Friday's orientation was meant to introduce the campus and its occupants, who'll return for good Jan. 3. The distance between the two schools near Willow and Church avenues in southeast Fresno is less than half a mile, but the brand-new, shiny school and the overcrowded, aging one are worlds apart. Seventh-grader Chris Vang showed off his break dance moves.
Wolves are home.
Not even an unexpected fire alarm that sent teachers, students and staff scurrying off to the spacious playground extinguished the enthusiasm. No one minded that workers were still bolting benches to the ground and finishing other last-minute details. It didn't matter that computers were still inside their boxes and the library shelves were empty. It's a beautiful school named after a beautiful person. Students taking their first peek at the school were pleased.