The start of a new school year is always exciting. From new teachers to new classes to reuniting with old friends and perhaps even making a few new ones, there is much to look forward to.
For students attending the Upper Elementary School this year, there’s more to take in than normal.
Every student will be new to the school. Formerly the Middle School, and for students in grades 5-8, the Upper Elementary School is now home to students in grades 3-6. The change is part of the Westmoreland Central School District’s carefully considered and crafted school building reconfiguration plan, which was initiated two years ago and takes effect this school year. The plan also converted the Elementary School into the Primary Elementary School (grades PK-2) and the High School into the Jr./Sr. High School (grades 7-12).
“A tremendous amount of work and planning has gone into the school building reconfiguration plan,” Superintendent of Schools Mr. Migliori, said. “It represents a total team effort involving various stakeholders, including the Board of Education, faculty and staff and community members. We strongly believe it will better fit and serve the needs of our students and provide even more educational opportunities. The same Westmoreland education just got stronger.”
“It has been a great experience to oversee and be a part of the Middle School’s transformation into the Upper Elementary School,” Mr. Polera, Upper Elementary School principal, who is in his first year with Westmoreland, added. “So many have played a critical role, and the school building is taking shape nicely. We are all excited for the first day of school.”
To kick off the new school year, and welcome students and their families to a new learning environment, the Upper Elementary School held an Orientation and Family BBQ on August 30. The evening started with a brief presentation in the gym by Mr. Polera, who went over goals, rules and expectations. Students, along with their families, then were able to tour the school building, meet their teachers, test out their lockers and participate in a fun challenge in the ZI3 Lab - - also known as the Zone for Imagination, Innovation and Inspiration. The orientation concluded with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and refreshments donated by the Upper Elementary School PTO in the cafeteria and pavilion. School Business Official Mr. Kennedy and his wife manned the grill outside.
“The new Upper Elementary School will be a learning experience for all,” Mr. Polera said. “The Orientation and Family BBQ was a great way to introduce our students and families to a new atmosphere, answer questions and start our new journey together.”
The first day of school for students is Thursday, September 6.