By Vince Teresi
It’s an attractive facility-facelift for Mt. Angel Middle School in 2015, starting with the new school sign at the driveway entry on East Marquam Street.
“The school has always been a great place to be and now it’s even better,” Principal Jennifer McCallum said.
Improvements to the school have been completed, made possible by the voter-approved $10.4 million general obligation bond in November 2013. The bond will also cover ongoing projects at Kennedy High and St. Mary’s Public Elementary schools. The district-wide renovation will include several areas that have not seen improvement for 50 years. The upgrades address safety and security concerns, as well as more efficient use of existing square-footage.
McCallum appreciates the renovations at the middle school.
“New and updated classrooms offer improved learning spaces for students; the new student commons area offers students a place to socialize; moving the front office and adding fencing has increased security,” she said.
The main office is now situated at an up-front vantage point, providing a good view of the school campus, including parking lot and school bus access lanes. The office approach also includes a wheelchair ramp.
The new student-commons area is in the former main office location and contains new wall-lockers. In the vicinity is a new conference room, copy room, staff/dining room and two refurbished classrooms. The landscaped courtyard has been retained, adjoining the cafeteria. There have been upgrades to the kitchen with efficiency in mind.
Impressive, metal-craft security fencing has been added to the new campus, affording a durable see-through barrier. Upgraded surveillance provisions have been included in the overall renovation.
The school now sports an attractive wolf mascot-logo on the new regulation-size wood gymnasium floor. Well-renovated locker rooms also enhance the gym.
“Throughout the planning process and the construction itself, the students, parents, staff and community were extremely patient and supportive. Thanks to the Mount Angel community for making our students and schools a priority,” McCallum said.
Extensive improvements at Kennedy High School are underway, following the completion of the new track/field facilities, press box and scoreboard projects during last summer’s break. Bond-approved renovations will also include the St. Mary’s Elementary School parking lot.
Mt. Angel School District Superintendent Troy Stoops said hs is grateful for the support of the community.
