“The response from the community towards the new high school has been excellent. We are absolutely thrilled with how pleased everyone is,” said Superintendent of Shelby City Schools Tim Tarvin.
Last week, the newly constructed high school was open to the public for viewing. Community members could go in classrooms, the performing arts center, the gymnasium, and other rooms throughout the school. “People have been coming up to me all night telling me how great the layout of the school is. I am very thrilled that the public is finally getting to come into the school and see it because it has been a long time coming,” said Tarvin.
The public showed their approval with the newly constructed building. “I am very impressed with this school. It just gives you an uplifting feeling being in here and seeing how tremendous everything looks. The classrooms are a perfect set up for the students,” said Loretta Wilson.
“This school is just humongous and it is simply beautiful. I graduated from Shelby High School in 1953 and it is unreal to see how this has evolved. I absolutely love the fact that there is a flag in every classroom. I thought that was a great touch,” said Ardell Baker. Baker will be celebrating her 60th class reunion this month.
Kate Bowerman, teacher of government, geography, and contemporary world issues, is enjoying her first year teaching at Shelby High. “I honestly could not have asked for a better situation. I get to teach my students in this gorgeous building. The students have adjusted well to this change. I teach juniors and seniors, so it was a big change for them moving schools but they have handled it great,” said Bowerman.
John Gies, principle of Shelby High School, was pleased with the support for the new school. “It has been a very busy night and I am very happy about that. I have had so many people coming up to me giving me great compliments on the school. Everyone is very impressed with the layout. They just love the building,” said Gies.
With the new school, obstacles were expected. “The first week actually went very well. The students adjusted great and the seniors especially. All of the students were on level ground entering this year because this was new to everyone. We are still working on some adjustments that need to be made because we want this to feel like home to both the students and teachers,” said Gies.
“I have to give a lot of the credit to this success to the teachers. The teachers basically had about four days to get into the school and get everything unpacked before the first day of school. There were some long hours that were spent here and they did amazing. I am very proud of them. I also have to thank the custodians, too. They did phenomenal with getting everything cleaned and ready to go for the opening. I am very pleased with everyone who has been involved in this process,” said Gies.
On October 14 from 6-7 p.m., a dedication ceremony will be held at the high school in the performing arts center. “We will be recognizing everyone that was involved with this process,” said Tarvin. The dedication ceremony will be open to the public.
“People have been coming up to me all night telling me how great the layout of the school is. I am very thrilled that the public is finally getting to come into the school and see it because it has been a long time coming,” said Shelby Superintendent Tim Tarvin.
