Work continues on Central Junior High

Seventh- and eighth-grade students entering Central Junior High this year will have to wait to see their new school until orientation on the first day.

According to junior high principal Lee Gattis, orientation had to be put on hold until Sept. 3 because the building, which formerly housed Central High School, is still undergoing some construction, and work on the new air-conditioning system is not yet complete.

"The building is still being worked on and probably will be right up to the last minute," Gattis said. "But that won't affect students too much.

"On the first day, students will report to assigned areas, and we'll have information packets for them to fill out. After that, they'll have an abbreviated schedule so they can see their classrooms," Gattis said.

While progress on the junior high has fallen behind, Gattis said there should be no problem getting things wrapped up by the first day of school.

"We have several rooms done now. We've still got a ways to go, but we're very optimistic that things will be up and running well when school starts," Gattis said.

In the meantime, the junior high has set up temporary offices in the school board office at 301 N. Clark St.

Students can pick up their schedules between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning Aug. 19 at the board office.

Students are advised to bring paper, pencils and pens with blue or black ink for the first day. Teachers will inform students of any other necessary supplies.