Mid-Del Families Say Goodbye To Highland Park Elementary

Mid-Del families said goodbye to Highland Park Elementary recently.

Highland Park Elementary School is one of two schools closing this year due to low enrollment numbers.

The school opened its doors in 1969.

Related Story: Mid-Del Schools To Close 2 Elementary Schools; Redistricting To Be Determined Next Month

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Folks in the community say Highland Park Elementary School closing is bittersweet. They said this school served generations of Oklahoma families and soon all they'll have left is just their memories.

Students, teachers, and alumni walked the halls of Highland Park saying goodbye to the school they say they'll always love.

“That's where I lived my 29 years of life and this is where I started and it will always be a special memory,” Linda Harrison said.

A memory they said can never be taken away.

“She was my teacher her first year here and I have fond memories of her. She also had both of my children in first grade. I'm going to cry. It's really emotional because I went to school here and then I taught my first 16 years here,” Connie Shinn said.

Highland Park and Steed Elementary School will close this year. A report said enrollment at Mid-Del Public Schools decreased dramatically due to COVID-19.

“When I first started here there were five classrooms in every grade level and now they're down to like two or three classrooms in every grade level,” Karen Ruminer said.

Students and staff will start next year at three different Mid-Del Schools.

“Almost every student in this building got to go see their new school. When the kids came back they were like I’m going to have this and this that we don't have this year because our numbers are smaller,” Stephanie Cavner said.

“It'll be a good experience for the kids to learn to get along with other students in other schools I guess that's the good side of it,” Ruminer said.

Former and Current Students signed the walls of the school. Right now, it's unclear what is next for the building, but community members hope it continues to serve a purpose.