Moving Forward – Phase One

Phase One Construction has begun!

FORWARD MOTION CAMPAIGN

Thank you to all of our generous contributors for making this amazing progress possible!  Please click to learn more and help us fully accomplish Phase One and Phase Two of our Forward Motion Project.  

Watch our progress on a regular basis as we undergo construction at our 110 Boston Road site!

It is exciting to announce that Groton Community School has been placed in the capable and talented hands of General Contractor RP Masiello, to accomplish the beautiful architectural  plans and detailed design of Maugel Architects to expand our school.   After a September Kick Off meeting with important parties representing GCS Administration, Trustees, Board of Directors, Maugel Architects and RP Masiello, demolition has now begun!

John Amaral. Emily Crouse, Linda Kosinski, Dan Barton, and Dave Henderson

September 25, 2019

DEMOLITION TO BEGIN!

It is such an exciting time for Groton Community School, as we begin demolition at our 110 Boston Road site.   We are filled with hope and enthusiasm for what our future holds!

October 1, 2019

MOVING AND GROOVIN’

We must admit, we had to gulp a bit, seeing the progress made at 110…  Our 2018-2019 school theme of “Embracing Change” will certainly be helpful as we undergo this huge transition for Groton Community School!

October 3, 2019

NO TURNING BACK NOW!

While we still recognize familiar elements, it is clear that GCS is certainly in the midst of Forward Motion!

October 23, 2019

PROGRESS IN MOTION

Here is a little peek at the activity occurring on site to make GCS the best that it can be!

November 6, 2019

DEMO IS DONE!

Now the process begins to build GCS back up again, bigger and better than ever!

November 20, 2019

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

We have an incredible team working together for the Forward Motion Project, including Maugel Architects, RP Masiello, GCS Trustees and Administration.  Today’s construction meeting was attended by several Trustees with long ties to Groton Community School.  We took some time to reflect on the past, as well as our promising future, together!

Peter Myette, Linda Kosinski, Debbie MacDonald, and John Amaral

December 4, 2019

HELLO SNOW

Exterior work continues despite wintry conditions, finishing groundwork and pouring the foundation for our new, much expanded, Groton Community School footprint!

Here is an excerpt from our latest Insider Update from John Amaral, President of the GCS Board of Trustees:

“The construction phase of the Forward Motion project is underway! The construction permit has been issued. We meet every other week with the GC project manager and site supervisor, architects and representatives of GCS to review work completed to date and the project schedule. Demolition of the interior of the existing building is complete with only the shell remaining. Site work is progressing, as evidenced by the large mounds of material on the site. Footings for the foundation will soon be poured. Over the next few weeks, framing of the interior of the existing building will take place and we will start to see the new building come up out of the ground.”

December 18, 2019

WINTER CONDITIONS

With winter now upon us, before it officially begins, the big push is on to finish foundation work to keep ahead of the frost!

January 8, 2020

A TEAM OF EXPERTS

We are so lucky to have an incredible team with Maugel Architects, RP Masiello Inc, GCS Trustees and GCS Trustee, Board of Directors, and Admin representatives.  A special shout out to our Board of Directors Building and Grounds Chair, Emily Crouse, for providing her extensive expertise and energy to our Forward Motion Project to expand and renovate our school!

GCS Building and Grounds Chair, Emily Crouse

January 22, 2020

HELLO SUNSHINE – A MIXED BLESSING

The variable temperatures are impacting our construction project.  Heating devices, and ironically snow, can serve as blankets to keep the frost at bay for foundation work.  We are still waiting for ideal conditions to pour final slabs.  Lots of work is going on behind the scenes with submittals and finalizing design, however, and framing is scheduled to begin in February.

January 31, 2020

FRAMING MATERIALS HAVE ARRIVED!

As soon as thickened slabs are finished, framing will begin.  The vertical construction progress is sure to generate lots of excitement in February!

Here is a sneak preview of our next Insider Update from Building and Grounds Co-Chair, Emily Crouse:

“Though winter has arrived, slowing visible Forward Motion construction progress some, our contractor has adjusted and finished pouring all of the building footings by the end of last week. This means that over the course of the next month you will see new exterior wall framing and trusses, as well as steel going up. It’s going to be a busy site! Happening behind the scenes is much coordination with the town and utility companies so that when the spring thaw does come, we can hit the ground running.”

February 4, 2020

MOVING FORWARD AND MOVING UP!

Today was an especially exciting day at the construction site, watching walls go up!  Thank you to GCS Friend, Karen Riggert, for taking excellent photos today, as well!

February 12, 2020

VIEW FROM THE INSIDE

Thank you to Emily Crouse, GCS Building and Grounds Chair, for capturing an insider’s view of our project.  Things are really taking shape now!

February 27, 2020

REACH FOR THE SKY!

Our Forward Motion Project is reaching new heights with new framing on either side of the building.  Having attic space will be sooooo wonderful!

March 4, 2020

LOOK WHAT’S SOARING NOW…

RP Masiello, Inc and Maugel Architects are helping GCS to soar!

