By Liz McBreen
Principal Gloria Perry welcomed McCarthy and Assemblyman Tom Alfano to the ceremony and introduced the construction managers from Sullivan & Nichol, builders of the new additions. A library center and a media lab are set for construction behind the existing school, while an elevator for handicapped students will be built inside the school.
"With the construction beginning today, these buildings will enhance the education offered in the Franklin Square School District," said Perry.
The Superintendent of Schools for Franklin Square, Dr. Timothy Lafferty, thanked the Board of Education for all of their support regarding the project and said that these new rooms will "provide a better opportunity for the students of Franklin Square." McCarthy then presented Dr. Lafferty with the Congressional Record Speech that she made to the House of Representatives regarding the students of the Franklin Square School District.
Fifth-grader Marisa Ristagno was picked by the school to be the bearer of the good tidings, describing to the gathered crowd of dignitaries, teachers, parents and students about many of the improvements included in the new facilities at Polk Street. Ristagno said, "I am so proud to be a part of the first class that will graduate from new Polk Street School."
After the ceremony, McCarthy said that this project "shows that the Superintendent, the teachers and the people of Franklin Square are committed to education."
Alfano said, "This commitment to our children in these additions is an investment not only in their education but in preparing our young people for the future." Construction is due to wrap up during the spring of 2003.
