Scheduled for completion on January 3rd, the new high school is nearing the end of its 800 day construction period. Now that the building structure is complete, work is now focused on finishing the interior of the new buildings.

Two weeks ago, the school received a Certificate of Occupancy for one of the two newly constructed buildings, permitting people to enter the building without needing hard hats or jackets.

In upcoming weeks, furniture such as tables, chairs, and desks will arrive at the new buildings. According to Principal Patrick Tutwiler, everything is on schedule for the school-wide move-in after winter vacation.

One of the biggest differences between the new school and the old school will be the classrooms. The rooms will be much larger, with about a 200 square foot increase. Each classroom will be equipped with new technology including brand new Eno Boards with more advanced projectors than the Smart Boards the current school has in some classrooms.

The south building is divided into four different sections on its two floors, with each side of each floor representing a pod. These four pods will consist of social studies, math, foreign language and English departments. The science labs will be along the front of the building.

The south building will also include Student Learning Centers (SLC), which will be on each floor in the designated pods. These areas will have couches and computers where students will be able to study or relax during their free periods.

The north building has a state-of-the-art cafeteria. It will include multiple food stations, giving students and faculty more options than the two lines the Commons currently has. There will be a variety of rectangular and circular tables where students can socialize and eat, as well as higher ceilings, making it a more open space.

There will also be a new school store and a new theater double the size of the current Little Theater.

Students will not find themselves outside as much because all academic classes will be in one building, but there are still opportunities in the new school layout to enjoy the outdoors. The High School Building Committee (HSBC) decided to add two terraces, with several stretches of meadows students will be allowed to use.

Although many are skeptical about the new school, Tutwiler sees it as an opportunity.

“The beauty in the building is that it’s a blank slate,” said Tutwiler. “We’ll be more imaginative and innovative. I think going over there will bring the birth of new ideas and traditions. There are so many hand prints on the scheme and orientations of the building. This truly reflects what the community wanted.”

During the month of December, freshman, sophomores and seniors will tour the new school with their wellness classes, and juniors will tour with their English classes. They will use this opportunity to get acquainted with their new classrooms and lockers, and to get a sense of the new buildings.