Excitement (and soil flung from ceremonial shovels) was in the air on Thursday, Sept. 10 in anticipation of a bright new future for The Wolf School, a private special education school located on Ferris Avenue in Rumford.

“In our 28th year, it is critical to think about the long-term sustainability of Wolf, so this school can be a place for these students to grow and thrive for another 28 years and beyond,” said Anna Johnson, head of school, during a groundbreaking ceremony that gathered together school employees, parents, design and construction personnel, and local politicians including Mayor Bob DaSilva.

The Wolf School, which opened in 1999 and has been located in Rumford since 2004, offers a highly specialized educational environment to K-8 students with complex learning needs who would otherwise struggle in a traditional classroom setting.

The expansion, which earned the approval of the city’s planning board over the summer, includes the construction of a new building to the rear of the property that will house amenities like a new theater space, new classrooms and space for STEM activities, administrative offices, a new sensory arena, space for a culinary program, as well as outdoor learning areas and a large, shared gathering space.

School staff confirmed that the plan is for the addition to be completed in the Fall of 2027.

Johnson said the plans for the addition began nearly five years ago, prompting years of discussions and building support which she said has resulted in the school raising $5.5 million towards a $6 million goal.

“Their investment in Wolf is an investment in our community, our children, and the generations who will come after them,” Johnson said in a message thanking the donors and individuals responsible for making the expansion happen. “We are deeply grateful for their belief in what Wolf can, and will, continue to be.”

As part of the celebration, students from each of the school’s seven classrooms shared items that they placed inside of time capsules, which will be buried during the construction and opened 10 years later. Students included items such as photos of their favorite parts of the building, Pokemon cards, fidget spinners, and items that had particular sentimental value to them.

“Years from now, when they are opened, we hope they will give future generations a glimpse into our community, our students, and the spirit of Wolf at this very special moment in time,” Johnson said.

City Council Vice President Frank Rego, who represents Rumford and has been an outspoken supporter Rumford Little League (whose playing fields sit next to the Wolf School), said that he was impressed by the school’s operations after seeing the time capsule presentation prior to the groundbreaking.

“It was truly amazing to see firsthand the dedication of the staff working with the school's children,” he said. “This is something I noticed immediately upon entering the school.”