Saying goodbye

CEDAR RAPIDS - The end of the 2011-2012 school year for Polk Elementary on Thursday was not that different from previous years.

Per tradition, students filed into the auditorium to view a slideshow of photos recapping all of the memorable events of the last 9 months, such as Halloween, Christmas, snow days and field trips.

But there was a bittersweet tinge to the assembly this year. After the slideshow concluded, several students got to their feet and embraced one another, with a few wiping away tears.

They are the last elementary students to attend Polk in its current form, as the school is closing after this semester to be re-purposed as a home to some of the district's alternative programs.

Teachers become invested in student success, so it's always difficult to see a class off, whether it's a group of fifth-graders going on to middle school or an entire school, said Lisa TeBockhorst, the school principal.

“It's been an emotional day, but I think everyone here has embraced the change,” she said.

It was a sad day for parents as well, especially for those like Millie Achey, who attended the school as a child. Even though she lives in Marion, she open enrolled her two children in Cedar Rapids specifically so they could have the same experience.

“Polk was the first place where I truly felt like I belonged,” she said.

Achey's children now will attend school in the Linn-Mar district.

Many parents said they would miss the school's year-round calendar, partnerships with local organizations and strong emphasis on going to college as well.

“The calendar really worked well for us, the shorter breaks helped keep our daughter focused,” said parent Shawn Snitkey.

The Snitkeys' residence is in the newly-expanded Arthur Elementary School district, which is where their daughter will attend school in the fall.

When the last class of the day ended at 1:30 p.m., the entire student body filed out of the school and on to the playground. Parents, faculty and staff gathered around to hear the children sing the school song together for the last time.

“We are the P-O-L-K, Polk kids,” they sang.