The Safest School In Western New York

One of the newest schools in Western New York may also be the safest. 

While the first day of school is Tuesday, September 3, many people have heard about this newly developed school with technological advancements – a type of school you may have never seen before. 

It took 18 years of planning, but the Tonawanda City School District is excited to celebrate another year of schooling at their newest elementary school for 750 students. 

To create this particular school, the district had to consolidate three other schools to build what has now been unveiled as Tonawanda Elementary School. 

Building for the school began about 3-4 years ago, and it cost about $53.4 million, which may seem high, but you have to consider all of the new technology and advancements they have added to the school in order to protect their students and staff. 

And back when the school officially opened for the first school year, the teachers seemed excited about the safety features.

There is a security system, cameras, a PA system, and they even have security doors, too. 

If you don’t know what security doors are, they are doors that automatically close and lock themselves at the touch of a button. That button is a one-touch lockdown button, and it can be used by anyone in the building at any time, in the event that they see something or hear something of high concern. That single button can put the building into protective mode. 

The Superintendent Tim Oldenburg also told WGRZ before the previous school year that there are now fewer doors to enter the new building, and the main office is at the front entrance. On top of that, they have a secure entrance for any visitor who comes to the school. 

There are some other really cool features for the new school too, including STEAM or STEM labs, a library with a fireplace, and a rock climbing wall. 

Tonawanda Elementary School continues to affirm the standard for future school projects around Western New York!