Cold Lake Elementary School (CLES) is a dream come true.
Those are the words used by CLES principal Kathy McKale to describe the new school during their open house on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
“It is so thrilling for us… and I am so blessed as a principal.”
For the past several years, teachers, parents and board members were advocating for a new school building, mostly due to the size and age of the facility at the time.
“It was old, it was crowded… and so all of these people together as a team said let's work towards a new school… that's how it all came,” said McKale.
In January 2014, the announcement was made; Cold Lake Elementary would be getting their new school, a state of the art facility.
The library, which is also known as the learning commons, will still serve its usual purpose, housing books and providing a quite space for reading, but it will also take on a new form.
In the commons, McKale said, “The kids will be working at different little stations doing (activities).”
The school also includes a science lab, art room, a gym including a stage, a music room and classrooms fitted with sinks and flat screen TVs.
“You come in, and you are in awe. We are all still in a state where you are going ‘oh my goodness, oh my gosh,' we are all just amazed every day.”
Throughout the open house, McKale heard compliments from both parents and students, who described the school as “beautiful”, “spectacular”, “spacious” and “bright”.
“People are walking through and they can't believe it because of the difference between our old school and this one.”
Since beginning construction last April, the school has been completely built, with only the second playground, bus lanes and parking lot left to complete.
“We figure that will be done in a few weeks, so that'll be good for our wonderful students,” noted McKale.
In the meantime, with the help of the Cold Lake RCMP, Peace Officers, and school staff, the school plans on keeping their students safe by designating a temporary drop-off zone.
McKale said the community is coming together to help the school, staff and students so when it comes to drop-off both parents and students are kept safe.
Prior to the construction of the new school, CLES was unable to include Grade 4 students in their curriculum due to growth over the years, however with the new facility, they can now integrate the grade level once again.
This year, CLES is expecting over 450 students.
Northern Lights Public Schools board chair Mandi Skogen shared in McKale's enthusiasm for the new facility.
“We are super excited to see the new facility. The staff and the students that we have seen so far going through, it's just all positive comments and everyone is really excited to get this new school year started.”
Hailey Skogen, 8, said she is excited to start the new school year, and loves the new school.
“It's nice inside.”
