Waving blue and yellow ribbons, students at Howard-Ellis Elementary School, celebrated the re-dedication of the school to students and faculty Thursday afternoon, after bond construction was completed at the school.

The re-dedication was the second to occur that week, with a similar dedication taking place at Ring Lardner last Wednesday.

Renovations at Howard-Ellis costs approximately $7.5 million to complete and included the addition of nine new classrooms, a gymnasium, as well as ventilation, air conditioning, windows and security features.

Addressing the hundreds of students, Principal Michelle Asmus thanked the community for supporting their schools.

“Howard-Ellis was built in 1952 and was in desperate need of renovations,” Asmus said. “With each of these updates in place, we are a stronger school. Now we look as good as we feel.”

Before the new gym was in place, Asmus said students were using the old gym as the cafeteria and for physical education classes. After lunch, faculty and students had mere minutes to clear out of the area so that gym classes could begin on time.

When classes resumed on Sept. 5 and students had the chance to explore their new gym, Asmus said their jaws dropped in amazement. 

In the new classrooms, Asmus said the design looked crisp,  clean and would be conducive to years of providing a good learning environment for students.

Several Howard students told those in attendance what they liked best about the changes. Students also wrote letters and posted them on the district’s website for the community to see.

“Thank you so much for the new classrooms. We love the air conditioning,” wrote one student, named Natalee.

Niles Board of Education Vice President Dana Daniels attended elementary school at Howard when he was child. Standing in the new gym, Daniels held back tears as he described how moving it was to see the changes.

“This is what’s all about,” Daniels said. “The biggest sense I get is just gratitude from the community.”

Superintendent Dan Applegate echoed this sentiment and said when voters approved the $40 million bond in 2015, it sent a message to students across the district.

“[Students] know that the community cares about them,” Applegate said.

With the new additions to Howard-Ellis, students in the kindergarten through first grade who were housed at James-Ellis moved to Howard. The school, located at 2740 Mannix St., was sold earlier this year.