Sen. Kissel to attend Enfield middle school reopening after building project
January 11, 2023The public is invited to a grand reopening ceremony and guided walk-through of the multi-year building project at John F. Kennedy Middle School.
The event is set for at 6 p.m. Thursday Jan. 12 at the middle school, 155 Raffia Road.
JFK Building Committee Chairman Randy Daigle will give opening remarks and introduce other members of the building committee, town and school officials, and the project architects and builders.
Daigle also will lead residents on a guided walking tour of the school.
The renovate-as-new project involved remodeling 172,406 square feet in the building, demolishing a section, and 18,618 square feet of new construction.
During presentations to the Board of Education and Town Council late last year, Daigle said everything at the school is brand new. It’s 100% air conditioned, completely Wi-Fi accessible, and all classrooms are state-of-the-art facilities with computers, monitors, and large TVs.
All of the furniture in the classrooms is movable.
The new cafeteria has portable partitions that can be used to section off eating areas for the different grade levels and then moved apart when there’s an event in the space. The entrance features garage-style doors that provide light and a sense of openness.
The gymnasium, with retractable bleachers on both sides, has been expanded and has an adventure area for skills such as rock climbing.
The auditorium has been expanded to seat 620 people comfortably, up from 315, and is wheelchair accessible. The stage is 32 inches above the floor, allowing performers to have eye contact with the audience.
Administrative offices have been consolidated in one area near the building’s main entrance so staff members can work as one unit.
The grounds around the school, including athletic fields, were renovated. Vehicle access into the school from the street has also been improved, with a bus loop and a loop for parents dropping off students. The parking area has been configured so students will not have to cross where there is traffic.
The walk-through will highlight many additional renovated areas and new construction.
Others speaking at the grand reopening include Mayor Bob Cressotti, Superintendent Christopher Drezek, JFK Principal Andrew Berrios, Board of Education Chairwoman Tina LeBlanc, Board of Education Vice Chairman Scott Ryder, Town Councilwoman Lori Unghire, Town Councilman Douglas Finger, Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, and Rep. Carol Hall, R-Enfield.
