Groundbreaking held for new South Middle School

By TARYN PARKER
Room 210 Staff Writer

Imagine yourself walking into the new South Middle School. Well, that vision
will soon become reality because in 2009 the South Middle School will be finished.
The groundbreaking, which was held March 27, was not just breaking ground, there is a lot more to it. Mr. Ron Mitchell, South Middle School principal, attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
"A lot of people went there," Mr. Mitchell said. "There was the superintendent, architects, R. E. Smith (the contractor), and the principals of all the district. Everybody had gold shovels who were doing the groundbreaking. They didn't really have to dig into the ground. R. E. Smith already dug up some dirt."

Dr. Jim Simpson, superintendent, Mr. Mitchell, the boss of R. E. Smith, and a school board member spoke at the groundbreaking. Mr. Mitchell is excited about the new
South because the rooms are going to be bigger, there is not going to be a
gravel playground anymore, and students will have a new school because the old
South is 87 years old and not very safe.

"It was built to last a long time, but we need more room." All the teachers at South and some new teachers are going to teach at the new South, Mr. Mitchell said.

Students from Cecil Floyd, Stapleton, and Irving will go to the new South Middle school.

(Joplin R-8 School District photos)