The Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, will offer a modified summer program schedule beginning Monday, June 22, including classes/programs such as dancing, art, theatre, and cabaret. Program costs vary for each offering, and there are different rates for members and nonmembers. A summer brochure can be found on the center’s Facebook page.

For safety reasons related to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the center will implement new policies and procedures in accordance with guidance received from the local health department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Office of Early Childhood. The Office of the Governor has announced that camps and summer programs can resume beginning June 22. As of now, an opening date is not yet set for the Aquatic Facility, and members will be updated.

New policies in place:

*The number of participants in programs will be limited to create a smaller group setting.

*All staff will be trained on new health and safety protocols prior to starting programming.

*Children and employees will be screened upon arrival for symptoms of COVID-19.

*Staff will promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing and wearing a cloth face covering, as feasible. All programs will have the proper cleaning and hygienic supplies to continually clean and to provide to participants.

*Freestanding hand sanitizing stations will be provided in the lobby and outside the bathrooms.

*There will be intensified cleaning and disinfection of the facility.

*Social distancing will be encouraged through increased spacing, small groups, limited mixing between groups, and staggered scheduling, arrivals, and drop-offs.

*Where feasible, activities and procedures will be adjusted to limit sharing of items such as toys, belongings, supplies, and other equipment.

*Water fountains will be closed until further notice; bottle stations will remain open for use by staff and patrons. Children should bring their own water for programs.

*Anyone who is sick will be encouraged to stay home, whether it is a staff member or program participant.

For more details on programs available this summer and to register, call 203-270-4349 or contact Newtown Community Center Director Matthew Ariniello at Matthew.Ariniello@newtown-ct.gov.