Thomson Elementary will see more room
THOMSON - After realizing they just didn't have as much space as they wanted, Thomson Elementary School will be getting some breathing room later this year.
The school will be the recipient of a $1.1 million addition consisting of several new permanent classrooms, school officials said, and they're hoping that construction will be completed before the 2003-2004 school year begins.
"We're praying," said Principal Dr. Donald Davis. "The contractor had made the commitment and we're working with him."
Construction hasn't caused too many headaches at the school, with only temporary parking being moved to a new location while the additions are being made.
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"I guess need was the primary impetus as far as having adequate space for our instructional space," Davis said on the necessity of the addition.
Construction on the new addition to Thomson Elementary School has begun and school officials hope it will be ready by the 2003-04 school year.
Photo by Elwood Hamilton
McDuffie County Schools Facilities Manager Dr. Jim Franklin reiterated that the school simply needs more room.
"There's a shortage of space in terms of program extension within the system because we're adding more computer labs and other curricular systems," he said. "We're having to accommodate the needs of the students."
The addition to the school will be a large one.
"We're looking at four classrooms in the new construction," Franklin said. "And, of course, a teacher workroom, two restrooms for students,and some storage area.
"Overall there are 6,235 square feet in this project plus a new canopy which will connect the present construction to the front of the building."
Also included in the construction will be a new parking lot that will hold 44 vehicles.
Meanwhile at Thomson High School, there are a number of projects being considered by the county, including new grandstands for the track field, a health and physical education center and tennis courts. Also, the Board of Education recently approved a new pavilion to be built at Dearing Elementary that will serve as an outdoor classroom.