Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Sept/Oct 2017 | Page 13

New building at Walter Bickett Elementary makes a positive impact on learning A new building will make a major impact on learning at Walter Union County Public Schools. “I want to thank our facilities team Bickett Elementary. Third through fifth graders will now occupy and Dr. Benfield for their leadership on this project.” a new wing that includes 15 classrooms, six resource rooms and —This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools a new curved-style auditorium. Through the renovation project, Communications Office. the school also received a cafeteria expansion. The total project added 27,000 square feet to the school. Union County Public Schools administrators, Board of Education members, community leaders and Walter Bickett Elementary staff and students celebrated the opening of the new building at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Friday, May 5. The program included a school tour, remarks from UCPS administrators and a student performance. “I want to thank our school staff, the Board of Education, Dr. Houlihan and my colleagues for supporting Walter Bickett Elementary,” said Principal Dr. Jamie Benfield. “As we expand our Classrooms of Tomorrow and focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), these flexible classrooms will allow for more project-based learning. Our students and teachers are so excited about the new building and the possibilities for learning and growth.” The new classrooms are a big hit for students and teachers because they are designed to allow maximum flexibility for instruction. Each classroom has share walls, adjustable seating and modern technology that will support STEM instruction. “This wing is equipped with amazing resources that will The Walter Bickett Elementary renovations add 27,000 square feet to allow students and teachers to collaborate and focus on the school, including a new wing that has 15 classrooms, six resource rooms, a cafeteria expansion and a new curved-style auditorium. problem-based learning,” said Dr. Houlihan, Superintendent of Parent Teacher Magazine • Sept/Oct 2017 • 11