By Dominik Lobkowicz
At Nobleboro Central School’s new front entrance, Principal Ann Hassett leans down to welcome students on the first day of school, Sept. 2. (D. Lobkowicz photo) |
Not to be outdone by its students, Nobleboro Central School had a fresh new look for the first day of school this year, sporting a redesigned front entrance and coat of paint to boot.
The old entrance, parts of which were crumbling and listing, was replaced this summer by Gordon Contracting, of Sangerville.
The concrete and block construction of the old entrance was part of a 1990 addition to the school and had deteriorated due to salt and weather exposure, NCS Principal Ann Hassett said last April.
The project is now close to complete, with three new access ramps installed and ready for use. The railings were installed the last week of August, and some lighting still remains to be installed, Hassett said as she stood out front greeting students, Sept. 2.
Having an entrance that is open and welcoming was an important part of the project’s planning process, according to Hassett.
“We wanted railings instead of walls, and more visibility to the street and just a welcoming feel, and a little more updated, too,” she said.
The exterior of the building has been almost entirely repainted, with just the back of the gymnasium remaining to be done, Hassett said.
For the school year ahead, Hassett is excited about the work the school is doing regarding proficiency-based education and teacher evaluation.
“We’re very optimistic about those things; we feel like they’re working well together and working for the benefit of students, which is what we’re all here for.”
