Students returning to Lakewood and Stowe elementary schools Friday found lots of changes waiting for them. Construction at the schools, the first touched under the Duluth school district's long-range building plan, wrapped up this week.
What's new at Stowe and Lakewood
* Among the changes made at each building was the installation of access-control security systems, as well as new fire alarms, sprinklers, energy-efficient lighting and improved heating and cooling systems.
* Technology updates include new computer labs with flat-screen monitors and the addition of Smart Boards and enhanced sound systems in every classroom.
* Both schools also got new playground equipment, tile floors to replace old carpet and some brick repair.
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* Stowe has a new roof.
What people are saying
* Clair Leneau, fourth-grader at Lakewood: "I really like the new playground. It was getting really old and they promised us to get a new one, and they didn't lie. When we got here and saw the new one, our faces just glowed up."
* Terry Cottingham, principal at Stowe: "I think what they've done is outstanding and I have to point out that, although Stowe is the newest Duluth school district building, we were in need of some pretty strong repairs and renovations."
* Jan Pufall, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Stowe: "We are still scrambling a bit to get used to everything, but it's going to be wonderful. ... The technology piece is going to be something that really broadens the different ways we can present information to kids."
* Troy Martin, fourth-grader at Lakewood: "All the kids are talking about what's different, especially the playground. I would like to say 'thank you' to whoever helped make this school better and safer for the kids that go here."
* Cindy Jamar, fourth-grade teacher at Lakewood: "One of our concerns as staff was the heating system because it was so irregular. Honestly, we wore turtlenecks and sweaters and then another sweater on top. ... I'm excited that we'll finally be able to have our kids sit on the floor without feeling that awful draft."
What's next
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Construction will begin on the next batch of schools -- Ordean, the new Lincoln/ Piedmont school, the new Grant/Nettleton school, Homecroft, Lowell and the western middle school -- in late spring or early summer. Planning for those projects is under way and public meetings will take place this fall to get community input on design.
