We're Getting Ready for School to Start!
Each year in our school district there are a number of maintenance projects that take place, for the most part in the summer months.
The summer of 2008 was no exception, with many improvements either added or maintained. All classrooms and other areas are subject to deep cleaning, which includes stripping old wax and applying new coats; cleaning carpeting; washing walls and desks; and painting where needed.
There are also changes in floor coverings, such as you will see this fall in the kitchen , the east high school entrance, the central offices, and the kindergarten rooms.
Gym floors have been “screened”, or had last years wax roughed up or removed and new gym finish put down. This always adds to the beauty of the two gyms, and makes cleaning during the year easier to do. A down side is that for two-three weeks, the gyms are off limits, allowing the finish to harden and cure.
Removing dying trees, and cleaning up underbrush is an ongoing task, and this year the west end of the school that borders fairground land was cleaned up, with trees being removed and trimmed, gravel filled in on the parking/driving edge, and a new split rail fence took the place of the old worn chain-link fence.
The kitchen has a new tile floor, as well as a bright red wall or two welcome students coming to eat.
Student and staff parking will improve this fall as well, with gravel added to our western lot, owned by the fair board, and a new paved lot to the south. The old surface was in desperate need of replacement, and the company that replaced the highway west of town also did the work on our parking lot.
A new four cylinder car for staff has replaced our old one, and an excursion will replace the bus on our northwest bus route. The number of students and the changing condition of the roads will make this vehicle fit better there.
At the football field, the goalposts have been moved in ten yards at each end to accommodate the measurements of an eight man field, and safety rails are being added around the bleachers.
Flowers have continued to help add beauty to our campus in beds built two years ago.
Two entrances that have problems in the winter with ice hanging overhead and dripping have been further protected with metal entrance roofs.
The boosters have been busy, funding a monitor and camera in the big gym so fans and ticket-takers can keep up with the game when they’re in the lobby, and also painting the bleachers at the football field.
A new storage garage has been added behind our maintenance garage, allowing more room for tractors, lawn equipment, and additional storage.
Mrs. Campbell has enhanced the friendly atmosphere of the elementary office by adding a love seat from Cottonwood, new drapes, a table, and new paint.
The summer staff (some of whom also work during the year) includes Marv Spath, head of maintenance; Lynn Weldon, Head Custodian, Rozie Wax and Karla Mapes, building custodians; Sandy Haas, Head Groundskeeper; Pat Vogel, summer custodial, Tyler King and Sawyer Orr, summer maintenance assistants.
They have all worked hard, and kept things looking great!!
Summer Improvements
Lori | Jul 25, 2008 | The school grounds are looking great. It is so nice to have staff that are truly dedicated to our children and community. Keep up the good work!! |
Micki Messersmithmesser@rushmore.comRapid CityTeacher | Jul 28, 2008 | WOW!!! The School looks great as always! Hope you have a great year! I miss you all more than you'll ever know! |
Val | Aug 12, 2008 | I was a little disappointed in the football field while at the county fair. I hope it will be green by the first football game. |