By Erin Albanese
The completely renovated Kelloggsville High School is taking shape, with the opening of eight spacious new classrooms bordering a large common learning area where students can study, mingle and connect their technology.
In the new space, students recently gathered for homework and group work and passed through more quickly from one side of the building to the other. “It is like a college setup,” said Principal Kevin Simmons. Furnishings include a large projector screen, tables and chairs. There’s a lounge area and a platform for students to sit on.
“I personally like it a lot. My favorite part is the comfy chairs and couch,” said freshman Alexandria Demond.
“It’s really cool, the chairs and all the open space we get,” said freshman Tony Cortez.
“If you have extra work, you can do it here and chill with friends,” added senior Terry Michael.
The district started construction last spring on high school improvements, funded by a $33.9 million bond issue passed last February. Of that, $27 million is going into improvements of the high school at 23 Jean St. SW.
“This is exciting. The most exciting part was coming back from winter break and watching the kids react,” Simmons said.
Still-to-come improvements, to be completed by fall, include a new competitive-sized gymnasium with a second-floor track. The gym will host varsity games, which are currently held at Kelloggsville Middle School, and allow for more practice space. The auditorium will receive theater-style seating for 480; and a media center will serve as a hub for learning and community center. Use of facilities will be open to the public.
Other highlights are a reconfigured parking lot and a new school entrance, relocated from Jean Street to Division Avenue.
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