NORTH PROVIDENCE – The new Woodhaven Elementary School and Dr. Joseph A. Whelan Elementary School are on time and on budget to open this fall, says Supt. Joseph Goho, who is offering answers to key questions on the schools.
What should families expect as they become back to school this fall as it relates to the two new schools?
Families at the new Woodhaven and Whelan Elementary Schools are going to be incredibly proud of what their community has accomplished. For our students, this will be the first time they’ve ever attended a brand new school. They will walk into bright, welcoming classrooms, equipped with modern technology, collaborative learning spaces, improve security features, and environments that were specifically designed around how students learn today. Most importantly, these buildings represent our community’s investment in children. We want every student to know that they deserve outstanding learning environments, and these schools send that message from the moment students walk through the front doors.
Are there any logistics that need to be worked out still?
Both schools will be fully operational and ready on the first day of school, with some ongoing site improvements, particularly the installation of brand new state-of-the-art playgrounds slated to be completed fully sometime in October. Obviously there will be new schools routines, particularly as it pertains to parent and bus drop-off and pick-up, lunch, recess, etc … Careful planning and thought went into making sure these procedures are as efficient as possible not only for the school community, but also for the neighboring community. Some hiccups are to be expected as everyone learns new procedures, but we are anticipating that everyone will adapt fairly quickly and that the new logistics should be a significant upgrade for the school and neighborhoods
Are the schools coming out better than you expected?
Absolutely. While we always had high expectations for the new schools, seeing the finished buildings has been remarkable. The quality of construction, the natural light throughout the schools, the thoughtful design, and the attention to detail have exceeded our expectations. It’s rewarding to see years of planning, including weekly meetings that I participated in over multiple years, and to watch actual construction become a reality. I believe our students, staff, and families will immediately appreciate the tremendous improvement and enhancements from the previous older facility.
Anything surprising, such as something you didn’t realize would turn out as well as it did?
One of the biggest surprises has been how inviting and energetic the buildings feel. These two new schools have a welcoming atmosphere that immediately makes them feel like places where children will learn joyfully every day. I’ve also been impressed by how intentionally the learning spaces support collaboration. Whether it’s the learning commons, shared instructional spaces, or the way classrooms connect to one another, the buildings encourage both student engagement and teacher collaboration in ways that you can truly appreciate as you walk through the new facility.
What features will make these better learning environments?
These schools were designed with optimum teaching and learning as the priority for every student. The classrooms provide flexibility for different instructional approaches, allowing teachers to easily transition between whole group instruction, small group collaboration, individualized teacher directed learning, end provisions for students with disabilities. There is an abundance of natural light, improved acoustics, enhanced technology, modern safety, and security features, and dedicated spaces for specialize instruction, which all contribute to an environment with students can focus, feel safe, and do their best work. Ultimately, while the buildings themselves are beautiful, what matters is most is what will happen inside the school and classrooms. Great teachers, engaged students, and supportive families make learning successful, and these new facilities give students the kind of environment that they deserve.
Has traffic situation been addressed to your satisfaction?
Traffic has been a major focus throughout the planning and design process because both schools are located in established neighborhoods. Working closely with our project team and public safety personnel, the design of the new schools involves traffic patterns that improve vehicle circulation on school grounds while also reducing congestion in the surrounding neighborhood. We are confident in the plans that have been put in place, and we also will be monitoring traffic closely in partnership with the North Providence Police Department when school opens. As with any new school, we will make sure adjustments are made if needed to ensure the safest and most efficient experience possible for our students, families, staff, and neighbors.
