Ribbon-cutting, tour showcase H.O. Brittingham Elementary
Greeting visitors at an Aug. 27 open house of H.O. Brittingham Elementary, Principal Ned Gladfelter said the new school was designed so students can explore science, technology, engineering and math activities.
“They will have access to robotics,” he said. “They will be creating videos for morning announcements, commercials and weather segments in collaboration with our local news networks.”
Gladfelter said 435 students are registered to attend the new school, modeled after Love Creek Elementary, which opened in September 2017. He said the school’s unique nautical features like ship masts, murals and water features give a nod to Milton’s shipbuilding history and represent the school’s theme.
“Discovery and exploration are common themes you will see throughout our school, since the ships that were created here in Milton many years ago were used to explore the world,” Gladfelter said.
Speaking in a mixture of English and Spanish, Glatfelter said, “You will see both Spanish and English as you move around the building since we are developing bilingual learners who will be able to read, write, speak and listen in both English and Spanish.”
Gladfelter said Herman Oscar Brittingham, a longtime Milton educator for whom the school was named, would be pleased.
“If H.O. Brittingham could see us now, he would be proud of such a spectacular school where students, staff, families and the community can gather together,” he said.
H.O. Brittingham’s grandson agreed. Ken Brittingham said he is starting a scholarship for Cape High seniors who plan to become educators or work in the educational setting.
“If Pop-Pop were here today, he’d be extremely honored and proud,” Brittingham said.
Steve Crawford, president of the Milton Community Foundation, presented Brittingham with a $1,000 check toward the scholarship.
Cape’s Director of Capital Projects Brian Bassett said in keeping with the school’s maritime theme, common areas for each grade are called decks.
“The deck furniture grows with them as they move on to higher grades, and all furniture can be moved around,” he said.
Bassett said the kindergarten classes and deck are separated from older grades. He said the playground surfaces are all synthetic, and a large lawn will host families for outdoor movie nights.
Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton said 74 percent of voters approved the referendum to build four new elementary schools in 2016. Groundbreaking for H.O. Brittingham took place in March 2017.
Bassett said Milton’s students deserve the best facility for learning.
“It’s amazing to see all these students at our open house,” he said. “You deserve the best, and I can’t wait to see you all smiling in the classroom, on the playground and even on the roof!”
