Orange City, Iowa — After over 21 months of construction, the new elementary school in the MOC-Floyd Valley school district is ready for students, and the first day of school.
Wide hallways, bright open windows and brand-new equipment. It’s exactly what administrators wanted out of MOC-Floyd Valley’s new elementary school.
MOC-Floyd Valley Superintendent Russ Adams says their two priorities were that they wanted it to be a bright, inviting learning space, and they wanted it to be a space where “collaboration was the prime approach.”
Soon the building will be filled with over 600 students as elementary schools, in Hospers, and Orange City, close. The new school was made possible by a $37 million bond approved by voters.
Adams says the school wasn’t finished yet when school let out for the summer, but they took groups of students to the new school so they could check it out, and there were audible gasps from surprised and impressed students.
The classrooms are designed to incorporate natural light even in interior rooms. District leaders are excited about the energy behind the walls of the new building created by the spirit of collaboration.
TK-2nd Grade Principal Marcia DeGraaf says they’re excited to meet the variety of needs that they have in their district in a beautiful facility.
Outside, there’s room for growth. The city bought land next to the school for development. Also, there is a brand new playground, as well as a softball, baseball and turf football-soccer combo field for middle schoolers.
Adams says, “I hope that we continue to think out there think long term, challenge the status quo and see if we can continue to provide the best opportunities for our kids.”
The new school will welcome over 600 students on Aug. 23rd.
Courtesy Community First Broadcasting station KSOU in Sioux Center and Media Partner KTIV-TV in Sioux City
