SUFFOLK, Va. — Northern Shores Elementary School is so full that most homerooms are in mobile units outside the building. But soon, an expansion project will bring all students back under one roof.

A new two-story wing will be added to the existing one-story school, bringing at least 16 new classrooms, a new playground, an expanded cafeteria, and more parking.

“All of my students, which has never been done, will be in the same building at the same time. No more learning cottages. Everyone will be here and it'll make it more inclusive,” said Principal Dr. Andrea Wilkins Banks.

Banks is the principal of Northern Shores Elementary School, which will soon undergo a major renovation. The district superintendent says the expansion is needed to address overcrowding.

“There’s been times in the

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