Red Rock Elementary School’s students and staff experienced an extraordinary start to the new school year: They were welcomed to a new, state-of-the-art campus, replacing their outdated, 70-year-old school that was razed last year.
Principal Chantae Readye acknowledged that, in previous years, teachers had to be “creative and tenacious to work around the physical limitations of our old building to deliver a quality education to our students.”
Why it matters: CCSD Assistant Superintendent of Construction and Development Brandon McLaughlin said the new school’s design fosters a welcoming and supportive environment that bolsters 21st-century learning.
What they’re saying: Tiffany Mata, a 1st-grade teacher, is thrilled to no longer deal with obstacles posed by an aging school, which had seen better days. “To be able to just teach,” she said, “is going to be amazing.”
“The new school is a big blessing for the community,” said Matt Bielma, a 4th-grade teacher entering his 10th year at Red Rock Elementary School.
Bielma said the school has a college feel, with dedicated areas between classrooms for smaller-group learning.
Another feature creating an inviting environment is an abundance of windows that distribute natural light throughout the school.
McLaughlin also noted that the school is energy efficient:
Solar panels on the roof supply about 15-20 percent of the school’s energy needs.
Occupancy sensors control lighting.
The building’s orientation is east to west, with fewer windows on the east side to optimize energy efficiency.
The big picture: “This update is long overdue and so deserved,” Readye said. “I am honored and proud to be able to present a school to this community that is as beautiful on the outside as the amazing things that will be happening on the inside.”
