PORTAGE, MI -- It’s a year of firsts for Portage Public Schools. Two new elementary schools opened (Haverhill and Central) and the district has a new superintendent (Johnny Edwards).

At Haverhill Elementary School, “the excitement outweighs the anxiousness” of a new school year, said Sarah Trainer, co-president of Haverhill’s parent teacher organization.

Students braved brisk 65-degree temperatures on Monday, Aug. 25, as they met teachers outside the new building. Some played on the woodland-themed playground while others waited with their parents.

Robert Miner lives nearby and bikes his daughter, Ramona Miner, to school every day.

“You walk in the street, you (could) see it being built day by day. ... It’s kind of fun watching from the distance,” Robert Miner said.

The new school is

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