The building of a "fabulous and beautiful" new Pierce Terrace Elementary School officially began with the school and Fort Jackson leaders breaking ground Sept. 28.
Kathleen Reiss, the Department of Defense Education Activity Americas Southeast Community Superintendent, called the ceremony as a "countdown" to creating the new school.
The school is being built behind the post commissary in the Pierce Terrace Housing Area.
"In approximately two years we will have a new home that our entire learning community deserves," said the school's Principal Dr. Raymond Burk. "Our new home will provide us with all the learning, collaborative and community amenities while we continue our transformation to an exceptional 21st century learning environment."
Fort Jackson's Garrison Commander, Col. Stephen Elder, characterized the new school as a "true testament to the outstanding partnerships" the installation enjoys.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Directorate of Public Works and other agencies "all worked diligently behind the scenes to make this project a reality," he said. "The dedicated service directly supports Fort Jackson Soldiers and their Families. On behalf of these deserving Families, and their children, I want to thank you all."
The new school will provide "our students and staff 40 percent more space than the existing 45-year-old facility provides," Elder added moments before taking part in the ceremonial shoveling of the first soil marking the beginning of construction.. Once completed in 2019 the school will have a capacity of 375 students, and use 21st century technology "needed for DODEA to accomplish its mission to educate, engage and empower students."
Accompanying Elder in breaking ground was Burk, Reiss; Dr. Judith Minor, DODEA Associate Director for Performance and Accountability; Ryan Poettker, Vice President of Project Management; and Aubriella Peek, a Pierce Terrace student.
Peek and the entire first grade from Pierce Terrace were brought to witness the ceremony. One first grade class was led by Alan Denehy, Fort Jackson's music teacher, in singing, "Ready for Our New School" and "We Want to Sing" at the event.
Minor, also the DODEA Americas Director for Student Excellence, called Fort Jackson a "total package" because of the "amazing students, talented staff, supportive parents, elite Garrison leadership and a committed command" that will help provide the "best 21st century school experience."
"Ultimately this school will be a monument to DODEA's and Fort Jackson's commitment to provide the best education for our military children," he said "Military families here and everywhere deserve no less."
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