BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Stanley School has grown from a two-room schoolhouse to a four-room citadel of learning.

In addition to doubling classroom space, the remodel created a library to replace the old library, which had been housed in the boys’ former locker room.

School officials are holding an open house to let the public see the expanded facility from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26.

This project came together through the Challis School Board and Superintendent Lani Rembelski, the Stanley School Parents' Association, Stanley School teachers and staff and numerous individuals near and far who supplied time, skills and donations, said Lisa Muscavage.

"This remodel is more than just walls and classrooms--it's an investment in the future of our children and a reflection of the incredible support from our community,” said Justin Warren, president of the parents’ association and father of two students in the school.  “The impact will be felt for generations."

The school remodel will benefit the 25 students enrolled in the school. And townspeople also believe it will stabilize the community.

Previously, high school students had to ride a bus an hour and 45 minutes each way to Challis. This prompted many families to move, negatively impacting the volunteer EMTs, and firefighters, as well as Stanley businesses.

Beginning this year the school hopes to add a high school grade each year starting with grade nine until it is a K-12 school.

“Having attended the Stanley School myself, I cannot express how much this addition has improved our school and benefited our community,” said Sammantha Forsgren, who attended grades K8 at the Stanley School and Challis High School.

“This addition has allowed us to more fully meet the needs of both our current students and future students,” added Forsgren, who is now a head teacher at the Stanley School. “You can see the love and dedication the community has for our small school in all the time and money that has gone into this project. The impact of this will be seen for years to come in student education and as more families are able to stay in the place they love.”