Nut Swamp community dedicates new library

From left to right: Parents/volunteer carpenters stand in front the library's new mural. Nut Swamp Principal Anne Facendo and PTA President Nina Smyth pose at the entrance to the new guided reading room dedicated to the late Judy Cosgrove pictured above the antique card catalog. MIDDLETOWN - When Nut Swamp School Principal Anne Facendo first came to the elementary school more than one year ago, she recalled her first impression of the library as small and dark with dilapidated, hodgepodge shelving.

This longtime literacy coach noticed that the books had seen better days too.

So it was no surprise to PTA President Nina Smyth when her principal requested that the PTA's special project be devoted to upgrading the library at the k-5 school.

On Dec. 3, a celebration of that library's amazing transformation took place at its dedication to two beloved educators in the Nut Swamp community, former Principal Claire Skelton and the late Judy Cosgrove, a paraprofessional at Nut Swamp for 33 years.

"PTA presidents serve a two-year term," Smyth said, "and, in addition to the enrichment programs funded by the PTA, they like to spearhead one special project for their tenure, which is supported by the various school fundraisers. In the past, we built a playground, purchased a portable laptop cart and a classroom amplification system, among many other things.

"Our library was so dark, the shelving old and warped, and we had so many books from the 1970s that the principal and PTA quickly agreed it was time for a change."

The multiple talents of the Nut Swamp parent community were then marshaled toward this goal. Parent Shawn Seigel, a professional designer, volunteered her skills to reconfigure the space in order to maximize the natural light and size. She designed shelving to be much more child-friendly while working magic with low-cost materials trimmed with inexpensive moldings that created a custom look. Two parent contractor/ carpenters, Dave Jensen and Mark Bouthillette, built the shelving while the husband and-wife team of Nina and Michael Smyth assisted. Nina did all the wood staining; the actual construction took place off school grounds at the parents' homes. Employees of the district painted the space and installed the book casing. Nut Swamp art teacher Ellen Fish spent three days painting a giant tree mural, which announces, "Once upon a time, there was a school called Nut Swamp where all the children loved to read."

Top to bottom: Former Principal Claire Skelton stands at the library entrance near the plaque that bears her name. Nut Swamp Principal Anne Facendo and Skelton with members of Judy Cosgrove's family, husband Terry Cosgrove, daughter Lisa Camporini and son Kevin. In all, more than $17,000 was expended to date, with $5,000 going toward new books to fill the new oak book casing.

Next year, in part two of the project, the PTA will add to the book titles and purchase multiuse furniture appropriate for both children and adults. The latter is important when the PTA and staff hold meetings. Many parent volunteers worked periodically to cull the old books, clean the space and reshelve the new titles.

At the library dedication, Board of Education President Dawn Diorio summarized the project, stating, "This has been a tremendous collaborative effort and is indicative of the spirit, generosity and character of the Nut Swamp community."

A bonus room was recovered from an overstuffed closet off the library. It was outfitted with steel shelving that last year's fifthgraders purchased via fundraising efforts as a farewell gift to their school.

The room will serve a very special function as the new guided reading room to house. Last year, Facendo was successful in securing an $87,000 grant from the Middletown Education Foundation to outfit the guided reading program in all 12 of Middletown's elementary schools. This innovative program is research based and data driven with the power to advance student reading levels through specialized small group instruction.

Nut Swamp, under Facendo, had successfully piloted the program last year, which led to its adoption by the Middletown School District.

The new library is dedicated to Claire Skelton, the principal and educational leader of Nut Swamp Elementary School for nine years. Skelton also serves as Facendo's principal mentor, a two-year role now required by the New Jersey Department of Education for new principals.

"Mrs. Skelton was our principal for nine years, and was so highly thought of as such a wonderful, warm and loving educator that it was very fitting for us to do this for her," said Smyth.

Skelton was joined by her family for the dedication. Her grandchildren were among the first new readers in the bright new space.

Addressing Skelton at the library dedication, Middletown interim Superintendent Karen Bilbao said, "There is no better tribute to an educator or principal than to have a part of the building in which you gave so much, dedicated to you."

The bonus room was separately named for another special person from the Nut Swamp school community. Judy Cosgrove, who worked as a paraprofessional for 33 years at the Nut Swamp School assisting special education children. Last year, Cosgrove succumbed to cancer. Many old friends came to the dedication in loving memory of Cosgrove, who was represented by her family.

Facendo, who had the opportunity to work with Cosgrove for a short time, recalls her coming to school each day supported by her cane, wearing cheery colorful headscarves and always offering a kind word.

"She worked so hard with each child, often on her own time after school to address their needs. When we were putting the material together in the guided reading room, we thought, 'What could be more appropriate but to name this space for this woman who for over 30 years taught over 1,000 children how to read?' " Facendo said.

Once the red ribbon was cut, the large group of well-wishers filed into the library. They marveled at the handiwork of the carpenters, the colorful mural tree painting and the re-covered and refurbished old-fashioned wooden card catalog at the entrance to the guided reading room nestled beneath Judy Cosgrove's smiling countenance. The brass label slots on the catalog now bear the names of the volunteers that made the project a reality.

"Our parent community is so magnificent and donated so many ideas, much manpower and time in creating this child-friendly, gorgeous space that we are so excited about," Facendo said.