Construction of the new school entrance was completed Aug. 9. Photo courtesy of Diedre Barlow

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - The end of summer isn’t so bad when you have a newly-renovated school to attend.

On Aug. 15, the Twin Rivers Unified School District planned to celebrate the Rio Linda High School Beautification Project completion with a ribbon cutting at the school, after press time.

The project was completed Aug. 9, right in time for students to make their return to school on Aug. 20.

The beautification project, which began this past March, includes many upgrades for the high school. Most notably, the project includes a redesigned front entrance to the school. The new entrance will add scenic elements to the campus, such as newly-planted trees and benches to sit on.

Additionally, there is a redesigned cafeteria for the students to enjoy, according to Rio Linda High School Principal Diedre Barlow.

A notable theme of the renovation is Knight Pride, which is emblazoned in big letters at the front entrance and on a banner in the cafeteria, honoring the school mascot.

Rio Linda High School students will enjoy lunch in a newly renovated cafeteria. Photo courtesy of Diedre Barlow

According to Zenobia Gerald, Twin Rivers Unified School District director of communications, the project cost the district a total of $2,273,008 to complete. The district is funded by a combination of state, local and federal funds, as well as bonds. The KYA Group, a construction company, was contracted for the project.

The project’s purpose is “to create a welcoming and inviting entrance to the school that will foster a stronger sense of school pride, ownership and belonging among students, while creating a positive first and lasting impression for families and the community,” Gerald said.

District officials expect the project to benefit students in many ways.

In front of the newly designed entrance, trees were planted. Photo courtesy of Diedre Barlow

“A school’s appearance sets the tone for everyone,” Gerald said. “The new front entrance is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere and enhance the overall student experience, positively impacting families and the entire community. It’s an inviting gateway to the school, creating positive first impressions and fostering a stronger sense of belonging and ownership among families and the community.”

When asked what future projects Rio Linda High School can anticipate, Gerald mentioned several eventual renovations, which include athletics’ audio/visual upgrades, building a shade structure over baseball/softball bleachers, card reader access, emergency lighting upgrades, exterior lighting upgrades, restroom refreshers, a staff lounge refresher, roofing replacement, gym bleacher replacement, signage updates and fire alarm upgrades.

Students will have the option to eat their lunch partially outdoors. Photo courtesy of Diedre Barlow

All Twin Rivers Unified School District schools will begin classes on Aug. 20.

For more information about Rio Linda High School, visit https://rlhs.trusd.net. A video rendering of the newly-renovated high school can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrvRsqCi-so&t=7s.