Anijae Bethea, an 8th grade student, "Good grades as always and a nice year."
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The brand new 34-million dollar, 80-thousand square foot facility for 750 kindergarten through 8th graders sits at State Street and River Avenue.
Inside, large windows flood natural light into classrooms. This art room comes with a view. The cafeteria, the library with digital resources, and outside a playground and soccer field are in the works.
One mother, Jeannette Gonzalez said,"They were so excited, woke up so early in the morning, mom I want to go to school,and here they are."
Another mother, Shavonna Bethea said, "Camden needs a new facility. Starting new, everything's new, sure why not."
Action News was there last October when parents, students and officials, including the mayor and superintendent signed a steel beam, which was then raised into position.
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The school, built in partnership with the Camden City School District, brings together two former elementary schools operated by Mastery - North Camden and Cramer Hill.
Joe Ferguson, COO said, "The state and the school district believe that part of what we can do for kids and provide them a good opportunity by rebuilding facilities. A lot of the facilities in the city are crumbling and deteriorating."
A new building year, a new school year, for these children the possibilities seem endless.
"The kids are great, the teachers are ready, and we're ready," Ferguson said.
Daniel Rodriguez, a 3rd grader said, "I think it's actually going to be amazing."
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