People who attended one of the oldest schools in the Quad Cities are invited to walk the halls one last time. This afternoon, Ericsson Elementary in Moline will host an open house and fiesta, as it prepares to close, not just for the school year, but for good.
Principal Juanita Terronez says a school first opened on the site in 1873, and since then the neighborhood and school have hosted many immigrant families.
Terronez has spent her entire 23-year career at Ericsson - starting as a student teacher. She became principal 7 years ago, and will retire next month. She also lives nearby.
At various times, nearly 300 students have attended classes there, but in recent years the Moline district has gradually moved programs and grades to other buildings as it prepares to close the school. Currently there are just 100 students, with a staff of about 12.
The open house and fiesta will be held from 3:30 until 7 pm. When Ericsson closes, students from the neighborhood will attend Lincoln-Irving School.