Faculty Reflect on Benefits of the Beaches Campus Classroom Expansion Project

As the Beaches Campus faculty concluded the 2023-2024 school year in post planning activities, several Beaches Campus teachers shared their thoughts on the newly-launched Beaches Campus Classroom Expansion project,which will begin construction this summer, in order to add classroom space to accommodate enrollment. Currently there are two sections through 1st grade at the Beaches Campus. The school anticipates achieving the two sections per grade goal by the 2027-2028 school year.

“This building means a fresh start in a new, modern, comfortable space better suited to encourage learning and foster creativity for our older ESJ Beaches students,” said Kate Gomes, fourth and fifth grade teacher, Beaches Campus. “As a teacher, I’m thankful the new building will provide an inspiring and well-equipped learning environment where our students can thrive and reach their full potential.”

With support from the ESJ community, the school plans to build a two-story building that will feature:

• Eight classrooms
• A reception area
• Faculty workspace

“I am so excited to experience the new building in 2025!” said Ashley Ann McGehee, third grade teacher, Beaches Campus. “This new space will allow the students to experience an enhanced learning environment equipped with the latest technology and additional space for them to grow as learners. As a teacher, I am excited to experience a new building with a space designed with teachers and learners in mind. This modern facility will enhance the teaching experience by providing teachers with better tools and resources to engage students and deliver high-quality instruction.”

This building will allow for improvements on the current campus footprint as well:

• Modular classrooms will be replaced with additional green space for students to play
• The lunch patio will be expanded to accommodate our larger student body
• McCormick Hall restrooms will be updated

“Our previous campus expansion with the new gym and performing arts space, library, and science lab was an amazing undertaking to witness. These new spaces have enhanced our school community in immeasurable ways and our new building expansion will have this same transformative effect on our campus,” said Denise Cinnamond, former parent and current Beaches Campus Math Learning Specialist. “As a teacher, I witness how our faculty and staff continually commit to providing the best educational and extracurricular resources to our students. I look forward to working with our students and teachers in these new classrooms that will greatly facilitate our learner-centered environment.”

For more information or to learn more about the Beaches Campus Classroom Expansion Campaign, visit www.esj.org/bcce