Students, teachers say goodbye to Shields

After 55 years and thousands upon thousands of students passing through the hallways, Richard A. Shields Elementary School in Lewes has closed its doors. The last day for kindergarten through fifth-grade students was April 14, as preparations are underway to move across the street to the new Lewes Elementary School. Spring break started April 15.

Following spring break, students will be taught remotely Monday, April 25, and Tuesday, April 26, and enter the school Wednesday, April 27, for the official first day, said Principal Kim Corbidge. She added that demolition of Shields will begin soon to make way for a new middle school.

The school was named after Richard Shields, who was district superintendent from 1928-48.

Construction crews have been busy the past few weeks working to get the new school operational. All of the Cape Henlopen School District’s elementary schools are new, including Rehoboth, Love Creek, Milton Elementary and H.O Brittingham. Lewes and Milton were built incorporating the original main building structure.