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New gyms under construction at four elementary schools - Pope Elementary is in the photo
Posted in on December 13, 2024

New gyms funded by the 2019 Bond

A game changer.

That鈥檚 how Foster Elementary principal Jacquelyn Burden describes the new gymnasium under construction at the school.

鈥淭he new gym at Foster will be a game-changer for our students,鈥 Burden said. 鈥淚t will provide a modern, spacious environment where they can develop not only their physical skills but also teamwork, perseverance and confidence.鈥

It doesn鈥檛 look like much yet though 鈥 just a slab of concrete. The same is true of the new gym under construction at Johns Elementary.

But they will soon grow, like the gyms under construction at Pope and Key elementaries. Key鈥檚 gym is the farthest along in the construction process, and both Key and Pope鈥檚 structure is up, and the walls have been bricked.

Inside Key Elementary's new gym under construction. New gyms under construction at four elementary schools

Inside Key Elementary’s future new gym.
(Photo at the top is the gym under construction at Pope Elementary.)

All four gym additions 鈥 all funded by the 2019 Bond 鈥 are over 5,000-square-feet and will replace much smaller gyms. They will all have six basketball goals with striping for basketball and volleyball, two restrooms, an office and storage. Plus, the new gyms are being constructed as storm shelters, sized to accommodate the entire student and staff population.

鈥淭his upgrade represents a significant improvement over our current facilities, and we鈥檙e thrilled about the opportunities it will bring to enhance both physical education and school-wide events,鈥 Burden said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an investment in our students鈥 growth and well-being that will benefit the entire Foster community.鈥

Pope鈥檚 principal Crystal Dunlap is also excited about what the new building will do for Pope students.

“As we embark on this exciting new chapter at Pope Elementary, our new聽gymnasium represents more than just a building 鈥 it’s a symbol of growth, safety and opportunity for our students,鈥 Dunlap said. 鈥淲ith this addition, we’re creating a foundation for memorable experiences and enhanced learning for years to come.”

See photos of the construction process at all four schools:

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