Hayden school maps out future

Come Tuesday, about 500 kids will become Explorers.

That’s the mascot for the new Atlas Elementary School in Hayden, and it’s manifested in numerous ways on campus.

The flagpole, with its Old Glory still fold-creased, is in the middle of a four-pointed compass floor design.

The cafeteria entrance is flanked by rocket ship-like columns.

The color scheme is earth colors – the walls, floors, doors and chairs are shades of green, blue, brown and beige.

“We’re here to explore the world of learning,” said Principal Kathy Kuntz after a dedication ceremony Friday.

The school, which is in the Coeur d’Alene School District, replaces Hayden Lake Elementary, built in 1936. The community outgrew the older school; the new building is double its size.

But for its crowdedness, Hayden Lake Elementary was homey, Kuntz said, and she chose warmer tones at the new school to replicate that coziness.

Katelin McPhee, an incoming fifth-grader, described the school in one word: “Big.”

She was at the school Friday and, with three other students, held the ribbon during the opening ceremony. While navigating her way around, Katelin said she asked the principal for directions once and consulted a map another time.

Fifth-grade teacher Judy Collins will make a game out of the unfamiliarity. She plans on asking which student, armed with a map, is brave enough to be the line leader.

During the dedication, Coeur d’Alene Superintendent Harry Amend said, “There will be wrinkles,” like getting oriented and establishing routines. “But it will be an exciting year,” Amend added.