The new library at the 7-12 regional school in Southwick will be shared by students in all grades. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – Students in grades seven and eight will move from Powder Mill Middle school to the new 7-12 high school following the holiday break.
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional Schools Superintendent John Barry offered a tour to those in attendance at the regional school committee last night.
While there is still some work to be done, the new grade 7-8 wing is just about ready to go.
“We will be ready for students Jan. 5,” said Barry.
Students ate lunch at the school last week and will begin orientation at the school. Barry said the grade 7-8 students will use the new front entrance from the buses, and the side entrance for those dropped off.
Secretarial staff have been working in the new space for several weeks and offices are ready for administrators. The tour highlighted the new nurse’s suite, meeting rooms, guidance department and classrooms.
The science labs are set up according to Massachusetts School Building Authority models, and hallways include sitting areas.
Barry said there would be few shared spaces between grades 7-8 and grades 9 -12.
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional Schools Superintendent John Barry speaks to School Committee member Jean McGivney-Burelle during a tour of the new wing of the high school Tuesday. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
Barry was asked about a new name for the combined middle and high school but he said he did not have a name picked yet.
“For construction purposes its the Southwick Regional School,” he said, adding that whatever name is selected, he wants the three member towns of the region to be included on the building itself.
Barry was also asked about a school start time and he said that is still being discussed but he would like grades 7-12 to start at 7:45 a.m. beginning next fall.
Barry said once the students move up the hill in January, work will begin in the west wing of Powder Mill.
“The traffic pattern will be an L shape and the east wing will be accessible,” Barry said.
His office, which is currently accessible from inside the building, will be accessible only through exterior entrances.
