“Creating a Sense of Ownership in the Reimagining of Ramsey in Stroudsburg”

Renovation Efforts Transform Historic Ramsey Elementary into Community-Centric Childcare Facility in Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania — Renovations are currently in progress at the historic Ramsey Elementary School, an establishment once revered as a “great place to start” for students in Stroudsburg. In a concerted effort to breathe new life into the building, Pocono Services for Families and Children (PSFC) has embarked on an ambitious project to transform the site into a pre-K Head Start and childcare center, aptly dubbed “Reimagine Ramsey.”

PSFC, dedicated to serving families and children in the Pocono region, has embraced a community-focused approach in these renovations, inviting local residents, former staff, and volunteers to participate actively in restoring the 50-year-old facility. This collaborative effort emphasizes the organization’s commitment to repurposing the building for modern educational needs while preserving its rich heritage.

Mary Ann Reed, a former secretary at Ramsey Elementary from 1989 until 2012, is one of the many individuals returning to the site for this initiative. “I was excited because I worked for Head Start for six years before I came to Ramsey, so they are both in my heart. I just wanted to come back and see the building,” Reed shared. During her visit, she discovered nostalgic messages left by former colleagues, which she plans to photograph and compile as a tribute to their enduring connection.

In addition to heartfelt memories, volunteers have uncovered forgotten items within the classrooms, reminiscent of the building’s educational history. This discovery process has not only facilitated tidying up the facility but has also fostered a stronger sense of nostalgia and community among participants.

Justin Ortiz, a representative from PSFC, observed the state of the building, which had fallen into disrepair after being vacant for nearly a decade. “We know how important it is for the community to repurpose this, so we wanted to include them and make everyone feel like they own a piece of this building because, at the end of the day, it is a community facility,” Ortiz stated.

Despite the extensive work required, Ortiz expressed optimism regarding the timeline of the project, emphasizing that they remain on schedule to welcome families this fall. “Our enrollment specialist is working day after day, and we have a waitlist built up already. This building is already full. So we are so happy to open our doors and welcome those families and children,” he noted.

Reed, who fondly recalls the school’s role in the community, reflected on the significance of revitalizing the space. “It’s just nice to have life back in the building again. It shouldn’t sit here empty; it’s got too many memories. It was the original high school, so it has been a school for a very, very long time,” she remarked.

As renovations continue, volunteers are scheduled to return daily, reaffirming their commitment to reestablishing Ramsey Elementary as a nurturing environment for the youngest members of the community. This revitalization project is poised to not only preserve the historical legacy of the building but also to transform it into a vibrant center where new generations can begin their educational journeys.