Tradition Lakes K-8 opens after construction delays
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —
Students at Tradition Lakes K-8 in St. Lucie County started their school year on Monday after construction delays pushed the opening back by one week.
The hallways are now filled with activity as approximately 1,100 students arrived for their first day of classes. While construction crews are still working on campus, school leaders said classrooms are ready for students.
“It’s exciting. It’s like our second first day of school. So we had about 1,100 students rolling in. And guess what? Everybody was on time today. Ran very efficiently, and we’re ready to go for the first day here, Tradition Lakes,” said Dr. Jon R. Prince, St. Lucie County school superintendent.
The school delayed its opening to allow construction crews to finish important work around campus and ensure classrooms were stocked and ready. By Friday’s open house, parents and students were able to tour the campus, meet teachers, and prepare for the first bell.
“It was nice. It was really big,” said one parent. Another added, “Exciting. Because I have to work.”
Although construction crews remain on campus, Prince said the ongoing work will not disrupt school operations.
“It’s not going to disrupt anything,” Prince said. “They should be done by October, which will allow us to spread out a little bit. But everybody’s got a classroom and everybody’s ready for the first day.”
The new campus comes at a time of rapid growth in this part of the county. School district officials said the additional space will help accommodate the increasing number of families moving into the area.
The school’s final academic wing is expected to be completed between September and October, allowing the campus to serve up to 1,800 students once all construction is finished.
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