School 16 students join Board of Education President Anne Wager-Rounds, Superintendent John Carmello and Principal Tracy Ford to cut the ribbon ahead of the first day of school.
On Wednesday, September 4, we celebrated the completion of the renovation at School 16 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the scheduled Board of Education meeting at the school.
The work was completed as part of the district’s Building Modernization Project, which was approved by voters in 2019. Upgrades include a new secure entry vestibule and main office, ADA accessibility upgrades including a new elevator, new cafeteria, library, and social-emotional suite, and renovations to the gymnasium.
With families, staff and administrators on hand, the School 16 community gathered for their first look at the updates to the building on Collins Avenue.
Principal Tracy Ford shared during his remarks about what struck him when he first came to School 16 almost 15 years ago.
“As soon as I got here, I learned the rich history and tradition of this community. We truly are a family here at School 16, and it’s easy to get up in the morning and get to work because you’re so excited to see the families, and the students, and people that you interact with every day to make things better in terms of increasing achievement, increasing learning for students. I’m so proud.”
Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello presents School 16 Principal Tracy Ford with a certificate from the city.
Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello was in attendance, along with Deputy Mayor (and School 16 alumnus) Seamus Donnelly.
“We talk about the great architecture in our city, the waterfront, how great our neighborhoods are,” said Mantello. “But the greatest thing about our city is exactly what’s taking place here today. We have a new school here, a revitalized school, a renovated school. It’s bricks and mortar. But what makes that school are the families, the children, the students and the teachers.”
Mantello also commended the Board of Education, District Administration and all those who worked to bring this needed project to completion.
Ford closed his remarks speaking about the importance of building strong relationships with his students.
“We can’t wait to get to recess and throw a little football with them and play a little basketball and have lunch groups and all of those things that mean a lot. Those personal contacts, the important moments with students to make sure they feel important and remind them that we’re always here for them every step of the way.”
We’d also like to give a special thank you to Christin Martell of Chritscreations for the wonderful balloon decorations used at the ribbon cutting and that were displayed for the first day of school.
