Shafter Learning Center, GAF celebrate together

The Shafter Learning Center partnered with GAF Materials to hold a community celebration that drew a crowd last Thursday. The event also served as a quasiworkshop as the community was invited to give their input on what features that would like to see with a Shafter Learning Center expansion.

Dr. David Franz, director of the Educational Partnership Project, as well as director of the center, said that there are many possibilities for an expansion.

One plan that was on display would have a new children's classroom that would be attached to the existing rooms, with a workshop would go next to it, where part of the parking lot is today. The workshop could be a hands-on classroom, hosting classes in subjects such as welding, wood-working, jewelry making, or other mechanical or vocational classes.

There is also an option that would create a two-story building next to the existing Learning Center, with there also being a courtyard area where there would be picnic tables where parents could wait for their children, or the children could wait for their parents to pick them up. There would also be a space to hold special events, such as parties, or celebrations.

GAF Materials has been in Shafter for over a decade, with a second plant re-opening this past year. GAF is the nation's leader in manufacturing roofing materials, with one in four homes and businesses roofed with GAF roofing materials, according to industry leaders.

The event's theme, was fittingly enough, "Building our dreams together." With one of the leading builders in the country, the Shafter Learning Center is looking forward to the possibilities that are awaiting the next chapter in their existence.

There were also several dignitaries on hand at the event, including all of the City Council members, including Mayor Gilbert Alvarado.