Project also includes new state-of-the-art theatre
School of the Holy Child began a new chapter in its 110-year history with a formal groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new Field House, state-of-the-art theatre and E.E. Ford Program in Architecture, Engineering and Design Workshop.
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“We have a long tradition of offering an outstanding, forward-thinking learning environment at School of the Holy Child,” said Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., Chairman of Holy Child’s Board of Trustees. “The new facilities will enhance our academic, athletics and arts programs and will add significantly to the profile of this unique school. We all look forward to the day we cut the ribbon for the Field House and fill the seats in the new theatre,” Mr. Kelly added.
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“The new facilities better reflect the outstanding athletic and artistic accomplishments of our young women and will support deeper development of critical intellectual and physical skills,
William C. Hambleton, Ed.D., Head of School said. “Thanks to the vision and dedication of our Board of Trustees and Capital Campaign Committee, our new facilities will enable us to expand our innovative programs for the students of today and tomorrow, ” Dr. Hambleton, said.
Designed by Peter Gisolfi Associates of Hastings, who worked with the school to update its Campus Master Plan, the 22,000 square-foot Field House will include:
- A 9,700 square-foot gymnasium with two full-size courts
- Locker rooms
- Office space for Athletics/Physical Education staff
- An athletic training room
- A weight and fitness room
- A dance and movement studio
- A student commons area
The design plans will also allow for add-on features in the future. Additionally, significant improvements will be made to the school’s Ross field.
After the completion of the new field house, the current multi-purpose gymnasium will be converted into theatre space for music, dance and drama productions, liturgies and assemblies. The new 400-seat theatre will include:
- A full stage
- State-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment
- Dedicated space for music, dance, drama and other programs
- Dressing rooms
- Wardrobe storage
“Today’s groundbreaking marks the culmination of a multi-year planning process that evaluated the strengths of Holy Child and carefully considered the future program and curriculum” commented Domenick Ciaccia, who co-chaired the Capital Campaign Committee with former Trustee, Joe Houlihan. “With a state-of-the-art Field House and new theatre, Holy Child will provide one of the most outstanding educational settings in the region, where students will continue to perform and compete at the highest level. We are proud to be playing a part in Holy Child’s continuing success.”
The Campus Master Plan also calls for the creation of the E.E. Ford Program in Architecture, Engineering and Design Workshop. This workshop will enhance the hands-on application of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education and will include a workshop for woodworking, computer-assisted design, 3-D printing, circuit and architectural design.
School of the Holy Child is located at 2225 Westchester Avenue in Rye (Town of Harrison). For more information, visit the school website at www.holychildrye.org, or call Brooke Gadasi, Director of Development, at (914) 967-5622, Ext. 225.
About School of the Holy Child
School of the Holy Child is an all-girls Catholic independent college-preparatory school for grades 5-12. It is guided by the educational philosophy of Cornelia Connelly, the founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, and her dedication to the “joy in teaching and joy in learning.” Accomplished and dedicated faculty members foster the spiritual development, individual talents and interests of each student. This is realized through rigorous and comprehensive academic, arts, athletics, service and global programs. With the mission to develop women of conscience and action, School of the Holy Child graduates are prepared for the innovative and critical thought necessary in a diverse, interconnected society.
