ROCKINGHAM — Students, families, alumni, former staff and community members are invited to return to L.J. Bell Elementary School for Buzzing Through the Memories, a special Community Walkthrough on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. until noon.
The event offers the community an opportunity to walk the halls, visit familiar classrooms, take photos and spend time inside the school before work begins to remove the current building and prepare the site for its replacement.
“L.J. Bell has been part of this community for more than 70 years, and so many families have memories that began right here,” said Principal Meredith Norwood. “We know how much our school means to people, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to walk the halls, see familiar places and celebrate everything L.J. Bell has meant to generations of students and families.”
L.J. Bell first opened its doors on April 12, 1952, serving first through sixth grade students in a new school that was considered among the most modern of its time. Built for just under $465,000, the opening was celebrated with a community parade from Rockingham Grammar School, while local residents helped furnish the building through donations of library books, artwork, flags and even the school’s intercom system.
Richmond County Schools was awarded the state’s $42 million Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grant in November 2025 to replace the current school. Earlier this summer, L.J. Bell relocated to its temporary campus at the former Ninth Grade Academy, where students and staff will remain during construction. The goal is to open the new school for the start of the 2028-2029 school year.
“We’re excited about what’s ahead for L.J. Bell and the opportunities the new school will provide for students and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Joe Ferrell. “Before we move into the next phase of the project, we wanted to create an opportunity for our community to spend time in the current building and recognize the important role it has played for so many people.”
The Community Walkthrough is one of several opportunities planned throughout the project to help students, families, alumni and community members celebrate L.J. Bell’s history while looking ahead to its future.