By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
Students, staff, parents and members of the community gathered Monday morning for the dedication of a new classroom building on the campus of the Washington Montessori Public Charter School.
Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., was keynote speaker for the event. Other speakers included Washington Mayor Judy Meier Jennette, Montessori head of school Steve Jones and eighth grade students Joseph Knox and Christian Heggie.
Rep. Jones called Monday a day of celebration for the school, noting that the addition of the new building was once just a dream.
“That dream is now a reality, and that reality is expanding,” he said. “That expansion will help those who will lead this nation.”
Jennette recalled a previous visit to the Montessori campus in 2006 for another ribbon cutting ceremony. She also remarked that for three years she had served on the school’s board of directors.
“What has always impressed me about Washington Montessori Public Charter School is the complete dedication and drive of the volunteers, the parents and, especially, the faculty,” Jennette said. “Sheer will and an undying desire to build a great school for our children has brought us to this event. All of you are to be commended and congratulated.”
Jennette addressed a portion of her remarks directly to the young students.
“How can we go wrong with children like you, coming through an education system that teaches you to be participatory in your community, kind to your fellow man and always appreciative and protective of your environment?” she said. “I am looking forward to turning the helm over to you. Work hard as you can, learn as much as you can, genuinely care about your fellow man and be as well rounded as you can possibly be, and you will be ready to lead and to lead well.”
Monday’s program also included a violin performance and singing by the school’s students. A reception and tour of the new building rounded out the event.
The building features five classrooms, a work room for staff, office space and bathroom facilities. The new building, along with one adjacent to it, are environmentally designed to allow the optimum use of natural light, thereby cutting down on the need for electrical power.
As head of school, Steve Jones said the new classroom building is part of an ongoing plan for WMPCS.
“It gives us added space that we needed and it goes along with the goals of the school,” he said. “We are progressing, we are expanding. Come watch us grow.”