STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Students, families, board members and alumni gathered at the entrance to Haugen Hall on the Staten Island Academy campus on Tuesday, Sept. 16, to recognize the opening of three new educational spaces.
The independent school on Todt Hill brought in food trucks, a DJ and multiple elected officials to celebrate how these new rooms — a 2D Art Studio, a new Library and Multi-Cultural Center and an Innovation Lab — will contribute to academy attendees’ growth and education.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for supporting the growth of Staten Island Academy,” said Head of School Eileen F. Corigliano, who holds a doctorate degree, during the welcome events. “For over 141 years, Staten Island Academy has been a leader in education on Staten Island.”
Corigliano was joined by Marcello Sciarrino, president of the Board of Trustees of the Academy.
“We always started with one guiding principle, the advancement and growth of the academy and the children we serve,” said Sciarrino, while congratulating his board. “This project is not just the work of our board, but the work of many members before us, who embarked on this campaign several years ago with the same goal: to make [Staten Island Academy] a better place for our children.”
The event also featured performances on the front steps of the hall by the grades three and four chorus, who sang “A Million Dreams,” grades five and six chorus who sang “Revolution,” and a trio of graduating seniors, Nick Acquilano, Luke Mullins and Hudson Tierney, who sang “Never Enough.”
Inside the new spaces, live music was presented by a String Trio featuring Amina Gore, Laurie Huang and Adelisa Strand.
The Innovation Lab was designed to be a space for hands-on learning, with tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, robotics equipment and soldering station. While some grades will have a Maker Space class, which focus on the design process and forming ideas, it is also available for middle school and upper school students to utilize.
“It is also a library in the sense that it is a free space for students to come on their break periods and explore their interests,” said Zoe Wells, the on-staff coordinator of the Innovation Lab. Students have even asked to use the resources to make costumes for their upcoming school theater productions, according to Wells.
The next door 2D Art Studio features spaces to display artwork, whiteboard walls and large tables to collaborate on artistic endeavors.
“The new art studio will be a dedicated space that cultivates artistic expression, nurtures creativity and offers opportunity for growth and collaboration,” stated Corigliano.
Lastly, the new Library and Multi-Cultural Center is located in the lower floor of the building, and is a combined space for both group work and individual studying. Its unique focus is to build an environment that intersects knowledge and culture.
“This new space will promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures through culturally diverse materials, programs and events,” said Corigliano. “By combining the functions of a library in a multi-cultural space, it will enable us to be more inclusive, informed and empathetic to our culturally rich community.”
These renovations came alongside more updates to the school, such as hiring more staff members, increasing camera security and the construction of a new front entrance with a security gate.
“Let me also say this is just the beginning,” said Sciarrino. “We are currently working on a complete master plan, that will prepare us to update and build new and exciting spaces for our children to thrive.”