School wasn’t quite the same when students returned this fall. They were greeted with some strange smells and sounds, in addition to more torn-up ceilings and some new classrooms – all thanks to the ongoing construction project.

New tech/engineer rooms and labs, chemistry classrooms and labs, 800’s and 700’s classrooms, FCS classrooms and labs, life skills classrooms, and the North parking lot were all completed between June and August, said Principal Dr. Brett Cooper.

“There is a lot of work that takes place during the summer because the building is basically empty,” he said.

As of right now all of the construction is on schedule, he said. The construction team is currently working on having the new Cub gym and the new art wing done by the time students return from winter break.

Dr. Cooper said students should “just be patient and flexible for the next two years here” because a lot of work remains.

The construction is currently in Phase One. After students return from winter break, it will then be in Phase Two, which includes revamping or constructing:

– the old building,

-the new music area,

– the BEAR gym locker rooms area.

Then, after this school year is over, the construction team will be back all summer working on the rest of the new classrooms, an adaptive gym, fitness center, weight room, NAUD/commons lobby, Athletics/Health classrooms, tennis courts, and new bus loops.