The chairwoman of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe shared how David Wolfe helped keep local Native American students out of boarding schools at the groundbreaking for a new school gym Sept. 25.

She spoke of the first school in Little Boston, built in 1936 by Wolfle, which allowed students to stay close to home rather than facing the traumatic experiences of boarding schools, a North Kitsap School District news release states. “Mr. Wolfle and Wolfle Elementary hold a special place in our hearts,” PGST chairwoman Amber Caldera said. “We thank the school for including us in this special day, and we’re really happy for improvements being done.”

Construction has begun on a new 4,200-square-foot gym at Wolfle Elementary in Kingston, designed to provide a designated physical education space for students. The project, estimated at $4.5 million, is set to open in spring of 2025.

Wolfle’s current gym also serves as the cafeteria, auditorium and meeting space, often impacting instructional time, the release says. Once completed, the new facility will free up the multipurpose space and allow for more program flexibility. The gym is also designed for secure after-hours use, supporting community events.

At the ceremony, Caldera, a former Wolfle student, reflected on the nearly century-long partnership between the school and the tribe. Songs were shared by the PGST Canoe Family, led by youth song leaders. NKSD interim superintendent Rachel Davenport expressed gratitude for the continued tribal partnership and thanked the community for supporting the capital levy of 2022 that is funding the project.