Published: August 07, 2009 01:26 pm      

New school prepares to host dedication ceremony

AVON — The school corporation here is preparing to open a new 220,000 square-foot, $33 million middle school, just in time for the 2009-10 school year.

“This is the culmination of the hard work from a lot of people in the community,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Ogle said. “This is a project that actually began in 2005 and we see it as a great community project.”

In order to celebrate the opening of the new Avon Middle School North, the school is hosting a dedication ceremony at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

“We are encouraging all of the community members to attend,” Ogle said. “We are going to have the teachers there and the building open for tours.”

Ogle stressed that school officials are very pleased with the addition to the corporation.

“Any new school project is always challenging,” he said. “I am proud to say that we came in under budget and on time. That is the credit to the hard work of a lot of people.”

The school is designed to house seventh- and eighth-grades. The building is separated into “wings,” which provide a smaller feel for the students. The school has science labs, computer labs, and community spaces — including a gymnasium, auditorium, and cafeteria.

In addition to all of the amenities, the school looks to become the first Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) certified middle school in the state. Though the school cannot apply until it is operational, Ogle is confident that they will receive the certification.

“We are confident that we will get (the LEED Certification),” he said. “We met all of the criteria and just have to file the formal request after opening.”

Avon Middle School North is racing two other schools to become the first school to become certified. However, the Avon project would be the first new school regardless. The other two are renovations.

The school is at 1251 N. Dan Jones Road.



ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com