West Ridge Elementary School in Greece is transitioning into a community school over the next couple of years and is adding some services and programs.

A new resource center is the first phase in the four-year transition to turn West Ridge Elementary School into the Greece Community Early Learning Center. 

The new parent center is already open for families.

 "Absolutely, it is getting parents involved in their student's education early and having them feel welcome and have a voice to be a partner in this relationship with their students," said Principal Shannon Heller. "We are hoping to become the early learning hub of the community. We have wanted this for so long and we want to meet the needs of all our students and be equitable in resources but we also want to meet the needs of the entire family and our community schools effort will enable us to do that so we are thrilled."

The learning center will focus on early education for the district's youngest students.

"A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships. We are here to support families and students," said Kelly Sperduto, community schools coordinator. "Whatever needs we identify, we are here to meet those and help families feel successful. So we are transitioning to an early learning center and we want to get all of the district's Pre-K students into the same building so that we can really target our services and supports to meet the needs of our youngest learners."

Another resource available now is "Westies Wardrobe," which is a clothing closet. Families in need are welcome to visit to get items they need especially now that the cold weather is here. Donations to the clothing closet at West Ridge are always accepted and appreciated.