Paxinosa grant will add to Easton’s West Ward
A new sensory room for students, a community space for adults and playground equipment are in store for Easton’s Paxinosa Elementary School.
After the school was renovated in 2017, the school district committed to making it a hub for the city’s West Ward community. Volunteers from Wells Fargo and the district helped accomplish that goal on Saturday during the bank’s “Signature Day of Caring,” which also provides a $70,000 grant.
The project calls for improvements to neighboring Vanderveer Park, a washer and dryer for the school to use, a portable sound system as well as transformation of the school’s auxiliary gym. Part of the gym will be turned into a sensory room for students, and the rest into space that adults can use as a food pantry, clothes closet and parent center.
Paxinosa Principal Elise Jones said the school asked for projects it wouldn’t normally be able to afford.
“This space will be useable beyond the school day,” she said. “We’re trying to find ways to enhance and enrich the community beyond our hours.”
Officials have focused attention on the school after the 2016-17 year, when teachers complained of disciplinary problems and nearly half asked to move to another school. In the year since the school has been renovated, Jones was installed as principal and school officials have worked hard to host activities that increase parental involvement and community engagement.
Wells Fargo picks a Lehigh Valley project each year and decided to focus on Easton this year, said Michael Pany, a community relations manager.
“The gist of our outreach, $70,000 grant, projects and planning is designed to increase the student experience so students will want to engage more and want to learn more or learn with more ease because the environment at the school has been improved to some degree,” he said.
Jones said it’s important for the school to forge connections with families and the community.
“We’re looking to develop a whole person,” she said. “Our momentum is behind making sure students are well-rounded and can be successful members of society.”
Morning Call reporter Michelle Merlin can be reached at 610-820-6533 or at mmerlin@mcall.com.