Bartram Springs Elementary Opens Doors

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The Duval County School District opened its 166th School Wednesday morning with a ribbon-cutting at Bartram Springs Elementary.

Excited parents joined their young sons and daughters for the opening ceremony, which included several dignitaries and School Board members.

Then it was on inside for a first glimpse of the brand new halls and classrooms.

For neighborhood moms like Julie McDonald, it was an exciting end to the summer as her oldest child, Brandon, enters Kindergarten on Monday, with three-year-old Aiden following in a couple of years.

"I am very excited," said McDonald

"Especially that it's right here in the neighborhood. It looks like they put a lot of work into it!"

Fellow mother of a future student Julie Reboul knows her life, and the life of her 5-year-old daughter Lauren, will also take a major turn Monday.

"Monday morning Mommy drops Lauren off and Mommy cries all afternoon until I come back to get her!"

For around 800 students, the new school blends old-world educational skills with modern-day equipment encompassing the needs of growing families here in Bartram Springs as well as easing overflow problems at nearby Greenland Pines.

"The building is beautiful. The technology is top-notch. Everything's brand new and in pristine condition," said Principal Judd Strickland.

"But I think what stands out more than just the building and the materials is the people that are in this room right now. It's the parents. It's the kids. It's the faculty, the staff. I feel a coming together already. It's the heart of the building. I think that's what really stands out.

"The school is fantastic! I feel very comfortable leaving her here I think she's going to have a grand time," added Julie Reboul.

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