ENFIELD, CT – A groundbreaking ceremony for the new John F. Kennedy Middle School Renovation took place Sept. 14. The State of Connecticut and the town of Enfield have jointly entered into a "Renovate as New Project" for the middle school.

The project involves remodeling 172,406 square feet of the school space, demolishing a small section and 18,610 square feet of new construction. The grounds around the school, including the athletic fields, will be renovated. Plus, the bus loop, parents loop and parking lot will be configured so students will not cross active vehicular traffic.

The school is also adding a new auditorium, cafeteria and public entry in the back of the school that will allow the public to attend events without having the entire school open.

Attendees included Mayor Michael Ludwick, Superintendent Christopher Drezek and Board of Education Chairman Walter J. Kruzel.

“This is exciting,” said Ludwick. “Everything we’ve just been through these six months. This is hope right here.”

He continued, “We’re doing this through a pandemic and we’re ahead of schedule. As we move forward, let's stay positive and let’s build on what we're starting tonight.”

The John F. Kennedy Middle School Building Committee has been working with the town and school staff, architects and selected contractors to prepare the design plans for the renovation of the school.

Chairman Randy Daigle said, “We have a great mix of experience as a team. Each member brings a wealth of experience from either business, construction, management, teaching or parenting as well as liaisons from the town council and the Board of Education.”

Daigle has been volunteering as chairman of all the school renovations for the last 17 years in the town of Enfield. Once the JFK Additions and Renovations Referendum past in 2019, he was asked again to chair this project.

Due to the statewide closing of all the schools this year, Daigle said they were lucky enough to be able to start the project this summer almost a month ahead of time.

“I feel very proud to be part of the renovations and additions to the only middle school in town,” Daigle responded. “I feel and believe everyone involved truly has the kids and town's best interest. All together we will be able to make this an amazing 21st century state of the art school we all can be proud of.”

Principal Andrew Berrios thanked the taxpayers of the town, the Board of Education and the JFK building committee. As well as the JCJ Architecture, Gilbane Building Company and all other groups that were present for supporting the project.

“It’s more than just renovating a building,” Berrios said. “It’s about what is this building going to be when it’s done and what is it going to be for the future.”

He went on to say, “It’s happening right now. Half the students at home and half at the school. Our classrooms are going to look very different as we prepare these children for the future.”

When the renovations are complete, Berrios expressed that he is looking forward to a brand-new cutting-edge school that’s completely equipped with the technology for present day and beyond along with updating their physical learning space.

“At the end of the day,” Drezek said. “This community always does right by supporting our children and the value of education for that we couldn't be happier and more excited to be a part of this project.”

The renovations are scheduled to be complete around Aug. 2022.