School name changes reflect geographic location, neighborhood pride

Ahead of their moves in January 2007 to brand new facilities at their original sites, the City School District of Albany Board of Education has approved renaming Public School 16 and Public School 18 have been changed in ways that reflect their immediate communities and neighborhoods.

School 16 has been renamed “Pine Hills Elementary School,” and School 18 has been renamed “Delaware Community School.”

Currently, each of the schools are at temporary locations as construction on new buildings at their original sites is completed. Pine Hills Elementary School will move into a brand new school on North Allen Street in January 2007 and, at the same time, Delaware Community School will move into its new building on Bertha Street.

The names were developed by committees comprised of staff, community members, students and PTA members from the respective schools.

“We believe that this name represents the community and the fond memories that many of our alumni and current students have of School 16,” Pine Hills Elementary School Principal Vibetta Sanders said of the name change. “Although changing the name of School 16 is sad for many people, the selection of this name allows the school to remain tied to its roots as a community elementary school.”

Delaware Community School Principal Maria Vitillo said, "Although our school building and name may be new, the location and commitment to the students and the community will not change. The name Delaware Community School reflects the fact that we will strive to take our community and neighborhood involvement up a notch. The naming committee wanted to incorporate this pride in serving the Delaware Avenue neighborhood into the school’s new name, and we will be the Delaware Community School in every aspect."

The construction of the new school buildings is part of the district’s $185 million facilities improvement project Albany voters overwhelmingly supported in 2001 in order to modernize the district’s schools and provide its students with state-of-the-art learning facilities.

For example, both the new Pine Hills Elementary School and the new Delaware Community School will feature computer and Internet access in every classroom; a music room with practice space, and an art room with a kiln; and a gymnasium, cafetorium and computer center. The Delaware Community School will also be home to the district’s Dual Language Enrichment program.

Another goal of the facilities project is for the district’s schools to become sources of community and neighborhood pride. Each of the new schools will include parent/community rooms.