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Lakeland School opens new building for summer classes

ELKHORN — When Gabe Breen woke Tuesday morning, the 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome couldn’t wait to get to summer school.

“He jumped up this morning and threw his clothes on,” his mother, Laura Breen, said. “He said, ‘I’m going to my new school. I’m going to my new school.’”

Lakeland School of Walworth County opened its new $18 million building for summer school Tuesday after more than a year of construction. The school for children with disabilities welcomed 60 students and several parents on its first day.

“I got goose bumps when I first came in,” Breen said. “I thought, ‘This is unbelievable,’ especially compared to the old building.

“I just got tears in my eyes,” she said. “The teachers and the kids deserve something this beautiful.”

The school has several unique features for its students, including secure doors, textured walls, color-coded classrooms, a therapy pool and an apartment to teach students how to live on their own.

The entire building is colorful and touchy feely, with metal walls, foam boards and benches made out of vinyl and river rock. The idea is to cater to the children’s needs and senses.

“It’s built for our students, and that should benefit them,” Lakeland principal Greg Kostechka said. “We’re bringing a lot of things in our community into the building, and that will help our students when they get out.

“We’re excited,” he said. “The whole staff is excited.”

During a tour, staff members showed off the library, computer labs, courtyard, gym and physical therapy room.

Each is tailored to disabled children with its safety features, handicap accesses and wireless intercoms.

“We hope that we can hit every need,” said Tracy Moate, director of special education for Lakeland School.

Tom Griffin, who has an 8-year-old son attending Lakeland, said his child is hyperactive and has learning difficulties and speech delays.

He said his son will benefit from the school’s recreational opportunities, such as the secure courtyard and fenced-in playground.

“They can let them out and let them run around,” Griffin said. “This school is just phenomenal.”

After planning or building since 2002, Moate said it’s a relief to be in the new school. She said an offer has been made to buy the old school, but the building hasn’t sold.

“I’m excited for the kids and the families and the staff,” she said. “This dream has become a reality.”

The new school wouldn’t have been possible without donations, volunteers and support from the community, Moate said.

“I think it speaks volumes about the people who live in Walworth County,” she said. “I love having something in Walworth County that’s this special.”

After the tour, Breen said she was impressed with the school.

“It’s so aesthetically pleasing,” she said. “Just the safety features … it’s a real comfort for a parent.”

AT A GLANCE

What: Lakeland School of Walworth County.

Where: 3905 County NN, Elkhorn.

Cost: $18 million, including $1 million in private donations.

Size: 109,900-square-foot building on 15 acres.

Students: 260.

Staff: 87.

BY THE NUMBERS

178,900 - Concrete blocks in the walls.

234,000 - Bricks on the outside.

5,400 - Cubic yards of concrete poured.

340 - Doorframes installed.

99,952 - Gallons of water in the large pool.

18,936 - Gallons of water in the small pool.

1 mile - Walking around the outside of the building twice.

1 mile - Walking around the interior hallway six times.