Schools

'We're Thrilled': $100K for Children's Adventure Center

The grant from the state's Office of Early Childhood will pay for security upgrades at the Sandy Hook learning center.

Sandy Hook's Children's Adventure Center is about to get a lot safer for kids, courtesy of the state of Connecticut.

The state's bonding commission approved a $100,000 grant for the Sandy Hook learning facility Friday, which will provide for much-desired updates to security, according to the Connecticut House Republican Office.

"We're thrilled. We're absolutely thrilled," said director Judy Sims. "We've done a lot of research, and we want to make these improvements. This money will be a good beginning."

Sims says the money will help install a complete silent alarm system, security glass for doors and windows and cameras at all entrances, as well as possible further improvements.

"We want to change the whole front of the entrance," says Sims. "I don't know if we can do that for $100,000 -- it's pretty major. This is going to cost a lot of money, but this is very helpful. We feel honored to have been selected."

The grant is part of a series of grants funded today by the state's Office of Early Childhood for capital improvements and facility repairs at early childhood centers across Connecticut. 

"This is a great day for more than the Children's Adventure Center," said State Representative Mitch Bolinsky. "This grant is also a strong statement about Connecticut's and the Office of Early Childhood's commitment to our state's most valuable natural resource, our children."

Other members of Newtown's delegation applauded the move, citing the assembly's hard work in pushing for extra security measures.

"I am pleased this grant is being provided to upgrade security features at the Newtown Children’s Adventure Center," said Rep. DebraLee Hovey. "Making sure our children can continue to learn in a safe school environment is of paramount importance and this money will go a long way to ensuring that."

"Helping youngsters learn and grow in a secure environment is vitally important to our community, and I’m pleased this funding will help make our kids safer," said Rep. Dan Carter. "The hardworking staff and students at the Children’s Adventure Center are very deserving of these great improvements."


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