by Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
CARRBORO — Though quite different from the original Morris Grove School, the new elementary school bearing Morris Hogan’s name would likely make him proud.
Morris Grove Elementary School will open its doors to about 500 students on Monday, commemorating the school for black students that closed more than 50 years ago. The new school, located on the corner of Eubanks and Dromoland roads in Carrboro, stands near the two sites of the old Morris Grove School.
Hogan, a freed slave, founded the original Morris Grove School in the 1880s. He built and operated the school on his land, funding it with his own money. Education was important to Hogan — according to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, he viewed education as a “passport to a better life for his own and other black children.â€
The original Morris Grove School, a wooden, one-room schoolhouse, was later replaced by a two-room facility, with a room for grades 1-3 and another for grades 4-6. The school closed in the 1950s, when students were reassigned to the Orange County Training School at the site of the old Northside Elementary School.
However, several students who attended the Morris Grove school still live in the area, and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools hosted a mini-reunion several weeks ago to meet with alumni and hear stories that piece together the history of the school.
Amy Rickard, principal of Morris Grove Elementary, said she’s excited to teach students about the history behind the name of their school, including the various stories and details provided by Morris Grove alumni.
“We hope to include some of those traditions and things,†she said, adding that she plans to create a display commemorating the original school.
In the meantime, Rickard is busy preparing for the arrival of students on Monday. Books, furniture and school supplies arrived every day this week, and teachers are moving into their classrooms. Playground equipment has been assembled and books have been put on the shelves in the school’s media center.
Though there are a lot of little things to take care of, opening a new school isn’t a new experience for Rickard, who helped open Rashkis Elementary School as assistant principal there. The experience is especially familiar for Rickard because the school’s building design is the same as that of Rashkis.
Hallways are color coded by grade level so students can easily make their way to the school’s 25 classrooms. Each classroom is outfitted with a “smart board†with which teachers can use their laptops and students can move numbers and letters around by touching the board, providing students with an interactive learning experience.
Rickard said that staff members, who came from schools within the district as well as other counties, are excited about the arrival of the students and have brought ideas from their respective schools.
“The best thing for me has just been the energy of the staff,†Rickard said. “I think there is a sense of newness about everything.â€
Though some students at Morris Grove Elementary will be new to the district, many students were redistricted from Carrboro, McDougle, Seawell and Ephesus elementary schools.
Rickard said she’s talked with a number of parents about the transition to the new school.
“There’s certainly a little nervousness in all kids [when they come to a new school],†Rickard said. However: “I think the children are really excited.â€
Rickard added that she’s excited too.
“We’re ready,†she said. “Almost ready.â€
Students will start school on Monday and a dedication ceremony for Morris Grove Elementary will be held in October.