An architectural landmark school on Buffalo's West Side is officially back in service after a $12 million reconstruction project. Buffalo Public School #18 had a grand reopening Thursday evening.
With a crowd of parents and children from the neighborhood reflecting a school with students speaking 20 different languages, administrators and Buffalo Schools Superintendent Pamela Brown cut the ribbon on the Art Moderne building at West and Hampshire.
This is one of the last city school buildings that re-opened after reconstruction under the $1.5 billion Joint Schools Construction Project.
Excited Principal Valarie Kent said there are a lot of new things inside the refurbished building.
"Tons of modern technology that we haven't had before. Every classroom has an interactive white board in their rooms so we can really bring in some fabulous activities to engage a student so that they are thrilled about being here," said Kent.
Even though the building is filled with kids who don't have English as their primary language, state test scores are high enough and improving enough the school is rated effective.
Kent noted the building now has the best playground in the city. Students are using it for recess during the school day and on nights and weekends families visit so their children can play.
"The building -- we have lots of color in the building -- so it makes it an exciting place to be where kids are eager to come to school and not feel like it's a drag," said Kent.
