By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

EDGARD – When Serina Singleton was chosen the new principal of West St. John Elementary School seven months ago, the task seemed daunting to the new administrator.

The west bank community is close-knit, somewhat insular and extremely vocal. Furthermore, she was taking the reins at a school that had seen steady growth and achievement over the past few years. Lastly, half of the school was slated for demolition over the summer as part of a major renovation project.

Any trepidation she felt, however, quickly dissipated.

“Everything has been surreal,” said Singleton, who has asked herself numerous times, “Am I really this lucky?”

She said the local community has come out in full force to support her in her transitional period.

To compensate for the lack of a districtwide Honor Roll Round Up, the West Bank Civic Association helped her to organize and obtain prizes so the students at West St. John Elementary could be honored for their academic achievements. The group also provided door prizes and refreshments for the schools recent and successful open house.

Another group, the Sophisticates, provided refreshments for the first PTO meeting of the year, which had an attendance of 60, far surpassing last year’s numbers.

Another recent event, Donuts With Dad, was standing room only, she said.

She added the support of other administrators in the district has been invaluable, particularly the monthly principals’ meetings.

“They have proven to be a great asset to me,” she said.

She also praised west bank School Board representative Russell Jack.

Said Singleton, “Our board member has been very active. I really appreciate that.”

Transitioning into a smaller space for the current school year has, likewise, been smooth sailing. She said although she had some initial concerns about the school being in proper shape to start the school year, those fears, too, were unfounded.

“We were ready with at least a week to spare,” she said.

She said the pile-driving work was done in the evening hours, and the noise one hears in the parking lot outside the school is nonexistent within its walls.

Because of the small size of the student population, many classes were able to be combined, and in the end the modified floor plan provided just enough room for everyone. This is despite the fact that 20 students who were previously enrolled in private schools joined the rolls at West St. John Elementary.

A few modifications have had to be made, though, to accommodate the more tightly packed student body. Blue lines to be followed now adorn the floors of the middle school building, and restroom times are scheduled throughout the day.

These modifications, she believes, will all be worth it when renovations are completed in time for the start of the 2011-12 school year.

The school will boast a new media center, modeled after an Apple store, and plenty of additional space. Structural changes will make the school an environment more conducive to learning.

“We’re going to get a lot of natural light,” she said.

In the meantime, Singleton plans to take advantage of the work being done as an educational opportunity for the students. She is currently working out plans with representatives from CSRS to have the students meet with the architects, engineers and builders working on the renovations.

“The kids will have a chance to be a part of the construction,” she said.