It was great to see the story (“New year, new school building,” Recorder, Dec. 16) about the soon to open, renovated and expanded Fisher Hill School in Orange coming to fruition with many beautiful, safe, and innovative features. A huge thank you to the School Building Committee made up of community members, parents, teachers, administrators and students who have worked tirelessly to make this possible, and especially, their community-inclusive approach. While not on this committee, I served on a previous version and know how much time and volunteerism goes in! I attended several of the open to all meetings at the start of this process that were impressively facilitated and quite enjoyable. At these, the designers and committee encouraged creative and critical thinking to gather input regarding what features would make for a school that truly served our community needs and budget. I am impressed with an outcome that unites uplifting spaces for learning, with necessary support for wellbeing to struggling families, plus event and meeting spaces useful to our whole community. All along the way, the materials and responses provided regarding the multiple design options explored, and costs to taxpayers were clear and cohesive. It was a truly emotional moment when our town gathered outdoors for a [Covid safe] Town Meeting in May of 2020 and rose to standing in majority just as the sun set, to approve the design and expenditure. May this new learning and community space inspire and support many students, educators, and families to come! A hearty thanks to all who have helped make it so.
Deb Habib
Orange