Submitted photo Darren Baartman shared some of his memories when he attended the Ruthton school.

RUTHTON — It was the last day of school at Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Elementary in Ruthton — not just for the school year, but forever. With RTR students and teachers headed for a new K-12 school building in Tyler this fall, it was time to say goodbye to a place with a lot of memories.

On Tuesday, students gathered outside RTR Elementary to hear people share stories about their time at the school and to celebrate. As part of the farewell, kids sang songs including the RTR Knights fight song, blew bubbles and decorated rocks that will be used to remember the school.

Principal Cristy Olsen said the celebration was meant to honor the Ruthton school, as well as all the learning opportunities, people and memories that have been part of it over the years.

“We had a committee who gathered to brainstorm ideas and then our student council and I worked out the details,” Olsen said. “We tried to find ways to honor the history of Ruthton while looking ahead to the future.”

As part of the celebration, organizers invited retired Ruthton teachers back to the school for the day.

“It was a very meaningful time for them, and for all who knew them,” Olsen said. “They shared some great memories. We asked a few people to share memories, and the theme was around how truly wonderful people impacted their lives at every turn in this school. The family feel of this school was definitely a central theme,” she said.

Olsen said all the current students and staff members painted rocks that will one day be placed on the former school property, after it is repurposed. RTR Superintendent David Marlette said the school district plans to demolish the old school buildings in Russell, Tyler and Ruthton later this fall and then turn the land over to the three cities.

Having the painted stones in Ruthton was be a cheerful way for RTR students to leave their mark on the school site.

“They may be in a rock bed or around the flagpole some day,” Olsen said. “It was a fun way to involve our kids.”

Marlette said construction of the new K-12 school building in Tyler had faced some difficulties in getting needed materials, but was now back on track.

“The biggest issue was paint,” Marlette said.

However, he said, “We’re going to be ready for school September 7.” In the meantime, the school district was sorting through items from the three schools in preparation for both an auction in July and moving in August.

Marlette said RTR will likely have an open house for parents before the building is 100% finished. The official opening celebration of the new school will be held in October to go with RTR’s homecoming.

“We hope to have a lot of people come by and see the building at that time,” Marlette said.