With roof construction starting at John W. Decas Elementary School this week, staff sought to create a "magical" opportunity for first grade students instead of disruption.

Deemed "a day where everything changes," the students left Decas and spent all day at the Wareham Middle School before returning to Decas in their new classrooms.

A vote at Spring Town Meeting authorized officials to borrow up to $2.4 million to repair a section of the roof and replace antiquated boilers at the school. Both the roof and boilers are nearing 50 years old. Up to 70 percent of those funds will be reimbursed by the state.

Before construction began on the first grade wing, teachers and administrators set up temporary homes for the first-graders: some in existing classrooms, some in spaces like the gym and others in classrooms where teachers doubled up to accommodate more students.

It took a collaboration between administrators of Decas elementary and the middle schools to create a magical experience for the first graders.

"The elementary kids were so excited being here," said middle school teacher Sara Russo. "It's all fresh and exciting."

Seventh and eighth grade role models were chosen to lead the first graders through the activities including cookie decorating with a short story book, mathematic lessons with patterns and candy canes, bracelet making with the story of a gingerbread man retold with each bead and a snowman and hot cocoa memory game.

The opportunity gave the kids the chance to become leaders, mentors, and nurturers, said Russo.

The idea came from Decas teacher Jacqui Tricker who worked behind the scenes to make sure the day went smoothly.

"This was an idea that Mrs. Tricker had to ease the transition from original classrooms to new classrooms," said Russo.