A ribbon-cutting ceremony signaled the start of a daylong Open House featuring tours of the $18.7 million ECLC situated on an 11-acre site on Center Street. Dignitaries included state Sen. Leonard Lance, Assembly members Michael J. Doherty and Marcia A. Karrow, and Mayor Harry L. Wyant. Emily Roller, a Phillipsburg High School senior, sang the National Anthem.

A Time Capsule and items to be placed in it were displayed in the media center. Contents include media coverage of the June 2004 groundbreaking, current class pictures and the program, invitation list and other memorabilia from today's ceremony. Once filled, the capsule will be sealed and opened in 50 years - on January 22, 2056 - by a future generation of young students.

The 86,442-square-foot state-of-the-art ECLC accommodates 530 3- and 4-year-olds and Kindergarten students. There are 31 classrooms, six small-group instructional rooms, an art room, computer room and music room. It also features a media center, cafetorium, indoor and outdoor play areas, a nurse's station, administrative areas and a gym available for community use. The facility, a one-story steel frame with concrete block and brick enclosure, includes photovoltaic and ice storage systems.

School Superintendent Dr. H. Gordon Pethick remarked, "It is so very fitting that we mark the first step of the facilities modernization process with the addition of a new pre-school and kindergarten facility. The transformation of brick and plaster to a school can be compared to the fresh beginning a child will experience at the start of his or her formal education."

SCC Communications Director David Crutcher presented a set of oversized silver keys to school officials marking the passage of ownership of the new school to the Phillipsburg district.

"These keys are symbolic in many ways - not only will they open the doors of this new school, but they will open doors of opportunity for every child who passes through them," Crutcher said.

Symbolism also factored in design: Train tracks in the tile patterns in hallways denote the historical significance of railroads in Phillipsburg, being considered as the future home of the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center. The train theme continues in the safe, enclosed outside courtyard play areas. Other distinguishing building features include geometric shapes in primary colors for young students to recognize and learn about.

Design Resources Group Architects, Raritan, NJ is the design firm; TAK Construction, Inc., Clark, NJ is general contractor. Heery International, Inc. managed the project for the SCC.