Tyngsboro school to celebrate new fields, science wing
TYNGSBORO -- Innovation Academy Charter School will celebrate the completion of its track and soccer field and a science wing for middle-school students later this month.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Oct. 20 at 12:30 p.m. and will be followed by its first Track Relay fundraiser.
The track, soccer-field and science wing are part of an expansion project the school undertook last year after the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved this winter the school's enrollment to grow by 200 students.
"Our Expansion Initiative supports our growing community," said Rick Bourque, chairman of the Board of Trustees, in a press release. "The school's success has created growth, demanding more facilities. The events on the 20th unveil just two of the four cornerstone of the overall expansion plan."
Also part of the charter-school's expansion is additional classrooms and a gymnasium, which are in the planning stages, Bourque added.
By approving the school's expansion by 200 students, the school is able to give every middle-school student the opportunity to continue attending IACS through high school.
"The Innovation Academy community committed itself a long time ago to offering the very best that public schools have to offer in the Merrimack Valley in truly preparing students for the 21st century," said Executive Director Walter Landberg in a press release. "The completion of our wonderful new track and field complex, newly
renovated classrooms and the forthcoming additional facilities demonstrate what can be accomplished when you fully engage and challenge a community to work as a team." The school began a fundraising drive at beginning of the year to raise funds for its expansion.
Charter schools, although public schools, do not receive state funds for building and facilities costs.
Last school year, IACS received a $100,000 donation from Century Bank, which is featured on the new scoreboard at the track and soccer field, and $11,000 from the school's parent association, with support from the student and family community.
The relay event features teams of students and adults walking and running for sponsorships. All proceeds will go toward the school's expansion project.
Teams are eligible to win several prizes donated by local businesses and supporters.
The public is invited to participation and/or join in the celebration.
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