Members of the community, local politicians and Foothills School Division trustees got a chance to tour the revitalized Blackie School last week.
An open house was held at the K-8 school March 31, following a modernization project two years in the making.
In March 2020, Minister of Infrastructure Prasad Panda paid a visit to the small Foothills hamlet to announce a face-lift to the aging facility, which included the addition of a community hall and public library, as well as an upgraded sewer system, HVAC system and re-doing the gymnasium floor.
Amongst the groups of parents, grandparents and kids walking the refurbished halls was chatter about how great the upgraded space looked.
Jaice Jamison, who attended Blackie School in the late 90's and early 2000's said that while some elements of the building are the same, like the location of classrooms, the foyer and gymnasium are much different.
Jamison said his first child attended the school for kindergarten before the family moved to High River. Now. they are building a house north of town.
The family came to check out the open house to have a good look at where the three oldest kids would be going to school next year, he said.
"I think it'll be good," said Jamison. "There's still a lot of the old, original teachers, which were awesome."
Although he was excited to see and hear of the school's upgrade, Jamison explained that he and his wife are looking forward to having their children in a smaller facility.
"I think the small school feel is a little more one on one," he said. "It's exciting to know they're coming to a smaller school – there's not five Grade 3 classes like where they are in High River."
Apart from the refurbished front entrance and gym floor, every classroom in the building got a makeover, as did the school's kitchen, now fully equipped with multiple ovens and other equipment.
The school is also set to receive a new playground, after the province announced $250,000 would be awarded to purchase a new play structure.
An official grand opening event is expected sometime later this year.
