[VIDEO] Welcome Wellington: Belmont's Newest School Opens Its Doors
Down to the wire, the new Wellington Elementary School greets a new generation of students.
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Amy Wagner was a blur this morning; greeting students and parents, advising teachers and hosting town and school officials on the first day of the school year.
But through it all, the principal of Wellington Elementary was excited and happy that Belmont's newest school was open and ready for its nearly 600 students.
Although ...
"I wish it was sunny," said Wagner, looking out at the steady cool rain that forced the brief ceremony indoors in the gym.
There was some concern if the school would open on time as the town's engineer did not sign off on the needed Temporary Certificate of Occupancy until yesterday.
Even with the TCO in hand, Mark Haley, the co-chairman of the Wellington School Building Committee, said the building will not be "completely done" until sometime in November.
"But we got it open on time and on budget," Haley said, adding that he was in the $40 million building until 7 p.m. yesterday "just to make sure everything was in place."
By 8:45 a.m., the students said the pledge of allegiance, sang "My Country 'tis of Thee," and saw kindergartener Sarah Lovallo and third grader Katelyn Sawyer cut the ribbon to officially open the school.
"OK, let's go to our classroom," said Second Grade Teacher Gwen Trish.
V O P
7:27 pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2011
It's a shame to think that in about 40 years this building will be in such disrepair that we will be voting on an override to demolish it and rebuild. If anyone thinks differently check out your high school (c: 1971) and your main library (c: 1965) Preventive maintenance is a joke in Belmont.
Joe
1:49 pm on Thursday, September 8, 2011
Where did this comment come from? The Wellington was not repaired or preventive maintenance, it was knocked down and totally rebuilt. It looks great! And at or under budget, not over, which is rare in these days. Great job to all who worked so hard to complete it!
Lisa Gibalerio
11:28 am on Thursday, September 8, 2011
Heartfelt congratulations to the Wellington Building Committee and all who've worked so hard to make this happen! I am looking forward to touring the new Wellington and have heard great things about Belmont's newest school. Well done!
V O P
6:18 pm on Sunday, September 11, 2011
Joe
Do you know the history of Belmont Municipal buildings ?
Get with the program
Why don't you take a tour of Belmont High School. I was the 2nd graduating class in 1972 and it was, of course pristine. It is a terrible eye sore now (ask any HS student)
When was your home built Joe ?? Is it over 40 years old ? Have you done any capital improvements or just let it fall apart ? It is a shame that you can not comprehend my comments.