By: Gretchen Ross
Posted: May 29, 2019 09:59 PM EDT

     RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With summer break just weeks away, one Richmond elementary school is already getting a major update for when students return in the fall.
     Many projects are in the works at Carver Elementary but the one that ranks at the top of the list is the auditorium.
     "Just the upgrades to make it look a little fresher for them to be excited to come in and see new changes," said Carver Elementary PTA president Katie Snook. 
     It's out with the old at Carver Elementary. 
     "This is kind of the extension of the classroom where they can really continue their education especially through the arts," said Snook. 
     The school's auditorium dating back to the 1950s is set for a makeover, starting with the seats. 
     "These seats have been around for quite some time," said Carver Civic Association president Jerome Legions. "These seats have a lot of wear and tear on them. And when you have an auditorium where you feel comfortable in its more conducive to the creative process. It's more conducive to learning."
     The Carver Civic Association along with the PTA, and school staff painting the room and replacing drapes on stage. 
     But with budgets tight, a school across town stepped in to help. 
     In the middle of its own renovation, St. Catherine's is donating its theater seats to Carver. All 550.  
     "I'm really excited not only that they are getting re-used in a place that really does need this kind of help and this kind of support," said St. Catherine's School theater director Maury Hancock. 
     Carver Elementary will need volunteers to move out chairs from St. Catherine's Thursday.