HATFIELD — A major renovation to the library at Smith Academy, several years in the making, will be complete for the start of the school year on Aug. 30.
“We’re transitioning from an old library to a 21st century learning commons,” Principal Andrew Berrios said. “We are really excited about that.”
Hatfield Superintendent John Robert said the $100,000 project, which comes from a combination of money provided by the Smith Academy trustees and the capital budget, is long overdue.
As a new school year is about to begin, Hatfield’s schools will continue to improve upon many of the successful programs that have existed, he said. This includes adding to the advanced placement offerings at Smith Academy, and expanding the life skills, social and emotional curriculum at Hatfield Elementary School.
Smith Academy’s library was under construction during the summer and will be a modern learning environment and a versatile space by the time students return, Berrios said. The library will feature improved technology, including a digital drop projector screen and speaker system, as well as new furniture and desks with wheels that can be easily moved.
The room will be used during the school day as a library and collaborative space, as well as for professional development and School Committee meetings.
The other major work taking place at Smith Academy is the construction of a new field hockey field that will allow all sports to be consolidated on the site. Field hockey has been played at a field next to Center School.
Shifra Yoni is taking over high school chemistry and science courses, as the school looks to expand AP science offerings, Berrios said.
Brendan Abad is the new physical education and health teacher. Berrios said Abad will be bringing more wellness electives and establishing a more well-rounded physical education program.
Smith Academy is continuing the American sign language instruction which started last year. “This is growing in popularity with the kids,” Berrios said.
At Hatfield Elementary School, children in kindergarten through fifth grade will get their first opportunity to learn sign language, with honors students at Smith Academy dropping by to teach them, said Principal Jennifer Chapin.
The forest learning initiative, for preschoolers, kindergartners and first graders, will continue, Chapin, said, with the students being taken into the woods to learn about science, and having new suits that will keep them dry and clean.
Physical improvements at the elementary school building have been primarily focused on the bathrooms, which Chapin said are being repainted to be bright and colorful, with encouraging and inspirational quotes.
The life skills, social and emotional curriculum that began in fourth grade last year will add fifth grade this fall, Chapin said.
New staff members have been hired, including in preschool, kindergarten and third grade, along with a new Title 1 teacher and several paraprofessionals.
Professional development is focused on math recovery, with the elementary school using a $12,000 grant. A dozen teachers are getting scholarships for this, with a writing-in-math workshop for upper grades.
A kindergarten orientation will be held Aug. 30, as part of the first day of school, while preschool orientation will take place the following week. An open house is scheduled for Sept. 19.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
