VIEWFINDER: Kirkland's Sandburg Elementary Celebrates its New Digs

Dozens of students, parents, teachers, Lake Washington School District officials and city dignitaries turned out Tuesday evening to celebrate the Kirkland’s new Carl Sandburg Elementary School, in the final stages of a $21.5 million modernization project.

The new 55,300-square foot energy efficient structure opened to staff and students in September at the beginning of the school year. But Tuesday night principal Heather Frazier welcomed Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride, City Council members Amy Walen, Penny Sweet and Toby Nixon and the community to a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Lake Washington Supt. Dr. Traci Pierce told the crowd the new building began as a vision, noting the words of the great American writer who is its namesake: “Nothing happens unless first we dream.”

The crowd was entertained by the Juanita High School cheerleaders and band, along with the school’s own Sandburg Singers.

After speeches and the ribbon-cutting, tours were led, and the crowd flocked to a bake sale conducted by students for the school's .

The new structure, which also houses the affliated Discovery Community School, features 10-kilowatt photovoltaic solar panels on its south side, super insulated walls and deep loop wells for efficient heating. Classrooms are arranged in groups of four around commons areas, and natural light, multiple textures and warm materials were used to create a welcoming environment. To see more about it, click here.

Kirkland Patch was there to record the event visually -- please see the accompanying photo gallery!