RICHLANDS, N.C. --  Onslow County Schools began class on Monday and for some children, the first week is even more exciting because it's at a brand new place.

• Richlands Elementary became kindergarten through 5th grade school
• 822 students are attending this year
• The new school features security cameras and electronic door locks

Richlands Elementary School opened their brand new doors to not only new students but new grade levels and staffing too. It and Heritage Elementary became a kindergarten through 5th grade school.  

“We spent the last two years planning for the opening of school this year. We had to do a lot of configuring, transferring from a 3 to 5 grade school to a k though 5 school.  Lots of shifts in curriculum and materials, and of course hiring to make sure we had the right people in the right grade level. But it’s been very exciting to watch the process of the school being built,” said Laurie Strope, the Principal at Richlands Elementary.

Onslow School officials did some redistricting to make room for the growth happening though out the county.

“From last year to this year, we are up over 300 students over the first day. And our numbers yesterday show that we are up probably close to 600 students over last year,” said Brent Anderson, the Executive Director of Community Affairs for the school district.

Richlands Elementary has 822 students attending this year. 

One of the features of the brand new building includes security cameras and electronic door locks on both the front door and the front foyer into the school.

Anderson says the plan is to add such security features to the remainder of the schools in the district. He says they’re hoping to do so at a rate of about ten schools per year.