Emerson Elementary School

Emerson School in Fitzwilliam was originally constructed in 1925.  The building has grown ‘organically’, meaning rooms have been added over time.  While the school functions well, there are aging systems and some room layout deficiencies that need attention.

Key Problems to Solve:

• The current main entrance is not secure, and the main office is not near that entrance.  The current entry ways cannot accommodate a secure vestibule
• Several classrooms are very small and more suitable for small group instruction than as a regular classroom
• Some programs such as the library and special education are currently held in a basement area which is not the learning environment we want to offer our children
• There are multiple/separate heating and cooling systems that are outdated and do not have central controls. The current systems do not provide ventilation and lighting to current codes and energy efficiency standards
• Emerson is also in need of work on the roof and parking lots

To see the full backlog of Emerson projects, click HERE

Proposed Solutions:

• A new secure main entrance will be built along with a new administrative office to oversee it
• The former office area will be renovated into a new library and specialist offices that currently are housed in the basement
• Two new classrooms will be built to replace the undersized classrooms and to group grades together for better collaboration between teachers and students. The smaller classrooms will be repurposed into special education and other small group instruction for greater flexibility and additional meeting space
• The mechanical and electrical systems will be updated to current codes and standards
• Various minor deficiencies throughout the facility will be fixed at the same time as work is happening

Click HERE to see the designs

Educational Benefits:

• The new secure entryway will allow families to come for conferences/meetings without entering the main part of the building
• New larger classrooms will give Teachers  more options to spread out the learning areas and work on larger projects
• Having the specialists and small group instruction areas in near reach of the grade classrooms will create more real-time collaboration amongst all of the staff, which leads to more fluid and tailored instruction
• Placing the library on the main floor  will create easier access for students to use it more often.   Having a larger space for more book options creates more curiosity and more reading!