Oak Grove School students head back to class in Green Oaks

On the heels of the fifth summer of Oak Grove School's $14.1 million remodeling project, students headed back to the classroom Friday in Green Oaks.

More than 800 students in kindergarten through eighth grade toured the school and facilities, learned about classroom etiquette and renewed friendships with fellow classmates. Oak Grove Elementary District 68 Superintendent Lonny Lemon handed out apples to each schoolteacher, which he does every year.

Recently, each summer has had its own extensive work list that called for gutting some areas of the building and consolidating others to make new, functional classrooms and work spaces, such as the green-screen production studio, administrative offices and conference areas.

Accommodations have been made for current and future technology, officials said.

New roofing, windows, utility systems and other conservation measures, plus flooring, ceilings, more handicapped accessibility, and upgrades to the exterior grounds and play areas were all part of the project, which is nearly done.

The school was built in 1954 and has had six additions. The $14.1 million for the renovation project was raised without asking voters for a tax hike, officials said.