Emotional final day as Nash Elementary shuts down for good | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Four elementary schools in the Amphi School District will close after this school year, following a unanimous vote by the district’s governing board earlier this year.

Nash, Donaldson, Holaway and Copper Creek elementary schools are set to close. Superintendent Todd Jaeger said the decision was necessary due to declining enrollment and financial challenges.

An emotional last day unfolded at Nash Elementary as students, staff and families said goodbye to the school. For many families, the goodbye was difficult after decades of memories at the campus.

“Ten of our kids go to this school, every single one of them have graded out, and I have one last kid here who is not going to grade out of this school,” Zachary Galvez said. “They have got to experience some of the best teachers here.”

Parents, students and teachers spent the day reflecting on the impact that Nash Elementary has had on generations of families. Principal Jessica Jarrett attended the school as a child.

“I have so many treasured memories as a student here, because I came here from kindergarten all the way through fifth grade,” Jarrett said.

While many parents say they are sad to see the school close, staff say saying goodbye to the students has been just as difficult. Jarrett expressed mixed emotions about the final day.

“So much joy for all of these kids that deserve to be celebrated, but just knowing this will be the last time that we have kids running through our halls, there is definitely a little sadness in my heart too,” Jarrett said.

Staff members say that even though this chapter is ending, they hope to continue making a difference at other schools across the district. For many families, the memories made at Nash Elementary will last forever.

Staff say no matter where these students go next, they know they will thrive and they’re grateful to have been part of their journey.