'Mov'n' on up...' to Parris Branch

All but the very back corners of a few cabinets had been cleaned out and moved to the new Scotts Creek School by Tuesday, said Assistant Principal Steve Jones. Moving to the Parris Branch site began May 31 with "a lot of parent support," he said. "It's been an exciting time, with everyone in good spirits, despite a little rain." In addition to parent and community assistance, maintenance crews from Scotts Creek and other Jackson County schools pitched in to help (left), Jones said. "The teachers have been tickled to death" with the new school, which offers slightly more than 100,000 square feet and costs $10.5 million.

Moving in took three days, said Principal Wanda Fernandez. "More than 70 people helped - it was a great community effort, and county maintenance workers were outstanding," Fernandez said. Unpacking supplies in a second-grade classroom last week were assistant teacher Patsy Parris (below, left), teacher Elaine Morgan (right) and seventh-grade teacher Bethany Hawkins (behind the bookshelf). Community members may take a walking tour of the new facility this Sunday, June 10, from 2 until 5 p.m. A dedication ceremony is planned for later this summer, and the state Board of Education will meet in the new school on Thursday, Sept. 13. - Herald photos by Lisa Majors-Duff

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