March 6, 2020

FLOORED!

Thank you to Dan Kosewski, RP Masiello Site Supervisor, for updates on exciting steps in our construction project at 110 Boston Road!  Today, Dan texted these images, of concrete being poured for GCS floors.

March 12, 2020

STEELING OURSELVES!

steel verb: to fill with resolution or determination

Looking at Merriam Webster’s definition, we are filled with resolution and determination as our Forward Motion at Groton Community School makes great strides!  Here is a look at the steel construction of our Community Room shell.

Phase One of our Forward Motion Campaign will include beautiful new classrooms spaces,  a dedicated Children’s Library and Technology Center, a welcoming entrance and lobby, an administrative wing, meeting spaces for parents and teachers, and additional bathrooms for children and adults.  Phase Two will include finishing the Community Room, where the school, and our community, can gather for special events, and children can engage in large motor activities.

Please support Groton Community School’s Forward Motion Campaign, as we are still fundraising for Phase One, before we begin Phase Two!

March 12, 2020

TEACHER TOUR

At the end of our staff training Curriculum Day today, GCS Teachers took an onsite tour of the construction project at 110 Boston Road.  It so exciting to see our new home taking shape – in person – and to see our dreams become reality!  Looking forward to moving in for the 2020-2021 school year!

April 1, 2020

WATCHING THE SUNSET ON 110 BOSTON RD.

The irony – or poetry – of the moment was not lost, while taking photos today, just as the sun set on the construction site.  Here is a recap from GCS Building and Grounds Co-chair, Emily Crouse, from our upcoming Insider Update:

“A lot has been happening this past month!  The structural steel trusses were quite a sight as they were completed for the large Community Room at the north end of the expansion. Also, the footings and steel for our porte cochère at the main entrance were installed. This will provide much-needed cover during inclement weather at pick-up and for staff loading/unloading their vehicles. Inside, the mechanical and electrical subcontractors have begun their piping and power rough-ins, and ductwork fabrication began offsite. Site preparations have also begun for the utilities including: sewer, water, natural gas, and the Groton Electric Light Department has just installed our new power pole!

However, as of April 1st, Governor Baker adjusted his list of essential construction services that are allowed to continue, and our project does not qualify. Therefore we had to stop work on the site for the time being. Our general contractor has assured us they will still be able to receive scheduled deliveries and continue with other administrative duties such as material submittals and procurement, and plan review, so they are prepared to hit the ground running upon approval to recommence.”

April 14, 2020

WONDERING AND WAITING…

With the COVID-19 crisis unfolding, we are wondering about and waiting for construction to resume, while also thinking about our community with care and concern.

Thank you to Karen Riggert for capturing these beautiful images on a project on hold for now…

May 18, 2020

BACK IN BUSINESS!

With the Governor’s mandate for Phase 1 reopening on May 18th, our Forward Motion Project was up and running again!  We are filled with hope, not only for our expansion effort, but also that the number of cases is now declining in MA.  Thank you to Dave Henderson, Project Manager and Dan Kosewski, Site Supervisor, for keeping the site and workers health and safe!

June 3, 2020

KINDERGARTEN CONSTRUCTION FUN

Thank you to Dan Barton of Maugel Architects for a virtual lesson on architecture, and to Site Supervisor Dan Kosewski for a virtual tour of the construction site.  We are so grateful to you both for giving these soon-to-be GCS Graduates such a very special experience!

June 24, 2020

ON-SITE MEETINGS RESUME!

It was incredible to be back at 110 Boston Road for weekly meetings, after maintaining contact via Zoom the last several months!  After our meeting with RP Masiello, Maguel Architects, and GCS representatives, GCS Staff came for a socially distanced sneak peek at the progress of our dream school.

July 1, 2020

EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING

Highlights of today’s meeting and visit were admiring the walls, roofing, and windows underway, as well as the soaring ceiling in our new lobby!

July 9, 2020

MOVING ALONG

The beautiful summer weather is SO conducive to our construction project.  We are progressing nicely!

July 16, 2020

WORKERS AND WINDOWS

Weekly meetings continue between GCS, RP Masiello and Maguel to make things happen smoothly.

July 30, 2020

LET THERE BE LIGHT

It is amazing to see the exterior taking shape, with windows and doors!  We will have so much beautiful natural light flooding our newly renovated spaces!

August 13, 2020

FRONT…

It is so wonderful to see our original brick still in the front, and all the new additional exterior finishes and trims coming together!

…AND BACK!

Attention is now being paid to our Playscape once again, as well as our state of the art building!

August 20, 2020

WE CAN’T CURB OUR ENTHUSIASM

Our driveway is taking shape!  The porte co·chère will be such a welcome feature in rain and snow.

September 3, 2020

DRIVE BY!

If you haven’t had a chance, please drive by to see our progress.  Details are being added rapidly to finish the exterior, and we are now parking in “spaces” again for weekly construction meetings.

