Richey Elementary School students, teachers and parents had a reason to celebrate recently. 

In front of a packed crowd, the school was officially dedicated in a special ceremony. In November 2004, Pasadena ISD voters approved a bond issue to construct a new school to replace the 53-year-old campus. 

Knowing that the school was a hub of activity for the community around the campus, the new school was built on land near the former campus. Children at the school participate in a variety of activities, including choir and other musical programs. 

“For more than 50 years, Richey Elementary School has had a special place in the heart of this tight-knit community,” Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis said. “This school is a source of community pride. And in this new building, new pages of history are being celebrated.” 

The new and larger campus not only provides more room for students, it is equipped with new technology. Classrooms feature Promethean Boards that allow teachers to project interactive electronic lessons on screen. 

“This is a place where learning lives,” Lewis said. “It is a place where teachers, parents and students all take an active role in the learning process. By working together, the students at Richey will continue to thrive.” 

Richey has always been known for its strong academic programs, as the school was named a State Recognized Campus by the Texas Education Agency in August. 

In addition, Lyondell Houston Refining has been Richey’s “Partner in Education” for many years. At the ceremony, a large American Eagle sculpture – which is the school’s mascot – was unveiled. The sculpture was dedicated in memory of former Richey principal Gabriel Gonzalez, who passed away in the summer of 2008. The Eagle will be placed right next to the flagpole outside of the campus. 

“Much like when the former campus opened more than 50 years ago, one constant still remains – Richey Elementary is still a cornerstone and a bright spot in this community,” Lewis said.