While the Lava Elementary School building at 249 West Fife will remain, it will soon house a new school separate from the Marsh Valley School District. | EastIdahoNews.com file photo LAVA HOT SPRINGS — A significant chapter in the Marsh Valley School District 21’s history is coming to a close, and the community is invited to help say farewell. Lava Elementary School will host an “Say Goodbye to Lava Elementary” assembly on May 22 at 10 a.m. The event will mark the end of the school’s time as part of the district and celebrate decades of memories made within its classrooms. The farewell comes as the school prepares for a major transformation. Following a February 2024 vote by the Marsh Valley School District Board of Trustees, Lava Elementary will transition into a public charter school — Lava Hot Springs Academy — beginning in fall 2025. RELATED: Lava Hot Springs Academy on track to open in fall 2025 Community members, school board members, former teachers, staff, and students are all invited to attend the special gathering. The program will feature student performances, shared memories, and historical photos reflecting the school’s lasting impact. “We want everyone to come and share this last day with the students as they head into summer vacation and our last day as part of Marsh Valley School District,” said teacher Tanny Davids. “We’ll be reminiscing and celebrating what this school has meant to so many.” With only 58 students enrolled at the time of the decision, the change is intended to preserve local education and provide more flexibility in budgeting and operations. Lava Elementary has deep roots in the Marsh Valley community. Built in 1979 on the original 1911 high school site, the current building has served generations of local students. The school’s historic gymnasium, built in 1934 as part of the New Deal’s Public Works Administration to help stimulate the economy, still stands as a symbol of community and resilience. Featuring Classical Revival architecture, the gym has been a gathering place for generations, hosting school programs, athletic events, and local celebrations. Its significance was formally recognized in 1997 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Though the name and educational model may change, the spirit of Lava Elementary lives on in the students, teachers, and community members who filled its halls for generations. The May 22 assembly offers one final opportunity to honor that legacy together.The post ‘Say Goodbye to Lava Elementary’ assembly set for May 22 appeared first on East Idaho News.
Source: eastidahonews.com