SIDNEY -- School dismissed early today at North Elementary School, but the memories lingered.

Today is the final page in 90 years of history with North Elementary.

The school was closed recently by a decision of the school district board. The building is in need of repairs and renovations, and the district is facing a shortfall from state funding estimated at $600,000.

Today's event was less about the money and more about the emotions as students and teachers, many with decades of experience at the school, came to say goodbye. Teachers and students, students who became teachers of North, met at the playground, many with their children and grandchildren, to share in the moments where they could formally send off the school that made they who they became.

North Elementary Principal Nancy Rowlett opened the ceremonies recalling the 90th year celebration; the music, the cupcakes and all the trimmings. She then noted today is a different kind of celebration

"Today now it's 2024, and unfortunately, we're having a farewell celebration. At North, we've had a lot of fun, we've made a lot of friends, and we've created a lot of special memories. So I know it's hard for a lot of us to do this," Rowlett said.

The school yard program included music, a poem recited in memory of the school, and the playing of Taps following students singing and signing the song. 

The public was invited to tour the building as part of the closing.