LEESBURG - Boxes line the rooms and hallways of the current Leesburg Elementary School as teachers and staff make the move to the new school building at 6250 N. Old Ind. 15.
However, the move isn't going to take place without giving the school at 1 Church St. a proper send off.
An open house for the old school is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. June 19.
"We're excited about this," said Principal Randy Dahms. "We want to close the building in the right way and honor the traditions. It was a high school at one time. We want to do it right."
For the open house, the Leesburg Lions Club is providing free hot dogs and ice cream. Leesburg Grace Brethren Church is providing bottled water.
Administrative Assistant Nicole Wills said the Leesburg Fire Department will help with supplies for the open house. Four or five firefighters will be on hand to help out, and the fire truck also may be on hand for children to check out.
In the library, she said, will be as much Leesburg School memorabilia as they can display. The gymnasium will be open for current and former students to make one last shot. All of the building will be accessible for visitors to check out one last time.
"There's a lot of history in this building," said Wills.
Dahms said poster boards will be up for people to write down their memories.
"We're proud of our past and look forward to our future," said Dahms.
Some of the things up in the old Leesburg School will be carried over to the new school, he said. Items like old plaques will be displayed at the new school to help remember the past.
Dahms said anyone with a connection to Leesburg School is welcomed to attend and have a good time. The open house is being titled "The Final Chapter."
Groups of teachers will be throughout the building during the open house for parents and alumni to meet.
A dedication and open house for the new school building will be in the fall and will be announced by the school corporation, Dahms said.
"This new building will really offer us instructional opportunities for children to learn," he said.
If anyone has any questions or wants more information about the open house, they can contact Wills via e-mail at thefinalchapter@warsaw.k12.in.us or call 574-453-4121.
