Honoring a Legacy, Empowering Young Minds
In 2023, Griffith Public Schools embarked on a project to honor the legacy of beloved elementary teacher Trish Dodson by creating a space that would ignite passion and curiosity in young learners. This vision culminated in the Trish Dodson Love of Learning Center, a testament to the district’s dedication to fostering a nurturing educational environment.
To bring this vision to life efficiently and cost-effectively, the District chose to pursue a progressive design-build approach. This method allowed the district to collaborate closely with Performance Services designers and construction experts from the start, ensuring a streamlined process, greater budget control, and a solution tailored to their students’ needs.
The two-story, 25,600-square-foot addition to Wadsworth Elementary School was thoughtfully designed to cater to early learners. It houses 12 kindergarten and early learning classrooms, each equipped with restrooms and shared workspaces to enhance accessibility. Vibrant colors and thematic elements serve as intuitive guides, helping young students navigate their surroundings with ease and excitement.
Central to the center is the expansive Innovation Space, a whimsical area featuring tiered seating, private reading nooks, enhanced technology/AV, and a two-story tube slide. This imaginative setting provides students with opportunities to explore, collaborate, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Understanding the importance of safety and efficiency, the District collaborated with local stakeholders to redesign the site’s circulation. The improved layout enhances student and staff safety during drop-off and pick-up times, reducing traffic congestion and ensuring a smoother experience for all. Additional parking spaces were also added to accommodate community events, reflecting the district’s commitment to community engagement.
The dedication of the Love of Learning Center took place on August 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone for Griffith Public Schools. Watch the videos below for highlights of the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting celebrations.
Groundbreaking Event
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Additional Features
- Early Childhood Learning Center Addition
- Classroom additions
- LED Lighting
- ADA Compliance
- Piping replacement and improvements
- VAV conversion installation
- High-efficiency boilers
- Domestic hot water
- Rooftop units
- Parking lot resurfacing and additional parking area
- Improved site circulation
- Improved Student and staff safety and efficiency at the pick-up/drop-off lines
