Elementary school in Idaho Falls receives $200K donation
It’s no secret schools across Idaho are struggling to make ends meet amid heavy budget cuts, while still offering quality education for students.
The same holds true for private schools.
So when Holy Rosary Elementary in Idaho Falls received a generous donation totaling more than $200,000, school leaders say it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Take a walk around Holy Rosary Elementary School and the nearly 50 year old school shows its age.
With a little more than 100 students ages 3 to 12, one of the first things to go into the school was a security system, with cameras in every hallway.
“These children are the parents’ most precious resources,” said Carina VanPelt, principal at Holy Rosary. “To make sure they’re safe every day when they get dropped off at school is one of my biggest priorities.”
And when students and teachers return to school this fall, they’ll have new technology in their classrooms.
“We’ll have a fully-equipped classroom computer set for our computer lab and in addition, each of our teachers will be receiving a brand new computer,” said VanPelt.
But the donor didn’t just help with the existing school building. They actually purchased a house across the street from the school that will be used for additional classroom space.
“The plan for the house is to turn it into a STEM center because we will be offering robotics classes every day before school starts,” said VanPelt.
And when it’s time for recess, a new playground area will welcome them in the fall with new equipment, a grass soccer field and walking paths.
“All of the concrete will be brought up, and we’ll have new, smooth asphalt for the students here,” said VanPelt.
Holy Rosary will also be upgrading its fire alarm system and re-painting the hallways and classrooms.
All of the upgrades are expected to be complete by the first day of school on September 3rd.
There is still room for more students to enroll.
You can stop by the school or visit http://www.holyrosaryschoolif.org/ to sign up.
