The mood at Ferry Elementary School on Monday — records day — was considerably different than it was on the January records day exactly one year ago.That was the day the Ferry staff found out their school was infected with black mold and had been shut down, effective immediately. Within hours, moving trucks were being loaded to haul "Ferry School" away to the vacant Ferrysburg Elementary School.

On Monday, having been back in their school building since the end of August, Ferry staff members and other district employees celebrated by holding a "Great Mold Anniversary Luncheon."

"I can't believe it's been a year ago already," said secretary Kathi Saurbaugh. "Last year they were booting us out and I was crying ... Well, we're not crying anymore."

Organizers said the party was a way to thank everyone for their hard work throughout the year, as the staff moved from one school to another and back again. It was also a way to celebrate the fact that the Ferry school building had been restored.

"At first (when Ferry closed), I didn't think we would be able to come back at all," said Saurbaugh. "A lot of people thought that. That was scary."

As Beatles music played in the gymnasium, those in attendance took some time to recall how much has changed at their school since the mold was discovered. Since Ferry was vacant for seven months, the school district took the opportunity to make additional changes — such as new windows, lights with occupancy sensors and playground equipment — as mold remediation was taking place.

Those changes have made a world of difference to everyone at Ferry, said Principal Harry Weller, noting the playground equipment and gymnasium windows are among the most popular improvements.

Weller spoke briefly at Monday's party, commending his staff for sticking together throughout the year.
"That first night (when parents toured the reopened Ferrysburg Elementary building), people were just wowed at the transformation," said Weller. "I knew there were so many who were a part of that. This is our way of saying thank you."

While enjoying a hot taco bar, several teachers noted the lack of one item at the anniversary party: mold.
"We thought about serving mushrooms, bleu cheese, stuff like that," joked Weller.

http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/356528093134785.bsp

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