CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -
Just a year after breaking ground, Carmel Elementary School is set to open its doors to students next week.
The new elementary school is designed for 840 students; however officials expect around 600 to 700 to children to show up for opening day.
"I'm excited about it and energized about it," art teacher Debbie Harrison told Nashville's News 2. "It's like a brand new slate or an empty canvas, so I am excited about that too."
In order to prepare for students next week, teachers will undergo a mock school day.
"We'll have buses come in and practice loading and unloading. We'll walk through the cafeteria. We'll practice fire drills and tornado drills. We'll practice how to come and go for bathroom and recess, so when students come in, we'll be ready to go," explained Principal Rosanne Sanford.
Carmel Elementary will host a back-to-school night for families on Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Montgomery County students will report for a half day of school on Wednesday, August 8.
Carmel Elementary is the county's 22nd elementary school.
