MACON, Ga. — Some Central Georgians are already headed back to school. In Macon-Bibb one elementary school is so excited for the new school year, that they decided to walk through the halls for a grand tour a week before classes start.
At Springdale Elementary, everyone's excited for the first day of school.
"I think the excitement on the children's faces when they walk in and see it all brand new, I think that's what I'm looking forward to the most," media specialist Meagin Jiles said.
In May, Jiles told 13WMAZ she's wanted to teach at Springdale since she was a student in the '90s.
This year, she's getting some upgrades to her library, like better storage, better technology and a special library feature the superintendent is a big fan of.
"There's this stage area where students can sit and listen, have a story told, or get to do some mini-performances," Superintendent Dan Sims said. "I just see so much life coming out of that one corner of the building, that's kinda cool to me."
In addition to the renovated classrooms and larger cafeteria, the school's natural lighting is one of the first things you'll notice when you enter the new building.
Amore Edwards graduated from Mercer in May and this school year will be her first as a teacher. She thinks the school's upgrades will make a big impact.
"The windows are really big and there's a lot of them in the building so I think it'll uplift the spirits of everyone in the building," third-grade teacher Amore Edwards said. "Natural light's really healthy for you so I'm excited about that."
For those who took the early tour, like Joma Viloria, getting to check out the new building is extra special because she's a former student.
"What made me want to come to the opening was that the building's going to be very new," Viloria said. "I think they're going to have a lot of opportunity for the new kids, and of course the old kids, from the new building to the old building."
Head architect Jamison Barger said they had a lot to improve on during renovations.
"I think just having a new space for these kids and families to live in I think is testament enough of itself," Barger said.
The first day of school in Macon-Bibb is Monday, Aug. 5.
