It’s been just eight months since the Middle School renovation began in earnest and students and faculty moved to their temporary home in South Wing. Now as the new school year approaches, the finishing touches are being completed and the Middle School building is getting ready to open its doors in time for the start of classes.

Students and faculty will celebrate the opening of the new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony after Morning Meeting on Wednesday, September 10. Parents and friends of the School are invited to tour the new Middle School on Saturday, September 13 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served.

With all of the changes that have taken place, it’s safe to say that members of the MBS community will barely recognize the building. The original Middle School was completely gutted and a new staircase now connects the original building to a new wing. Classrooms have been significantly upgraded to feature state-of-the-art technology such as new computers and Smart Boards, and the number of classrooms has increased from 11 to 16.

The classrooms themselves are much more spacious than in the previous building, and there is also more room for faculty offices and common areas where students can gather between classes. The building also features wider hallways, more locker space and storage, better natural light, and plenty of space to display students’ art work.

Work is also progressing quickly In the Performing Arts Center, where rooms are being framed, the stage area is taking shape, and the building is fully enclosed. The Performing Arts Center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2009, and the entire Morristown-Beard community is invited to celebrate the completion of the project at a grand opening Gala Event on April 25, 2009 in the new space.

The “Ahead With Confidence” capital campaign, which is funding these important projects, has made huge strides thanks to the generous support of the entire Morristown-Beard community. The campaign has currently raised $13.1 million towards its goal of $16.2 million. In other words, we are 80 percent of the way there! Be sure to check out the sign on the Alumni House lawn to chart the progress.

If you would like to help support the “Ahead With Confidence” campaign, please contact the Morristown-Beard Development Office at 973-539-3032.