For everyone at the new Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary, there will be a period of getting acquainted.
By TERRI D. REEVES
Published August 4, 2004
TARPON SPRINGS - Pig-tailed Demetra Patterson, 5, came to school dressed in pink and white sneakers, white socks, and to the envy of many a kindergartener, a Barbie cheerleading-style outfit.
But it was Demetra who seemed to need some cheering up.
It was evident from her watery eyes and cherry-pink nose. She wanted her mommy.
As she sat sadly in her tiny chair in the new classroom, waiting for school to start, she must have wondered what happened to the carefree days of childhood.
Demetra was fortunate to be one of 56 children selected by a lottery to attend Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School at 400 E Harrison St. About 225 children applied to the school, which emphasizes discipline, parental involvement and mandatory homework.
She was lucky, too, to begin her school career in a brand new $4.5-million facility.
The pristine, 35,000-square-foot building, with its sloping rooflines and large plate glass windows, sits in stark contrast next to the former flat-roofed, 22,000-square-foot fundamental school built in 1964 and once known as Union Academy. That facility was so cramped, music classes were held in hallways and art classes on the stage. Within a month or two, the aged school will be demolished to make room for a new playground.
Megan Copeland, 10, was on safety patrol this year. She said everything was running smoothly except for the incoming class' first day jitters.
"All the kindergarteners are really scared. They need help doing everything," she said.
Asked what she thought of the new school, Copeland said, "The cafeteria is smaller than the last, but it's much better to have a brand new school."
Lisa Faison, volunteer coordinator for the school, was dropping off her three children, Theresa, Andrea, and Robert.
"I got teary-eyed when I saw the new building," she said.
"It's beautiful, and has plenty of room," said another mom, Connie Archambault.
Seasoned fifth-grader Will Grinder, 10, said he came to school the day before to have a look around.
"There are bathrooms in all the classrooms," he noted.
Jacob Rennick, 10, said he liked the bigger windows.
"This school looks a lot better now," he said.
As Donna Hoover, the school's principal for 14 years, gave her "Good morning, Tarpon Tigers" announcement, a faint whimper could be heard in the school office.
It was an 8-week-old Pomeranian named Spike trying to figure out how to climb out of his playpen. Kathy Rhoad, a data prep clerk, said she brought the pooch to school as a first-day treat, but considering the positive responses she's gotten from parents and students, Spike could play a bigger role as the new school mascot.
The interior of the school is decorated in teal, lime green, olive and navy blue.
"We chose something a little different," said Hoover.
Each classroom has three new Dell computers and all teachers will have a Dell laptop. In the near future, classrooms will have a ceiling-mounted projector that will display on a screen what the teacher writes on a special computer pad.
Back in Demetra's kindergarten class, teacher Diana Neller, led the class in a rendition of "Chicka Chicka Boom."
By then, Demetra was looking much more relaxed.
Neller talks about the new classroom with its new private bathroom.
"What are some of the rules for using the bathroom?" she asked.
Though many of the children offered answers, Caleb Gilberg seemed to speak from experience.
"Make sure toys don't go into the toilet," said the redhead. "It can get backed up and spill all over."
Then Anna Kossifidis had a pressing question.
"When will we go outside?" she asked.
That will happen, the teacher explained, but a school tour comes first.
Neller walked her 20 students through the hall like a line of ducklings, minus the peeping.
"You are all so good. Are you sure you haven't been in kindergarten before?" she asked.
She took them to the light-filled art studio brimming with paper, paint, and art supplies, as well as a potter's wheel and a kiln.
The kindergarteners guessed what kinds of things they would do in this class.
Paint. Build stuff. Cut paper and glue it together.
Then it was off to the music room, a large, acoustically correct chamber, where a new piano, several new xylophones and different bongo drums awaited them.
"I want to come here and play my violin," said Elijah Mason.
In the school office, the children finally met Spike.
Demetra said hello to Spike and patted the dog on the head.
