Take a look at the Tri-Cities’ newest elementary school. More space, new technology
Clad in their best Christmas sweaters and pajamas, parents and students at Ridge View Elementary took an early tour of their new school building Wednesday.
The $31 million, two-story, 61,000-square-foot building is nearly complete, and staff are working to furnish the classrooms, libraries and offices.
The excitement from students was palpable as they went from classroom to classroom greeting teachers and testing out the new gymnasium and playground equipment.
The building will be occupied starting on Jan. 3.
“I just can’t express just how excited I am to be in our new building. It’s almost emotional,” said Principal Naomi Puckett. “We’re proud, we’re excited and happy for our families.”
Puckett has spent 21 years at Ridge View, the last six as principal of the 324-student school.
The original building opened 30 years ago and was in need of replacement. The new building has been built at the same site at 7001 W. 13th Ave.
The modernized facility will improve education with more space and better technology, say officials.
And that space will be set to good use quickly. Elementary school enrollment boundaries will change this fall, sending 140 more students to classes at Ridge View.
The change aims to address future growth in the Kennewick School District’s western schools.
But while the old Ridge View had 20 classrooms, the school’s new facility will house 30 classrooms.
Top-of-line technology
Highly Capable math teacher Kathy Kern was nearly finished stowing away her books and markers when students began filing in to her classroom to say hello this week.
“It’s a gorgeous building and the technology is amazing,” Kern said, gawking over the wireless projector technology that will make teaching a smoother process. “It is top-of-the-line technology.”
Kern has taught at Ridge View for 16 years now. As a specialist teacher, she’s used to sharing small, cramped classrooms with other teachers.
But looking over the neighborhood from her own second-story class, Kern took pride in the new space.
“This building is definitely nicer. The building is so much bigger. The storage is way better than other classrooms. The space for the kids is great,” she said. “I heard a little girl, as I was walking downstairs, say, ‘This is going to be so much fun.’”
During the last year and a half of construction, students and staff have been temporarily housed at the former Fruitland school building, at 201 S. Garfield St., in downtown Kennewick.
Construction of the new building was funded by a $125 million bond passed by voters in 2019.
That measure also paid for a major upgrade at Kennewick High School, an expansion at Amistad Elementary, renovations at Kamiakin and Southridge high schools and other facility improvements.
Carolina Cole, Ridge View’s PTO treasurer and a mother of two at the school, said she’s looking forward to the shorter commute as classes get back in session.
Her 9-year-old son, Kameron, said the best part of the new school was the new playgrounds, and how more students will be able to play there.
Dressed in his red and black ninja pajamas, Kameron said he was excited to be back with his peers in Ms. Crigler’s class — even more excited than he was for winter break.
An official ribbon cutting ceremony for the public to christen the new building is set for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17.
This story was originally published December 21, 2023 at 11:43 AM.
