BRES and FESoT Welcome Students Back to School

A cool and breezy morning ushered in the start of a new chapter for Falcon Elementary School of Technology and Bennett Ranch Elementary School in D49’s Falcon Zone. 

The two schools are now co-located, sharing what once was the home of BRES and the Falcon Middle School sixth-grade annex. Martina Meadows, principal of BRES, noted enthusiasm, bright smiles and excitement during a successful welcome back Tuesday, August 4. 

“When we see no tears from adults and students. When systems are flowing, when students and adults are happy, that is success,” Meadows said. 

Dr. Craig Stevens, principal of FESoT agreed that FESoT students came to school energized by their new surroundings. 

“Students were excited to see their teachers. They're excited to see everybody's over here,” Stevens said. “They were just so excited to see us out there picking them out of the cars, just like we did in our old building, but in this new building.”

The shift required packing up the FESoT campus and unpacking it in available space at BRES. To ease the transition, D49 crews spent months adding FESoT branding to the classrooms and corridors, distinguishing the spaces dedicated to FESoT. Despite sharing one roof, both schools will operate independently. Stevens added that sharing the space will allow the two schools to work closely together. 

“As we get going, our teachers will be able to observe one another. They'll be able to plan with each other,” Stevens said. “I think it's just going to be a great opportunity for everyone involved.”

NOW AVAILABLE - 49 Voices: A D49 Podcast Season 5 Episode 1 | Big Changes, Bright Futures Superintendent Peter Hilts welcomes Falcon Zone Superintendent Brian Smith, Executive Director of Joint Operations Dr. Louis Fletcher, and Chief Financial Officer Rebekah Brooks to dig into what's new in the Falcon Zone as well as the behind-the-scenes work it takes to kick off a great year in D49.