Students attend first day of classes in Bordewich-Bray addition

Students returned from spring break Monday to their first day of classes in the new addition to Bordewich-Bray Elementary School.

"It's cool," said Kacie Massoni, 8. "Our room is shaped like Nevada."

Second-grader Travis Summers added his praise, "It's bigger than our other one."

But there were adjustments to be made.

"It was confusing," said 7-year-old Jordan Geist. "We didn't find our desks easy."

After discovering in November 2001 that the school's five modular buildings were infested with toxic mold, the portables were demolished.

To replace the missing space, voters passed a $3.75 million bond in the 2002 election to build an addition to the school.

The addition consolidates the former seven-building campus into one building.

"The best thing I found today is that the kids had continuity throughout the day," said pre-first-grade teacher Barb Martin. "We used to be in the Bray building and we were always running - to lunch, to reading, to recess, wherever. It was much more relaxed today."

The main entrance of the school was switched from the east side of the building to the north. The attendance office was moved to a more central location.

"I think people will have to get used to it," said office specialist Tammie Hartz. "But once we can direct people here, I think it will actually be easier for people to find."

Greg Deines, superintendent of Miles Bros. Construction Co., was pleased to see the hallways filled with students.

"The kids are finally under one roof," he said. "This is their building."

Principal Sue Keema said it is a building the entire city can be proud of. From passing the bond to helping move desks and supplies, the community has been involved in the process.

"There's a great sense of achievement and satisfaction," she said. "This was really a community effort."

The public is invited to an open house 5 to 7 p.m. May 14.

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.

If You Go

What: Bordewich-Bray Open House

When: 5-7 p.m. May 14

Where: Bordewich-Bray Elementary School, 110 Thompson St.