Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In
November 8, 2024
Perry Local School District's Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough
Southway Elementary is one of three new schools opening this year in the Perry Local School District. Sixth graders Cami and Veda, fifth grader Ryder, and third grader Elley were invited to explore the building and react to discovering the new spaces while having fun along the way. As staff and teachers put the final touches on their areas before the grand opening, the students visited areas that included student dining, the media center, the music room, the gymnasium, an art room, and the playground.
"For people who like a lot of colors, it will be good for them."
Elley
Third Grade Student
Perry Local School District's Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough
A School With A Theme
Veda and Elley appreciated the vibrant colors throughout the building and recognized the consistent theme of industry and railroads. Train railroad track patterns line the hallway floors of the interior. Outside, patterns of cross bracings commonly found on bridges and large buildings adorn the red brick walls near the main entrance.
Access to sunlight increases student well-being and is found throughout the school, including the gymnasium. Abundant wood and natural light appealed to Ryder, “A bunch of windows in this school will help kids focus,” he said.
Southway Elementary Design Details
A School With A Theme
The Perry Community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide additional funding for the project.
Cami, Veda, Ryder, and Elley were the first students to traverse Southway Elementary before it opened. They spent the morning walking the hallways, visiting the classrooms, sitting in chairs, and enjoying the playground. Elley summed up the day, “It was a really good experience.”
While Southway Elementary featured an industry and railroad motif, Watson Elementary had a design concept of the arts, and Lohr Elementary focused on the theme of agriculture. All three elementary schools completed construction and opened for the 2024-2025 school year.
"I think they'll like the school because it's super big, and open, and different than other elementaries."
Cami
Sixth Grade Student
Students Tour Southway Elementary
Marc Cebrian
Communications
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Recent Posts:
Perry LSD Hosts Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools
September 30, 2024
Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening
September 20, 2024
Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening
August 16, 2024
3D Printing in Architecture
August 16, 2024
The Executive Grille at East Tech High School
August 2, 2024
Cuyahoga Falls Beam Signing Event Unites the Community
July 26, 2024
Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence
July 19, 2024
Marc Cebrian
Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
See more Posts