After years of sitting vacant, the Finger Lakes Elementary School in Gorham has come back to life, now serving as an extension of the Midlakes Education Center (MEC) program. The school opened its doors on September 4, 2024, to two classrooms of students from several nearby districts, filling its halls with the sounds of learning and laughter once again.
Students in grades 3 through 5 from the Geneva, Waterloo, Bloomfield, Manchester-Shortsville, and Marcus Whitman districts are now settling into the new setting. The reopening marks an important expansion for Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, which aims to meet the growing educational needs of the region.
“We are thrilled to expand this program for students in grades 3-5, creating more opportunities for our component districts while meeting the growing needs of our MEC community,” said Finger Lakes Elementary School Assistant Principal Tammy Treen.
Plans for growth
The reopening is just the beginning for the Finger Lakes Elementary School, with future plans to welcome additional districts and further increase the number of classrooms. As the demand for quality educational opportunities rises, administrators are working to ensure the school can continue to serve the local communities in the Wayne-Finger Lakes region.
Treen emphasized the excitement surrounding the reopening, stating that the school is “welcoming, inviting, and full of potential for great opportunities.”
Staff and students alike have a lot to look forward to, especially with the introduction of innovative programs like Music Therapy, designed to enhance students’ learning experiences and overall well-being.
A community effort
The reopening of Finger Lakes Elementary School represents a broader commitment from Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES to provide more tailored educational support for students in need. The MEC program is already recognized for offering specialized services to students across the region, and this new site strengthens that mission.
With the school back in action, the entire staff is eager to foster a positive and supportive learning environment. “We look forward to fostering an environment where students can thrive and succeed,” Treen added.
The building, which had been unused for several years, has undergone revitalization efforts to ensure it is well-equipped for the new school year. From the classrooms to the playground, every detail has been fine-tuned to provide students with the best possible experience.
A fresh start
Teachers, such as Mrs. VanVechten, who is leading the 4th and 5th-grade classes, are eager to guide their students through this new chapter. On the first day, she greeted her class with enthusiasm, welcoming them to their freshly refurbished school and setting the tone for a successful academic year.
As Finger Lakes Elementary School continues to evolve, the community can expect more educational opportunities for local students, supported by dedicated staff and innovative programs.
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