On Sept. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., everyone is welcome to come tour the newly constructed Liberty-Curtin Elementary and celebrate this historic moment together.

The community will be able to explore the new classrooms, hallways and learning areas that have been built, and will be welcomed to reminisce on the former building.

The architect, Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, took inspiration from the surrounding homes and barns that had gable entryways for the design of the new school.

The design of the school was created to look more modern with many upgrades, while also keeping within budget.

PHOTO PROVIDED A hallway leading to and exit and gymnasium/cafeteria of the new Liberty Curtin Elementary School is pictured above.

The one-story building includes classic school designs — ADA compliance, a multipurpose gymnasium, multiple classrooms with both single-teacher use and multi-teacher use, a library, a STEM area and more.

In comparison to the old building, every room has had a significant improvement in size, accessibility and technology.

On top of all of the standard school spaces, the new building also features “collaborative areas” where students can study, host presentations or wait for parent pick-up at the end of the day.

“This is not my school, this is not our teacher’s school, this is our community’s school,” said Liberty-Curtin Principal, Brett Umbenhouer, “I want (everyone) to feel like they’re welcome here at any time.”

The school features pass-key swipe activated lock systems that will allow for programs and teams to be issued cards that will allow them into specific spaces in the school on a regular basis.

PHOTO PROVIDED The library at the newly constructed Liberty Curtin Elementary School is pictured above.

“We want them to feel welcome to come in here and utilize these spaces. That’s what we built this for — for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

Umbenhouer also wanted to extend a thank you to those who made it possible to get the signage at the end of the road to the school.

“PA Masonry and owner John Davis donated all of the brick and the labor to put the brick pillars up that hold the sign. That would have been quite the expense, and we’re so grateful he stepped up,” he said.

The sign has a full color digital message board underneath the usual marquee that can be changed at any time, which will allow faculty to relay important information.

The Beech Creek American Legion Auxiliary also donated a buddy bench to the school that Umbenhouer was excited to reveal.

PHOTO PROVIDED The floor of the new gymnasium at Liberty-Curtin Elementary School shines after construction was completed on the new building this summer.

At the ceremony, there will be many artifacts and photos on display from 1966 and onward featuring Liberty-Curtin Alum. The time capsule that was opened during the final walk through of the old building will be there for public inspection, and the new time capsule will also be shown.

Some of the items in the 1966 time capsule include, but are not limited to:

— An Express article indicating the school would be having their dedication ceremony that Sunday afternoon.

— An old photo album from Principal Vannucci that held group photos of various classes.

— A penny from Robin Concert, born July 11, 1960, that read “my sister Roberta played in the Lock Haven Band when this school was dedicated. Written by my father, Raymond Concert, born April 1, 1916.”

— A Holy Bible from the dedication ceremony of the new school, which had a handwritten letter in the back that included the phrase “to be placed in the cornerstone of this beautiful new building.”

Special guest children’s author Alan St. Jean will also be in attendance at the ribbon-cutting.

During the week of the event, St. Jean will be working with the third and fourth grade students all week to publish a book.

St. Jean utilizes a program he wrote and developed called the Young Author’s Literacy Program to encourage kids to get excited about reading and writing.

It is a multi-day classroom adventure designed for students in third through fifth grade, and helps students understand literary terms by showing them first-hand how to develop a character and craft a story with a conflict and resolution.

Woodward Elementary was the first class St. Jean wrote a book with, titled, “A Cactus Attacked Us.”

You can learn more about the Young Authors Foundation at www.youngauthorsfoundation.com

“The dedication page will be a dedication to the new school,” said Umbenhouer, “He has a senior from the Altoona area that is going to do the illustrations for the book. We are so excited.”

For those who have purchased an engraved brick from the original building, you will be able to pick up your brick during the event.

There are also extra bricks available to purchase for anyone who missed the first wave of purchases.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., there will be food and drink trucks at the school so families can have a bite to eat while they tour the new facility.

Shuttle services for the event will be available at the Blanchard Church of Christ beginning at 4:30 p.m.

All are welcome to bring your family, friends and community pride to celebrate!