A host of guests joined members of the administration and faculty at DeKalb West Thursday evening to celebrate the opening of the new school addition.
Surrounded by a crowd of educators, parents, students, public officials, and other members of the community retiring Principal Danny Parkerson and his successor Sabrina Farler cut the ribbon just inside the main entrance to mark the milestone.
“The people standing behind us (students) are the people this school building is dedicated to. I look for great things out of them and I know their teachers do,” said Parkerson.
The school sports a new look from the front and includes new classrooms, restrooms, and hallway, most of them tornado safe shelters. The facility also features a new secure entrance to the school, an office, clinic, conference room, and a teacher work area. Both the kitchen and cafeteria in the older building have also been expanded.
Parkerson, who will be stepping down as principal next Tuesday, thanked his staff for their support and paid tribute to teachers he has worked with over the years. “I can never say enough about the teachers and the staff at DeKalb West School. When you’ve been somewhere 37 years, it’s a lifetime and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. So many people (teachers) have shaped my thoughts and my life and I could never thank them enough. I’ll bet that all of you standing here remember that one teacher that did something for you that made a difference in your life. If that teacher is still living tell him or her thank you. These teachers never get the credit they should get. Our teachers love your kids and that’s what makes a good teacher”, he said.
“I don’t know what Tuesday will be like when I walk out of here the last time being a teacher or principal at DeKalb West. It’ll be a strange feeling but I know I’m leaving it in good hands. If I summed up what I meant to our schools, I think the number one thing is that kids felt safe with us. We have a lot of different people raising kids nowadays. They want their kids to feel safe at school. Some of the things we’ve done here allows for more safety,” he said.
“I’m extremely proud of all our (public) officials and you (public) as a taxpayer because ultimately we work for you. Taxpayers pay the bills and get things done. I give you credit and I thank you on my behalf for sharing your children with me. They are special and I appreciate it,” said Parkerson.
Farler, who will be taking over as Principal at DeKalb West School next Wednesday said no major changes are planned. “I’m very excited about this wonderful school year we’re going to have. Everybody keeps asking is there going to be a lot of change. We’ve got a lot of great things going so why change something great that’s already going?”