Berry Elementary School's grand opening to be held next week

Arlington, Texas - On Monday, August 28, Arlington's newly constructed Berry Elementary School will host its grand opening ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the community's educational sector.

Renowned musician Sir Earl Toon, often referred to as “Mr. Celebration” and a key member of the celebrated band Kool & the Gang, will be performing, including his hit song “Celebration.”

Following the formal dedication, attendees are invited to tour the school premises and later enjoy an ice cream social in the school's cafeteria. The event will begin promptly at 5 p.m., and those wishing to attend are advised to RSVP.

Berry Elementary, spread across approximately 105,000 square feet, is a two-story building. It boasts dedicated classrooms for each grade level, from pre-Kindergarten through the sixth grade. Additionally, the school houses a media center, fine arts rooms, STEM labs, makerspaces, collaborative areas, and purposefully designed outdoor spaces.

The modern establishment stands as a testament to the community's inclusive design approach, which sought input from local residents, educators, and students. Principal Rose Ravin, speaking at the groundbreaking event two years prior, emphasized the school's significance, not only as an educational hub but also as a catalyst for the renewal of the east Arlington region.

Ravin further highlighted the symbolic nature of Berry Elementary, viewing it as a blend of rich history and the potential for new experiences and achievements.

This new school replaces the original Berry Elementary, constructed in 1955 and demolished in 2021. The redevelopment took two years and was funded through the 2019 Bond program. Berry Elementary is one of five schools identified for such extensive renovation under this initiative.

The grand opening of Berry Elementary follows a recent decision by Arlington ISD to increase the salaries of a majority of the district's staff.

Credit: Arlington Independent School District, Dallas Metro News