BEVERLY — The celebratory send-off of McKeown Elementary School was filled with hot dogs and hamburgers, chaos and conga lines — not to mention lots of friendships.
The school closes tomorrow and will be turned into an alternative secondary school next year. Students will be moved to either North Beverly or Ayers elementary schools as part of a consolidation plan to help close a $2.6 million gap between spending and expected revenue in next year's budget.
Many of the kids said they were upset about leaving.
"It's not really fair because they're splitting us up," said Rachel Spencer, who's going into fifth grade at North Beverly.
"I'm sad and happy because I'm going to meet new friends, but I'll miss my old friends," said Olivia George, also a fifth-grader going to North Beverly.
Yet the thought of moving didn't spoil anyone's mood last night as kids packed the dance floor, third-graders won a screaming contest and parents milled about talking to one another while a disc jockey provided the music.
"Everyone has tried to make it as positive as possible," said Kevin Anderson, who has a kindergartner and preschooler going to North Beverly next year.
Parents said it was a great opportunity for everyone to say goodbye. Principal Colleen McBride thanked everyone for making McKeown such a great place and released four groups of colorful, biodegradable balloons to represent the students, staff, parents and volunteers who have made the school what it is.
"It's quite a community, with a lot of participation from a lot of the families, and it really connects them to the school," she said.
Roberta Butters, whose second-grader is going to Ayers, said she is happy to see so many people gathered together and having a great time.
"It's a happy occasion, but a sad occasion in the end," she said.
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