The school is located in the Riverwalk neighborhood south of Hwy. 79 and east of FM 685. The school is surrounded by dozens of homes under construction, which will house future students in the growing district.
Parents got a look inside Howard Norman Elementary School Aug. 9[/caption]"Parents are very excited about having this school in their community," Principal Greg Nestle said.
Nestle said the school was built with four extra classrooms to accommodate the future growth. The school has a capacity of 800 students and is starting with around 580 students, Nestle said.
"We're going to be able to absorb some growth," he said.
Superintendent Doug Killian said to further accommodate growth the district will need to have another elementary school active in about two to three years. Furthermore, he said the district will probably have to start designing a new high school in another three to four years, which the district may first open as a ninth-grade center and then expand to a full high school.
Howard Norman Elementary includes several renewable energy features including a windmill that pumps rainwater to irrigate the property, solar panels on the roof and the south side of the building, and a rainwater collection system. Televisions in the school will display how much energy the school is collecting throughout the day.
"It'll be a great learning tool for the kids," Nestle said.
The school has other features to help it adapt as it grows and ages, including desks that can be moved to form a circle or put side by side. Murals in the school are laid out on vinyl wraps that school officials can update.
Desks at Howard Norman Elementary School are adjustable to go into a circle or a traditional straight line as needed.[/caption]The school's namesake Howard Norman was a Hutto High School graduate and World War II B-24 pilot killed in action. Part of the dedication ceremony commemorated Norman and his family with his brother, "Jock," who was in attendance. School officials unveiled a plaque honoring Norman at the open house.
"We're just so happy to be able to honor the Howard Norman family and all their commitment to our community and to our country," Killian said.
