NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR --
Even though school ends in four days, learning is still going on at Belwood Elementary. But in addition to teaching, Jennifer France is taping boxes and packing up her classroom."I'll probably cry on the last day. This is my home. I've been here eleven years," said France.
Belwood is one of two schools in the district closing for good as the district begins its five year, $265 million construction project.
"It's like leaving your family and going to a new place," France said.
It's emotional for students, too, who will have to adjust to a new school.
"Belwood is a nice school and they plan a lot of stuff for us to have fun and make good opportunities for the next school we'll be going to," fifth grader Jasmine Perry said.
District leaders say they had to build new schools and upgrade the existing ones because they want to make sure all the students get the best education. Technology is hard to install when the schools are built in the '50s or earlier.
"I've had 11 years in this building, so I have 11 years worth of memories," said Tammy Roberts, a teacher at the school.
Not only will the students split up, but teachers who've worked together for years will break away.
Roberts and France began their careers together at the school eleven years ago.
"My husband asked when are we going to have the pity fest. It'll come many times but she and I are best friends so we'll see each other all the time through the summer," Roberts said.
