January 31, 2008 Issue
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Classified Chestnut Hill Local Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or Winner of Two |
Norwood-Fontbonne students excited by new quarters
The seventh and eighth graders at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy returned from their three-day weekend (in honor of Martin Luther King) to brand new classrooms, new desks and whiteboards so high that some of the teachers cannot even reach the top. NFA opened its James Anthony Hall addition to students on Jan. 22. The addition, situated on the Norwood campus, includes new classrooms, a high-tech science lab and even an outdoor classroom with a chalkboard (for warmer weather). Granted, on Tuesday, when the Local visited, many of the classrooms still had piles of boxed books in the corners and the walls were pretty barren. But that won’t last long. Already Anna Marie Croney’s science classroom, decorated with a whaling theme and Peanuts’ characters, and the students’ full lockers showed that teachers and students were making the new addition their own. “It’s a dream come true,” said assistant principal George Aspen, who has taught at NFA since 1970. “The best part is the excitement among the students and the fact that our facilities continue to improve for the sake of quality of learning.” Students in the seventh and eighth grade previously had class in the “Big House,” a mansion on the Norwood campus that will now be used primarily for offices and enrichment classes — such as art, music and computers — for the older students. Eighth grader C.J. Viola, from Blue Bell, said the new school was “awesome.” “Our old building was good but this just blows it away,” he said. “Everything else is just so many degrees nicer.” Along with the classroom addition, the Fontbonne Commons Building on the school’s Fontbonne campus, at Sunset and Norwood avenues, opened last week. The commons building, which serves the younger students at the academy, includes a new gym for students that contains a stage and can be rearranged into an auditorium/theater. There is also a small kitchen that, come September, will serve Fontbonne campus students its first food-service-made lunches. Before this new cafeteria space and kitchen was added, students ate lunch in their individual classrooms, said Sister Jean Laurich, principal of Norwood-Fontbonne. “They asked if they were able to choose who they sat with, and I said ‘of course,’” she added with a laugh. While the cafeteria was the highlight for the younger students, the seventh and eighth graders were most excited about their lockers, which they had not had since sixth grade at the Fontbonne campus. “I feel more mature,” said Ashley DePaul, an eighth grader. “The lockers are my favorite part because it makes you feel like you are in high school.” Some of the teachers commented that the transition was rough — with teaching from boxes and getting used to the new room. But generally they are as excited as the students. “It’s like a fairy tale,” said language arts teacher Jo-Ann Carroll to the campus’ religion coordinator, Will Dennis. “I’m just waiting for someone to carry me over the threshold.” Both buildings were dedicated Jan. 27 with a special ceremony and liturgy, with students, parents, donors, alumni and staff present. The two projects were the first major, new construction done at the school in 30 years, and through it the academy was also able to improve storm water management and redirect traffic patterns to make them more efficient and convenient for parents and neighbors. Contact staff writer Kristin Pazulski at 215-248-8819 or Kristin@chestnuthilllocal.com.
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