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CreditCindy Hersom
On Friday, September 30, The Regional Multicultural Magnet School (RMMS) in New London hosted Connecticut State Senator Andrew Maynard and Connecticut Representatives Tom Reynolds and Elizabeth Ritter. The event, organized by the school's parent advisory group, COMPASS, was a breakfast in honor of the school community. Other guests included Peter DeLisa, Director of the Dual Language Arts Magnet Middle School, Dr. Virginia Seccombe, Executive Director of LEARN, as well as several parents and caregivers of RMMS students and alumni. Strong concern was shared by parents that after four years of level funding from the state, that programs and services have begun to suffer in ways that directly impact students and their families. Parents spoke of the effect the school has had on their families, stressing that the success of the school lies in the education of the whole child, with an emphasis on inquiry and through the celebration of diversity. "Here I have seen that you can influence the world through just one child," said Catherine Young, parent of a fifth grader. "I see the true America here," said Egyptian immigrant Nadia Meseha, grandmother of a first grader. Parents worry that without an increase in funding, the quality of the program could suffer further, leaving many wondering whether the school would be able to survive.
The Regional Multicultural Magnet School (RMMS) is a K-5 magnet school located in New London, Connecticut. Students from 12 neighboring districts who attend RMMS participate in rich educational experiences following the Connecticut State Department of Education curriculum standards and are immersed in an environment where they learn to appreciate cultural differences from all over the globe as well as their own and celebrate the diversity of the world's communities. For more information about RMMS visit www.rmms.k12.ct.us
