ROBBINSVILLE: Elementary school to take on colorful look

by Jessica Ercolino, Staff Writer
   ROBBINSVILLE — In a few weeks, residents won’t be painting the town — they’ll be painting the school.
   This year marks Sharon Elementary School’s 50th anniversary, and a parent-organized painting project will help spruce up its now-beige walls.
   ”I’ve been here 10 years and they haven’t been painted for as long as I’ve been here,” said Principal Janet Sinkewicz. “Not that the spirit of the school is down, but this will help create a buzz.”
   Painting sessions will take place Feb. 28 and March 1, 7 and 8, and volunteers are still needed.
   Nicole Grembowitz and Louise Shea, members of the Parent-Teacher Association, spearheaded the project after they and fellow PTA members painted the foyer of the school last year.
   ”We painted some apple trees and rainbows and made it look beautiful and welcoming,” Ms. Grembowitz said. “Then, I turned the corner and thought, ‘Oh my gosh.’ The walls are the same off-white color as the floors.’”
   The plan is to paint each of the school’s four wings a different color — green, blue, purple and yelow — she said.
   The project is expected to take place over two weekends, but Ms. Grembowitz said she isn’t sure how long covering the hallways in bright paint will actually take.
   ”We could have 50 people or 200 people,” she said, adding that teachers have expressed interest in murals, which could start soon if the initial project is completed quickly.
   The task will not only help beautify the school, the mother of two said, but also bring the community together.
   Students from the high school will be volunteering as part of their 30 hours of required community service, she said. Residents also are invited to be a part of a “welcome committee” to point people in the right direction, or help out with child care, which will be available during the painting sessions.
   A number of area businesses have agreed to donate supplies and food for the project, Ms. Grembowitz said, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Bagels N Cream, Central Perk & Bagel Company, Dunkin’ Donuts, Take 5 Gourmet, Marrazzo’s Market and Villa Barone restaurant.
   Still, volunteers are asked to bring paint rollers and supplies if they have them.
   ”Don’t worry about being a great painter,” Ms. Grembowitz added. “Everyone is invited to help.”
Project organizers are asking volunteers to sign up for time slots by Feb. 21 by e-mailing Ms. Grembowitz at [email protected]. Set-up will begin around 8:15 a.m. For more information, visit http://www.wtpsmercer.k12.nj.us/sharon.