STE. GENEVIEVE — On Monday, Sept. 8, Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II welcomed some familiar faces back on campus for “A Day Back in Dragon Country,” where MNEA-Retired members were invited to tour the SG R-II facilities, including the new Prop SG building additions and Early Childhood Center. Retirees had the chance to talk with former co-workers and students and reminisce on their days working in the halls of SG R-II.
Starting in Bloomsdale, the retirees were greeted with coffee and drinks from the students who run Bloomsdale Boost Coffee Shop. Our visitors then had the opportunity to drive a bus, where two brave volunteers jumped at the chance to be behind the wheel. Afterwards, the group took a tour of Bloomsdale Elementary, allowing the retirees to see the new entryway and safety measures, as well as some of the classrooms and new programs in place.
At the newly-built Early Childhood Center, retirees observed new resources and features of the center including extended hallways, large classrooms, and the versatile multipurpose room, noting the atmosphere of the building was inviting and colorful.
Comments about the great use of space in Ste. Genevieve Elementary emphasized how the new updates were thoughtfully planned out to promote learning and collaboration for staff and students.
Ste. Genevieve Middle School’s updates include a counseling suite, new bathrooms, a lactation room on the top floor, and an elevator that now provides easier access to all three levels, which made it possible for two visitors to see the top floor for the first time.
When speaking with some of the former employees about their return to Dragon Country, they shared positive thoughts of the enhanced protective measures, the evident care and warmth throughout the classrooms and hallways, and the cleanliness of the buildings, praising the custodial staff for their excellent work.
SG R-II is grateful for the retirees who joined us for the tour—the dedication and care from these educators who contributed to our district’s foundation will always be a proud part of SG R-II’s story. It was a great experience seeing former staff walk through the halls that will serve future generations, all of which was made possible by the continued support of our community who repeatedly show us what it means to be loyal and true.
