Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) celebrated the grand opening of Cool Creek Elementary School on Tuesday, Aug. 11, marking a new chapter for a building that has served generations of Westfield students and families.
District leaders, members of the WWS Board of School Trustees, educators, project partners, and invited community members gathered for a brief ceremony and ribbon cutting at the school, located at 17710 Shamrock Blvd.
The Cool Creek Elementary building previously served as Westfield Intermediate School and, before that, Washington Elementary. Renovations have transformed the space to serve elementary students while continuing the building’s longstanding role in the Westfield community.
“It’s an honor to be part of the next chapter for this building that has meant so much to Westfield Washington Schools over the years,” Cool Creek Elementary Principal Andy Hilton said. “From its time as Washington Elementary to Westfield Intermediate School, it has served generations of families in our community.”
The project is part of WWS’s ongoing work to accommodate continued enrollment growth and provide learning environments that meet the needs of students and staff.
“Cool Creek Elementary represents a kind of refresh while still reflecting our continued commitment to serving a growing community and creating outstanding learning environments for students,” WWS Board President Rebecca Ogle said. “Cool Creek is an important part of the next chapter for Westfield Washington Schools as we continue building on the strong tradition of excellence that defines our district.”
As reported at the Aug. 11 school board meeting, interior renovations are substantially complete, and teachers and staff have been preparing classrooms to welcome students and will be ready for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 17. Some finishing work, including portions of baseboard installation and additional site improvements, will continue as the school year gets underway.
Additional exterior work will continue during the school year, including completion of site improvements and installation of a sound barrier along the U.S. 31 corridor. That work will be scheduled around the operation of the school to minimize disruption to students and staff.
“Students and families who walk through these doors will experience the same commitment to student-centered learning that defines every Westfield Washington school,” Superintendent Dr. John Atha said.
Thank you to the Board of School Trustees, district staff, educators, PSI, and the many project partners whose collaboration helped make the transformation possible. District leaders also recognized the Cool Creek staff members who have worked throughout the summer to prepare for the school’s first year.
