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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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300+ Attend Grand Opening of Sparkling New Des Moines Elementary

300+ Attend Grand Opening of Sparkling New Des Moines Elementary

New, Larger Elementary School Opens On Time, On Budget

Photo of district and community leaders plus a teacher and a student cutting the ribbon at Des Moines Elementary School.

"Des Moines Elementary is a bigger, stronger family now!" Librarian Karen Smith told the 300 community members, elected officials, families and staff at the grand opening ceremony on September 26.

She and student speaker Sahiba Minhas, 5th grade student, helped district and community leaders cut the ribbon. "I love my new school," Sahiba said.

The sparkling new classrooms, main office, library, music rooms, community room, and gym were opened for everyone to tour.

Community members and families gave an enthusiastic thumbs up to the beautiful, whimsical new building that promotes student imagination, curiosity, collaboration and learning. Thank you, planners, designers, builders and voters!

Speakers included:

  • Rick Wisen, Principal
  • Susan Enfield, Superintendent
  • Bernie Dorsey, School Board President
  • Matt Pina, Mayor, City of Des Moines
  • Rose Clark, Co-Chair, Capital Facilities Advisory Committee
  • Kyla Blair, Vice President, Yes for Highline
  • Karen Smith, Teacher-Librarian
  • Sahiba Minhas, 5th grade student

Elected officials in attendance:

  • U.S. Senator Adam Smith's representative Marvin Eng
  • Sen. Karen Keiser
  • Rep. Mia Gregerson
  • King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove
  • City of Des Moines Councilmembers:
    • Luisa Bangs
    • Traci Buxton
    • Robert Back
    • Matt Mahoney
    • Jeremy Nutting
    • Vic Pennington
    • Matt Pina, Mayor

Grand Opening Photos

Superintendent Susan Enfield speaks at grand opening of new Des Moines Elementary School.

 

5th grade student Sahiba speaks at the grand opening.

 

Sen. Karen Keiser, Rose Clark, Des Moines Mayor Matt Pina, Principal Rick Wisen at Des Moines Grand Opening.

 

Teacher-librarian Karen Smith speaks at the grand opening.

 

Elected officials and project staff listening to grand opening ceremony.

 

Architect Ingrida Sanders and Construction Site Superintendent Joe Turner gifted with thank you cards from students.

 

Family tours new Des Moines Elementary School at the grand opening.

 

Former Des Moines Elementary principal and his wife tour the new school.

 

Community members check out the giant touchscreen in the library.

 

Looking out from the second floor on the Learning Courtyard at Des Moines Elementary.

 

Students trying out one of the reading nooks at the new school.

More Photos & Feature Article