BY LAYLI WHYTE
Staff Writer
LAYLI WHYTE Ryan Lehrkinder and Nolan Mendoza, both 10, demonstrate how to use the new sliding black boards at Point Road School, while they give tours of the school on March 22. LITTLE SILVER — Two years and more than $6 million later, the construction at Point Road Elementary School is nearing completion.
District Business Administrator Susan Irons said that the bid for the project was awarded to Kelso Construction Co., Manasquan on March 13, 2003.
Out of the $6.25 million cost, state aid amounted to more than $1.8 million, according to Irons.
The additions include two new pre-kindergarten rooms, renovations to the library and faculty office, six new classrooms, a new gymnasium and a new front entrance.
The new entrance includes a new security system, which is already up and running, according to Irons.
The camera/buzzer system requires that a visitor to the school stand at a window visible from the office. The visitor must be permitted entry into the school by someone inside the main office. There is also a camera trained on visitors while they wait to be let into the school.
Irons also said that the parking lot was repaved and new curbing was added.
Due to some problems with the project, the 2004-2005 school year started two days late, to the dismay of many parents.
As a way of showing the community what all their efforts were for, residents were welcomed to the school last week and were given tours by some of the school’s fourth-graders.
“This is the new library office,” said Ryan Lehrkinder, 10, on her way to show off the newly expanded library, “where the librarian laminates things.”
Her partner as tour guide was Nolan Mendoza, also 10, who explained succinctly what the old library looked like.
“It never used to be this big,” said Nolan.
Ryan said the art room, located next to the library, was narrowed to accommodate the larger library space.
The two tour guides also pointed out the six new classrooms added to the school, including the learning language disabled class room.
“It’s for kids who just need a little extra help,” explained Ryan.
The young guides pointed out where new hallways were built, like the one leading to the new gymnasium.
“We never had a score board before,” said Ryan. “And there are a lot more basketball hoops now.”
Previously, gym classes in the school were held in the multi-purpose room, which is also used as a cafeteria.
The two fourth-graders were able to walk down memory lane while visiting old classrooms, like Nolan’s second grade classroom.
“They have really cool closets now,” he said. “I wish they had these when I was here.”
Nolan also took the opportunity to visit the kindergarten class he and Ryan had together.
“It still smells like Mrs. Lunz’s class,” he said, grinning.
The new sliding chalk boards were a favorite of the youths, who took the opportunity to slide them, revealing fresh, unused surfaces underneath.
Ryan and Nolan also knew what was going on in the faculty office.
“They’re pretty much done in here,” said Ryan about the renovations in the room.
She also mentioned that the principal, George Yantz, is retiring soon, and that Pamela Albert will be taking his place, starting on May 1.
“It’s like moving into a new house,” said Albert.
Irons said that with just a few touch-ups the project will be fully complete.
“A bolt here, a screw there, we’re done,” she said.