Middle School opens with a new look

Students aren’t the only ones starting the new school year with new supplies.  The Clear Lake Middle School building features a shiny new wooden floor in its gymnasium, a new front entrance, office, redesigned library, hallways and classrooms.

Seventh and eighth graders were able to enjoy some of the improvements last year, but this year the nearly $4 million in renovations are largely complete.  Sixth graders, who attended classes at the former Sunset School last year, are now back at the Middle School.

The Clear Lake School Board took a walk through the renovated Middle School last week and shared the excitement teachers, and now students, have for the improved spaces.  

In addition to the improvements that can be seen, there are also many that are hidden, but will no less be appreciated.  

Heating and cooling systems in the building have been replaced and lighting has been upgraded to be more efficient and useful.  All classrooms have permanent ceiling- mounted projectors that can be connected to computers for instruction. Four classrooms — in math, science, language arts and special needs —have Promethean boards, or smart boards, that provide interaction via special software.

About 300 in grades 6-8 attend classes at the Middle School with about 35 teachers and staff.