By Ron P. Coderre
On what some called a “special day” Putnam Science Academy held a press conference clarifying and setting the tone for what will be a long and cooperative tenure for the school in the Putnam community. According to school President Dr. Tieqiang Ding, “This is a new day that I’m very excited about for our students and the town of Putnam.”
In May of 2015 the former owners of Putnam Science Academy, the Wellspring Foundation, unexpectedly announced the closing of the school that had been in existence for more than a dozen years. The uncertainty surrounding the announcement with regard to the school and the physical plant left Putnam residents and others with many questions.
Acting quickly and with a sense of urgency Dr. Ding and his associates came to the rescue. They moved with alacrity in allaying the fears of local residents. Following discussions and negotiation that lasted throughout the summer, Putnam Science Academy opened its doors in September, essentially the same school with new owners.
Currently the school has 18 students, primarily all members of the basketball team. There is a full complement of faculty, conducting classes daily. Dr. Ding also introduced Donald Cushing, a former school principal in Massachusetts, as the school’s headmaster. Cushing heads up a team that includes assistant administrator Owen Quantick, college counselor Albert Cormier and athletic director and basketball coach Thomas Espinosa.
In speaking to the question of why he decided to continue the school in Putnam, Dr. Ding said, “My lifelong dream (of having a school) is real. The people of Putnam are so nice. It made our decision very easy. We want our relationship with this community to last forever.”
Cushing equated the current situation with that of the original Putnam Science Academy, which started with a handful of students and grew each year. He noted that the goal is to steadily grow the school from its current number to 50 then 75 and eventually 125 students. Plans also call for the school to someday become co-educational with 75 to 80 per cent coming from the U.S. and the remainder as international students. The school is offering six scholarships in an effort to entice students to think of Putnam Science Academy as a school of choice.
“We’re educating and renovating. Our mission is to form students into knowledgeable, responsible individuals who will become contributing members of society. We are like the pioneers and pilgrims beginning on a new venture,” said Cushing.
The school will continue the process of becoming accredited, a process that was started by the former administration. The student body will operate under the acronym, PSA. P for personal development, S for service (locally and globally) and A for Academics. The curriculum will continue its focus on science, math and technology as well as social studies and SAT preparation.
Coach Tom Espinosa, as anticipated, drew the largest ovation from the students. In his remarks he stated, “This is a very special place to me. I’ve been here every day since it’s opened. I’ve watched as the school has helped so many students over the years and I’m very proud of the students. It’s exciting to be back.”
Two students, Yunus Demiskol and Saul Phiri, members of the basketball team also addressed the audience. Demiskol, who comes from Istanbul, Turkey, is in his fourth year at the school. He expressed a strong sentiment for the school and his ability to study in a calm environment.
The ownership and administration of Putnam Science Academy has undergone a complete transformation. It appears that the mission of strong academics and athletics remains a primary focus. As renovations begin the physical plant is gradually taking on a new appearance. Initially the commitment to the community is one of partnership and hopes of longevity in Putnam.
A new phase is beginning with new hope, vitality and enthusiasm. Putnam Science Academy is back in the business of educating students.
The Last Green
Valley announces
grant awards
The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) announced the recipients of a small grant round for projects that will interpret, promote, or market historic and cultural resources. Applicants were encouraged to use digital technology, social media, or creative and innovative approaches to bring stories from The Last Green Valley to life. A total of 15 completed applications were received and four were funded.
The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret was awarded a $2,500 grant for “Edwin Way Teale, A Naturalist Writer’s Interpretive Trail” at the Trail Wood Sanctuary in Hampton. The grant will allow the research, design and installation of 10 high-quality trail kiosk signs plus a virtual trail walk on the Connecticut Audubon website.
The Dr. Ashbel Woodward House Museum/Town of Franklin, will receive $2,500 to purchase a computer and collections software that will be used to digitize and catalog the museum’s entire collection. The grant will also be used to fund an interactive touch-screen kiosk that will enable visitors to virtually “Explore the Surgeon’s Room,” a portion of the museum that is inaccessible to the public.
Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge was awarded $2,500 to develop a promotional video series to celebrate 1830s lessons and values that are relevant and necessary today, such as being a good neighbor and sharing an appreciation of the land. The videos will highlight small house living, field-to-table food, agriculture and horticulture, and mastering a skill, craft or trade, and will be used as a means of drawing visitors to OSV and the region.
The Lebanon Historical Society in Lebanon was awarded $2,500 to create mini-documentaries that will fully illustrate the interiors of its historic buildings and provide a narrative interpretation of the history and significance of the buildings. This will make the buildings accessible for people with mobility issues and for those who wish to “visit” when the museums are closed.
All of the recipients are required to provide at least 1-to-1 in matching contributions, and many of the awardees have formed innovative partnerships to complete their projects.
The Last Green Valley plans to offer another round of grant funding in the spring to bring more stories from The Last Green Valley to life.
Then
This is the Rt. 44 bridge in 2013. Putnam Town Crier file photos.
& Now
This is the same side of the bridge last week, after its new side pieces were lifted into place. Still to come: the lampposts.
Dazzle parade marshal named
The Holiday Dazzle Light Parade committee has named Quinebaug Valley Special Olympics as this year’s parade Grand Marshal. The 14th annual parade is set to roll at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 in downtown Putnam.
Once again this year, the parade committee will present a “litter free parade”. Before the parade begins, an army of volunteers from High Pointe Church in Thompson will hand out trash bags. At the conclusion of the parade, volunteers will walk the parade route picking up trash bags from the crowd and depositing the bags into a town of Putnam Public Works truck. According to parade chairman Gary Osbrey, “The idea of a litter-free parade is working. People are buying into the concept and the result is a noticeably cleaner town immediately following the parade. We are grateful for the trash bag donation from The Last Green Valley and the volunteers from High Pointe Church”.
The 14th annual Holiday Dazzle Light Parade will step off at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Grove Street monument and will follow Grove Street merging right onto South Main Street, left on Front Street (through the center of downtown Putnam), right onto Kennedy Drive (at Cargill Falls) and will travel past Rotary Park and Riverfront Commons on Kennedy Drive taking a right onto Providence Street and will end at the Owen Tarr Sports Complex at the corner of Providence and School streets. Rain date is Dec. 6. Entry forms are available at WINY Radio, the Putnam Town Hall on online at www.winyradio.com.
For more information, contact parade organizer and chairman, Gary Osbrey at 860-928-1350 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.