Thursday, Nov. 4, distinguished a new direction for West Manor IB World School, as a ribbon cutting ceremony was held commemorating the renovations.
West Manor International Baccalaureate World School is located in the established in the Atlanta community of Lynhurst and has consistently enrolled students from the neighborhood and surrounding area. West Manor’s students have successfully navigated and graduated from Atlanta Public Schools, attended colleges in and around Atlanta and come back to West Manor as parents, grandparents, or employees. This is something the community and West Manor family are very proud of. As a community school, a Title I school, and a school of excellence, West Manor has established lasting community relationships with surrounding businesses, neighboring schools, and churches.
West Manor commits to cultivating inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring scholars who strive to think, act, and reflect with a value and understanding of multiple cultures, languages, and perceptions. The school works collaboratively with all stakeholders to meet the needs of all learners while providing a safe and supportive learning environment by implementing a rigorous, inquiry-driven international curriculum which supports the development of socially, emotionally, and academically balanced lifelong learners committed to creating a more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The ceremony took place in the newly renovated media center, which was previously the gymnasium. Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring, members of the Atlanta Board of Education, Principal Dr. Reginald Lawrence, representatives from Balfour Beatty Construction Company, students, staff, community leaders, and stakeholders were all in attendance.
“This morning, we are celebrating the work and the space in which the work happens in Atlanta Public Schools. Because it’s not just the concept of teaching and learning, but the importance of creating environments that allow for our scholars to have an amazing experience,” said Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring, as she spoke about the great work that will take place in the new and updated spaces at West Manor.
Students and school employees spent a year at a temporary site until the refurbished building was complete this summer. The $11 million project was funded through E-SPLOST (Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.)
Design upgrades include:
- New gymnasium
- New performance platform
- New classrooms
- New secure vestibule/lobby
- Centrally relocated and enlarged media center with courtyard views and access
- Increased administrative spaces centered around parent-school interaction
- Additional storage (including technology storage)
- Dedicated art, music, and Spanish classrooms
- Increased teacher support & break-out spaces
- Updated finishes, lighting, and graphics
- Updated HVAC and electrical systems
Dr. Reginald Lawrence shared his warm remarks.
“Thank you to the Board Members, Superintendent, West Manor family, and all stakeholders for joining us today for our ribbon cutting.”
“Today marks the occasion of updating our school and, the celebration of IB authorization for West Manor. The rebranding and renaming of the school to West Manor IB World School just warms my heart and gives me pride every time I say that.”
“At West Manor, we always say West Manor begins with ‘we.’ And I ask the question all the time, what part of the ‘we’ are you? Today, you are the part that gives us an environment conducive to learning. The ‘we’ is what you are doing to improve West Manor as a whole. We are so appreciative of the new building, and we hope that you enjoy our grand opening.”
Atlanta Board of Education member Erika Mitchell gave an exciting and welcoming greeting.
“I wanted to be here today for several reasons. I want to acknowledge Dr. Lawrence and the West Manor staff, because I know how passionate you all are about the community, and educating and doing what’s right for our scholars.”
“I am excited today as we celebrate the positive outcome of the renovation of West Manor, this is what our students and faculty deserve. This morning, as we celebrate this incredible renovation and the architecture that has beautifully balanced the historic and modern, I want to echo the thanks to our architecture and construction partners. The students, families, and the community as a whole are better equipped for successful outcomes because of what this renovation provides.”
“I can’t help but to feel proud of West Manor and Atlanta Public Schools. West Manor is a great model of what it truly means to be a community school, and greatly serves the students within this community. Together we accomplished something great here, I want to thank everyone here today who wanted to celebrate this wonderful achievement with us and everyone involved in this project.”
“I cant wait to see what’s next for Dr. Lawrence and the West Manor Wolf Pack. I am happy to be here to see what this renovation will achieve and what the students have to look forward to. We are moving in the direction we need to move in, and I am very confident in Dr. Lawrence’s leadership.”
