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SCC, Bridgeton Educators Dedicate New Pre-School ‘Dr. Geraldyn O. Foster Early Childhood Center’ Named in Honor of Former Superintendent |
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| Bridgeton, NJ, (September 10, 2004) –
Bridgeton School District officials and New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) representatives today formally dedicated a pre-school addition at Buckshutem Elementary School as the “Dr. Geraldyn O. Foster Early Childhood Center” in honor of the retired superintendent who was instrumental in bringing about the new facility in Bridgeton. Students, teachers, parents and community supporters, as well as state, county and local officials, were on hand for the event.
The 60,250-square-foot addition provides 24 new classrooms for up to 360 pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students in the Cumberland County school district. The new facility also includes a gymnasium, a cafetorium with stage, a kitchen, a small group instruction classroom and administrative offices. |
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John F. Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of SCC, said, the state-of-the-art Early Childhood Center, "is a shining example of the strides that SCC – in step with district officials and the building trades – is making toward providing top academic opportunities for our students while re-energizing communities statewide." Dr. H. Victor Gilson, Superintendent of Schools, stated, "The social and emotional climate in which students are taught can be greatly impacted, for better or worse, by the physical environment. It is our hope that this new facility will have a positive effect on staff and students who will teach and learn in the facility for years to come." This $11 million project was fully funded and managed by SCC as part of New Jersey’s $8.6 billion school construction program that is helping to revitalize communities. |
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Governor James E. McGreevey initiated SCC two years ago to streamline the implementation of the program. It is the largest public construction program ever undertaken by the State of New Jersey and one of the largest of its kind in the nation.
"This new construction in Bridgeton represents New Jersey’s continued commitment to our children. We are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st century facilities to ensure that every child has the opportunity to get the education they deserve and the skills necessary to start school,” said Governor McGreevey. |
 Retired Superintendent Dr. Geraldyn O. Foster with her family at the dedication of the Early Childhood Center named in her honor. |
 Interior Hall |
 Cafetorium with Stage |
 Pre-school Classroom |
 Play Area |
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