In August 2024, the Neary Building Committee (NBC): 

Voted a preferred option: New Construction of a School that will contain grades two through five

Submitted a Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Board of Directors approval this October

What are the benefits of a newly constructed Two-Five school?

Reduce the Number of School Transitions for Students

• Shift from three elementary schools to two
• Woodward (K-1)
• New School (2-5)

Create Grade-Level Learning Neighborhoods

• Create a school-within-a-school atmosphere
• Support a sense of community
• Align with the values of the community (i.e., ADA accessibility)

Classroom Design

• Prioritize space flexibility
• Accommodate diverse groupings of students
• Support Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Create spaces for collaborative learning projects and group work
• Small group breakout rooms proximate to classrooms to promote ease of access
• Provide individual instruction & academic intervention

Learning Commons

• Create spaces for science, tech, engineering & media lessons
• Provide gathering space for larger groups of students

Media Center / Library 

• Foster 21st Century media literacy skills
• Hub for innovation, learning, and discovery
• Co-located with an art room to allow
• technology, art, and digital literacy projects

Music & Performance Spaces

• Support the District’s extensive band & choir programs

Gymnasium

• Space that supports the Physical Education program 

Additional Benefits

• Designed for student safety and security
• Designed for energy efficiency