Celebrating History & Education in Montville!
We were honored today to host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to reclaim the legacy of a historic Montville building and officially rename it The Palmer School!
Originally built in 1898 by the Palmer family, this building was gifted to our town with two simple requests:
1️. That it educates the children of Montville.
2️. That the Oxboxo Masonic Lodge be able to hold meetings here.
After a devastating fire in 1914, the Palmer family rebuilt the facility entirely at their own expense, continuing their remarkable legacy of giving to the community.
Today, as we celebrate 45 years of serving students through the alternative high school program—previously known as Montville Alternative High School, Palmer Academy, and the Project-Based Learning and Pathways Campus—we honor both our past and our vision for the future: supporting rigorous learning and preparing every student to thrive.
A heartfelt thank you to our distinguished guests:
- Greg Palmer, descendant of the Palmer family
- Rob Krawic, Jim Kenny, and Dan Frechette, Oxboxo Masonic Lodge
- Mayor Lenny Bunnell
- BOE Chair Wills Pike and members of the Board of Education
- Superintendent Dianne Vumback
- Special Ed Director Kristen Brewer
- Director of Facilities Willie Quinones
- MHS Principal Rob Alves and student representatives Tianna, D’Mitri, and Ashlynn
Congratulations to all as we cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially honor this building’s incredible history. The Palmer School is ready to continue shaping Montville’s future for generations to come!
