Photos: Community Leaders Celebrate Opening of Westwood's New Elementary School with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Town of Westwood officials and members of the community gathered on Friday, April 5, 2024 for the official ribbon cutting and a program of speakers to celebrate the opening of Westwood’s newest elementary school. 

Photo courtesy of Westwood Media Center. After cutting the ribbon together, Permanent Building Committee Chair John Cummings and School Committee Clerk Maya Plotkin share a hug while onlookers applaud.

Among the dignitaries on hand were Select Board members Marianne LeBlanc Cummings, Robert Gotti and Joe Previtera, School Committee members Anthony Mullin, Maya Plotkin, Dorothy Parmelee and JoAnna French,  Permanent Building Committee Chair John Cummings, Superintendent of Westwood Public Schools (WPS) Timothy Piwowar, former Superintendent of WPS Emily Parks, James MacDonald from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and Roberto Fitzgerald from the architectural firm Dore + Whittier, State Senator Michael Rush, and State Representative Paul McMurtry.

Also in attendance were the fifth grade student chorus, who sang "America the Beautiful."

Photo courtesy of Anthony Mullin. The fifth grade chorus stands ready to perform behind Pine Hill's Assistant Principal Donna Olson and their music teacher.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Mullin. Westwood Public Schools Superintendent Timothy Piwowar (right) is joined by former WPS Superintendent Emily Parks, inside the new school building.

Photo courtesy of Westwood Media Center. State Representative Paul McMurtry offered a few words at the ribbon cutting celebration.

Photo courtesy of Westwood Media Center. State Senator Michael Rush is all smiles as he joins Westwood Select Board Chair Marianne LeBlanc Cummnings.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Mullin. Westwood School Committee members (L to R) JoAnna French, Dori Parmelee, Maya Plotkin, and Anthony Mullin playfully recreate a ribbon cutting in front of Pine Hill Elementary School.

Photo courtesy of Westwood Media Center. A crowd of community members gather for the ribbon cutting ceremony, standing and sitting in front of the grey, stone brick walls of Pine Hill Elementary School.

Thanks to Darcie Fisher and the Westwood Public Schools, Anthony Mullin, and Westwood Media Center for contributing this story and photos to Westwood Minute. 

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