RAINSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
Students at a DeKalb County school heavily damaged by a tornado in 2011 will go to class this year in a renovated school.
Many students had to endure the school year in portables, but now all of the classrooms at Plainview are complete.
"I think it looks great. They've done a good job fixing it up," said Brandy Smith.
Smith and her daughter, Katelyn, are looking forward to coming back to school.
Parents and teachers met for Open House as all classrooms will now be open this school year after the renovations ended about a month ago.
The school was heavily damaged by the April 2011 tornadoes and portables were brought in for the last school year.
Smith said it was a tough first grade for her daughter.
"With us being in the tornado, you know, it was scary for her hearing the wind and stuff in the portables," she said.
But the renovations are complete and that's also good news for the teachers who never lost sight of their job last year during tough times.
Work still remains as the gym, home economics building, and agriculture building are still damaged or destroyed.
However, the football stadium bleachers have been renovated in time for this year's football season.
Meanwhile, teachers and students are looking forward to a sense of normalcy where all students will now be inside the renovated school.
"I'm excited that she's going to be in a classroom. I think she's going to feel more comfortable and be able to learn a little bit better," said Smith.
Students return for the new school year on Monday.
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The school was damaged by the April 2011 tornadoes and portables were brought in for the last school year.
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