By Kathy Chouteau and Mike Kinney
The much-anticipated opening of the Michelle Obama School in Richmond is nearly upon us. The newly built, state-of-the-art elementary school will host an official “Virtual Grand Opening” celebration Thursday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. via Facebook live.
Obama School family and friends are invited to join in the virtual fun, which will include a tour of the new school led by students, staff and leaders. An online message from Obama School Principal Claudia Velez stated that “all instruction will pause at that time so that students, families and staff can watch the grand opening.” Currently, students are attending school online.
The new school has been built at the site of the former Wilson Elementary at 629 42nd Street in Richmond.
The Standard was given a sneak peek of the beautiful new school in Richmond’s North & East neighborhood. According to Overaa Construction Job Site Supervisor Doug Hammer, the building of Michelle Obama School kicked off in May 2018 and was completed this month.
“Overaa worked six days a week, with a 120-plus people working at any given time. We had 80 sub-contractors working on the site as well,” said Hammer.
“Finishing the job is bittersweet,” he added. “It’s always nice to turn over a beautiful new school to the WCCUSD for all the children to use. It’s a shame to have to move from such a monumental project. But Overaa Construction is proud to have built Michelle Obama School in our hometown of Richmond.”
To watch the Michelle Obama School’s Virtual Grand Opening on Facebook live the day of the event, click here.
To read more about what led to the school’s new name, click here.
