Granger students get new school

The two-story, 94,000-square-foot building is about twice as big as the old school, Averett said. It includes plenty of natural light, a separate gym and cafeteria, two computer labs, overhead projectors and voice enhancement for teachers. It's also at the center, rather than the edge, of its students' neighborhoods.

"This is such an improvement. It's one of the biggest elementary schools in Utah, and it's not because the population is so big; it's because we're providing rooms for every special program," Averett said. "This is Granite's very best work for disadvantaged children."

The school of about 700 children whose speech derives from 23 different languages, dubs itself the "United Nations of West Valley." The year-round school receives extra money from the U.S. Department of Education for schools in low-income areas, and was named a national distinguished Title I school in 2005-06, and a Blue Ribbon School for outstanding achievement under No Child Left Behind in 2006.

The new Granger Elementary lacked a few finishing touches Thursday, such as artwork and playground equipment. But classrooms — teachers received two paid days and school let out early a few times to give them time to pack, Williamson said — are expected to be ready by Wednesday.

Students are anticipating the move; some with first-day-of-school jitters, a few teachers said. But teachers reassured them before the break that they'll still all be together, but in a nice, new space.

"I think their mouths will be wide open," when students see their new digs, said first-grade teacher Mary Anne Fillmore. "I think the children are going to be absolutely thrilled. And I think it will be a life lesson: getting something new, you have to take wonderful care of it."

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