Jill's Journal: You’re gonna wish you were a kid again ...

Later this month, when the kiddos head back to the books, about 270-some of them will walk through the doors of a brand-new school for the very first time. That alone is cause for excitement of what’s to come in the new school year at Burkman Valley Elementary.

In two very short weeks, students will fill its hallways with backpacks slung over their shoulders, nervous smiles on their faces and excitement in their hearts. Teachers will welcome them to their colorfully decorated classrooms, some parents will wipe away a tear or two, and of course, there will be plenty of first day of school pictures snapped for the memory books.

This year also marks the opening of a beautiful new school that represents so much more than bricks, mortar and shiny new floors. Burkman Valley Elementary represents the continued investment in the future of Brandon Valley’s children.

The school’s name tells a story. “Burkman” honors the family whose land was purchased by the BVSD nearly 20 years ago. “Valley” pays tribute to Valley Springs, an important piece of our district’s identity and a reminder that Brandon Valley has always been more than one community. Together, those two names connect our past with our future.

I got a peek at the new school last week, and even though it was still in a bit of disarray as staff was busily organizing each room, I’m here to tell you that the moment you walk through the front doors, you’re going to feel like a BV Lynx through and through.

Like all of our other schools, Burkman Valley is clearly a member of BV’s growing family. It boasts our colors of red and black as Lynx pride is woven throughout the building. It’s modern, welcoming and incredibly bright. Large windows flood the classrooms with natural light, creating spaces that feel warm and inviting. And the gymnasium is so bright you might find yourself needing a pair of sunglasses.

As I toured the school last week, I found myself thinking less like a newspaper editor and more like a kid.

What would it have been like to attend a school like this?

The opportunities seem endless.

One of my favorite features is the new home for Brandon Valley’s Early Childhood program. Those youngest learners have moved from the “most seasoned” area of Brandon Elementary into a space designed especially for them. Their playground was built with little ones in mind, giving them a place that’s truly their own.

Burkman Valley also offers something no other elementary school in the district has — the Gene Johnson Brandon Community Foundation Community Room.

For years, the Brandon Community Foundation has quietly invested in projects that have strengthened our community. Now, it finally has a brick-and-mortar home for itself – and the community. The room will also display the Founder’s Tree, once housed in the Brandon Valley High School Commons, and gives permanent recognition to Brandon’s Spirit Award recipients – both those who have already left their mark and those who will bear the title in future years.

I love that. And I wholeheartedly believe that our schools should tell stories.

They should remind students that they are part of something bigger than themselves. They should celebrate the people who came before them while inspiring those who will follow. And Burkman Valley Elementary does exactly that.

Every classroom, every hallway and every gathering space speaks to possibility. It reminds us that while BV continues to grow, our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students continues to grow right along with it.

But let’s remember that buildings don’t make great schools. People do.

Like the teachers who inspire, the staff who care, the parents who volunteer, and the community members who support public education. And lastly, the students who will soon fill those beautiful hallways with laughter, learning and making new memories.

Burkman Valley Elementary simply gives all of us an incredible place to write the next chapter.

If you have an opportunity to attend the public open house next Monday, I hope you’ll go.

Walk the hallways. Step inside a classroom. Take in the sunshine pouring through the windows.

Visit in the Brandon Community Foundation room.

And when you’ve seen it all, don’t be surprised if, like me, you’ll walk away wishing you were a kid again.