Monday, September 9th, marked a significant milestone as Haven Bay Elementary School officially opened its doors, welcoming excited students and staff. Principal Justin Skeen shared his thoughts on this special occasion during an interview, highlighting the joy of seeing the students arrive.
"You know, once the students showed up this morning, it put everything together for us. That was the most important thing—getting kids on our campus, all in the same location. It made everything else, like the ongoing construction, not as important. The students are happy and excited to be here," Skeen said. "That makes all the difference in the world for us."
Reflecting on the students’ reactions, Skeen described their awe at the new school facilities. "Well, for one, they think their school's amazing. When they see their classrooms, many said things like, 'Wow, my room is so big!' or 'I can't believe this is my school.' That excitement carried into today, and there's such a positive energy—it’s like none other."
Principal Skeen also emphasized Haven Bay's focus on building community and teamwork. "Our expectations are to build teams and create a strong school culture, which is really important here at Haven Bay—from the office to every aspect of the building, to our students. We want to build a sense of community."
Haven Bay Elementary has already set the tone for a bright future, where students, staff, and families can thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment. As the new school year begins, Haven Bay is poised to become a cornerstone of the community, shaping young minds and fostering a sense of unity.