INGLEWOOD, CA – Students from Clyde Woodworth Elementary and Monroe Magnet Middle School cheered alongside the Inglewood Unified Board of Trustees as they celebrated the start of renovations for the new Woodworth-Monroe TK-8 Academy during a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 28.

Inglewood Unified State Administrator Dr. Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana grabbed a hard hat and shovel alongside community leaders to begin a project that will combine Clyde Woodworth Elementary and Monroe Magnet Middle School, creating a single center offering intensive curriculum for students. The academy will open in fall.

“Our new facilities will allow us to continue building the optimal learning environment where our students and families can thrive,” Meléndez said. “This project is indicative of the commitment Inglewood Unified has made to cultivating scholars.”

Following a short program that included remarks by Meléndez, members of the Board and project partners, attendees toured the site of the planned renovations.

The TK-8 projects feature a modular classroom building, a new library and overall site improvements. Inglewood Unified is working closely with Los Angeles World Airports on sound insulation to ensure classrooms aren’t disrupted by noise.

Renovations will include acoustically rated windows, sound-attenuating doors, a new heating and air conditioning system to maintain a comfortable environment, and added insulation in the walls and ceilings to further reduce noise intrusion. LAWA is also providing technical assistance and support throughout IUSD’s implementation of the sound insulation program.

“LAWA has been such an incredible partner in helping us create this new facility for the community,” IUSD Chief Business Official Eugenio Villa said. “The TK-8 Academy is the vision of our parents and community members who all want the very best for our children.”

Woodworth-Monroe TK-8 Academy Principal Renee Williams said that students are already excited to see the new facilities at the academy in the fall.

“I’ve watched some of our students point out certain areas of the new campus with their friends,” Williams said. “New facilities always send a jolt of excitement into classrooms, and also sends a message to our young people that we’re dedicated to always provided them with the best we have to offer.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

020119_INGLEWOOD_TK8ACADEMY1: The Inglewood Unified Board of Education joins community leaders in celebrating the start of renovations for the new Woodworth-Monroe TK-8 Academy on Jan. 28.

020119_INGLEWOOD_TK8ACADEMY2: Woodworth-Monroe TK-8 Academy Principal Renee Williams poses with students during the groundbreaking ceremony for the school’s new campus on Jan. 28.