A breathtaking view of Utah Lake and Mount Timpanogos from the library of the new Sage Hills Elementary School in Saratoga Springs draws students' gaze outward and upward and gives a scenic reality to the school motto, "A flight to remember."

"We're the Thunderhawks, so the idea of flight will be framing our first year," said Sage Hills Elementary Principal Sherrie Holbrook.

Amid stacks of boxes and desks, the 32 teachers and 25 staff members flew over obstacles, moving into the new school just three days before the first day of school.

"The gym was stacked with tables, desks and chairs all the way up to the basketball standards. The books were still in boxes waiting to be sorted and stamped. We wondered how we could possibly move in and be ready for the first day," said Sage Hills Elementary School secretary Kathy Loveridge.

After the new $15.5 million building received approval from building inspectors and the fire marshal, Holbrook introduced the faculty to their classrooms with a ribbon cutting of the yellow caution tape across the doors.

Then they began the frenzied project of transforming a beautiful but empty building into a welcoming place of learning.

In the process, faculty and staff helped each other and formed bonds not only within their own team, but also with helpers from Harvest Elementary School.

"It was the most amazing thing. Those Harvest teachers cleaned and helped us set up the rooms. Principal Karl Bowman knows firsthand the challenges of setting up a new school, and brought his teachers over on their professional development day. We are so grateful for their support," Holbrook said.

Gary Seastrand, Alpine School District assistant superintendent of educational services and schools, and other administrators from the district offices also pitched in to help with the move.

"It says a lot to the principal when your boss cares enough to come," Holbrook said.

Even though some carpeting and hallway tile hadn't yet been installed and the sound of hammering still echoed in a few places, Sage Hills Elementary welcomed its 751 students on the first day of school.

According to Holbrook, the school was built to accommodate 1,000 students. The two-year projected number of students is estimated at 1,400. The wiring is already in place to allow the future installation and utilization of portable classrooms.

Hogan Construction began work on the Sage Hills Elementary School building in October 2008.

Holbrook credits VCBO Architecture with designing the two-story structure to maximize its stunning surroundings with wide windows that showcase the expanse of Utah Lake and invite light into the school.

"There is not a bad view in the school," Holbrook said.

A resident of Lehi, Holbrook served as principal of Aspen Elementary in Orem before being selected in January 2009 to open Sage Hills Elementary. She characterizes education as a great adventure that requires "excellence from everyone."