SWAMPSCOTT — With the Stanley Elementary School set to be demolished beginning July 1, students and staff will be given the opportunity to walk the halls of the school one last time next week.
On June 22, the last day of school, community members, as well as students and staff, will be given the chance to reflect on their experiences at the school, with walkthroughs set for 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The walkthrough beginning at 12:30 will run for two hours, while the later event will run for just one hour.
“Everyone is invited to take a walk down memory lane,” the town said in a statement. “Come for a visit, walk the halls, and visit classrooms before we lock the doors for one last time.”
The demolition of the school building was approved by the town in an Oct. 19, 2021 special election, where voters greenlit a $98 million plan to unite three elementary schools in the town. The new school building will be constructed on the Stanley lot on Whitman Street, with the goal of opening in time for the fall 2024 school year.
“Since the early 19th century this building has only received one renovation in the 1950s,” said School Committee member Suzanne Wright. “It’s exciting to have it open.”
During the rebuild, Kindergarteners will be attending class in the library of the Hadley Elementary School. The library space will be divided into two new classrooms, and the town has an agreement with the YMCA to use a space in their building as a classroom for first through fourth grade classes.
These new classroom replacements will remain in effect until the new building is done.
“Teachers are excited and stressed, as we are starting this immediately,” Wright said.
Magella Cantara can be reached at [email protected].
