Schools

The New East Somerville Community School is Open for Business

Nearly six years after a devastating fire, a Somerville neighborhood got it school back Tuesday.

A large phoenix is painted on the floor of the new East Somerville Community School's gymnasium—now the largest gym in the city.

It's an appropriate image for a school that was destroyed by fire in December of 2007 and was completely rebuilt.

A grand opening ceremony, held Tuesday, officially commemorated the school's rebirth.

"Tonight we celebrate the reunification of a community," said Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone. Teachers, students, families and staff at the school spent the last six years split up at other school buildings throughout the city.

Tuesday night marked "the realization of a dream that comes after a long, hard-fought journey," said Somerville Public Schools Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi.

Rep. Michael Capuano said it was a "great event."

Massachusetts Treasurer and gubernatorial candidate Steve Grossman said, "I've never been prouder of the people of Somerville than I am today" and spoke about the importance of art in education. "I have never seen a school or community that cares as much about the arts as the people of Somerville," he said.

State Rep. Tim Toomey said, "Today is the greatest and proudest moment I've had in my legislative career."

Take a look at some of the photos from Tuesday's grand opening celebration.


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