To the Capitol Region Education Council, the new Reggio Magnet School of the Arts facility is more than a building.
"This school is a monument," CREC Executive Director Bruce Douglas said. "It would send a message that everyone who comes into this school is highly valued."
The Reggio and Avon community gathered at CREC's new Waterville Road magnet school Friday to welcome the Reggio Magnet School of the Arts to its new home.
Avon Superintendent Gary Mala, Town Manager Brandon Robertson, school and town officials were in attendance, as well as the CREC founder.
Avon Board of Education Chairwoman likened the persistence of CREC to open the new Reggio facility to the message in children's book, "The Little Engine That Could."
"I think I can. I think I can," she quoted.
Reggio Principal Josie DiPietro-Smith said that the Reggio dream "does not end with the construction of this building."
Reggio was one of the magnet schools founded in response to the Scheff Vs. O'Neill case calling for equal educational opportunities for all students, whether in the inner cities or the suburbs. He emphasized the need to address the achievement gap in Connecticut.
"Are we waiting for another court case to tackle Bridgeport," Douglas said. "I'm in favor of taking it on before we have another court case."
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