An excited bunch of Henryetta kindergarten students got to see their new classrooms Thursday morning when the first of two new buildings at Henryetta schools was opened.
“This is a long-awaited day,” said assistant principal Jamie Matlock. She said the opening has been long awaited.
School superintendent Dwayne Noble expressed his appreciation to the community, “for believing in our vision for the early childhood and stem program.” He pointed out the buildings are just a tool to educate the children.
Principal Kelly Furer told the students and public present that the new building will help the school expand the new three-year-old program. “This will allow us to open up classrooms.” There are two classes, one in the Early Childhood Center and the other in the elementary school. Our goal is to open a third classroom. If we have enough interest, we could go to four.” She pointed out the new building has a safe room area in the common area as well as one of the four classrooms.
“If we do have severe weather we will bring first through fifth grade across to this commons area and we will house the kindergarten students in the classroom.”
She added the STEM building will be a safe room that will protect both Middle and High School students. “That is a weight that is lifted off administrator’s shoulders if we have severe weather come through.”
Kindergarten students joined in one voice to say the school creed and two of the class members, Traitor Jones and Brittan Williams held onto the oversized scissors to cut the ribbon officially opening the building.
Construction of the new classrooms as well as the STEM building was made possible through a bond issue passed two years ago.
