Munsey Park Breaks Ground for Addition

by Eileen Brennan

The planned groundbreaking for Munsey Park School's additions was rained out on Friday, Nov. 14, but the rain date, Tuesday, Nov. 18, dawned clear and cold. After a welcome by Dr. Jean C. Kendall, principal of the school, the student council led the assembled crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. America was played by Kendra Bernard, Jeffrey Chin, Patrick Hinz, Hannah Pavlovich and Michael Young, conducted by Mr. Ken Vetter.

Dr. Maria Petraglia greeted the students, staff and guests and talked briefly about the excitement they must all feel at the wonderful school they will have when the work is finished.

Dr. Vincent Calluzzo, president of the board of education, welcomed the guests. Reflections about Munsey Park School were given by SCA Munsey Park President Marie Eslinger Horowitz, by teacher Mark Fay and Student Council President Patricia Puliafico.

Assistant Principal Marilyn Hirschfield introduced the student council officers who offered poetry readings.

Then came the Ceremonial Dig by administrators, board members, staff, parents, student council officers and students.

The recessional, America the Beautiful , was performed by Gregory Amend, Lena Carlucci, Jeffrey Chin, Niki Gupta, Kristin Jaroncyzyk, conducted by Mr. Sean Quinn.

The changes at Munsey Park School will include the addition of 12 classrooms, a new auditorium, improvements and enhancements to instructional technology, including electrical upgrades, distance learning centers and computer networks. An elevator will be installed and additions made to the cafeteria and music room.

One of the earliest improvements to take place will be the construction of a new playground, for which ground was broken earlier this week.