After a year of being separated, the students and staff of Roosevelt Elementary are finally back home. On a recent evening, the community gathered for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of their brand-new, state-of-the-art school building. The event marked the end of a unique chapter in the school’s history, as students were housed in four different elementary schools during construction.
The ceremony was a testament to the community's resilience and unwavering support. Principal Heather Hales welcomed a crowd of proud parents, students, and community members. She expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the challenges of the past year while celebrating the successful transition.
"Last year, we faced the challenge of being spread out across four different schools," said Hales. "Despite those difficulties, we turned it into a successful school year. Standing here today in this magnificent building, we see that all of our efforts were truly worthwhile."
A Vision for the Future
Weber School District Superintendent Gina Butters reflected on the school’s deep roots in the community. She emphasized that the new building is more than just a structure; it's a promise to the students and families of Washington Terrace.
“This school has been a key piece of this community for so long,” said Butters. “It tells every parent and every student that we see you, we’ve got you, and you belong here at Roosevelt.”
Butters also encouraged the students, whom she lovingly referred to as “Raptors,” to be “quick and curious, sharp in their thinking, and brave.” She challenged them to take care of their new home and each other, ensuring that “no other Raptors are left behind.”
A Look Back at a Remarkable History
Weber School Board Vice President Douglas Hurst shared a rich history of Roosevelt Elementary, which was originally built in 1957. He detailed the journey from its early days as the “Red Barons”—a mascot based on Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip—to its current identity as the “Roosevelt Raptors.” The new mascot, a symbol of strength and unity, is now represented by a custom-made raptor in the school's foyer, affectionately named Franklin.
Community Partners and Unwavering Support
The speakers, including Washington Terrace Mayor Mark Allen and Weber School District Facilities Director Larry Hadley, credited the project's success to a wide range of partners.
Mayor Allen, a Roosevelt alumnus, expressed his pride in the new school, calling it “one of the biggest things that’s happened in years in Washington Terrace.” He also recognized Principal Hales and her staff for their remarkable effort in keeping the school community together during the construction period.
Hadley, a key figure in the project's construction, shared a few lighthearted stories from the building process. He thanked the architects, construction teams, and city partners for their dedication. He also expressed gratitude to the community for their patience and cooperation, noting that despite the challenges, the project was completed smoothly and on time.
The ceremony also featured heartfelt remarks from students Nancy Rea and Weston Hall, who spoke about their love for their teachers and the excitement of being reunited in their new school.
The celebration concluded with tours and refreshments, allowing the community to explore the building's new features, including a larger gym, modern classrooms, and a community room designed to serve the families of Washington Terrace. Roosevelt Elementary has officially opened its doors, ready to begin a new chapter of learning and community for its Raptors.