September 8, 2020

MOVING THE MAPLE

We have been so excited from the very start, envisioning our newly renovated building, flooded with light and filled with space for learning opportunities, gatherings and storage, as well!  However, we sadly had to say good-bye to a glorious maple tree by our dismissal bench.  With the help of Tony Beattie of Robinwood Farm, and our General Contractor RP Masiello, a very large section of the trunk has been saved and put into safe keeping for a future project.  We are so grateful to them for helping us preserve this special GCS fixture!

September 24, 2020

PLAYSCAPE PARTNERS

With the building exterior and interior taking shape, attention is now being paid to integrating our state-of-the-art facility with our playscape behind it.  The team of RP Masiello, Maguel Architects, and GCS Trustee, Board of Directors and Admin representatives are working through the details for this important and beloved feature of our school.

October 8, 2020

MEETING OF THE MINDS

Today’s construction meeting with RP Masiello, Maugel Architects, and GCS Trustee, Board, and Admin representatives reflected on all that has been accomplished, and what is left to do at 110 Boston Road.  The focus continued on integrating the playscape, and also new dismissal area, to our incredible new building.

October 15, 2020

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

Walkways are now in the works, as so many things take shape inside and out!

October 17, 2020

A SNEAK PEEK

Groton Community Tour attendees had the opportunity to take a “sneak peek” of the building, driving through the new porte cochere at our grand main entrance, and were greeted by Board of Trustees member, Natina Perrotti with Forward Motion balls, GCS bumper stickers, and the marvelous mural created by the Pre-Kindergarten Class depicting the construction project for our new building.

October 21 and 22, 2020

WALK THIS WAY!

Sidewalks are being poured, drywall is going up, and cabinetry awaits.  the pace really seems to be moving quickly now that finishing touches are being done on the exterior, and interior work revs up.  Meanwhile, updates to our outdoor Playscape are underway.

October 29, 2020

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR ACTION

Work continued this week on sidewalks, our Playscape and interior walls.  Final decisions are being made on lighting fixtures and our security system. The port cochere is a very special feature that will be so wonderful in inclement weather!

November 6, 2020

THROUGH KAREN’S EYES

Thank you again to GCS Friend and Past Parent Karen Riggert for taking these captivating images of our Forward Motion Project!  Things have changed dramatically since her last visit…

November 12, 2020

PLAYSCAPE PROGRESS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Walkways are now taking shape out back, with graceful curves from one end of the building to the other.  Indoors, slate tiles are being laid in the large lobby.    Millwork is being installed, creating functional and attractive storage.  A cheer went up today from the crew when the Registrar’s Front Desk and the Children’s Library shelving arrived!

November 16, 2020

CELEBRATING GCS STAFF!

With the building nearing completion, GCS Staff were invited for a socially distant tour and celebration of both our Forward Motion Project and also the longevity of staff who achieved milestones at the end of 2019-2020.  Springtime celebrations were delayed due to COVID-19, so Linda Kosinski (35 years), Lisa Stafford (25 years), Terri Martin (25 years), Noreen Keras (20 years), Lorrie Morgan (15 years), and Inga Nuccio (15 years) were honored this evening! Special thanks to Maugel Architect and Honorary Trustee Dan Barton for the personal tour, and heartfelt words about how fitting it was GCS Staff should be the first to celebrate in our new space. Staff applauded when they were welcomed into their new Staff Room!

November 19, 2020

WELCOME TRUSTEES & DIRECTORS!

110 Boston Road hosted it’s first Trustee Meeting since renovation, with the Board of Directors as their special guests.  Both volunteer groups celebrated with food, drink, and a personal tour, prior to getting down to business.  This second socially distant evening revealed the incredible progress that GCS Trustees have worked so long and hard to accomplish!

December 2 and December 3, 2020

FLOORS, DOORS, AND TRIKE TRACK, TOO

At each weekly construction meeting, we are absolutely amazed at how much has occurred!  This week the flooring and installation of doors were significant, as well as the creation of retention ponds and pervious paving to protect our surrounding wetlands.  The Trike Track is also back, wider than before!

December 7 – 18, 2020

COUNTING DOWN!

We are doing a countdown of school days left until our big move!  Each day we will take away one box from our display, then pack it up of course!  Classes are engaging in construction-themed activities, and this week, children will receive goody bags with information for their families, too.  Most importantly, we need empty boxes !  The children’s last day at school this month is Friday, December 18th, then teachers will be packing and unpacking on December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd while our movers, Boston Household Packing, Inc (BHP Movers) are here.  Phew!  There is a lot to do, but we are very excited!

January 2021

Happy New Year!

Our late December move during our Holiday Break was very successful thanks to the hardworking crew at BHP Movers!  We are also incredibly grateful to the many volunteer hands who made our work lighter, helping our Staff  pack, unpack, and settle into our newly renovated and expanded facility!

Spring 2021

PHASE ONE IS NEARLY DONE!

Please help us fully realize our dream for this first phase of our expansion and renovation!  While so much has been accomplished, we have many loose ends to tie, and have not fully funded our efforts…  Click to learn more and support an exceptional educational environment for the children and families in our community.

Look for photos and videos of our beautiful, newly renovated and expanded school coming soon!