In some years past, the opening of the school year in the District of Columbia was a traumatic event, with schools struggling to patch walls or repair roofs on time.

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However, in 2012, the city is hearing few complaints, and in the case of one school in the Park View neighborhood, they're celebrating a major renovation.

D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson was on hand at Bruce-Monroe Elementary School @ Park View in Northwest for the final inspection of the renovations - one that turned up bustling activity.

"Every single school in DCPS will open on time (and) ready," Henderson said. "Our educators are in the buildings setting up their classrooms."

Teachers seemed happy to see Henderson and are even happier that the renovation finally reached the classrooms of the bilingual school on Warder Street NW.

"Every morning, I had to wipe off the rat poop and disinfect everything," Bruce-Monroe teacher Jacqueline Jaffe said. "Now, it's absolutely gorgeous. They're not going to be distracted by wobbly tables and walls that are less than desirable."

As usual, it's going to be a marathon weekend for workers and volunteers as they prepare schools around the District for the opening bell for students on Monday morning.

"We will be bright and shining and waiting for them," Henderson said.