City celebrates grand opening of the new Washington School

By Rob Forleo

Special to the Voice

Washington Elementary School celebrated its grand reopening on Aug. 19, marking “A New Beginning” for the students, staff, and community. Families, teachers, and invited dignitaries joined together to honor the school’s long history and to celebrate the start of a new era. The first official school day was Aug. 27.

The celebration began outside the new building, where guests gathered to enjoy food trucks and community spirit. Children and families explored the brand-new playground, filling the space with energy before the official ribbon cutting. Board of Education Chairwoman Cebi Waterfield, who has been a central figure in the project, had the honor of cutting the ribbon to officially open the school.

Afterward, guests entered the new state-of-the-art gymnasium for the ceremony. Fourth grader Ryan Remigio led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the West Haven High School Band performed the national anthem and two additional selections between remarks.

Superintendent of Schools Neil C. Cavallaro praised the milestone, telling the crowd, “It is truly a great day for the city of West Haven and the Board of Education, culminating over five years of planning, preparation, and building of this beautiful construction.” Speaking afterward about the impact on students and staff, he said, “I believe we’ve created a learning environment that will excite both students and staff. We’re giving them access to a state-of-the-art facility with all of the tools necessary for success. While the old building had a rich history, it simply was no longer adequate. Staff and students deserved better.”

Mayor Dorinda Borer celebrated the school’s legacy and future, saying, “Washington Elementary School has proudly served this neighborhood since 1909, and thanks to its rebirth as a new state-of-the-art facility, this spirited school will continue its rich tradition of academic excellence for years to come. The students will not only be walking into these new halls but into the future and world of possibilities.” When asked how the reopening benefits the community, she added, “Investing in our schools is not only providing our students with the state-of-the-art facility and resources they deserve but it uplifts an entire community as a whole. The number one reason new families move into a city is the school system, and by building a beautiful facility such as this one, it provides a reflection of the quality education children receive here in West Haven. It also provides a community space for the neighborhood in a setting that is highly functional.”

Board of Education Chairwoman Waterfield reflected on the school’s role in the community.

“Washington Elementary School has stood as a cornerstone of this community for generations. The values, spirit, and sense of central community that have defined this school for over a century will continue to live on,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz called the reopening “a significant investment in the future of West Haven,” while Michelle Halloran Gilman, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, emphasized its broader role: “I want to emphasize community because we know that schools are not just for the students, teachers or staff who we value so much, but it is truly a community building who will use it when needed.”

Principal Alicia Limosani encouraged students at the ceremony, telling them, “This is a new chapter in Washington’s history. Be happy, be excited, and don’t forget to take it all in!” Asked what she was most excited about, she said, “We are so fortunate and blessed to have such a magnificent state-of-the-art school. Our students will have the best in all areas to learn and grow socially and emotionally. I am most excited to see my students’ faces light up when they see their new school and to see my teachers take their teaching to another level with the technology they now have. This will be a warm, loving, and supportive place where all students can and will learn.”

Ken Carney, Chairman of the West Haven Building Committee, underscored the financial success of the project.

“We are still today $1.2 million under budget. Washington School was built on time and 3% under budget. This achievement reflects not only the careful planning of the building committee but also the strong partnership between city leaders, the Board of Education, and the state.”

Carney also offered some facts about the new building:

~~ It took 121,722 work hours over 499 workdays to build the new Washington school. During that time, there was not a single work-related injury;

~~ State-funded projects require a 25 percent goal for minority construction participation. The minority participation in this project reached 39.4 percent;

~~ Because of the wet soil conditions, 306 piers were installed to support school;

~~ 135,000 bricks and 65,000 blocks were used to construct the school

~~ The interior courtyard is 6,775 sq feet;

~~ There are two playgrounds totaling 7,842 sq feet;

~~ The media center is 2,377 sq feet;

~~ The gymnasium is 3,170 sq feet;

~~ There is a state-of-the-art kitchen, four resource rooms, four reading rooms, 26 classrooms in total, and one 10-foot giraffe.

The ceremony concluded with tours of the new facility. Families and guests visited classrooms, where teachers proudly showcased their spaces and welcomed the community.

The reopening of Washington Elementary is more than just the unveiling of a new building, according to school officials.

The project “represents the dedication of Washington families, teachers, staff, invited dignitaries, and the local community who came together to celebrate this milestone. With its rich legacy and a state-of-the-art future, the school begins “A New Beginning” that will inspire generations of students while strengthening the entire community.”

Ed. Note: This story includes information from Voice staff.