As Keisha Gurley walked into Wright City East Elementary for the first day of classes, her two children walked alongside her watching in awe at the new pristine school. "They love it," Gurley said. "They said look at how big it is." The first-year school located on Cotton Road inside Foristell city limits has been getting strong reviews from parents, students and others since officially opening last week. Finally on last Friday, students were welcomed for the first time. The spotlight was Wright City East as it opened three days earlier than the rest of the schools in the R-II district. Classes began Monday for students attending Wright City High, Wright City Middle and Wright City Elementary. The first day of classes was met with much anticipation for school officials and parents. The students, carrying colorful backpacks and lunch boxes, nervously tip-toed with parents nearby. Jackie Jaspering was excited to have a child be part of the first classes to roam the new school's hallways. "It's kind of cool," she said, watching her kindergartner Alex eat breakfast before leaving. I think (the building) is very nice. I think it will be neat to be part of the first class here." The 55,000-square-foot building, built by Bridgeton-based Orf Construction and designed by the DLR Group, will house 227 kindergarten and first-grade students in 10 classes this year. The new school features the latest in technology, as each classroom is equipped with a projector, smart board and sound system. The kindergarten rooms also have bathrooms featuring miniature toilets. An oversized library, art room and gymnasium also welcomed students. "I think it looks really nice," said Becky Schoolcraft, as her daughter, first-grader Alysa, held her leg. "I am impressed by it. The library is huge. The teachers are really helpful." Principal Michele Reigh, a new employee to the district, had trouble describing what opening day meant for the future of the school. "I didn't sleep at all last night," Reigh said. "I wanted to make sure everything was ready to go. "This is what you go to school for, plan for. We have a great staff. You can't ask for anything better than that." The new school was supposed to open as a community school for kindergarten through fifth-grade students, but a housing slump on the eastern side of the district forced school officials to revise those plans. The school will house all kindergarten and first-grade students in the district until enrollment increases in the district. "We're building a sense of community for the school," Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines said. The new school was built after voters in the district approved a $12.25 million no-tax increase bond issue in November 2006 to finance construction by an almost 2-to-1 margin. The property was donated by three developers.