Inland-Located Rockville High School Making Stronger Seaside Waves

VERNON, CT — The new aquaponics-aquaculture wing at Rockville High School is rapidly taking shape.

The building is part of the RHS Agricultural Science and Technology Education program.

The current aquaculture-aquaponics lab features some relatively new equipment, but is currently housed in part of the buildings in what essentially is an old storage area or garage. It is in track to re replaced in time for the next school year with a $1.78 million lab wing, mostly paid for by a state grant that promotes aquascience.

"This," Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said, "is a good thing for us." He made the statement to add, "In terms of inland schools, Rockville High School the facilities will be as advanced as any."

The construction is on target to be finished in July, Macary said. The current equipment and several new pieces of equipment will then be moved in and installed, he said.

The new facility will be ready for students by the start of the next school year, he said.

"The program keep gaining in popularity," Macary said. "We'll have five full-time teachers and a student population near capacity for the new lab."