Beecher School celebrates dedication

Several hundred parents, students and community friends attended the dedication of L.W. Beecher School on Sunday, September 9, 2007, at 2 p.m.

Beecher School received a $40 million transformation under the Citywide School Construction program, designed by Svigals + Partners, that allowed the school to expand from its current K-5 grade configuration to a pre-K-8 grade format.

The original 1913 building was elegantly melded with a new addition that opens up new uses for the students and staff. The project includes new classrooms, new art, music and science rooms, library media center, a cafetorium and gymnasium and new playing fields and play spaces.

Featured at the reception were student Tiana Scales, who danced to the song "The Greatest Love of All," performed by Lisa McDowell-Kellmann. In addition, architect Barry Svigals presented several students with Kids Build awards in honor of the program that introduces young people to careers in the building trades. Mayor John DeStefano, Jr., Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Mayo, Principal Kathy Russell Beck and many others addressed the crowd.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT L.W. BEECHER

Grades: PreK-7 (eventually to accommodate grade 8)

Address: 100 Jewell St.

Project Cost: $40 million

Principal: Kathy Russell Beck

Enrollment: Currently 408; highest projected: 650

Construction manager: C&R Development

Architect: Svigals + Partners

Gilbane Program Manager: Claude E. Watt