Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
SIKESTON — A ribbon cutting ceremony for Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space was held just in time for students to head back into the classroom for the district’s first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
Teachers, staff, administrators, school board members, parents, students and community members gathered for the occasion Monday afternoon, Aug. 21. The new FEMA, or Federal Emergency Management Agency, safe space also serves as a gymnasium and auditorium.
Superintendent Shannon Holifield briefly spoke and recognized the board of education for their mindset to always do what’s best for Sikeston students.
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
As she looked around the new space, Holifield said it makes her smile to know the students at the kindergarten center will no longer have to share their PE or inside recess space with other goings on in the cafeteria.
“The students will love this building and safe space,” Holifield said.
The superintendent also emphasized how the space doubles as a safe spot for students and staff during emergency situations. She noted the building has an occupancy of 492 and is not open to the public. However, during emergencies, such as inclement weather events, students and staff at the kindergarten center will occupy the space.
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
The new building will provide space for physical education classes which have previously been held in the school’s cafeteria. Also, on rainy days and other inclement weather, the students will be able to utilize the gym during recess. An office/room for PE teachers, bathrooms, custodial closet and storage room are also part of the building, which includes a platform that can be used for performances. Concrete walkways with awnings connect the new building to the existing one.
“We are so excited to have this space for PE, family nights, assemblies and special presentations,” Jenny Hobeck, principal of Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center, said.
Hobeck said items for a time capsule have been collected and will be locked up inside the building with a planned open date of 2055. On Monday, she had the yearbook and newspaper clippings from the previous school year. There are other items she planned to include in the capsule.
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Emily Taylor, who has served as the full-time PE teacher for nine years at the kindergarten center, said she’s excited to have PE classes in the new space. She noted sometimes PE would have to be held in hallways due to the lack of space. Now that won’t be an issue. She said she’s also planning to come up with some new activities for PE classes to utilize the larger space.
Sikeston R-6 Superintendent Shannon Holifield recognizes the Board of Education members, from left: Chris Hodgkiss; Board President Matt Drake; Matt Tanner; Board Vice President Renee Grimes; Ben Alcorn, Katie Merideth; and Allison Cox. Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
Sikeston Public Schools held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center’s new multi-purpose building/safe space located on the school’s campus at 1310 E. Salcedo Road. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)
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