A new roofing system, fresh paint, sanitized classrooms and a red bow on the door greeted Park View Elementary students as they headed back to their school building, which suffered severe roof damage during Hurricane Sandy.
The school, which was closed for seven weeks, reopened on Jan. 2. Kindergarten, first and second graders were housed in the school's administration building in San Remo and third graders were sent to RJO Intermediate during the renovations.
Susan Agruso, district superintendent for Kings Park schools said the children were excited and happy to be back at their school.
"It might have been a little tough for the third graders who were getting used to the ice cream at RJO," joked Agruso. "I think they are happy to be back in their own classrooms."
The school now has a new roofing system. All upstairs classrooms have new ceiling tiles, new floor tiles and new paint. Upstairs and downstairs hallways also have new ceiling tiles. Work has been done in the cafeteria and gym as well.
Books that were lost in the library have been reordered and rewiring there has been completed. Smart boards remained intact.
"The company that we worked with has done thermal imaging to look for any additional wetness," said Agruso. "Air testing has been done in the building and we will continue to have it monitored."
