LANGDON – What’s with the kids in Langdon? No kidding, these kids are eager to get back to school. That never happened when I was a kid. Well there is a good reason they’re excited; there is a brand new school that just opened August 23rd. As part of the Redford government’s commitment to education Sarah Thompson School in Langdon is one of 15 schools to be opened in 2012-13 in seven Alberta communities.
“Albertans have told us that education is a priority, schools such as Sarah Thompson Elementary will allow our teachers to provide excellent learning opportunities to our children,” said Premier Alison Redford. “The students who come to Sarah Thompson will receive the highest level of education and be set on a path to fulfil their potential.”
Education Minister Jeff Johnson echoed Redford and said “this school is so much more than bricks and mortar for the thousands of students who will attend; it is a place where they will learn, discover and grow. “Investments in schools are really investments in our collective future” he added.
Sarah Thompson School was named after the first teacher in Langdon in 1892 and has a 450 student capacity for grades K to 4. The rapidly growing hamlet presently has the Langdon School which currently has a number of portables for all the students; the opening of Sarah Thompson will take a huge load off the bursting seams of the Langdon School. Principal Michelle Doz is extremely excited to be part of this 21st Century facility and for the school year to begin.
Although the book shelves in the Learning Commons Area (which is a new name for the Library) were empty on opening day, Stephanie Chalmers says she too is excited to see the year begin and get the students in to see the unique set up they have for learning. They will have computer work stations and lots of books but also tables for the students for some “hands on activities”. “The space is large and you are able to see everything going on the room”, adds Stephanie. She says “the staff is young and full of energy and have good ideas; it’s exciting”.
All the new schools opening in Alberta this year will meet the high provincial standards and are built to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification, resulting in up to 45 percent greater energy efficiency. Students, teachers and administrators will learn and work in a healthier environment through improved air quality and greater use of natural light.
If you haven’t seen the new school yet you will have your chance on August 30th when Sarah Thompson Elementary School has their open house.
