LYNNFIELD — It’s mission accomplished for the first phase of the town’s elementary schools building project now that the new wings at the Summer Street and Huckleberry Hill schools are occupied.
On Monday, the doors to the new classroom at Summer Street were opened to students and teachers. The group was treated to a sneak peak Friday when the curtain was removed, revealing a view of the new fourth-grade pod.
“That was really sweet at that moment when the students could see the new space and were cheering,” said Principal Karen Cronin. “It was hectic, but we got everybody together and moved in. The building committee and Department of Public Works (DPW) worked all weekend to get us in and I can’t say enough about the teachers for their patience and flexibility. And Armando (Agramonte) our custodian. He has been fantastic.”
Building Committee Chair John Scenna said this was another “milestone moment” in the project, and commended Cronin for her ability to help everyone stay focused.
“When she took this position last year, I am sure she didn’t think we’d be throwing her so many curve balls, but she and the teachers kept their focus throughout construction,” Scenna said. “We now are focusing on getting the outdoors ready so the kids can use it for a few weeks before the end of school.”
Town leaders and media members were treated to a walkthrough of the new space on Monday to observe students and teachers in their new digs for the first time.
In Michelle Robert’s fourth-grade class, students shared their thoughts on what they liked best about the new space. Answers ranged from new smartboards and white boards to new bathrooms and automatic toilets to new furniture and desks. One student summed it up best — “everything.”
At Huckleberry Hill’s walkthrough May 9, Vogel said “this project has been a collaboration between the entire town and the schools, especially the last two years.”
Scenna said “we are far from done, but this milestone is special. This is just the first phase of having tangible classroom space and while the kids are still missing their cubbies, this has been a huge team effort.”
He shared his vision that he believes the new gymnasium will not only be a centerpiece for the schools but the community as well.
Principal Melissa Wyland said the school now has space for resource students in need of extra help who were previously located in the hallways. She said a time capsule will be placed in a wall, which will be opened in 25 years. A special plaque will be hung to indicate its location.
Select Board Chair Phil Crawford gave a shout out to Scenna and DPW Director John Tomasz for doing a “fantastic” job.
“I work in the construction business and know that most projects don’t go this well. It’s amazing this is on time and on budget.”
Inside Alana Parsons’ first-grade class, the students were engaged in a discussion about their future selves. A common theme was getting rich and getting a dog.
The students were also asked what they liked best about their new classroom. Answers ranged from the new desks and smart boards to having more leg room under desks and having a larger classroom. Other things mentioned included the new rocking chairs for students, “being closer to my friend’s classroom” and having a “better view of nature.”
One person who was excited to be in the new wing at Summer Street was Robert, who is retiring at the end of the year after 36 years as an educator.
“I’m looking forward to spending the next 26 days here,” she joked.
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
