Catoosa Students Begin School Year, New Elementary Building Opens

It's the first day of school for students in Catoosa and the school district is excited to finally open its new elementary school building.

All students are back for the 1st day of classes Monday morning. Superintendent Robert Schornick said that he is excited for students and parents to see the brand-new elementary school.

Cherokee Elementary is a result of the 2022 school bond and been in the works for right around two years. Now the project is finally ready to open its doors for the new school year. There is still work to be done to get the school 100 percent completed -- including playground installation and some landscaping work. However, Schornick said that none of that is expected to is expected to impact learning.

Also new this year, parents had the opportunity to sign their Pre-K to 5th grade students up for the new after-school STARS program. The program is designed to encourage physical, mental, and social growth while nurturing positive self-image and independence.

Middle and high school students began class around 7:15 on Monday while the elementary students headed back to class at 8:00.