P.S. 94 opens new annex

A school in Norwood will now have enough space for community children as a brand new annex building opens.

Students, parents, and faculty at P.S. 94 at 3530 Kings College Place held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 13 for the new annex to the school that includes a library, gym, multi-purpose room, as well as classroom space for the school’s kindergarten. In addition, new play equipment, plantings and benches have been installed in the schoolyard outside of the annex.

The building relieves crowding at the school serving kindergarten through 5th grade. Construction took place about three years, and the building was ready for use by students at the start of this academic year.

The school’s principal Diane DaProcida said that she was glad the school has been able to expand to meet the needs of community’s children, who have had to be bussed out to neighboring schools or attend class in trailers in the schoolyard. She added that she was most proud to work with parents and children on the project.

“Our parents are unbelievable and they go above and beyond for our students,” DaProcida said. “It is truly a pleasure and an honor to serve as your principal and have you be part of my life, and for me to be a part of yours.”

Joining DaProcida in the celebration were assistant principal Iris Calriot, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, Councilman Oliver Koppell, architect David Kriegel of Gran Kriegal and Associates who led a team in designing the building, Department of Education deputy chancellor for the division of civic engagement Santiago Taveras, and many parents.

Koppell said that he believed that government was doing good work in building the annex.

“As I look at this beautiful new building, I see the kids enjoying an environment we worked together to create,” Koppell said. “A lot of people in this country are railing against government. As far as I am concerned, this shows how government plays an important role in our society.”

Tavares said that he was happy to see that the new building was opened, but cautioned that simply spending more money is not always an effective solution to every educational issue.

In the building’s vestibule, there is a piece of vertical hanging artwork called “Pixie Mix” by artist Kirsten Hassenfeld. It was created by threading modified glass, metal, wood and ceramic wares onto steel rods, creating forms that resemble turned spindles.