New beginnings: Pawnee Elementary welcomes students for first day of school

SHAWNEE, Kan. (KCTV) - The Shawnee Mission School District has officially started its school year, and hundreds of students will have their first day in a new building.

The new Pawnee Elementary School building began construction in April 2022. The school is a part of Shawnee Mission’s $264 million bond, which was passed in 2021.

The bond provides funds to rebuild five elementary schools in the Shawnee Mission District, including Pawnee Elementary.

In March of the 2022-23 school year, Pawnee students finished out the year at Indian Creek while the old building was demolished.

“Where are you learn really does matter and we love the idea that this building has so many collaborative spaces,” Shawnee Mission Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Hubbard said. “Kids can work in teams and most importantly that team effort and teamwork is so important for kids to learn. This building absolutely provides that opportunity.”

Some students will head back to class later in the week. On Tuesday, August 15, grades 1-7, 9, and 12 start school. All other grades will start Wednesday and kindergarten begins school the following day.

You can submit your back-to-school photos here.

READ MORE: Thousands of students across the Olathe Public School District are back in class on Monday

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