Third graders to be in building
This fall the children at South Primary School will be welcomed to a slightly larger learning facility than in years past: 27,000 square feet larger.
With the relocation of third graders from Chillicothe Elementary Center to the formerly K-2 South Primary School at 616 W. Hickory, the building has been noticeably expanded to make room for its newcomers.
“Everybody is very excited,” South School principal Mike Bethel said, adding that members of the public often drive past to get a closer look at the progress being made.
Groundbreaking for the $3.9 million project began at the end of the 2009-10 school year, and is expected to be completed before the first day of school, Aug. 16. Six new classrooms, a library, gym, cafeteria, computer lab and new administration office are only a few of the most significant changes.
The expanded facility will also include two playgrounds, one for second and third graders and another for preschool through first grade.
Lockers have been added in the third graders’ hallway, and a grassy courtyard between the old and new sides of the building also displays some potential.
“We hope to utilize it as an outdoor learning center in the future,” Bethel said, adding that such an area would be especially nice with tables and chairs for Bright Futures children and possibly some landscaping.
About 400 students, including those with the Bright Futures Program, are expected to attend South School this year.
When Bethel first became principal of the school in 1994, the number of students enrolled was about 200.
As the school’s enrollment increased, so did the need for more space.
The school’s newly modeled gym with its basketball court, polished floors, an American flag and a few rows of bleachers is a stark contrast to the small, cluttered, multi-purpose room that was previously used for recreation.
Before, South School’s cafeteria and gym were one and the same; now the gym is located adjacent to the new cafeteria.
The students aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the construction however.
One of the more exciting changes for Bethel is the new administration office, which is nearly four times the size of the old one.
Where a cot would need to be laid out by the principal’s desk before, now there will be a sick room for students.
“Everybody loves it, including the staff and I think the public. We’re all jumping for joy,” Bethel said.
School officials plan to have an open house where the public can see the changes that have been made, although a date has not been set.
