Arroyo del Oso Holds a Public Unveiling of its New Facility

An estimated 300 people showed up to celebrate.

And on to the next half-century!

Arroyo del Oso Elementary School held a public unveiling of its new facility on Friday, with a massive community turnout arriving in force to celebrate.

The school, located in the Academy Acres neighborhood of northeast Albuquerque, opened a new, 72,00-square-foot facility late last year that includes new classrooms, gymnasium, library and administrative offices. It was completed at a cost of more than $42 million.

But judging from the reaction at a two-hour open house, it was money well-spent. Teachers hosted families in their classrooms and toddlers, students and even great-grandparents toured the new Arroyo del Oso with wide smiles.

The event drew an estimated 300 people.

“Amazing!” exclaimed a parent as she walked the hallways of the two-story structure, located at 6504 Harper Dr. NE.

The event was hosted by Arroyo del Oso Principal Deb Henley and attended by several district officials, including Board of Education member Courtney Jackson and Deputy Superintendent Gabe Jacquez. Entertainment was provided by the choir and band at Cleveland Middle School, which receives many ADO students when they depart the fifth grade.

The original Arroyo del Oso opened in 1974 and has seen thousands of children come through its halls. The original building is being demolished and will make way for a joint-use field and parking.