While students and their parents might be thinking about back-to-school shopping, construction workers at Madison's newest school are busy putting the final touches on Olson Elementary.

The school is on the city's far southwest side. We got a sneak peek inside.

"Every classrom will be equipped with a flat screen t.v. and a document camera," says Doug Pearson, director of building services.

"We're looking at the kindergarten rooms here on the first floor. Those will actually have in-floor radiant heat."

Solar panels on the roof generate electricity and special geothermal pipes will heat and cool the building more efficiently.

Sensors turn lights and the ventilation system off when no one's there.

The school district figures this conservation-friendly design could save the district 100-thousand dollars a year.

"Not only is it an energy savings factor, but it provides an educational tool as teachers start to talk about energy and environment in the classroom," Pearson says.

Classrooms will have wireless internet access, teachers will be able to project images onto students' computers or a flat screen tv, and a fiber optic line connects Olson Elementary to other schools in the district.

It might be high tech, but we did find one thing we recognized from our elementary school days. Kids still, apparently, will be using pencils and pencil sharpeners. We spotted a good old-fashioned pencil sharpener on the wall!

As far as security, the school has surveillance cameras at every entrance, is designed to keep outsiders away from classroom wings during public events, and funnels any visitors through the office during classroom hours.