Centennial Officially Opens New McDonald School

The Bulldogs have a new doghouse, as Centennial School District administrators, students and other guests cut the ribbon Monday that established the official opening of McDonald Elementary.

McDonald Principal Keely Mahan was joined on stage in the school's lunchroom/auditorium by Centennial Superintendent Dr. Joyce Mundy, school board members, representatives from the offices of Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick and State Representative Bernie O'Neill and former McDonald Elementary student and current Fox 29 reporter Bruce Gordon to celebrate the start of the school's new era.

"The feedback from parents has been amazing," said Mundy during prepared remarks to a crowd of parents, children and community members. "They love the library, streamlined cafeteria and better access to technology. There is a spirit of optimism for Centennial. We have the structures we need to help the students reach new levels of success."

Before the ceremony, members of the public took the opportunity to tour the new building, constructed behind the now-demolished old McDonald Elementary. The $28 million facility is one of three elementary schools that were either completely rebuilt or expanded as part of a district consolidation plan.

Three of the six neighborhood schools were closed and sold to real estate developers. Leary and Stackpole have been demolished, with Longstreth next on the list.

According to a press release, McDonald Elementary School was designed according to LEED principles, promising to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than its predecessor. Students benefit from central air conditioning, which proved to be indispensable during some sizzling September school days.
 
The building contains updated equipment and design features to facilitate learning. The cafeteria, gymnasium and stage can be reconfigured to host large, all-school assemblies, which the old school could not offer without dividing students into two sections. Stepped-up safety considerations also have been incorporated. Each classroom is outfitted with whiteboards and sound systems. Microphones embedded in the ceilings allow teachers to be heard throughout the classroom. 

"The school is just beautiful," said Mahan after the ceremony. "We have air conditioning, which is very exciting. It's much easier to get around the school. The circles at the old building could get confusing." 
 
Four computer stations are available in each classroom. Two computer labs, in addition to a computer lab in the library, provide students easy access to technology. Students have enhanced opportunities to nurture their creative sides in art rooms and music rooms.
 
“Centennial School District has completed the construction and curriculum redesign of its schools, and is uniting to celebrate a new beginning. I invite the community to participate as we embark upon this journey by cutting the ribbon on our newest school,” Dr. Mundy said.

Monday night's ceremony began with a performance by the school chorus and a flag presentation by Boy Scout Troop 200, which folded an American flag that Congressman Fitzpatrick had flown over the Capitol building in Washington D.C. Den mother Kimberly London appreciates the size and scope of the new school, and she says the focus on the children has not changed.

"My son is in the gifted program, and they still give him the individual attention he needs to succeed," said London. "This is a gorgeous building, but what makes a school is the people inside."