PEABODY — To accommodate a growing Passos Avante Preschool program, West Memorial Elementary School has a new playground for its youngest students, as enrollment is set to double.

The number of Passos students this school year will increase from 40 to 80, and two additional classrooms have been added to the program. The additional classroom space became available following the district’s decision to move its Therapeutic Learning Community special education program from the West School to Thomas Carroll Elementary School.

Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala said, during Tuesday’s School Committee meeting, that the new playground, which is next to the existing Henry R. Breckenridge playground, was designed for preschool-age children and complements the equipment already there for older students.

The playground is open and has already welcomed plenty of children, but one final piece remains: a memorial bench honoring former Passos Director Joanne Pantapas.

Passos Director Danielle Peacock proposed installing the bench in honor of Pantapas, someone who Peacock stated was “a beloved former director whose dedication, leadership, and care helped shape the preschool community.” Pantapas, known to many as “Mrs. P,” served as Passos director for 23 years before dying from cancer in 2021, according to her obituary.

Peacock wrote that during Pantapas’ time as director, she made a lasting impact on generations of children and families through her commitment to creating “a nurturing, welcoming, and enriching environment.”

A playground was considered an especially fitting place to honor her because it represents the joy, growth, friendship, and childhood experiences that were central to her work, the proposal stated. The bench would provide a place for children, families, staff, and visitors to take a load off while allowing Pantapas’ legacy to remain part of the preschool’s future.

Vadala, whose own children attended Passos, called Pantapas “amazing” and told the committee that the bench would match the style of others found throughout the city.

School Committee member John Olimpio also welcomed the proposal.

“I think this is wonderful. Joanne’s sorely missed. She was a wonderful woman [and a] great asset to the district,” Olimpio said. “Every time you saw her, you smiled. I think this is a wonderful idea, a great tribute, so I’m in favor of this.”

The committee unanimously approved the bench on Tuesday following a joint motion of the entire committee. Member Pamela Milman was absent, as was Mayor Ted Bettencourt, so the vote was 4-0.

The bench will be fully funded through donations from the Joanne Pantapas Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Peacock’s proposal calls for a durable bench with a small engraved plaque. The inscription is yet to be finalized but will memorialize her legacy of love, learning, and kindness.

Vadala said the district plans to hold a ribbon-cutting for the new playground once the school year starts to unfold.

“This is going to bring great joy to a lot of people in the community,” Vadala said. “We’re so excited about that.”

The post Peabody playground set to honor Pantapas appeared first on Itemlive.

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