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Students at Edison Elementary are starting the final quarter of the school year in a brand-new building \u2014 the district\u2019s first new school in more than 25 years.<\/p>\n
The $34 million project opened on time and under budget, giving students long-awaited upgrades such as air conditioning, an elevator and modern classrooms. The new building sits beside the original Edison Elementary, the oldest school in the district, which is scheduled to be demolished.<\/p>\n
For months, students watched construction unfold just outside their windows. Today, they finally will step inside for the remainder of the school year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be like a first day in the middle of the year,\u201d Principal Diane Sutton said. \u201cI have been around long enough to know that it won\u2019t be without its kinks. We have been so blessed by the parents and their grace and their patience with us as we\u2019ve been shifting procedures, and that won\u2019t end tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kindergarten teacher Sara Ulrich said seeing her students react to the new space was unforgettable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re so excited,\u201d Ulrich said. \u201cWhen they walked in the door, just their oohs and ahhs \u2014 amazing. You can\u2019t take that away. I\u2019ll never unhear that. Their expressions really said everything that we\u2019ve been waiting for.\u201d<\/p>\n
School leaders say the rest of the year will involve adjusting to new routines, with a more permanent plan expected for next fall. For now, the focus is helping students and families settle into the new environment and get comfortable with updated procedures.<\/p>\n