DoDEA Americas Dedicates Pierce Terrace Elementary School

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Americas region hosted a school dedication for Pierce Terrace Elementary School at Fort Jackson today.

“It’s my honor and privilege to be here with you today,” said Mr. Thomas Brady, DoDEA Director. “We are committed to taking care of the children of the men and women that serve.”

As part of the outdoor ceremony, the 282nd Army band played a musical interlude, the Fort Jackson Color Guard presented the colors, and a student sung the pledge of allegiance.

The school opened in January and the students, teachers, and have had more than a month in the new school. The building is 73,942 square feet and can hold 325 students from pre-kindergarten through second grades. The school cost $31.8 million.

In this 21st century building, students learn in neighborhoods arranged by grade, where a few class spaces share a common area and are separated from each other by moveable partitions. This allows teachers and students from different classes to collaborate.

The school is designed to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-certified facility with sustainable design strategies and enhancements for energy-efficient lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. There are 21st Century teaching tools incorporated into the building such as an energy dashboard for monitoring utility use and LED interactive flat panels with height-adjustable in all education spaces. Additionally, there is a music suite, art studio, gym, and a multi-purpose room.

In addition to Mr. Brady, the Fort Jackson Garrison Commander Col. John W. Hankins, the DoDEA Southeast District Chief of Staff Greg Bull, the Fort Stewart/South Carolina Community Superintendent Mr. Brian Perry, and the Pierce Terrace Elementary School Principal Dr. Raymond Burk delivered remarks to students and special guests.