While it is officially named North Star Elementary, Principal Rosanne Henderson says the kids refer to the new elementary school as "Awesome!"

The new state-of-the-art school is located at 1545 North Morton Drive and is scheduled to be finished August 1, 1999. The school is designed with the classrooms located in the rear of the school. A total of four "pods" include six classrooms each. In the middle of each pod is a common area called an activity area. This is where students can take part in singing and musical programs, use some of the 15-20 computers available, and participate in other activities generated by the school. Teachers can also meet here to collaborate. In between each pod is an outdoor classroom that will be used in good weather.

The front and back portions of the school are divided by a main hall. The front of the school will be used to facilitate preschools, kindergarten enrichment, after-school programs, and other community-based activities. The library and auditorium are also located in this area.

"This is the first school specifically designed to be an urban school and is a prototype for the district," says Ms. Henderson. "The most exciting part about the entire project is the enthusiasm and commitment of the parents and residents in the neighborhood. We all share the same vision for this new school: to be the top school in the state."

Prior to her appointment as principal of this new school, Rosanne Henderson was principal at Dilworth Elementary at 1900 South and 2100 East. She brings experience, creativity, and a passion for teaching to this new location.

Her days are filled with searching for appropriate staff for the new school; planning the curriculum; setting goals for the school, faculty and students; ordering books; and adopting appropriate programs for the school. Once a week she meets at the site with the architect, contractor, buildings and grounds people to make sure the school is completed on schedule.

Ms. Henderson already has a school community council and a PTA. The school community council will submit the proposed "North Star" name for the school to the school board for approval in the near future.

Many of the students for the new school will come from new neighborhoods in the Westpointe Community, where Ivory Homes plans to build 88 new homes on the south side of 1700 North.