Published: July 25, 2008 12:49 am         

Caddo Mills administrators excited about new and remodeled elementary schools

CADDO MILLS — Caddo Mills ISD administrators have been busy preparing the two elementary school campuses for the start of the new school year.

“This is the first time for Caddo Mills to have two elementary schools,” said Superintendent Vicki Payne.

She explained that Caddo Mills is a larger 2A school and that increasing enrollment necessitated the construction of the new elementary school.

Construction of the Kathryn Griffis Elementary school is scheduled to be completed by the time school starts on Sept. 3. With the exception of spring rains, construction has proceeded as planned, according to Payne. “It rained in the spring, but the dry weather this summer has allowed us to catch up,” she added.

In addition to regular classrooms, the new 85,000 square foot elementary school will feature eight specialty classrooms, a regulation-size gymnasium, and two computer labs. Each classroom will be equipped with four computers for students to access, according to Payne.

“We hope to be moving furniture in on Aug. 11,” said Payne adding that the process of moving equipment into the building will take approximately one week. There are more than 340 students pre-registered to attend the new school.

In addition to the new school, remodeling is nearing completion at Lee Elementary School. There are approximately 320 students pre-registered for the school.

School zoning has already been completed, Payne said.

“We would like for the parents of first-time elementary students in the district to stop by one of the campuses or the central office to find out at which school the student is to be enrolled,” said Curriculum Director Knel Gandy.

“I think there is a lot of excitement within the community (for the new schools),” said Assistant Superintendent Kathy Weis.

An opening convocation for the school is scheduled on Aug. 22.