ROSEMOUNT, Minn. — Elementary schools are filled with bright young minds with new ideas — so much so that one Twin Cities school district is letting its students name its newest school.
The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District is allowing students moving into the new school in Rosemount to choose the name.
“We had a lot of great entries,” said Chad Ryburn, the principal of the new school.
Last month, the district invited students, parents and community members to submit their ideas.
“I think it’s cool,” said third-grader Sawyer Jackson.
The response was overwhelming: almost 600 suggestions.
“I actually already planned this. It was a tough decision,” said third-grader Liam Johnstad.
Ideas varied, with nearby streets, Dakota County and the community’s strong Irish heritage serving as inspiration.
“I think Celtic Path Elementary would be a good name,” Johnstad said.
“I would choose Rose because it looks like Rosemount,” Jackson said.
Some suggestions were more off the beaten path.
“One of the names submitted, one student told me, was ‘Rainbow Happy Time Elementary,’ so I got a kick out of that,” Ryburn said.
District staff have since refined the ideas. There are now ten finalists and the final name will be announced next week.
“I’m just excited to be a part of this journey and be a part of opening a new elementary school,” Ryburn said.
The new school will open to students this fall.
Jason Rantala
