WASATCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, the district’s oldest in its original building, will be replaced, thanks to bond passage.
It is the district’s oldest school in terms of still being housed in its original facility. It was built at the end of World War II, in 1945, and had an addition nearly 55 years ago.
“Because the school was built before there were earthquake building codes we do have cracks in the foundation and sidewalks,” says School Principal Kathy Scott.
“The district has done its best to keep the school repaired, but there is still a lot to be done. Because our wiring is old it doesn’t always work well,” she said. “For instance, when we showed President Obama’s broadcast this past September the video froze several times.”
Plans are in the works to replace the building, which has 18 classrooms, two labs and one pre-school (of which many are portable classrooms), with 30 classrooms. It may also include literal brick and mortar for the adjacent Community Learning Center. That facility is currently housed in two portables, and already needs more space.
“There is definitely a need for a new Wasatch Elementary,” said Clearfield Mayor Don Wood. “The building is 64 years-old – let’s talk about energy efficiency; that plays right into the school district’s budget.
“Personally, I feel that by rebuilding Wasatch Elementary we are sending a message to our children that they are important, that education is important. We’re making an investment in them that speaks to the value and worth of them as individuals and in education.”
Even though the school is old, it hasn’t been neglected in terms of the latest innovations. For example, interactive white boards have been installed in the 2nd to 6th grade classrooms.
These boards are considered the latest in electromagnetic digitizing technology with high resolution for classrooms.
Teachers can use the boards in fun, interactive ways with students, such as giving tests and quizzes, allowing students to respond using an individual “clicker.” This method of teaching can aid with students who normally remain silent in class – because they can answer every question without fear of being embarrassed.
Because teachers can see instant feedback from the entire class, they know if they should move on or continue teaching a particular concept. It’s hoped these boards can be installed in the kindergarten and first grade classroom by the end of the school year. The boards will be transferred to the new school rooms when they’re completed.
“I feel we have an ideal number of students,” Scott said. “Even though we are one of the smaller schools with 370 students, we are able to focus more on individuals. We have that advantage because of our numbers.”
It is a Title 1 school, meaning federal funding support is received to enhance programs. It is located in an area where many households are low or moderate income.
“We look at our students individually and do tons of assessing so we can see the progress they are making,” Scott said.
“One of the programs we have had success with is called Intervention Time. We have a half hour set aside each day where our Title 1 tutors meet with a group of four to five students and go over math or reading concepts. Because of the small group size the tutor is able to identify what each child needs to improve in that subject.”
Scott said she believes the school rebuild could start in 2011. Students will remain in the current school while the new facility is built.
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