PHOTOS: Sneak Peak at New Laurel Intermediate School

Back-to-school will be more exciting than usual for nearly 400 kids this year in Laurel, because they'll be attending a brand new school. Crews are putting the final touches on the new Laurel Intermediate School, and with the first day of school less than two weeks away, workers have been racing the clock to wrap things up.

Special education kids and parents were invited to the new school on Friday afternoon, giving us moms and dads of kids with special needs a bit of an early tour. Due to construction, we weren't able to visit the 2nd and 3rd floors, but you'll get the idea of the layout from my pics.

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A modern, efficient design.

The new Laurel Intermediate School is bright and open.

Lots of skylights and big windows amplify the soaring ceilings in the main atrium area. This space will double as a cafeteria space when tables are rolled out at lunchtime.

Microwaves.

This is a big deal, according to my 9-year-old, who excitedly proclaimed, "NOW I CAN MAKE RAMEN AT SCHOOL!"

Bathrooms designed for less mess and tomfoolery.

My teenager came along for the tour today, and she pointed out how having the sinks and towels essentially outside the restroom (they're almost in the hallway) will cut down on kids wasting water, soap, paper, and goofing around at the sinks.

Ah, that delightful, new school smell.

Staff told us that the 2nd floor layout is similar to the 1st floor, with a long hallway running from the atrium to the north.

It has an elevator.

If you're in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, you probably think elevators are super cool. Heck, I'm 51 and still think they're pretty fun. Staff informed us that students will not be allowed to ride the elevator without an adult. Certainly a smart rule.

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Plenty of Locomotive purple in the beautiful gym.

The gymnasium is gorgeous, and I'm sure it was designed to accommodate practices and games from other grades, perhaps middle-school volleyball and basketball.

A fun-looking playground.

My kid was too preoccupied being a chatterbox with the teachers to notice the unique playground equipment, designed to resemble a locomotive, but I know she'll love it.

Goodbye, Graff Elementary.

Part of the reason for the new Laurel Intermediate School is that Graff Elementary had to be torn down. We popped over to take a look today (8/22), and the beloved school is just about completely demolished.