Schools
Golda Och Academy Breaks Ground on $7 Million Expansion and Renovation Project
Groundbreaking ceremony honors Mark and Jane Wilf for their $2 million donation to the project.
Golda Och Academy's lower campus officially broke ground on their $7 million expansion and renovation project Thursday during a special ceremony. The Wilf Lower School Campus Renovation Project was named after Jane and Mark Wilf, who contributed a $2 million lead capital gift for the Lower School renovation.
“I think for myself and for our family, we realize the importance of Jewish education to the future of the Jewish community and the Jewish people,” said Mark Wilf. “This new building will provide the classroom space and facilities so that the children here can maximize their education in terms of Jewish values and a love of Israel.”
The current building, which houses students from Pre-K to fifth grade, will have newly refurbished classrooms and infrastructure as well as new wireless technology and an entirely new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.
Find out what's happening in West Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The new expansion, expected to be completed within 16-18 months, will feature a science discovery lab, a new technology lab, a specialty space for art and music, new library, new cafeteria, updated and fully wired classrooms, a new synagogue, new playground, increased accessibility, and upgraded office space.
“This building was built in the mid 1950's,” said Head of Schools Joyce Raynor. “The new building will allow us to give the kids the best education possible, not only for one or two years, but moving forward as well.”
Find out what's happening in West Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The expansion and renovations, part of Golda Och Academy's Building on Tradition campaign, will cost a total of $7 million and is being funded through donations from people like the Wilf family. The school has already raised more than $6.3 million, said Stephanie Bash-Soudry, Director of Development & Alumni Relations.
“The renovation will enhance our ability to offer the best educational experience to our students,” said Lower School Principal Gloria Kron. “Students, parents, and faculty will come to school with a greater sense of pride in what we do every day – educate and nurture the next generation of American Jewish leaders.”
