Coldbrook Closure, Retirement Workshop, Chamber Grants

Coldbrook Elementary School is nestled in the heart of our community and has served our children and our children's children well since it first opened in 1955. Each year, 120 students enter the building for an exciting and worthwhile educational experience. Over the past 55 years, nearly 7,000 students have had the opportunity to create some remarkable moments there.

The faculty and staff have been exemplary in their success with the education of the thousands of children they have had the pleasure of working with over the years. In fact, and it is no secret, Coldbrook is the highest performing small school in the district for their academic achievements in reading, writing, and math. Coldbrook students, parents, and staff are to be commended for their hard work and efforts.

The CASD administration has closely monitored the small "one-deep" schools over the past several years and has planned for the consolidation of these schools as new elementary schools have been built. The shift of philosophy has gone from several small schools to more efficient and practical larger state-of-the-art community schools with resources available for all children. During the past five years, we have successfully closed King Street, Gordy, Duffield, and Sharpe and have transitioned the students and families into newer schools.

However, with each school closing comes much trepidation and emotion. It is bittersweet to say the least. It is an emotional rollercoaster ride for many, and we want to make the transition for everyone meaningful and successful. As in other schools, Coldbrook has so many memories stored in its classrooms and on its playground: memories of learning, of being with friends, of field days, of walking across the street to have phys ed class, and even great memories of eating lunch in the hallway. These memories hold special meaning to the children and parents who have been such an extraordinary part of the Coldbrook family.

With the uncertainty of the heating system and the need to provide more for the students, the administration is recommending the closure of Coldbrook. Students in grades K-4 will be moving to Andrew Buchanan and Falling Spring. Currently 30% of the students who attend Coldbrook do not live in the attendance area, so they will be returning to their home schools. Some 20% of the students are 5th graders who will be moving to the middle school next year.

The 60 students who live in the area will be transitioned to Buchanan and Falling Spring. The dividing line for the split will be Coldbrook Avenue. Children who live in homes on the east side of Coldbrook Avenue will attend Falling Spring; children who live in homes on the west side of Coldbrook Avenue will attend Buchanan. Please be aware that we do monitor the class sizes every summer, and at times we do shift the attendance lines if class sizes go above the district guidelines.