The Newhall School district commemorated recent renovations and reconstructions at one of its elementary schools Monday night.
Old Orchard Elementary unveiled the modernizations with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the school’s Multi-Purpose Room.
The updates replaced two aging, portable buildings with two permanent buildings.
Ronna Wolcott, assistant superintendent for business services, said the buildings are designed to be more energy efficient, have better air circulation and have built-in technology.
“The classrooms create a much better learning environment in that they are designed to have more natural light and be more energy efficient,” she said.
One of these buildings will house third grade classrooms, art and music rooms, a new science lab and an adjoining science area.
Wolcott said this gives the areas of music and art their own dedicated spaces, and creates a new outdoor garden and lab for science instruction.
“This is so well-rounded for kids,” Newhall School District Superintendent Paul Cordeiro said. “I think any parent would be so excited about this.”
The second building will hold Special Day Classrooms (SDC), an occupational therapy classroom, a private conference room and offices for SDC personnel and district therapists.
“The building we constructed is really tailored to these student needs,” Cordeiro said.
The renovations also included the reconstruction of the school’s hardscape play area and staff parking lot, as well as the addition of exterior lighting.
“The second voter-approved bond measure is really enabling us to do this,” Cordeiro said. “This is driven by voters. This is a community asset.”
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