Teachers get first look at Richland Elementary School

Teachers got their first look at Richland Elementary School on Friday and toured the new school where they would be teaching next fall. The school will open its doors to about 300 students at the beginning of next school year.

By: OANow Staff | Opelika Auburn News
Published: March 29, 2008

Teachers took advantage of a day without students Friday and got a first look at the recently completed Richland Elementary School in Auburn, where they will be teaching this fall.

The school will open its doors to around 300 students.

Principal Debbie Smith, who transferred from Cary Woods Elementary School in Auburn, spoke to all the teachers as a group.

“They are very, very important to us,” she said, referring to students who will attend the school. “You are going to impact their lives in one way or another.“

Smith, who has 34 years of education experience, said she has been arriving at the school around 3 p.m. and staying until about 10 p.m. every day getting things ready.

With help, she just finished putting up all the billboards in the classrooms. She also helped choose carpet and paint colors.

Cristen Herring, director of elementary schools for Auburn City Schools, gave tours of the school.

“Every room will have a Smartboard that works on the first day of school,” she said.

All the furniture and kitchen equipment has been placed too, she said. The kitchen equipment was built to dietary guidelines so that most food will be baked or broiled, not fried.

“It’s high tech,” Herring said.

There are still some things that need to be done before the school opens.

Right now, the school is ordering library books, art equipment, musical instruments and physical education equipment.

New playground equipment is also being ordered, she said.

“One thing that is unique about it is the fact that the faculty is completely transferred from the six existing elementary schools,” she said.

The teachers are familiar with the students, the system and the community, she said.

“They really worked hard to get a good balance,” said Sandy Little, one of the teachers who will be transferring to the new school.

What is already good about all of Auburn’s elementary schools will be brought to Richland, she said.

“A lot of us have worked together before,” said Lorie Johnson, another teacher.

The school will host an open house for community, students and families from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 18, Herring said.