6 classrooms, 2 of which are safe rooms, new and renovated bathrooms, flex space have been built for students
A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned by Newcastle Public Schools to unveil the completed bond issue projects at Newcastle Middle School.
When school patrons passed the $79,750,000 bond issue in 2022, the needs of the various school sites were determined, Newcastle Middle School needs among them.
Now, the school system invites community members to take part in a celebration at 1:30 p.m. January 8 at 611 E. Fox Lane.
From the outset, the school system was planning to help improve traffic flow at NMS. They were planning to build new classroom additions, new classroom storm shelters, a new secure vestibule entry, and a new restroom building at the track.
Superintendent Dr. Cathy Walker said new flex spaces were incorporated within the middle school. She said these are spaces where students can come together to do projects, work independently, or just come in and read.
In an update earlier this school year, Walker said they are nice spaces for students to use, and the school was looking to buy some really cool furniture to put in the spaces.
New restrooms have been built, and the older restrooms were remodeled to match the new design. New water fountains were also added.
Six total new classrooms have been built. Walker said four are regular classrooms, and the other two are safe rooms with 10-inch concrete walls.
She said they meet all requirements of safe rooms, and the school system has elevated the safety for the students during tornado season.
The bond issue as presented in 2022 was termed “an investment for students and the future.” Newcastle Public Schools administrative team worked along with community members for more than six months to develop the plan, gather input and ideas from students, staff, parents and residents.
They said it was a plan for all students and the future of Newcastle, with the statistics in mind that Newcastle Schools’ enrollment was expected to increase by 1,200 students in the next 10 years. School administrators said the plan allows for the district to address overcrowding for the current students and to help plan for future growth.
