The students will be turning over the first shovels of dirt at 9 a.m. signaling the start of a multi-million-dollar construction effort. That will see a new elementary facility and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lab.
The groundbreaking will be held just east of the present Henryetta elementary with school officials and construction personnel on hand to explain the entire project.
"This is a great improvement in the Henryetta educational system," said superintendent Dwayne Noble. "We wanted the elementary students to do the honors since they will benefit from the improvements in the years to come." He went on to say the public is invited to be a part of the ceremony.
School board president James Williams said he is thrilled to have the groundbreaking. "I feel a certain H-Town pride in knowing that our citizens have voted for the future of the kids of Henryetta and want them to have the best educaiton as possible."
Henryetta school district voters approved the $9.6 million bond issue earlier this year.
The 9,155 square-foot elementary facility will add new classrooms while the STEM building will be constructed across from the Henryetta Middle School building. When completed, the STEM building will cover 10,148 square feet and have a computer lab, science lab and classroom space.In addition to adding classes, both will serve as a storm shelter to be used by students during school hours and the public in the evenings and weekends.
Actual construction of the two buildings will start in November and is projected to take 12 months to finish.
Other proceeds from the bond issue are being used to repair the roofs on the existing school buildings as well as make improvements inside.