District to unveil middle school to public Aug. 28

Dight: This is the day CC has worked toward for more than 10 years

Staff Report

The time has come to reveal the new Charles City Middle School. Construction began in July of last year, however, School Board members have been planning a state-of-the-art facility for much longer.

“This is the day Charles City has worked toward for more than 10 years,” School Board President Scott Dight said. “We are beyond excited to show the community what a 21st century school looks like. It’s vastly different than what previous generations are used to, and the board is excited to lead the way in Iowa and have Charles City Community School District students benefit.”

Estes Construction Project Manager Scott Sheller is also eager to see the completion of the middle school.

“(The project) was very challenging, but it’s been a lot of fun working with the Charles City school administrative staff, working with the board and actually the community,” Sheller said.

Even those from Estes who have not worked directly on the middle school are excited to see the project come to completion.

“The other people from Estes that are excited and wanting to come and see it are because it’s almost one of a kind, for sure in this part of the state,” Sheller said. “All of the designs  are driven by the latest 21st century learning research and principles … so it’s a very unique school.”

“Our mission is to engage, inspire, and empower students and staff in order to maximize learning, and this new middle school absolutely supports that mission,” Superintendent Dr. Dan Cox said in a news release. “The modern spaces have been designed to engage learners in individual, small group and large group activities. The flexible design of the school empowers staff and students with the ability to change the learning environment based upon needs. The 21st century design also has inspired educators and boards of education in other districts as they contemplate facilities upgrades.”

The public is invited to attend a grand opening ceremony to at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28, in the air-conditioned gymnasium in the middle school building. Community tours of the school will follow the ceremony. Guests enter through the main entrance of the new building along Comet Drive or through the high school. Those attending the grand opening may park in the middle school parking lot or in the high school parking lot.

All are welcome to attend the grand opening. The gym seats 1,500 people in the bleachers plus additional seating will be provided on the floor.

The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 29.

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