As the finishing touches are put on the new elementary school, students at Albion, Valley Vista and Royal View reflected on their schooling and said their final goodbyes to their buildings.
“It’s sad for me to leave Valley Vista,” said student Jaiden Hurley-Belardo. “I’ve been here for five years of my life and it feels like being at home. It’s cozy here.”
The Board of Education is receiving demolition bids for both Valley Vista and Albion. Bids will be evaluated, and news of the buildings’ futures will be announced over the summer. Royal View may be used as an administration/Board of Education office.
Lexi Nosal, a Valley Vista student, shared her thoughts on leaving the Wallings Road school for the final time.
“It feels safe here,” Nosal said of Valley Vista. “Some of my favorite memories from here are a scavenger hunt we did and my Dalmatian themed classroom.”
Students were invited to sign the brick walls of the gymnasium and take pictures with lawn letters and the school building’s road sign, which has been updated with the marquee: “Valley Vista Final Farewell 1959-2021 Thank you for the memories.” A tribute video also shared messages and memories from current and former teachers, staff members and administrators.
Longtime Valley Vista Secretary Sandy Perozeni noted that all five of her children attended the Wallings Road school, along with her granddaughter, a current student who just completed the first grade.
“My dad was principal of Cuyahoga Valley Career Center for a time and always told me that the best jobs are with a school district. It’s so true. It’s also a lot of fun and busy each day,” Perozeni said.
The new elementary school will have three secretaries and two aides in the front office.
“I’m excited for the combination of skills that we’ll all bring,” Perozeni said of her new team. “We’ll each have our strengths and it will really be a great place to be.”
Principal Jeff Hill shared a special “Final Farewell” message with students and families.
“Valley Vista has provided students with safety, security, a sense of belonging, created opportunities and friendships but most importantly paved a path for students to take the next step in their academic growth,” he wrote. “The staff and administration over the years have come and gone but all have devoted their time and energy and taken pride to be part of such a great tradition.”
He noted the importance that will be placed on making the new elementary school feel like home with a sense of ownership for its new young inhabitants.
Over at Royal View, third grader Aiden Rodriguez shared his feelings about leaving the Ridge Road elementary school. Rodriguez has attended the school for five years, two of which were for preschool at Lil’ Bears, housed within Royal View.
“I’m sad to leave, but I am excited that the new school is two stories and has an elevator,” he said.
Grace Fatkins, also a Royal View third grader, shared her thoughts.
“I’m sad, but I’m mostly excited,” she said. “I’m excited for the playground and the air conditioning.”
By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer
