Randolph, MA – Local officials, faculty, students, and the community gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new North Randolph Elementary School on Aug. 27.
Speakers included local and state representatives, Deputy Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Mary Pichetti, Superintendent Dr. Thea Stovell Herndon, and school Principal Kelly Breen.
Town Manager Brian Howard said, “This building took two years to construct, but the process that brought us here today has spanned over five to six years. To the residents of Randolph, this school wouldn’t be possible without your support at the ballot box and your vision for a better future for Randolph’s public schools.”
MSBA representative Mary Pichetti emphasized the school’s forward-thinking design, which blends sustainable features with elements from the old building to honor the past while embracing the future.
Herndon said, “This building is more than just a school; it is a place of community. We designed this school with joy, creativity, and collaboration in mind. From the small group instruction rooms that encourage teamwork to the welcoming front porch where parents can gather, this school represents the spirit of inclusion and innovation that we hope to foster in Randolph.”
Breen, the founding principal of North Randolph Elementary, added, “This school stands as a testament to the shared vision and tireless efforts of so many. It will be a nurturing ground for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens. As we cut the ribbon today, we are not just opening a building; we are embarking on a journey of learning, discovery, and growth.”
Following the speeches, students were invited to assist with the ribbon-cutting. Attendees were then given guided tours of the facility, led by faculty and staff who had volunteered their time to prepare the school for its first day.
The new North Randolph Elementary School features:
- A STEAM lab with a roll-up door to a roof terrace furnished with planter boxes.
- An outdoor classroom overlooking a regenerated wetland.
- An open interior layout inspired by a Town Commons concept, which allows views into the gym and cafeteria to encourage community growth.
- Sensory paths incorporated into the corridor floor tile patterns.
- A flexible performance stage that allows presentations to either the gymnasium or cafeteria depending on schedule or audience size.
- Mobile classroom technology that accommodates multiple learning modalities through flexible furniture arrangements.
- Historical artifacts from the Devine School worked into the design of the lobby and public areas of the site.
