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CALCUTTA – When Beaver Local students returned to class in August, it was to a completely new school building, at a new location, with a new 21st century learning plan before them.
One of the largest in the state, the new Beaver Local Schools K-12 complex houses about 1,800 students on two floors instead of in the five buildings in which they had attended classes for decades.
Once the complex was well under way, auctions were held to sell off supplies and equipment from the elementary buildings in Calcutta, Rogers and West Point and the high school and middle school.
Then, one by one, the buildings fell to the wrecking ball as students and staff prepared to open the school year in the new building.
As the school opened, Superintendent Lou Ramunno was quoted as saying it is “the only facility I know around that’s like it,” saying other schools have bits and pieces but that the Beaver Local complex is built for 21st century learning.
He pointed to the flexible learning spaces, the teaming approach necessary for instructors to maximize students’ opportunities, the One-on-One initiative with iPads for 5th through 12th grades as examples.
The school was built not with the standard hallways and classrooms but with pods that include study areas for students as well as learning studios where classes can be held in either open or closed environments.
Classes can be held in the traditional manner or, by opening a garage door, allow students from adjacent classes to interact in each others’ classes.
At the elementary level, portable walls provide the same intermingling option between classes, serving as dry-erase boards when up.
The school boasts three gymnasiums one for each school level; a state-of-the-art auditorium; outdoor amphitheater that seats 200; larger playgrounds with padded surfaces; and the entire facility is Wi-Fi accessible.
Four months into their new digs, students and teachers seem to have adjusted, according to Ramunno, who said, “I believe there were fewer problems in a building this size than anticipated. Everybody did an outstanding job. They’ve adjusted instruction so the delivery is spot-on. We’re still trying to get better every day, still trying to improve instruction every day.”
Furniture is still being delivered and will continue to be for eight to 12 weeks, Ramunno said, although the building itself is finished.
The auxiliary parking lot is completed, and ballfields are now being lined up, with Ramunno saying, “We’re continuing with site development.”
He said that, in talking with students, “they seem to have embraced the building,” saying, “They like the freedom they have, the opportunities they have. The kids are great.”
Ramunno conceded, “Nothing is perfect,” and said, “We still need to learn how this building can assist us in delivering instruction to kids.”
Asked how the public has responded to the new complex, Ramunno said, “The public has been fine; there hasn’t been a lot of negative from the public or students at all. The public I’ve been in contact with is very pleased that this building is here.”