Colegrove Park Elementary School Opens for the New Year
NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— Children flooded into the new Colegrove Park Elementary School on Monday morning, finally laying claim to classrooms and lockers after months of delay.
They were lined up in front of the doors in the chilly morning air, eager to start off the new year in their new school.
"It feels like the first day of school but in January," said math coach Lindsay Osterhoudt. "There's so much enthusiasm. ... It really feels like the first day of school."
The move from Sullivan School brought back memories of her own time at the former Conte Middle School as a student, as she assured the youngsters they would be able to find their way in their new building. "It's beautiful," she said.
"I hope I don't get lost," said young Chloe, clutching her list from a scavenger hunt held during last month's orientation to help children learn their way around. "I'm really excited."
School officials had hoped to open the building in time for the start of the school year in September but the nearly $30 million renovation of the century-old building dragged on into the fall. The school system took possession in December and pushed to have everything moved in in time for Monday's opening.
The makeover has been dramatic - the dark, dingy, aged middle school is now a fresh and bright elementary school with all new technology. But the project also ensured that the school's history would play a prominent role in its revamping.
So children gathered in front of doors that heralded "Drury High School" above them, a relic of the building's initial incarnation. Inside, large images in the corridors and cafeteria of schoolchildren from the past offered a link to city's history. The old plaques and gilded capitals on the columns at what was once the main entrance recalled the grandeur of early 1900s architecture.
Those flourishes are set off by the sleek and modern furniture, natural-stained doors and colorful floor tiles.
"Just to have students in the building, it seems so natural," said Mayor Richard Alcombright, standing in the new gymnasium, which had first been an auditorium and then the middle school's library. He was particularly pleased with the cleanliness and presentation, something that had been an issue with the general contractor.
"Our guys did a tremendous job," he said. "It shines like a diamond and our guys did it."
The mayor, also chairman of the School Committee, expected there would be some ironing out of schedules and equipment and other issues.
"They're going to feel their way," he said. "I figure in about 10 days in, it will be like they've always been here."
A formal grand opening with state and local dignitaries is planned for the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 25, with an open house that evening for the community.
Superintendent of Schools James Montepare was also pleased with how the operation went, with buses arriving on schedule, children getting to their classrooms and breakfast being served. He was planning to check with teachers throughout the building.
For Principal Shelley Fachini, the so-far smooth transition is something of a relief. Shifting some 300 children, teachers and staff, and equipment into an unfamiliar setting isn't the easiest thing to do.
"I think it exceeded my expectations," she said. "The kids are all very happy. There were no stragglers. No one was lost. It's a win-win."
Tags: Colegrove Park, elementary schools, school openings,
