Washington Park East Neighborhood Association

Jan 2002 - Steele Elementary

Dec 28, 2001

What Do Pasta and Basketball Have in Common? A bit too much at Steele Elementary (where the gym also serves as the student lunchroom), but that is soon to change. Principal Gail Paige-Archambeau reports that bids are due in January to build an addition for a new cafeteria. Hopefully construction will begin at the end of February, and completion is anticipated for August or September. The addition will be built on the east side of the building in space currently occupied by the semi-circle drive and the teachers?’ parking lot. The teacher?’s parking lot will be re-oriented on the school grounds north of the building.
Greening of Steele Update: Annie Witwer tells us that although all ?“Greening of Steele?” activities are on hold until spring, future plans include adding plants and sprucing up the ?“Habitat Corner?” to attract birds and butterflies. An announcement about a spring/summer volunteer day will appear in an upcoming newsletter. Meanwhile, if you haven?’t walked around the schoolyard recently, you haven?’t seen the wonderful brick walkways installed by Don Hydrick (parent) and Dale Southworth (local realtor and supporter of Steele School). The bricks were purchased and inscribed as part of an earlier fundraiser, and many of the sayings are lovely. The student-designed ?“habitat corner?” section featuring the bricks of teachers is located in the north sidewalk that approaches the garden. You are all invited to come and take a stroll through the gardens, which have their own special charm in winter.
By the way, did you know?
Steele has grown to 327 students! This is nearly double the size of the student body of a few years ago. Also, Steele recently received a donation of ?“demonstration?” bleachers from the manager, Bryce Foland, of the Home Depot of Parker. Steele Parent Craig Stimson helped install the railings around the bleachers which are located along the south field at the school.