August 13, 2026
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Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXVI Iss. 33
State Grant Expands Tri-Town Preschool By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer REGIONAL
The first day of school for all tri-town public school students is Aug. 27, and some families in Deep River and Chester with preschool-age children have benefited just in time for their children to remain in town with support from a state grant that will
“provide more PreSchool eligible children with access to high-quality, inclusive early learning experiences,” according to the Region 4 School District. The $345,000 grant is from the Connecticut State Smart Start Expansion program, administered through the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, and is directed toward Region 4’s Collaborative Preschool program.
The grant is particularly beneficial for families in Deep River and Chester, providing financial support to expand preschool seats in both towns’ elementary schools by 36 students for the new school year, according to the district. As part of the grant, two new certified See State Grant Expands page 6
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Susan, a regular shopper at Scott's Farm and Greenhouses in Essex, smiles as she examines an oversized heirloom tomato on Aug. 9. She stopped at the roadside stand while shopping for that night's dinner. The stand sells fruits, vegetables and plants and offers pick-your-own flowers throughout the growing season.
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Photo by Laura Matesky/ Valley Courier
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