Following the fast-paced opening of Aiken County’s newest school in late July, Highland Springs Middle School invited the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 8.
After construction crews rushed to pass all inspections and students adjusted to a new school, just in time for the first day of a modified year round school schedule, Highland Springs Principal Paige Day said workers were met with several challenges and overcame each.
“Our journey to this point has been filled with uncertainties and I would be remiss not to highlight the resilience of our students, our community and our professionals, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our students,” Day said.
Board member Patricia Hanks, from Aiken County Public Schools, said she was proud to be part of a community that supported the district’s mission to build a new and much needed facility.
“I want to thank each and every voter who went to the polls on May 1, in 2018, to cast their vote for the Bond referendum, which funded this project and other projects,” said Hanks.
Prior to the vote, Hanks said public schools had not benefited from a bond referendum for 40 years, and the result of the funding has now allowed for Aiken students from Area 2 and 3 to learn side-by-side.
“Today, we celebrate the investment that sales taxes have made, and the determination that it took to get here,” said Hanks. “To fund, to construct, to zone, to develop contingency plans for possible delayed starts – which occurred more than once – all of that took commitment, flexibility and hope.”
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Despite the complicated progress, such as a contingent occupancy, lighting issues, and awaiting the completion of the school’s elevator, Day said many were thrilled to see the new building and experience different school safety procedures.
“We have enhanced safety features and the entire building is enclosed, and we have interior courtyards that the students can enjoy,” she said. “Our classrooms also have cameras within the room with recorded instruction, so students who are out can log-in and see that instruction live. This is the wave of the future.”
With shiny floor tiles and spacious courtyards, the school provides new opportunities to over 450 attending students.
“This building is a standing monument in the belief of the power of education and the importance of investing in the future of our children,” Day said. “The school’s architecture embodies the spirit of growth, adaptability and interconnectedness.”
Due to the school’s state-of-the-art classrooms and other significant features, Day said many families thought the building was akin to a college or a big high school.
“A lot of them were really excited about it,” Day said. “They thought that this does not look like a middle school. It was too impressive in their eyes.”
As many proud student ambassadors gave attendees tours of the school, some enjoyed free time in the building’s media literacy or playground.
“I thought that it was nice and everything looked beautiful and in place,” said sixth grade student Bryson Hamilton.
Fellow sixth grade ambassador Jacob Naranjo said his first thoughts of the school were positive as well, but were mixed with anxiety for exploring a new environment.
“I thought it was different, scary and big,” he said.
However, both students said their favorite part of attending Highland Springs had to be the various electives offered.
“Last semester I was able to take band and art, and this semester I get to take band and STEM,” Naranjo said.
With colorful classrooms and exciting curriculums, Day said she was confident in building the school’s friendly and creative environment as the year continues.
“Since [the first day of school], we’ve been building a culture of inclusion,” she said. “As we big these two areas together, we thought it was really important to do team building, collaboration, and make students feel that they are part of our campus.”
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
