Parents, Teachers Tour Affton's New Early Childhood Center

Turning 4-years-old is very exciting—at least, it is for Elizabeth White.

Just ask her. Now that she’s 4, she gets to take whole vitamins, wear bright purple extensions in her hair and, perhaps most exciting of all, smile as crowds of people sing for her.

That’s what happened at Sunday’s open house for the Affton School District’s newest school, the Affton Early Childhood Education Center, which opens for its first year next week.

Elizabeth helped cut the bright purple ribbon signifying the building’s grand opening, and the parents, teachers, community members and school staff watching sang her Happy Birthday.

To see a full photo gallery, check out Affton-Shrewsbury Patch's Facebook page.

Even with her birthday in the front of her mind, Elizabeth seemed excited to come back to the center to start classes on August 15.

“I can write my name!” Elizabeth shared excitedly.

“And who taught you?” asks her mother, Meredith White.

“Ms. Ashley!” Elizabeth answered. “She’s the only teacher I know.”

Elizabeth’s father, Miguel White, said the new school seemed like a brighter and better learning environment for his children.

“It’s kind of neat she gets to be one of the first students to open the new school,” Miguel said. “Her brother will follow,” he added, referring to Tyler, the baby in his arms.

No one seemed more ready for school to start than Karin Fleming, the school’s director.

“I just really want the kids to come,” Fleming said. “The point is for the kids to come. I want the kids here making noise and having fun.”

On Sunday, parents toured the building’s seven classrooms, diagnostic rooms, lending library, stage and project room. The center is the school district’s first new building in decades, said Dr. Steve Brotherton, the superintendent.

“I hope some of the enthusiasm we’ve had can be transferred out to the community,” Brotherton said. “I hope the people are proud of the building.”