Greenhaven Elementary School is home to second and third graders in the Hibbing School District. It was built back in 1955 and has seen multiple reconfigurations over the years. Improvements are currently in the works to make the school more welcoming and inclusive. Widseth’s team has been working with Hibbing School District Building and Grounds Supervisor Tyler Glad, Greenhaven Principal Robert Bestul, and a panel of teachers since July. The project includes modernizing classrooms, reconfiguring various spaces, and improving the gym, cafeteria, library, and teachers’ lounge.
“The architects who are working on the project have really made us feel like our ideas and questions are valued and heard.”
Third grade teacher Jen Forer emphasized the positive collaboration working with Widseth by stating, “The architects who are working on the project have really made us feel like our ideas and questions are valued and heard, which in turn makes us feel some ownership in the changes that are coming.”
Third grade teacher Ashley Danks added, “Widseth brought us wonderful plans, and we were able to give our opinions on everything from our favorite color palette and classroom layout to exactly which type of drawers and closets would work best for us.”
Classroom spaces will be rearranged to provide more room for learning. Backpacks and jackets, which have historically occupied classroom space, will be moved to new personal cubbies in the hallways. In addition to remodeling classroom spaces, the project also includes new flooring and paint in the gym, library, cafeteria, and teachers’ lounge. A bold wall graphic that includes large lettering and the Junior Jackets logo will be featured at the school’s entrance. Improvements are anticipated to be complete prior to the 2025-2026 school year.
The quotes from teachers were taken from an article by Marie Tolonen at the Mesabi Tribune.
