New additions at SPS schools address students and teachers needs

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — "I think it will be a great thing for our schools and but I also know that our Pershing families really love Pershing, and so it is going to be a transition for both them and us," Andrea Hangen said.

Hangen, the principal of Wilder Elementary, says the recently built additions to her school were needed.

"Pershing had a really small elementary and so by incorporating them in and we're just elementary focused, we can help them really set them up for success for middle school," Hangen said.

As Pershing's K-8 school begins the transition, via renovations, to become solely a middle school, students have been moved to Wilder and Field Elementary schools, beginning with some this year, and more next year.

Because of that change, the district gave each school four additional classrooms.

"They are going to be used as grade level classrooms and we will be adding some new teachers to our building next year with incoming Pershing students," Hangen said.

Just a mile away, Adam Bax, the principal of Field Elementary, says it's only day two, but the rooms are being put to good use.

"It's been really nice to have an actual designated classroom for those rooms. So we have an IT classroom, we have our Spanish classroom, and then we also have a third-grade classroom that's in here," Bax said.

Bax says more rooms give more space to students and somewhat of a home for teachers too.

"For years have been, you know, having we've had several classrooms that have been on carts and not had an actual space," Bax said. "We know that whenever our classrooms are inviting and cheery and, you know, just have that really warm feeling that our students are going to feel more welcome and especially day one, that's helped create that space where our students are excited about learning and coming to school."

Ellyn Bean is a teacher at Wilder.

She says she's excited to have one of the newer rooms, and she says students and parents are excited too.

"In this classroom compared to my other one, I have more space that I'm able to kind of play with the furniture a little bit more and get it to, like, fit more of my needs within the classroom," Bean said. "This week has been great. Students are super eager and excited to come and enjoy this new classroom. It's been fun creating routines and expectations in this new area and creating memories with them."

SPS officials say the changes aren't done.

They'll soon begin the next part of the changes, including massive renovations to Bissett Elementary and a brand new Bingham Elementary.