Nell Holcomb to showcase completed renovations Sept. 14

After losing the use of a gymnasium, four classrooms and a teacher's lounge for a year, teachers and students are finding the "detours" caused by construction were worth it, Nell Holcomb superintendent Darryl Pannier said.

In August, students returned to an expanded gym, new music and art classrooms, an updated computer lab and more parking. The $2.2 million upgrade will be showcased during a dedication at 2 p.m. Sept. 14 and an open house following until 4 p.m.

The renovations are significant for the rural district, which serves about 325 students in grades kindergarten through eight, Pannier said. The last major construction at the school was more than a decade ago.

"The whole thing came out of the walls on the gym built 32 years ago starting to separate and move. While talking about it, we thought 'we're going to have to take the walls down anyway; why not get things done right and at one time?'" Pannier said.

East of the gym is a new music room and stage. Underneath the music room are two classrooms and an art room. West of the gym are coaches' offices and storage. Below is more storage, a teacher's lounge and a computer lab.

The renovations allow for future growth. Attendance has been holding steady for the last few years, but Pannier thinks it may increase when the economy improves.

"We're seeing growth from Cape coming out this way. Subdivisions are being developed," he said.

AARON EISEHAUER ~ aeisenhauer@semissourian.com The computer lab is one of the new expansions to the school.

During construction, some classes were held in portable trailers while other classes were "doubled up." The basketball team was bused to Cape Girardeau's Central Middle School after school for practice. Members are looking forward to hosting home games again, Pannier said.

On Thursday, students sang "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" in their soundproof music room, which is double the size of the old room. Art teacher Marion Weiss' classroom also doubled in size and now has windows lining two walls to let in natural light.

Her former interior classroom was "dingy," Pannier said.

"I just love my new space," Weiss said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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WHAT: Open house to showcase upgrades to Nell Holcomb Elementary School

WHEN: Dedication at 2 p.m. Sept. 14 in the gym; open house following from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Refreshments provided.