“When you go from our previous building to this one, it is just night and day. Everyone is just so excited for this new school,” said Madison Middle School Principal Tom Wolff.
On a very snowy Thursday evening, the public was able to enter the newly constructed middle school for the first time.
The middle school will accept students for the first time in grades seventh and eighth on Monday, Jan. 6. Students in grades fifth and sixth will attend the school in the fall.
“Students who are in seventh and eighth grade have been in the building before tonight because we wanted to let them see where they will be attending school. We gave them a chance to look at their classrooms and we gave them their locker combinations. Tonight is a good chance for them to really get to look around at the school,” said Wolff.
Wolff said that the overall planning for the middle school has taken about four years.
A special addition to the school is something called an “auditerium.” It is a combination between a cafeteria and an auditorium. Superintendent of Madison Schools Lee Kaple shared his thoughts on this unique addition.
“Our kids have never had a place to perform, but with this addition it will really allow them to put on first class productions,” said Kaple. Kaple added that the cafeteria tables can be removed and replaced with up to 700 chairs for spectators.
Wolff added that the gymnasium inside the middle school can seat up to 2,600 spectators, compared to the previous gym that seated 1,800. “The high school will also use the gym for basketball and volleyball games. There is also an auxiliary gym that will be used by the wrestling team,” said Wolff.
“Our staff and students are just so excited about this new school. We really just want to thank everyone who has made this possible,” said Wolff.
Kaple expressed his gratitude to community members for the construction of the new school. “We really want to thank the community for everything because without them this wouldn’t have been possible. I have heard a lot of positive feedback from community members,” said Kaple.
Community member Rebecca Wolfe attended the open house and shared her thoughts on the new middle school.
“I love the school; it is very beautiful. The gymnasium is very beautiful, too. There is a very nice first impression when you walk into the school. I have heard good reactions from the community. Everyone is just so excited for this new school,” said Wolfe.
“It is very impressive. The gym and the auditorium are very nice” said Gina Sackman. Sackman also shared that she will have grandchildren and other relatives that will attend the school.
Dan and Sharon Boroff added their impression of the new school and Madison Township.
“It is a pretty amazing school. I am very impressed with everything,” said Dan Boroff. “The gym is just amazing. Madison Township is a good place to live and it is a good place to raise your kids,” said Sharon Boroff.
“The gym is just amazing. Madison Township is a good place to live and it is a good place to raise your kids,” said Sharon Boroff.
