New Neptune School Will Have Police Substation
By DON STINE
 Coaster Photo: The Midtown Community Elementary School is scheduled to open in September. |
The new multi-million Midtown Community Elementary School in Neptune is scheduled to open in time for the opening of school and parents are invited to attend an open house at the school on Sat., Aug. 30.
Dubbed the Sneak Peak, the tour of the school, at Route 33 and Memorial Drive, will be held from 10 a.m. until noon.
This is truly a community school, said Board of Education President Beverly J. Holland.
Holland said the school will have a wellness center and dental clinic, a police substation, and a district-wide parent center where parents can make use of a resource center with computers and special classes, such as understanding their childs math or on parenting skills.
The school offers more resources for the community, Holland said.
The school will also offer educational programs for adults, bilingual study programs, and various recreational programs.
The Midtown Community School replaces the now demolished Ridge Avenue School and will house all-day pre-Kindergarten through the fifth grades as well as classes for gifted students.
Students have been attending classes in modular units at the new school site.
I am sure the teachers and pupils will be happy to get into the new school, Holland said.
School Superintendent David A. Mooij said the new $35 million school was funded through the states School Development Authority.
The school was delayed in opening for a year because of mold problems in the new building and that may have increased the cost, Mooij said.
The school, which varies between two and three stories, has about 55 classrooms or instructional spaces, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and uses many cost-saving environmental programs, such as geothermal heating, enhanced insulation, and heat-reducing lighting.
Mooij said about 450 students will attend school at the beginning of the school year, adding that there is room for more.
Various recreational programs will be offered in association with the townships recreation department and well as music, art and science programs.
The school will be open more than just regular school hours, Mooij said.
A formal dedication of the school will take place on Oct. 11 at 10 a.m.
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