Reporter-News photo by Thomas Metthe Ten-year-old Natalia Gonzalez writes her name on an electronic board during the math/science magnet school's grand opening Tuesday at McMurry University's Old Main Building.

Beginning Aug. 25th, McMurry University students who frequent the Old Main Building on campus might be surprised to find they're going to school with fifth-graders.

Sort of.

Abilene public schools Superintendent David Polnick, McMurry President John Russell and State Rep. Susan King, R-Abilene, joined a packed crowd at McMurry's Old Main Building for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Abilene Independent School District's newest magnet school.

Of the 172 soon-to-be fifth-graders who qualified for the lottery drawing, 22 students received the opportunity to be a part of the math/science magnet school's inaugural class.

McMurry worked closely with AISD to tailor a program and transform an unused space into a technologically advanced fifth-grade classroom. McMurry also supplied all 22 students with their own notebook PC.

"We will be able to offer [these students] enriched opportunities in math and science while fulfilling the standard fifth-grade curriculum," Karen Stover, executive director of elementary education, said.

Students will be required, like all fifth-graders, to participate in fine arts and physical education.

They will have access to McMurry's facilities for extracurricular activities. Students also will get to perform experiments in the university's labs as well as receive class visits from various professors.

Unlike the students, who were notified of their selection in June 2008, their teacher was not selected by lottery.

"We knew that we needed to find just the right teacher," Stover said. "Mrs. Bammel seemed perfect."

Sharlyn Bammel has taught in AISD elementary schools for 12 years. Her dedication to students and learning appeared evident in her reaction to AISD's invitation.

"I literally cried out of joy. I was so excited at the opportunity," Bammel said. "I'm hoping that I'll create an excitement, not just a love, for math and science and show them that all subjects that we study are interrelated."

Cathy Ashby, associate superintendent for curriculum, said discussion of a magnet school began three years ago. Representatives from AISD and McMurry met three or four times the first year to focus and refine the concept.

"Beginning the second year, we began to come up with a proposal that was approved in early fall 2007," Ashby said. "The biggest issue was deciding which classroom. We wanted a visible place, easy for pick-up and drop-off, and close to the math and science building."

After the university and school district administrators chose the location, McMurry overhauled the room by lowering the ceiling, constructing cabinets and a sink and adding windows to the hallway wall.