Add this to the gratitude list for the Peruvian Park Panthers: The opening of their newly rebuilt school, just in time for the Thanksgiving season.
Made possible as part of an ambitious plan to improve schools in every corner of Canyons School District, the rebuild of the 58-year-old campus is something the Panther community has looked forward to for some time. The entire Canyons District community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the school’s grand opening on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
The event will be held inside the school’s expansive cafeteria and gymnasium. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. The ribbon-cutting program will start promptly at 6 p.m. followed by an Open House tour of the building.
“It has been so exciting to see the designs of NJRA Architects come to life. The crews from Hogan Construction have been working day and night to put the finishing touches on our classrooms and collaboration areas,” said Principal Leslie Jewkes. “So much care has gone into building a school that reflects the surrounding community and that will make the community proud.”
For those who can’t make it in person, the ribbon cutting will also be livestreamed.
The new Peruvian Park Elementary was promised to the community when voters approved a $283 million bond issuance in 2017. It features seismic stability, efficient heating and cooling, and classrooms wired for today’s technology.
The school’s color scheme hints at the school’s namesake Peruvian Gulch, nestled atop Little Cottonwood Canyon. “We wanted to reflect our natural surroundings. Throughout the school, you’ll see soothing tones of greens and greys and mountain peak imagery subtly woven into various design elements,” Jewkes said. “And, of course, large windows and skylights allow in loads of natural light.”
In an effort to keep disruptions to a minimum, Peruvian Park students have attended classes at the former Crescent Middle building throughout the construction of their new school. Since 2013, the building has served as the temporary home of school communities while construction on new buildings was being done.
The Nov. 16 ribbon cutting will be the first time that families see their new campus. Staff and faculty have already begun packing up in preparation for the big move. To facilitate the move, Peruvian Park will hold two remote-learning days on Nov. 15 and 16. The first day of school in the new building will be on Thursday, Nov. 17.
Like the Peruvian Park spirit, mountains communicate strength, resilience, and perseverance.
“This school community has been so supportive throughout the construction process,” Jewkes said. “We know students, staff, and parents are anxious to see their new home, and we can’t wait to showcase all of its amazing amenities.”
