When students return to Newton’s Thomas Jefferson Elementary School after Thanksgiving, the entrance to the school will have a new look. That area is the last part of the original school building and addition that will change visibility from the outside, before the renovation and addition project is completely finished. Newton Superintendent Tom Messenger Tom Messenger brought up the entrance work at this week’s school board meeting.

“The entryway footings and columns are set and installed. They are prepping for the sidewalk for the entryway this week. Then over Thanksgiving break, the plan is to put the canopy up.”

The estimated total cost for the three-phase renovation and addition project at Thomas Jefferson Elementary is $7,750,000. The third and final stage of the project is to be worked on and completed during May, June, July, and August of next year. When completed, the school’s capacity will be 500 students, with five Kindergarten and first grade sections and four second through fourth grade sections.