It was a Monday morning like so many others this school year.

Dover Elementary students were in the cafeteria having their breakfast and preparing for the day - and week - ahead.

Then Mrs. Ramer grabbed a microphone.

Her message sent the students into an uproar.

Trilla Ramer, the school’s principal, announced the students would NOT be returning to their old classrooms.

Instead, they were going to make the short walk to their brand-new school.

New walls. New floors. New rooms. New lockers. New desks. New technology. New books. It was all new…and it was all theirs.

“It’s still hard to believe that we have such a magnifi cent building,” Ramer said.

“I am still in awe of how well-done the building is.”

The students - and teachers - echoed those sentiments throughout the day.

“I think I have heard ‘this building is so amazing’ at least a thousand times today,” Ramer said.

Count third grade teacher Billee Karcher among those saying it.

“Let me just tell you this place is just amazing,” Karcher said.

“I personally am just in awe of the whole building and everything that has been provided for us here.”

First grade teacher Amy Trout saw immediate reactions from her pupils.

“Our students had a new sense of pride when they walked into the building for the first time and they were in awe of everything they saw,” Trout said.

“They had such big smiles on their faces as they entered the new building.”

One thing that stands out to many is the variety - and abundance - of color.

From the walls in the hallways to the lockers to new media and technology room to the new gym for P.E. classes, vibrant colors jump out.

“It feels so happy here as soon as you walk in,” Karcher said.

“The kids have all said how they love all the color in the building. They said the color makes them feel happy and like they are not in a dungeon anymore.”

The new 30,000 square-foot elementary school was approved by Dover voters in August 2020 when they passed a $15.6 million bond issue by an overwhelming vote of 117-23.

That process was started by then-Dover Superintendent Max Thomas.

Jay Wood is now in his first year in that position.

“Today was a huge day for our students, staff and community,” said Wood, who stood at the door to greet the students as they made their way into the new facility. “I was fortunate to come in on the last year of building, but the planning and support from our board members, Mr. Thomas and the community has paid off.

“The excitement our students and staff showed on move-in day was priceless.”

Wood noted all the facilities upgrades the district has made. Although a new high school was necessitated by a fire, several others were initiated by Thomas.

“Dover has a relatively new high school, a new elementary, brand new softball complex, our gym will be completely remodeled by the time school starts and upgrades to our baseball field are in the works,” Wood said.

“The Dover school system and community have made a commitment to become one of the best school districts both academically and in extra-curricular activities and the completion of the school really jump starts that goal. I am very fortunate to be a part of it and get to watch and experience the change that is occurring.”

Trout and others have realized the immense changes.

“Our new facility has provided a refreshing outlook for our students and staff,” she said.

“Seeing the growth that this school system has had over the past several years has been such a blessing to witness.”

The new elementary replaces a facility that’s reached triple digits in years and was more than showing its age.

Generations of Dover students made their way through the old school, which will be demolished this summer.

Ramer - formerly Trilla Guinn - is among them.

“Moving into this building is so bittersweet for me,” she said. “My grandparents, mom, brother, my children and numerous relatives attended school in that old elementary. If those walls could talk…” Dover’s students were doing their share of talking on Monday.

“My desk is so cool,” said one second grade student purveying her new digs.

Ramer heard “It’s been a fun day!” and “My room makes me happy and excited.”

After P.E., Karcher’s students said that new gym is “legitness!”

The new surroundings also mean a lot to the staff.

“Teachers are so appreciative to be at Dover and to be able to experience this,” Ramer said.

Karcher said seeing the students’ reactions certainly made her day.

“My favorite part, though, is that I pulled in at 6:30 this morning to a paved, well-lit parking lot,” Karcher said. “I parked close to a door and walked in with no fear of what might be lurking in the spooky basement.”