Kevin Simmons - WKTV Journal

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By Erin Albanese

Kelloggsville High School students now have a sparkling addition to their building, complete with a repositioned entrance, new gymnasium, two-story media center and classrooms, and plenty of open space. Paint and decor reflect Rocket pride in blue and orange, and natural light streams through new windows.

Construction recently was completed on the new entrance area of the school, allowing students to enjoy the space for the remaining weeks of the semester.

“It’s amazing. It’s a major upgrade,” said senior Anna Jensen.

Principal Kevin Simmons looks out of the new media center.

The project was made possible through a $30 million bond issue passed in 2015. The bulk of it, $27 million, went toward improvements at the high school, 23 Jean St. SW, including demolition of a 1930s wing and the large addition. The entrance of the school now fronts Division Avenue instead of Jean Street. Other renovations are in progress.

A new competitive-sized gymnasium will host varsity games and allows for more practice space. The auditorium has new theater-style seating for 480. A two-story media center outfitted with updated technology will serve as a hub for learning and a community center. The goal is to open some facilities to the public.

“The district realized the high school would be a hub for the community,” said Principal Kevin Simmons.

“It’s like a whole new high school,” said senior Sadie Mitchell.

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

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.

A lounge area is a favorite feature of the new commons area.

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.

The new space is decorated in school colors, blue and orange.

“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.

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.