Work at Sweet Home Middle unfinished in gym, auditorium
by DAVID F. SHERMAN Managing Editor

When classes resume in the Sweet Home Central District on Wednesday, Sept. 5, only middle school students will see any remnants of construction work.

"We're going to be in relatively good shape," said Superintendent Geoff Hicks. "We have set aside the date of Oct. 15 - our middle school open house - as our showpiece. Everything should be substantially completed by that point."

Hicks said the gymnasium and locker rooms are not yet complete but that plans are in place to accommodate physical education classes and other sports-related activities in the interim.

Work remains inside the auditorium and classroom additions on the east side of the Maple Road school, but Hicks expressed confidence that classes will open with few problems.

"All the first-floor classrooms are complete. The cafeteria and serving area are ready, and the fitness center is ready. It's impressive stuff."

"We have a full crew ready to work overtime during the Labor Day weekend to clean the school."

Hicks said all other district buildings are ready to open. Some heating, ventilation and air conditioning work was performed at Heritage Heights but was wrapped up some time ago.

District enrollment was 3,680 as of Monday but is expected to increase with last-minute registrations.

Another change within the district this fall concerns the relocation of its English as a Second Language program to Heritage Heights. Students had previously attended either Glendale or Maplemere for ESL services.

Hicks said ESL test results were just received within the past 10 days, delaying the notification process to all parents. However, a picnic this week will serve as a familiarization event for students and faculty alike.

Once students no longer need ESL services, they have the option of returning to their home school or remaining at Heritage.