Middle School Grand Opening Celebration

Middle School Grand Opening Celebration: A Memorable Weekend Event

This past weekend, our community came together to celebrate the grand opening of the new 6th and 7th grade middle school with a fantastic event! Students took the lead, offering guided tours of the state-of-the-art building, and even got the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Superintendent Dr. Dirk Halupnik, SEP School Board President Brett Handy, and SEP Middle School Principal Nathan Ballagh shared their heartfelt gratitude for the support from our community that made this important project happen. Our SEP High School cheerleaders and RhythAMetteS brought an extra dose of school spirit to the occasion, energizing the crowd.

The event allowed community members to experience firsthand what our students have been raving about since moving into the new facility. Some of the feedback our middle school students have shared truly captured the excitement around the new 200,000-square-foot building:

• Safe and Spacious Transitions: Many students commented on the ease with which they can now transition between classes, thanks to the building’s wide hallways and open layout. The space helps reduce congestion, allowing for safe movement.
• A Standout Cafeteria: The lunchroom has quickly become a favorite spot for students. They love the variety of seating options, the modern lighting, and the comfortable noise level—creating a relaxed environment for socializing and recharging.
• Flexible Classroom Spaces: Teachers and students alike appreciate the new, adaptable classroom furniture. With seating options for all learning styles and large, open rooms, the space promotes comfort and flexibility for today’s learners.
• Bright, Natural Light: Natural light floods the building, boosting everyone’s mood and energy levels. This feature has been one of the most praised aspects of the new school environment.
• Improved Traffic Flow: The separation of bus and parent traffic has been a huge success. Drop-off and pick-up times are now smooth and efficient, thanks to the thoughtful design of the traffic flow system.
• Innovative Intercom and Bell System: One unique aspect of the new school is the advanced intercom and bell system, which allows for creative scheduling. During unstructured times, students are treated to fun music and sounds, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
• Safety First: Safety remains a top priority, and the building is equipped with various features that ensure a secure learning environment for all students.
• Expanded PE Opportunities: The new multipurpose PE classroom has opened the door to more diverse physical education activities, including a personal fitness class that’s been a hit with students.
• Outdoor Learning Spaces: The abundance of outdoor learning areas has been another standout feature. These spaces are perfect for both PE classes and other outdoor educational activities, giving students plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh air while learning.

Don’t take our word for it; listen to 7th graders Ruby and Parker, who were featured on the September episode of our All Things SEP podcast!

The new Middle School, which houses just over 1100 students, approximately 70 teachers, and 120 total staff, is just one of many projects from the voter-approved 2020 Referendum. The vote did not increase school district taxes but provided a dedicated funding source for multiple districtwide projects. 

The grand opening was a wonderful chance for the community to celebrate this exciting new chapter for our school. We are thrilled to see how the building continues to positively impact our students and staff!