WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — As a part of the News 8 Education Express Tour, meteorologist Gil Simmons is visiting a local school every Friday through the end of May. On Friday, he stopped at Waterbury’s Crosby High School.  

Simmons talked to CHS’s principal and assistant principal, who shared their pride in both the staff and students.

“Over the course of the year, we’ve built some real positive momentum here at the school and we’re excited to showcase some of the things going on here,” Prinicpal Michael Veronneau said.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, assistant principal Sal Vollero said he believes the school is moving in a great direction and the student community has a more positive outlook.

In terms of staffing, Veronneau said that CHS is a great place to work and is “a second home to all of us,” noting that prospective teachers should “look no further.”

The Earth Day club is among the various groups at CHS. Last week, the group had an Earth Day cleanup and collected 1,111 pounds of trash that was removed from the surrounding area. Over 60 students helped with the event, the group organizer said. One student Isaac said it was nice to “help Mother Nature.”

Another group, Life Smarts, is a jeopardy-based game where students have to answer questions in different categories like finance and civil rights. One student said they answer questions regarding adult concepts like taxes and bank accounts. The group advisor said the main goal is real-life knowledge.

The Bullbots, the robotics program, competes several times a year across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The club created Pinky, a robot they can move around with a remote control.

Early College Highschool is in its second year. This allows students to earn their high school diploma, as well as their Associate’s Degree, through a partnership with Post University. One student explained that that they have the chance to go on Post University’s campus as well.

On Thursday, CHS celebrated College Acceptance Day, showcasing students that were accepted into 2-year or 4-year colleges, trade schools, and the military.

Francis Diaz, a senior at CHS, said that although it’s been rough due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she’s overall had a good experience at the school. Francis is headed to Southern Connecticut State University where she’ll be majoring in health sciences.

Valedictorian Alexus Lowe, who is also graduating in June, is heading to the University of Connecticut and majoring in English.

“This school is a really great place,” Lowe said. “The staff is always trying to help us and encouraging us to do better.”

Amid the various clubs at CHS, the school also has a variety of sports teams, including golf, softball, and baseball.

The Unified Sports program promotes inclusion within sports at the school. One coach said that the program began in 2011 and while sports is a focus, the program includes also students in dances and student government.

Stay tuned for another edition of Education Express next week when Simmons will visit Weaver High School in Hartford.