DALLAS—Students and staff at Oran M. Roberts Elementary School will begin the 2013-2014 school year in a sparkling new 98,000 square-foot building. The school is one of three new buildings opening this fall, and it is a replacement school for the old O.M. Roberts Elementary which was demolished.
The new school, located at 4919 E. Grand Ave., will be an environmentally sustainable school designed to accommodate 800 students in grades Pre-k through 5. In addition to 39 regular classrooms, it will feature an outdoor learning garden area with pathways and seating, as well as science and computer labs, a multi-purpose room and gymnasium.
Principal Eneida Padro Colon will be at the helm as the school starts a new chapter. A native of Puerto Rico, Padro has worked in education for nine years as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator. She most recently served as an associate principal at Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy.
“I am ready and excited for the future of O.M. Roberts Elementary. The students and community members we serve will enjoy a top-notch facility where learning will transform lives. Our school community is committed to fostering a love for learning and high expectations as we prepare our students for a career and for college,” said Padro.
Padro received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas. In addition, she is currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership at the University of North Texas.
The school will host an open house, 4-6 p.m., Thursday, August, 15, for parents and community members to meet the faculty and tour the school.
The school is designed by NR2 Architects and the project manager is Jacobs Engineering, Inc.
Other schools opening this fall include Billy Earl Dade Middle School and Thelma Elizabeth Page Richardson Elementary
