By Jacquie Rath
The annual school-by-school review was led by Superintendent of Schools Dr. William H. Johnson. A new electronic message board has been installed in the high school lobby and will be used to communicate special events to students and staff. New flooring and carpeting were installed in the guidance and special education offices. Asphalt paving of the parking area is complete and new lines for parking spaces were painted, adding additional parking spaces. The athletic track has been resurfaced and is ready for students' return on Sept. 1.
"We are ready to go," said Southside High School principal Dr. Carol Burris. "One of the best parts [of the year] is meeting the new class," she said.
The inspection team was greeted by a bright and freshly-painted main hallway at the Wilson School. "The building is in great shape," said principal Tom Ricupero. Cement work around the Wilson's property is now completed and new carpet has been installed in the reading room. The school was home to a pre-school program over the summer and needed some touch up paint as a result. All the building's computers are hooked up and ready for use.
Covert School principal Darren Raymar escorted the group through his facility. The school staff expressed concern regarding the ventilation system in the auditorium where airflow is concentrated in a single area, creating extreme temperature fluctuations within the room. A few chairs in the auditorium are also in need of reupholstering. All the school's classrooms have been freshly painted, and the gym floor has been refinished. "The classrooms are set up, I'm very happy. We're ready for [the start of school]," said Raymar.
Multiple renovations took place at South Side Middle School during the summer break. Principal Shelagh McGinn showed off new additions to the school. Lighting has been updated in the main hallways along with a new drop ceiling. Installation of new heating system ductwork has been completed. The parking lot was repaved, adding three new parking spots. Cement work on the property is finished, and although installation of slate steps continues, the project will be completed by the first day of school. The gym floor was resurfaced, sporting a brand new emblem. The outdoor track has been resurfaced, again, and new tennis/basketball courts have been added for students' enjoyment.
Riverside principal Tricia Bock pointed out their new playground surface and new swings. Covers for oil tanks, which are housed under the playground, need to be installed before the area will be ready for play. Inside the school, classrooms were found to be ready for the arrival of students. Riverside also received a new finish on the gym/cafeteria floor.
The last and final stop was at Watson School. As the group entered the building they found educational, colorful and three-dimensional decorations throughout the hallways. Principal Joan Waldman escorted visitors around the grounds. Classrooms are equipped with school supplies and ready for opening day. Asphalt and cement work, around the building's exterior, is complete.
Hewitt School was the last stop for the day. The visitors were met by principal Joanne Spencer upon their arrival and were given a thorough tour of the facility. The parking area has been repaved and additional parking spaces were added. A new classroom was added to the building and is ready for new students. Beginning with the 2005-2006 school year, lunch will be eaten in the gymnasium only. Minor repairs still to be completed included rubberized stair covers on those leading to the second floor.
"We are ready to open," declared Johnson upon conclusion of the tour. School board president Lorie Brady concurred. "The buildings look great.
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