Construction on Don Campbell Elementary School in Red Deer is ahead of schedule, and should be completed by late May.

Media and Red Deer Public Schools staff were given a sneak peak of the school opening this fall.

The School will be able to serve 500 students from the Inglewood, Ironstone, Vanier, and Vanier East Neighbourhoods, taking the pressure off of neighbouring schools that are near capacity.

But this won't be your typical elementary school, as Principle Cam Pizzey explains, this new facility will put an emphasis on colaborative learning between students and teachers.

"In a traditional school, like one's built back in the 50's or 60's, you'd have very closed classrooms. But here it's built right into the school. So I really truly believe that's just going to lead to so many great learning activities and oppurtunities in this school."

Pizzey says it'll also benefit students, because one teacher will be able to lead the class, while another works with a smaller group who need more help.

Jan Ludwig, Don Campbell's oldest daughter says her father would have loved this school, and so will the students.

"When we walked in the foirier, we heard about some spaces where community groups could access them. We heard about the gym really taking in the idea of community members being part of the group using it too. I know he'd be over the moon. As for the kids, in my mind I can see those little faces and the new ones I haven't met yet, I can see them being very excited about this learning space."

What's extra special for Ludwig, is she will be moving to teach at the school named after her father this fall.

Red Deer Public Schools are also planning to open it up to the public sometime this summer so future students and their parents can check out their brand new school.

 

The Campbell Family Celebrates the School Honouring their Father, and Husband.

 

Each Door Will Be Painted a Bright Color, as will most of the School.

 

The Music Room.