On Tuesday, Westfield Washington Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the official start of Destination Westfield, the school district’s forward-looking plan to continue offering an excellent academic experience while keeping pace with the growth that comes from being the top destination community in the state.
The expansion project at Carey Ridge Elementary School will create more space for the district’s cross categorical special education program which allows students with different areas of abilities to be educated in a group environment and receive varied systems of support for instruction.
The cross categorical program began with five students in 2014, and next year’s class is expected to have 45 students. Eight rooms are being added as part of the expansion project. The cross categorical wing is set to be completed in spring 2024, with other remodeling scheduled to finish in summer 2024. Other renovations include bathrooms, water fountains, HVAC systems, and a parking lot update.
The event included remarks from Superintendent Dr. Paul Kaiser, School Board President Bill Anderson, Carey Ridge Elementary School Principal Andy Hilton, and Director of Special Education & Student Services Dr. Chase Stinson.
Carey Ridge Elementary School Principal Andy Hilton, Carey Ridge Elementary School first grader Landon Brown, Director of Operations Dr. Joe Montalone, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. John Atha, School Board Member Rebecca Ogle, School Board Secretary Mike Steele, Superintendent Dr. Paul Kaiser, Director of Special Education and Student Services Dr. Chase Stinson, School Board President Bill Anderson. School Board Vice President Amber Willis, School Board Member Jimmy Cox, and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Brian Tomamichel. (Photo courtesy Shawn Davis, Rocks Media House)
Mendi Cooley and Ian Cooley. (Photo courtesy Shawn Davis, Rocks Media House)
Second-grade student at Carey Ridge Elementary School Frankie Cody and her mother Louise Perrin. (Photo courtesy Shawn Davis, Rocks Media House)