As students returned to the classroom this week at Sand Creek Elementary, they saw big changes in the former library. Media specialist Cindy Bailey got to introduce the third graders to the new, giant interactive smart board with a word cloud.
“I got a lot of jaws dropping when they came, in like whoa,” Bailey said. “They're very excited about this."
These renovations were overdue for a building that was originally built in 1965. And it's all thanks to Phase 1 of the Anoka-Hennepin District's 'Fit for the Future’ construction project.
"So Phase 1 included our media center and all of our kindergarten classrooms," principal Paul Anderson said.
Inside one of the newly renovated kindergarten classrooms, there is extra storage for teachers provided by the new cabinets along with new dimmable lighting on down to the freshly polished concrete floors. And one other change you can't see but certainly can feel is in the air.
"We also have a dehumidified air system which makes it feel like air conditioning in here and it's very comfortable in here," Anderson said.
There are two more phases of ‘Fit for the Future’ to come at Sand Creek Elementary, which will wrap up in 2024.
Back in the media center, the students get to read the new books in a brand new space.
"We want kids to be comfortable reading and to promote reading in our school," Bailey said.