a proposal along with residents of Portland St. that was approved. So, NEAT now has control over the site and we built a garden this week as a partnership between NEAT and Comcast Cares Day.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
GET YOUR PRIDE ON!

This Saturday April 21, from 9 am -1 pm, we will be celebrating our Pride with cleanup and beautification projects all over the North End. We hope that you have seen information about Pride Day in our emails and our newsletter. We are very excited about this years event. We have some exciting projects planned including breaking ground on two new community gardens!
Pride Day is about more than Spring cleaning. It is about getting our residents, our local businesses, and friends of the North End outside together working on common goals and building relationships. We love our neighborhood and want to take time to celebrate it.
As a friend of the North End we hope that you will join us on Saturday and spread the word in your organization. We have numerous projects that need volunteers. If you are a business or organization that is located in the North End you can also organize a project at your site. if you would like to sign up to work on a project, or are willing to join in on the project that needs you most you can call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845
Projects include:
Breaking ground at the Alondra Hernandez Memorial Garden
Breaking Ground at the Ferry Street Garden
Waking up the Erin Street garden
Miller/Bridge street park clean up
Block by block clean up and trash pick up
NEAT will provide the work gloves, water, tools, and trash bags.
We are excited to have volunteers from the neighborhood, Macdonough School, Comcast, The Young Dems, and Wesleyan University. We would love to have you join us as well!
We hope to see you on Saturday!
Friday, April 13, 2012
MEN'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS DAY - APRIL 14
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
COMMUNITY MUSIC INITIATIVE: Looking for something fun to do over the school vacation?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Join us for North End Pride Day!
It's getting warmer which means, we will soon be having our Annual North End Pride Day!
This year North End Pride Day will be April 21st, 2012 at 9:00 AM. Save the date and let's spend the day together beautifying our neighborhood and having fun!
Here are some of the projects we are planning for the day:
Clean up your yard!
Help clean your neighbors yard!
Be a block captain and organize a clean-up for your street!
Join one of our neighborhood teams!
Garden at the Erin Street Garden!
Help to break ground on the New Portland Street gardens!
Volunteer to help out by calling the NEAT office(860) 346-4845.
Friday, April 6, 2012
MEN'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS DAY - APRIL 14
Thursday, April 5, 2012
HUSKY HEALTH PROGRAM
Monday, April 2, 2012
SESAME STREET'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT: EATING WELL ON A LOW BUDGET
April 2nd, Town Hall Meeting with Governor Dan Malloy on Education
will be hosting A Town Hall Meeting with Governor Dannel P. Malloy. Governor Malloy will discuss his Education Reform Bill SB24 with the NAACP on Monday, April 02, 2012 at 6:30 P.M. The meeting will take place at the Shiloh Baptist Church located at 346 Butternut St Middletown, CT 06457. Here is your opportunity to have your questions answered! This is your opportunity to speak out for your child and for the children in your communities!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
SIGN UP FOR SUMMER CAMPS!
Monday, March 26, 2012
COMPLETE YOUR H.S. EDUCATION!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
FREE HOME-OWNERSHIP CLASSES IN APRIL
Would you like to walk in to your living space and know that it is yours and and belongs to no one else? Owning a home may be the answer. If you are interested in becoming a homeowner, get educated on the process! There will be four free home-ownership classes on Wednesdays in April with Rosa Carrero from Liberty Bank. The Home-ownership classes will take place at the Green Street Arts Center at 6:30pm. If you are interested, you must sign up. Please call NEAT at (860) 346-4845.
NORTH END PRIDE DAY-SAVE THE DATE APRIL 21ST
Monday, March 12, 2012
BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA FOR TUESDAY MARCH 13TH 2012
Board of Education Regular Meeting
March 13, 2012, 7:00 PM
Middletown Common Council Chambers
A G E N D A
| I. Call to Order | Gene Nocera |
| II. Salute to the Flag | Gene Nocera |
| III. Adoption of Agenda | Gene Nocera |
| IV. District Highlights - Unified Theatre | Gene Nocera |
| V. Public Session - Agenda Items Only | Gene Nocera |
| VI. Communications | Gene Nocera |
| A. Report of Student Representative | Michael Durso |
| VII. Consent Agenda | Gene Nocera |
| A. Minutes of BOE Regular Meeting of February 14, 2012 | Gene Nocera |
| B. Personnel Action | Barbara Senges |
| C. Policy #5131.6 Alcohol Use, Drugs and Tobacco | Sheila Daniels |
| D. Bylaw #9325.2 Order of Business (Revision) – Second Reading | Sheila Daniels |
| E. Extended Field Trip - MHS Girls Swim Team Trip | Trevor Charles |
| VIII. Report of the Superintendent | |
| A. District Data Team | Barbara Senges |
| B. Transportation Report | Ken Jackson |
| C. District News | Gene Nocera |
| IX. Committees | |
| A. Budget Committee | Ted Raczka |
| 1. Financial Statement | Nancy Haynes |
| B. Communications Committee | Ryan Kennedy |
| C. Curriculum Committee | |
| D. Feasibility Committee | Ed McKeon |
| E. Policy Committee | Sheila Daniels |
| F. Representative Reports | Gene Nocera & Cheryl McClellan |
| X. Action Items | |
| XI. Future Agenda Items | |
| A. New Items | |
| XII. Public Session - Non-Agenda Items | Gene Nocera |
| XIII. Personnel Matter (Proposed for Executive Session) | Gene Nocera |
| A. Executive Session | Gene Nocera |
| XIV. Adjournment | Gene Nocera |
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Middletown Public Schools is to enable all students to achieve at their highest potential by challenging them through a system structured around a common core of knowledge, skills, values, and a variety of educational experiences. Through partnerships with family and community, our schools will promote the pursuit of lifelong learning, responsible citizenship and decision making in a culturally diverse world.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Writers Out Loud
Friday, March 2, 2012
JOB POSTING
Retention Specialist (P/T) – Middletown
Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to assist clients in maintaining competitive employment. Perform diversified job duties to support assigned individuals in their employment to facilitate successful job retention by working with CRS Employment Specialists, employers and CRS consumers as appropriate. This requires a specific plan that includes in-person follow-up, assisting clients with problem-solving work related issues, assistance with learning actual job skills and/or workplace culture, ability to discuss difficult issues such as addiction, discrimination and/or destructive personal habits; as well as the ability to balance being supportive and encouraging while fostering personal responsibility, accountability and the capacity for good decision-making. Identify natural supports, i.e. friends, family, counselor, etc., that may be available for long-term support to foster employment success as well as barriers to successful employment, i.e. housing, childcare, interpersonal skills, educational and skill training needs, etc. Weekend, evening and holiday hours may be required based on individual work schedules of assigned clients and their support needs. Assist with client transportation as required, including use of personal vehicle (May require the ability to obtain a Public Service License necessary to transport program participants in an Agency owned/leased vehicle). HS diploma/G.E.D and 1-3 three years’ work experience (may include experience during a period of incarceration). Pay rate $12.50/hr 30 hours w/benefits
Qualified candidates can fax resume (203-495-6108) or email (hr@esginh.org). Mailing address is 432 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473. Employment applications can be completed at the Washington Ave. location. Hiring rate is typically within the first quartile of the salary range. Please visit our Agency website: www.eastersealsgoodwill.org
JOB POSTING
Employment Specialist, Community Re-entry Services (F/T) - Middletown
Perform diversified job duties to support and advocate for assigned individuals to facilitate successful re-integration into the community following a period of incarceration. Work as part of the interdisciplinary team to assist individuals receiving services in identifying and making choices about their social, vocation and personal goals; and in choosing, getting and keeping employment. Coordinate intake process for new referrals and/or interdepartmental transfers to include conducting a comprehensive intake interview, development of an Individual Service/Recovery Plan (ISP/IRP). Implement the ISP and insure employment readiness (i.e. appropriate attire, bus fare/tokens, etc.) and the smooth and timely transition to employment. Assist individuals with transportation as required, including travel training and/or the use of personal vehicle. Assist in the facilitation of training programs such as job seeking, job retention and relevant life skills (i.e. travel training, sexuality awareness and abuse prevention, socialization and self-advocacy). B.A. in a related field; plus two years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Pay rate $15.50/hr 37.5 hours w/benefits
Qualified candidates can fax resume (203-495-6108) or email (hr@esginh.org). Mailing address is 432 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473. Employment applications can be completed at the Washington Ave. location. Hiring rate is typically within the first quartile of the salary range. Please visit our Agency website: www.eastersealsgoodwill.org
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Altrusa Club Members Launch Little Free Library
Altrusa International of Central Connecticut launched their newest literacy project for Middletown Community with the first "Altrusa Little Free Library" at NEAT (North End Action Team) 654 Main Street location. "The Little Free Library" was unveiled on February 29th by Altrusa club members and Izzi Greenberg the Executive Director of the North End Action Team.
Stef Labbe (co-chair), Linda Ring (Altrusa President), Jamie Santangelo (so-chair) & Izzi Greenberg (NEAT Executive Director)
Altrusa of Central Connecticut has recently expanded one its literacy projects to "Altrusa Books for Community." The "Altrusa Little Free Library" project will continue to bring books to the community. The "Little Free Library" is a non profit organization seeking support of local service organizations. Their mission is to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide. Literacy is an area of focus for Altrusa with an emphasis on "literacy for all ages." The "Little Free Library" will have books for the community to take and read. The books can be returned to the "Little Free Library" or passed on to a friend or family member. The main focus of the project is to get the community reading. This is the first "Little Free Library" in Connecticut . The library will provide popular novels to young adults age 16 and older. Altrusa will maintain the library through book donations from the community and plan to add additional libraries in the sourrounding community.
Friday, February 17, 2012
JONAH CENTER EVENT ON BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN
PRESS RELEASE
DATE OF EVENT: FEBRUARY 28, 2012
CONTACT: JOHN HALL, 860-398-3771
A “Complete Streets and Bikeway Master Plan” for Middletown
The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public to a forum on Middletown’s efforts to develop a comprehensive and detailed plan to make our city safer and more conducive for walking and bicycling. The program will be held on Tuesday, February 28, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Room at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 190 Court Street, in Middletown.
The forum will begin with 3 short presentations. Kari Sullivan from the Connecticut Department of Education will describe programs like “Safe Routes to School” and how walking contributes to public health. Local cyclist and biking educator Beth Emery will explain how both cyclists and motorists can make our streets safer for all who use them. Middletown Engineer Tom Nigosanti will be available with maps and information regarding improvements such as sidewalks, off-street trails, and bike lanes.
The proposed $1 million multi-use trail connecting downtown Middletown, Wesleyan University, and the Wesleyan Hills neighborhood will also be described, but it is not the primary focus of this program. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to indicate their preferred routes for walking or cycling by using orange or green markers on a Middletown street map.
This event is free and pre-registration is not necessary. For more information, contact John Hall at 860-398-3771 or visit www.thejonahcenter.org and click on “send us a message.”
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Dance at Vinnie's - this Friday night!
Come dance away your midwinter blues with our second big dance-for-all at Vinnie's! Bring friends, bring coworkers - this will be a great night out. With fabulous teachers and DJs, Vinnie's is truly back in the swing of things this month.





