Farewell ceremony scheduled Friday for North Pines Middle School

On Friday afternoon in Spokane Valley, three generations will get a chance to say goodbye to an old friend.

“Final Bell” is what they’re calling it at the Central Valley School District, a heartfelt tribute to 70-year-old North Pines Middle School.

Superintendent Benjamin Small and other officials will be there, welcoming alumni from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For four hours, they’ll have a chance to walk the halls and reminisce.

“There’s a very rich history with North Pines with what it’s meant for our community,” Principal Lora Jackson said. “What it’s meant for our community and the generations that have gone through our school, it’s really quite a legacy.”

Located on North Pines Road, the building began life in 1948 as Central Valley Junior High. It is the oldest building in the district.

As CVSD replaced its aging buildings, its landmark school merely changed names – to North Pines Junior High, and finally to its current name when sixth-graders were added.

“We know that there are many memories tied to this building throughout the history of our Central Valley community and want to give this opportunity for the community to take one last trip through the hallways,” the district said in a news release.

The district promised to provide an opportunity, to be announced at a later date, to obtain “building mementos” from North Pines.

The new North Pines Middle School, at 11900 E. Broadway Ave., will be dedicated on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.