Farewell, to Middle’s Pink Pre-K

COURT HOUSE – An icon of Middle Township was set to depart the physical world and enter the pages of history starting April 30. 
On that date, the notable pink, squat, and rectilinear structure that had been home to classrooms and offices for Middle Township Elementary School No. 1 was to be demolished as the new wing of the school, located on the far eastern side of the red-brick school, nears completion.
Long Overdue Send-Off
Forty-nine years ago, the ‘pink annex’ opened its doors to students and staff as a planned five-year temporary facility to be replaced by additions to Elementary School No. 1.
The first pink annex building began operating in 1969, with the second structure being completed in 1970.
During its tenure, it not only hosted the school’s pre-kindergarten classes but at various times saw an art room, a music room, and an administrative office sheltered beneath its roof.
After a variety of budgetary reasons, the temporary five-year structure ingratiated itself to the community for 10 times the proposed length.
It was only after a $21-million bond initiative approved by voters in 2016 that the pink annex entered its remaining twilight years and prepared to fade from the view of passersby.
Demolition Day
Under an azure sky and beneath the scant shade of un-blossomed oak trees, sprawled the pink annex. On April 28, it was adorned with yellow caution tape over its doorways, and large red-and-white targets painted on its south-facing walls.
Attendees to a ceremony were greeted by blow-up bounce houses and obstacle course for children, music and treats provided by Middle Township’s French Club, the PTO, American Legion Post 198 from Court House, and the school’s softball team.
The Panther Symphonic Marching Band conducted a performance and elicited applause from the crowd.
At 11:30 a.m., Superintendent of Middle Township schools, Dr. David Salvo kicked off ‘Demolition Day’ by thanking students, staff, and administrators for attending.
Particular gratitude was extended to Elementary No. 1 Principal Christian Paskalides, Assistant Principal Donald Robertson, Diane Fox, district business administrator, the demolition committee, and the company conducting the demolition, R. Wilkinson and Sons Construction Inc. of Absecon.
A group of Pre-K students led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and followed it by singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Salvo then took to the podium flanked by a mock plunger-style TNT detonator.
Forty-Nine Years Later
Before turning over the ceremonial demolition to Paskalides, Salvo commented that the day was a long time in coming.
Robertson expressed gratitude to the taxpayers who gave the school the ability to adapt to the future of educational needs and punctuated his remarks by exclaiming, “We’re ready to tear down this building.”
Middle Township Mayor Michael Clark noted that the ceremony marked a “great day” for the populace. The mayor earlier told the Herald that the event was “a great day for the community. A historical day.”
With speakers rocking out Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” to bemused chuckles, Salvo led the crowd in counting down from 10 to one and with a pushing down on the detonator lever, Paskalides set off smoke machines located in the window of the pink annex to the sounds of explosion noises.
A New Future
Dr. Toni Lehman, district director of curriculum and instruction, perhaps best captured the mood, “It is really exciting,” exclaimed Lehman.
The addition to the school will host some of the latest advances in educational technology, such as large, wall-mounted touchscreens.
Once cleared, the ground where the annex was located will be tilled, seeded and remade into a field for students.
To contact Christopher Knoll, email cknoll@cmcherald.com.