Usually when I visit one of our schools, I am enamored by seeing the children actively learning and enjoying what they do. But today was a bit different because I was enamored by the building instead! I’m not sure if it were the location of Washington Center, or that there is so much history within the walls of the building that intrigued me. While I still don’t know much about the history, it is obvious that there is a great deal there. There are remnants of a building from the early part of last century, the 1950s, and 1990s as well as today. Somehow all of the time periods meld together to form this now pre-K through 5th grade building. Remnants of perhaps a K-8 building show through the lockers that are still being used in the upper grades. An empty computer lab shows that FWCS was cutting-edge in the 1990s with a one-to-one computer classroom methodology. But this room is only empty do to the many classroom sets of iPads and laptops that are being used daily by students, which represents today and the importance of technology. The building will undergo renovation soon, so I was glad I was able to see it and its view to the past. I wonder what caused the growth and made them add on during the various time periods. Is the cafeteria in the basement because this kept students and workers cooler in a non-air-conditioned building? Maybe someone who knows the history to Washington Center will be able to answer the questions. I’m sure there are many stories that could be shared.
The building and grounds to Washington Center are quite spacious which gives way to many opportunities for outdoors activities and indoor collaboration. They seem to take advantage of the space they have and feel lucky to have it. Mr. Goldfuss, the relatively new principal, is encouraged with the new families coming to his school. And soon, it will be even better! And there’s certainly plenty of room and always a warm welcome for new students.
I was able to capture a short video of one part of the day that students must absolutely love…I know I would have! Their music program is fortunate enough have several classroom sets of musical instruments, including a classroom set of hand chimes. This is what I love about FWCS: they understand the importance of the arts and find ways to bring these opportunities to all students. While probably few of these students at Washington Center will go on to be world class musicians, the skills and the rewards of learning these instruments will stay with them forever. When I heard the chimes being played, it reminded me of my time in music class – each student playing his or her part to form an amazing musical sound. Sitting in the middle of that has to warm one’s heart and lift one’s spirit.
Thank you for a great morning and a wonderful start to the week.
The building and grounds to Washington Center are quite spacious which gives way to many opportunities for outdoors activities and indoor collaboration. They seem to take advantage of the space they have and feel lucky to have it. Mr. Goldfuss, the relatively new principal, is encouraged with the new families coming to his school. And soon, it will be even better! And there’s certainly plenty of room and always a warm welcome for new students.
I was able to capture a short video of one part of the day that students must absolutely love…I know I would have! Their music program is fortunate enough have several classroom sets of musical instruments, including a classroom set of hand chimes. This is what I love about FWCS: they understand the importance of the arts and find ways to bring these opportunities to all students. While probably few of these students at Washington Center will go on to be world class musicians, the skills and the rewards of learning these instruments will stay with them forever. When I heard the chimes being played, it reminded me of my time in music class – each student playing his or her part to form an amazing musical sound. Sitting in the middle of that has to warm one’s heart and lift one’s spirit.
Thank you for a great morning and a wonderful start to the week.
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