Plainedge's Schwarting Elementary School unveiled its new kindergarten wing and library/media center during official ribbon cutting ceremonies Jan. 29. The next step in the construction project, made possible by the bond issue approved a year ago, is completion of the kindergarten wing at the West School, followed by the construction of a new middle school where the old Northedge Middle School now stands.

The district recently received architectural approval from the State Education Department for the new middle school, and is currently awaiting engineering approval, expected in March. Demolition at Northedge would begin approximately 60 days following approval.

Northedge School, previously an elementary school, and utilized most recently by Broadhollow Theater and other education-based businesses, has been vacant since September. The district chose the location at Northedge to build upon, rather than the site of the current middle school, because it is slightly larger.

A small portion of the existing building at Northedge will remain, while major additions are constructed around it explained Plainedge District Clerk and Public Information Head Alice Mateos. "The existing building is not educationally sound. It isn't the type of building one could renovate to house increasing numbers of students. It would have cost, they estimated, as much to renovate as to rebuild," she said.

In the meantime, approximately 700 parents, staff, students and community members were introduced to the new wing at the afternoon ribbon cutting ceremonies. Schwarting students read poetry or sang songs, and later in the day, each class was given a personal tour of the six classrooms and new library.

Making the ceremonies even more festive, the band and fifth-grade orchestra played, the senior chorus sang, one class led the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language, and each grade level recited a poem in observance of the new rooms and library.

Fifth-graders assisted School Board President Mary Ann Karageorges and Superintendent of Schools Dr. John A. Richman in officially cutting the ribbon in the hallway leading to the new wing. "Our faculty and students are delighted to be teaching and learning in this wonderful new environment with a state-of-the-art library," said Principal Jeffrey Soloff. "We certainly appreciate everyone's patience, understanding and flexibility during the construction process."

Richman added, "We're grateful to the entire community for their support of the bond issue which enabled us to construct the new kindergarten classrooms and library/media center at each of our schools."

Also included in the bond issue are renovations to the high school.